The Commitment Audiobook By Dan Savage cover art

The Commitment

Love, Sex, Marriage, and My Family

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The Commitment

By: Dan Savage
Narrated by: Richard Powers
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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. Art & Literature Journalists, Editors & Publishers LGBTQ+ Studies Marriage & Long-Term Partnerships Relationships Marriage Funny Heartfelt Witty

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)

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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

I love Dan Savage! Great book! thank you!

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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)

Hilarious and Thought Provoking

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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.

Amusing, but missed Dan's voice

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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.

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

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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.

Wish it was narrated by the author, but very good

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

Always a good listen

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

First Savage for me

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would like a much more vivd description of the main character,s physical attributes, i.e. penis sizes and a direct comparison of them, testicle sizes and a direct comparison, biceps 💪 descriptions and comparison, chest hair yes or know and direct comparison, pec description and hairy or no, abs description and hairy or no, armpit description and hairy or no, definitely need to know which main character has biggest biceps, pecs penis teaticles and whether or not they hang or tight against the body

more physical descriptions of the men

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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

I wish Dan Savage had performed his own book

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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.

Some funny moments, but mostly dull

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