Customer Reviews

Latter Days: A Novel

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

LATTER DAYS at the first glance seems a little out of the ordinary and is almost unconvincing: a WeHo pretty boy with muscles like fully-baked puffy muffins living in a kitschy apartment falls in love with his Mormon missionary neighbor who is in the closet. Christian Markelli is the typical player of the loose-moral, carefree, long-term-relationship shunning bunch who enjoys quick pleasure. Working at a high-end restaurant which makes prey hunting handy, Christian literally has hooked up with every straight male customer and commemorates each steamy encounter with an entry in his PDA.

So when four young Mormon missionaries set us housekeeping in the apartment across the way, Christian and his friends place bets on how long it will take him to capitulate Elder Aaron Davis, the apple-cheeked, broad-shouldered evangelist who jolts his heart with love at first sight. Christian is stunned; he cannot make out of what it is that is so attractive about this young missionary. For Aaron the encounter evokes his repressed, closeted sensuality rooted in him. Aaron has nursed himself in the safety of the past, and in absolute obeisance to the ways of life the church has so diligently inculcated in him. He does not dare to reciprocate his affection to Christian for fear of harsh persecution from his colleagues.

Above the comic inserts and episodes surrounding the budding romance between the two hangs the significant ideas of self-discovery, revelation, love, for both Aaron and Christian. Aaron has negotiated with himself, and with God, the consequence of the sin of homosexuality but at the same time nudges closer to the tender thought of Christian, who has heartedly declared his love for him. Aaron's discomfit escalates at the thought of his encounters with Christian and throws him into a constant state of enhanced sensuality. Self-discovery of who he is, instead of what he has done, puts him on the mettle to come out to his family and act in defiance of the church's expectations. The strenuous journey to enlightenment affords pain, humiliation and guilt.

For Christian, he has never experienced such an indefinable madness for Aaron has stoically challenged and rebuked his shallow lifestyle. It prompts him to think about true intimacy, about getting to know the person to whom he wakes up in the morning. Christian's revelation is a glum one: that he has been fearful and inept to commitment and true intimacy. At the same time he feels utterly remorseful for getting Aaron into serious trouble with the church.

LATTER DAYS, though a sweeping romantic story it advertises to be, teaches us a lesson or two in relationship. It might have gone a little far with the miracle and the angel's singing but it's what fiction does after all. Neither Aaron nor Christian has ever felt the way he feels about anyone in his entire life - the snuggly feeling that "it's got to mean something." Yet they are both somewhat fearful to conform to this heart's calling. What if he is really the one he's been waiting for his whole life and he lets him go? In a world where everyone dances with one eye on the door, like we are all waiting for that next something better to walk in, LATTER DAYS calls us to be genuine with ourselves and promises the reward will be right around the corner.

I have read the book, but not seen the movie. Other reviews have indicated that it's mostly a print version of the movie, which I don't doubt(see below).

It's a compelling story that's pretty well put together. There are some plot developments that are improbable, and in a couple of places the characters behave in ways that aren't readily believable, but are possible. There are some fairly heavy scenes, too; any book that can make me cry has definitely made an emotional impact.

I'm not entirely sure that someone who's straight would react the same way, though... I'm gay, and from a church that basically everyone considers to be fundamentalist (though not the Mormons). So some of the things that I thought were most moving might roll right by someone who doesn't have the same cultural background. I plan to give it to some straight friends (including one or two from church) to test my hypothesis. And, FWIW, I thought that what was in the book about how the Mormons go about setting up their mission teams and evangelizing was very interesting. Given that C. Jay Cox grew up in the church, I assume they're accurate. I'll definitely be more sympathetic the next time I see them out and about somewhere.

If the book itself has a failing, it's that it goes by very fast. There may be more character development than in the movie, but there's room for still more. To some degree, however, that can probably be said of any story. Oh, one other thing: if you haven't seen the movie, the trailer available on the film's Web site has a spoiler or two in it... that's relevant for either the movie or the book.

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.

