Latter Days: A Novel by C. Jay Cox, T. Fabris Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Latter Days: A Novel
Book Review: Predictable and I loved it
Summary: 5 Stars
Predictability is not always a bad thing. The book followed the exact path that most romantic comedies do, yet the way that Fabris and Cox wrote it absolutely pulled at my heartstrings. I found myself caring for the characters, especially Lila, and ended up tearing about what happened to another. I laughed, I cried, I blushed, and still knew that the plot was the same as it ever was. Sometimes a story so beautifully written can take you to a place where knowing the ending leaves you satisfied. And I, a self-proclaimed jaded cynic, found myself satisfied.Book Review: Pretty good...for a romance novel, anyway.
Summary: 4 Stars
OK, so this is the book version of the drama film "Latter Days." I like having the book; with it, I can revisit the story of Aaron and Christian without having to turn on the DVD player. But I'm not really into romance novels, especially the more explicit ones. I tend to role my eyes and snort with disbelief at the more -- how shall I put it? -- sexual scenes. And yes, this book has its share of romantic stupidity. "Steaming abs"? Yah, is that even possible? Can abs steam? And what's with all the trite adjectives: "fabulous" and "wonderful"? Nothing more original? And why does the author have to TELL us what's going on? Can't he SHOW us, the way really good authors do?
With all that, this is a good book, and its especially appreciated by this fan of the movie. I advise you to watch the movie, if not buy the DVD, after or before reading the book. It's interesting to compare the two, especially since the book gives extra background on the characters.
Biggest inconsistency: In the movie, Christian's friend Julie is small -- petite, I'd say. But in the book they describe her as, to be circumspect, big on top. It's annoying. I know it's romance novel syndrome -- all the characters have to be perfect in as many ways as possible, and for Julie, that means a big cup. But as I said, it's inconsistent, and also annoying.
Book Review: Satisfying
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was extremely satisfying--like good sex that only comes along once in a blue moon. So few books actually "go" somewhere, but this one does. The writing style and brilliant execution are on the same level as McCrae's "Bark of the Dogwood" (though the two books have nothing in common plot-wise) and some of the steamy scenes in this novel will set you twitching (think, some plots in lesser gay novels that are unabashed in their desire to please), but the overall effect is worth it. It's obvious that the author is a writer of movie scripts (uh, this is actually a compliment here . . .) because he certainly knows how to weave a story that will keep you interested. Highly recommended.Book Review: Sweet, sensitive story of self discovery and romance
Summary: 5 Stars
Christian Markelli is the stereotypical West Hollywood gay "party boy" hunk, with a reputation for seducing even young men who claim to be straight. So it is not so strange when his coworkers at Lillys (a restaurant owned by a former movie star) bet him $50 he can't seduce a young Mormon missionary who recently moved in (along with three other missionaries) into his apartment complex. Along the way, Christian falls in love with the shy, frustrated Aaron Davis, who also finds himself attracted to Christian, in contrary to his strong religious upbringing and beliefs. He also makes Christian realize something about himself, and the story becomes a compelling story of connection and self-discovery as well as romance. It also realistically depicts the plight of gay members of the LDS church, as Aaron is discovered by a roommate and sent home from his mission in disgrace. The novel is based on a screenplay for the film, which has recently been released in several major US cities, and broke all records for gay movies in its opening weekend. I have not seen the film, so my review is based solely on the book. Nor has the book spoiled me from wanting to see the film, since the story - while somewhat simplistic and predictable in its revelations - is told masterfully and sensitively. I'd rate the book 5 stars out of 5, and look forward to the DVD release of the film.
Book Review: The book "Latter Days" Helps to Understand Better the Film of the Same Title
Summary: 4 Stars
Others already have said much of what I would say (or not say, for that matter!) about this story. I wrote, in another Amazon user's review, what I in all humility think is a probing analysis of the film and of the reality of the religious and social milieu which it depicts, so I would direct those who consult Amazon to refer to it for more detail.
I wish mostly to point out how I appreciate the added dimension to character portrayal the book brings to the film. As one who spent time while growing up (for some years) as a L.D.S. Mormon, one from a family (on my mother's side) for several generations steeped in Mormonism, I appreciate the realism of Latter Days in portraying what the L.D.S. Mormon sect really is like, down to so many details. The book gives more profile especially to the secondary characters in this tale. The personality, background, world view, and ideals of the runtiest of the Mormon missionaries, Ryder, with whom Aaron works and comes into conflict, especially benefits from Cox' added detail and depth of portrayal. Ryder has his own aspirations and his own yearnings for love (in Ryder's case, heterosexual) to be reciprocated that go far in the book to make Ryder to be more than the shallow little conformist and (backed by his and Aaron's fellow missionaries) bully, too, that he rather too solely is in the film.
The film and the book really do cease the atmosphere and ethos of L.D.S. Mormonism realistically, for better as well as for worse. Get the book, see the film on DVD or when it comes back to a local theatre for another screening!