The Commitment

Love, Sex, Marriage, and My Family

De: Dan Savage

Narrado por: Richard Powers

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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)

Heartwarming

I enjoyed listening to the snippets of Dan Savage and Terry Miller's perceptual evolution into the idea of marriage. I have considered some of the points mentioned by Dan and Terry and how they relate within the context of my own life. Which I believe is the mark of a good book and good author. Throw in the perfect narrator for the dialog at hand, and you have a mandala of the evolving family that Dan, Terry and D.J. are creating.

I have listened to the book twice now, and had an even better experience the second time.

Dan Savage is well known to me for his advice column, and his efforts to stop bullying. I often agree with what he has to say, and this book is just another example of his wit, grasp of social dynamics, solid emotional morality, and his willingness to drag poor Terry into the limelight! (You’re shameless on that one Dan!)

This book left me with a stronger sense of family (no quotes needed there) and even helped me provide a framework for what exactly I'm trying to achieve with my own marriage.

Absolutely wonderful book!

Love Legacy

Excellent education on the history and customs of love and marriage and a primer for any couple who wants to craft a custom, personal statement event to commemorate their long term commitment. Using legal and biblical references to annotate key points amid personal anecdotes Dan chronicles his journey with his partner towards some kind of anniversary event that fits their unique personalities, family and the homophobic climate at the time in the US. Clear descriptions of how relationships can last that should be taught in high school. He's available to speak. Highly recommend.

Fun Story but kinda of Preachy

There's a lot of this book I love and some parts I hate. Savage does a wonderful job story telling and bringing you into the moment. But at times he writing style and opinion gets preachy. There's some point of views in this that are very dated. At times I feel he fat shames others and drags other gays through the mud that don't fit his same appearance. As a gay married father myself i found things very relatable but a times felt ostracized by savages opinions.

Entertaining, but not life changing

I like Dan Savage, so I enjoyed the book and found it entertaining. I could see that some might find it a bit preachy. My main gripe is that Dan didn't read the book himself. The narrator did a fine job, but didn't sound anything like Dan which was just strange to listen to.

LOVE HIM

Any additional comments?

Dan Savage has always been one of my favorite authors. podcaster, columnist, and advocates.. He has a way with words and a very direct approach.. I would definitely recommend this and any of his other books!

Realistic enough but not very impressive

Exactly as I learned from my earlier impression for gay couples, the story is quite tedious without much surprise. However, I appreciate the quality and the performance of this audible book.

Miss Dan's voice, love his message

Always enjoy Dan's writing. His honesty and reason are clear and refreshing. He writes in a conversational style that's well suited to audio books. I missed hearing him read this important book. Anyone - gay or straight-- should read what he writes here about the idea of commitment. I'd like to read an update of this book now that marriage equality is the law of the land in these United States. Did Dan and Terry take out those platinum bands and family porcelain cake toppers? Does DJ have fond memories of the Canadian nuptials? Did Dan's sister ever marry her son's dad? Does Terry still wear a speedo? So many questions. So few savage books....

I didn't know this was so political

I don't know how to describe this other than a history lesson with a humorous story thrown in. VERY political. I must not have read the book description well. But the humor kept me interested, so I kept going.

The narrator was OUTSTANDING. You would have thought he was telling a story from his own life. Very engaging. Loved his voice.

Entertaining and Touching

If you could sum up The Commitment in three words, what would they be?

Favorite of mine.

What other book might you compare The Commitment to and why?

Pretty much any of Dan's other books. His signature wit and sense of humor are all over this one.

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

No I have not, but I liked this performance a lot. It would have been nice to have heard Dan read it, but this performance was very well done.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

A lot of laughs. I don't know how many times I actually laughed out loud at this audiobook... Too many times to count. A lot of the stories are very touching too.

This was so entertaining, and informative

I just loved this book. So full of juicyness. And, as a straight person, I really learned a lot. So fun, so human.