The Commitment

Love, Sex, Marriage, and My Family

By: Dan Savage

Narrated by: Richard Powers

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

In a time when much of the country sees red whenever the subject of gay marriage comes up, Dan Savage - outspoken author of the column Savage Love - makes it personal.

Dan Savage’s mother wants him to get married. His boyfriend, Terry, says “no thanks” because he doesn’t want to act like a straight person. Their 6-year-old son, D.J., says his two dads aren’t “allowed” to get married but that he’d like to come to the reception and eat cake.

Throw into the mix Dan’s straight siblings, whose varied choices form a microcosm of how Americans are approaching marriage these days, and you get a rollicking family memoir that will have everyone - gay or straight, right or left, single or married - howling with laughter and rethinking their notions of marriage and all it entails.

©2005 Dan Savage (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The strongest argument here, which [Savage] brilliantly plays down, is that family means everything to these people: married, not married, blended, gay, straight, whatever.” (Washington Post)

I love Dan Savage! Great book! thank you!

Where does The Commitment rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a tribute to love. As I see it anyone could benefit from listening to a successful person in relationship speaking from the heart and being humorous along the way.

What did you like best about this story?

the authentic way of writing that Dan does so well

Have you listened to any of Paul Michael Garcia’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Hilarious and Thought Provoking

I bought this audiobook back in 2012 but just now listened to it. I had no idea what to expect, and I think it actually worked out better that way. Dan Savage wrote about his partner Terry, his son DJ, his loving family, and how marriage does and doesn't work for some couples. His commentary was hilarious, and his conversations with others (mainly his family members) about marriage made great points, for both, straight and same-sex couples. The narrator, Paul Michael Garcia, made the audiobook even more enjoyable. I'm glad I got it and glad I read it. Recommended for anyone who isn't too serious, as I can see some of Dan's writing rubbing the far right the wrong way (especially DJ's opinion of George W. Bush haha)

Amusing, but missed Dan's voice

A very funny, honest accounting of a little slice of Dan Savage's life. I enjoyed it a lot, but missed Dan's characteristic voice. I know he's busy these days, but I would have liked to have him read this himself.

Love the book, but didn't care for the narrator

Love the book, but didn't care for the narrator. The narrator was very grating, like a straight dude trying to mimic a gay man.

I wish Dan Savage had performed his own book

What made the experience of listening to The Commitment the most enjoyable?

Laughter, tears, empathy, sympathy, deep thoughts.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Commitment?

So many great moments - stories well told.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Overly affected reading

Some funny moments, but mostly dull

This book had some truly funny moments, but not as many as I expected. I certainly didn't find myself 'howling with laughter' as promised in the book description. Much of the book was too preachy, virtually bashing 'straight' people and their relationships and mocking their ceremonies like marriage. Maybe if you are gay or lesbian you will enjoy it more, but I could have done without all the political commentary.

I listened to the book through my Audible Plus subscription.

Smart and Entertaining

The insights in the book are spot on, but they are wrapped up in a story that makes the book fun and quite entertaining. Good for you Dan & Terry!

Wish it was narrated by the author, but very good

I far prefer hearing Dan Savage in his own voice. I recognized pieces of this book from This American Life pieces, and I just really prefer the author's voice to the narrator. But the book was entertaining, funny, and heartwarming. Great story of a family and a realtionship.

Always a good listen

I missed Dans voice but still enjoyed the book. As always his books are funny, smart, and incredibly entertaining.

First Savage for me

I’ve never read or listened to Dan Savage. I really enjoyed this. I’ll have to read listen to more!