"Latter Days" the book and the movie

Would you risk being ex-communicated by your church, shunned by your peers, and turned away by your parents, for the one you love? How desperate would you be if you were denied the freedom to love, to be with the person of your dreams? The one person who makes you feel complete. This is portrayed in the all too familiar story of boy meets boy, boy falls in love with boy, and boy has to choose between boy and family. Latter Days the book, written from the screenplay, is a replica of the movie except for a few minor details. C. Jay Cox wrote the screenplay. The book, adapted by T. Fabris, won the Audience Award as the Outstanding First Narrative Feature, Los Angeles Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

Aaron Davis (Steve Sandvoss), a 19 year-old Morman, has never been away from home. He is called to serve as a missionary for his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His assignment is in Hollywood, California where he will spend two years. He makes the pilgrimage from Pocatello, Idaho to California, full of hope and promise that he will make his church and family proud. He studies the Bible and its teachings diligently. He loves the church and the feeling of belonging, but there is one big problem--he is gay. He falls in love with another boy, Christian. His church insists Aaron repent for his sins and forever deny who he is. Living as a homosexual is not an option. The church forces Aaron to choose between Christian and his religion.

Christian Markelli (Wes Ramsey) is a vivacious, gorgeous, party animal. His claim to fame is his ability to get straight boys to have sex with him. He works as a waiter and bus boy at Lila's Restaurant-so does his roommate and best friend, Julie. His other friends are co-workers, Andrew and Traci. When Aaron and three other young Mormons move into Christian and Julie's apartment complex, Andrew, Traci, Julie and Chris make a $50 bet to see if Chris can get one of the missionaries to sleep with him. Chris and Julie bet he could do it; Andrew and Traci bet he could not. Christian had no idea that he was going to fall in love with Aaron, or that Aaron would return his love.

Julie (Rebekah Jordan) is an aspiring singer. Through a connection, she gets Clive Davis to listen to her demo album. Chris and Julie are more than roommates; they support and love one another like family.

Andrew (Khary Payton), the bartender at Lila's, has wisdom beyond his years because he has been HIV positive from a very young age. He convinces Christian to volunteer to help deliver food to housebound AIDS victims. Chris takes him up on his offer after Aaron tells him he is shallow and compares him to a "marshmallow peep"-a perfect analogy. Chris wants to prove to Aaron that he is not just a pretty face who only cares about getting laid.

Traci (Amber Benson) is an aspiring actress whose parents are not too crazy about her career choice.

Lila (Jacqueline Bisset) owns Lila's Restaurant and is the epitome of culture, grace, and poise. She is a mother figure to Christian and Aaron when their own parents are not willing to fulfill their roles. One of her best lines to Aaron is, "Your church doesn't like alcohol or homosexuals. I am definitely not joining." Aaron was there for Lila in her time of need and Lila returns the favor to Aaron. They were each others' angel.

Aaron is kicked out of the missionary program and sent home after getting caught kissing Christian. Christian does not want to let him go that easily and tries to get him back.

The set design is amazing and meaningful, as we see when Aaron returns home. His father is disappointed and his mother is cold. By contrast, the house is colorful and bright; even the kitchen cabinets are cheery. The house was decorated before Aaron shamed his family by admitting he is gay-designed when Aaron showed promise and potential to follow his father's example and become a church leader. The cheerful design makes Aaron's mother seem that much harsher by comparison.

I loved Latter Days, the movie and the book, for many reasons but most of all for the important story it tells and the lesson it teaches. The lesson being that love comes in all forms and no person or church should have the right to condemn love between two people of the same sex. Many tragedies and near disasters could be avoided.

First of all, it is so commendable for the writer of Sweet Home Alabama to come out and write this gay film. It must have been a risky career choice, but I hope this movie (book) has proven that it was worth it.

