Adam & Steve

by Craig Chester

Adam and Steve met in the 1980s, a time of big hair and bad drugs. Their initial encounter didn't go well, so it's just as well they don't remember. But now they meet again, both a little older although not much smarter-and with a lot more baggage. Adam and Steve follows the trajectory of a relationship that started like a joke and just kept getting funnier. With the help of their friends, formerly obese stand-up comic Rhonda and straight-guy ladies man Michael, Adam and Steve struggle to make love work in the face of almost overwhelming obstacles, including a dog with an eating disorder, accident-prone parents, roving homophobes and the nagging feeling they've met before. Actor Craig Chester has adapted his own screenplay for the new film of the same name.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book written from a movie instead of the other way around, and it shows. Most novels are cut heavily to create the plot of a movie; it must be much harder to add the richness back into a story that you're basing on a screenplay. Probably Craig Chester is not the only writer who didn't even try. He just seems to have filled out the dialog with a lot of unecessary description that slows down the pace to a crawl.

The opening scene where Adam and Steve first met, back in the 80s, is funny. Then there's a 15 year gap until they cross each other's paths again. That first encounter ended so badly that it's lucky they don't recognize each other: they'd run a mile. But except for that, there is very little to stand in their way, so the developing relationship, while cute to witness, lacks tension.

Craig Chester is an actor and screenwriter: he's not so much of a novelist. There are too many descriptions of what people are wearing and thinking, and not enough action. This doesn't seem like a big deal at first, you can skip ... until you reach a sex scene. Then the lack of action matters.

It's kind of interesting to read a "druggie meets slutty" romance, but they weren't characters I was truly rooting for. I was hovering between 2 and 3 stars on this one.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw the movie and liked it though it had a few cringe-worthy moments. At least one of those was integral to the plot and I for one was much more comfortable reading about it than watching it in a crowded theatre.

I was interested to see how a book that was adapted from the screenplay by the original author would be.

I was actually pleasantly surprised. The book is a fast and enjoyable read and the comedy is all there, in fact it often does a better job than the movie in that regard.

The movie was a light hearted romantic comedy and the book follows in that spirit.

While this will never be, nor was never meant to be, great LITERATURE it is a fun read. Perfect for the beach or other summertime reading. But be forwarned, especially if you read it in public... you will laugh out loud at spots.

Enjoy!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I havent read the book yet. But I seen the movie and it was hysterical. I just havent bothered to read it yet. If it's anything like the movie you will laugh your ass off whether you are gay or straight.