Since the book is an adaption from the movie (i.e. from movie to book), one cannot expect beautiful sentences a la Michael Cunningham's A Home At The End Of The World. Nevertheless, the story is very sweet. It is definitely worth the read for those interested in exploring books in this genre. (For me, I was personally relieved to find a book with gay characters that does not merely involve drugs, clubs, and a plethora of one-night-stands)

My own interpretation of the story is that it is about finding love in the most unexpected situation. The best kind of romantic connection can be found between the most unlikely candidates, which is what made me cheering for Christian and Aaron all the way. If an erstwhile whorish party boy who is jaded about love and a mind-Freaked yet innocent Mormom missionary could find comfort and love in each other's arms, then it is possible for us all.

Without being a plot ruiner, I will just say that as corny as the plot sometimes seems to be, the characters are well developed. Major characters branch out into their own subplots to build more credibilities into the construction of their personalities. I am so glad finally there is a gay love story that has some dramatic substances other than the usual cheating-forgiving that has been made so blase by basically every other gay romantic book I have read.

I believe this book really is 3-star material. However, based on the fact that there rarely are gay books with "actual" characters and "real-life" plots, I am going to give this book a special "affirmative action" rating of a 4-star. (Not to mention the very commendable inclusion of African-American characters in the book, kudos to the writers! We don't live in Scandanavia, for crying out loud; this book shows the reality)

Buy it; support the writers! That is how more quality gay literature and films can come about! Remember what Martina Navartilova says of our dollars being assets in our campaign for equality, freedom, and visibility. Well, supporting well composed gay arts (movies and books) is as good a way to spend our dollars as any. I also recommend A Home At The End Of The World (Cunningham), and Dream Boy (Grimsley) within the genre.

...so says Anderson Cooper in his latest article in "Details" magazine. I think he's right.
"Latter Days" was fun and moving. No, it wasn't "A Tale of Two Cities", but who needs soggy literature? Our economy sucks, our soldiers are dying, and I, for one, enjoy some decent but lighter entertainment. "Latter Days" isn't fluff, but it's not going to send you off to cut your wrists, either. We need more books like this (and yes, this adaptation is WAY better than the film). We need hope and humanity in the face of the radical religious right. "Latter Days" gives us that.
So, Janeh, get a life. Stop the hard-fisted book reviews and dust off that unpublished manuscript you're obviously holding against other published authors who are enjoying the success you wish you had. I hate sour grapes. Lighten up, and let the rest of us enjoy "Latter Days".

This is a wonderfully easy, stimulating, and captivating read for a beach goer, Palm Springs sun worshipper, airline passenger, or any other gay male willing to delve into others' realities and be captivated by a smoothly-flowing writing style which, via cool, consistent plot development, concludes with an emotional wallop that had me tearing. I've not seen the movie, but the book has stimulated a very strong desire to see it on my home surround system with my same-sex mate with whom I bonded in 1977 and have maintained an outstanding monogamous relationship since then. Bravo to Cox!!!

This book will appeal mostly to those who have seen the film and are interested in finding more information out about the characters. Hopefully, however, people around the world who can't see this film or can't wait for the DVD release will take a chance and read this faithful novelization that provides more backstory to some of the characters. The novelization is solidly written with the same great depth that screenwriter C. Jay Cox gave his characters. Those of you who read this book will find it enjoyable and an outstanding companion to the film. If you haven't seen the movie yet, the book gives an overall better feel for the time that passes between beginning and end.

You will fall for these characters. You'll laugh, cry and cheer. I recommend this book HIGHLY and hope it's message of love is heard around the world, just as I hope the film gets the rewards (and awards) it so rightly deserves.

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.

Several friends recommended the movie, but I could not find a copy. But I did find the book, and read it. It is a rather slender gay love story, endearing on its own terms, and pleasantly written. It definitely shows its roots as a movie script.

I at first thought the love story implausible, especially the fate of Aaron in dealing with his feelings about his church, until I did some research on the internet, and discovered the Mormon Affirmation web site and Mormon PFLAG. Aaron is lucky to have escaped a worse fate, and to have lived the happy ending in the book.

I have family who are Mormon, and as such am interested in the LDS Church and its teachings, not for myself, but to understand better. This book indeed filled in another piece of the puzzle. I would have hoped, however, that the Mormon background to the story might have been written about with more depth and research.