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The Falls
The Book One You see them everywhere, Mormon missionaries dressed in their white shirts, ties, and suit pants. With their short-cut hair, they ride on their bicycles and knock on doors, trying to convert the world to their brand of religion. In their church community, they are revered for exemplifying the wholesomeness and goodness of being a Mormon youth. RJ and Chris are no different. Both were born and raised in the Mormon church. Both excelled academically, progressed ecclesiastically, earned their Eagle Scout rank at a young age, and had pretty girlfriends. And now it’s their turn to serve a mission and experience the Mormon rite of passage. Unknown to them, serving a mission not only opens strangers' doors to “preach the Gospel” as they were taught, but awakens secrets of their own lives while in service to their fellow man―secrets their church is not ready to embrace.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 9, 2016
4.5 stars
As much as I’m against organized religions in my life, I still find myself drawn to books in the genre that deal with religion. This was one of the best ones I’ve read in a long time with a story so detailed that I wouldn’t be surprised if it was autobiographical.
The story begins with RJ, a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, going on his mission. He’s disappointed he’s not going somewhere exotic and instead to Portland, Oregon. He ends up housing with another young man named Chris and his life course changes completely.
At first RJ and Chris don’t have anything in common but they soon become close friends. I loved how the book showed the way the relationship progressed every step of the way. I experienced RJ’s hesitance at going out on the street and preaching and how he and Chris got to know each other.
At times RJ refers to a sin in the past, a sin that I assumed to be homosexuality. He does his best to move beyond what he thinks is wrong, but the more he gets to know Chris the more temptation he feels.
Eventually, the two men are unable to deny their feelings any longer and a stop in a grove of trees to take a piss turns into a hot session of oral sex. Never has guilt and a blow job been mixed so well. This scene was amazingly well written. I could picture every last action these guys took.
Oh. My. God. This couldn’t be happening. But it was, and I wasn’t doing anything to fight it. Despite the horror and guilt I tried to conjure for the occasion, my whole body responded to Chris’s attentions and firmly welcomed the smooth wetness of his mouth.
I shivered with a mixture of both physical response and emotion—guilt muddled with ecstasy infused with disbelief. Tears welled in my eyes as Chris caressed my thighs and lifted his hands to meet the gentle, rhythmic action of his mouth, cupping me tenderly to himself.
RJ and Chris go on to explore their emotions and it eventually leads to trouble both internal and external.
This book was beautifully written with lines funny and heart-wrenching.
The funny:
“Sex and the City?” I asked. I’d heard of that. I wasn’t sure what it was about, but it seemed an odd choice for Rodney. Definitely not in the same category as the other movies he suggested.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s about girls in New York,” Rodney said. “They run around and have sex with everybody.”
“Oh,” Chris said. “Is that the show about the three hookers and their mom?”
“You’re talking about All in the Family,” I corrected him.
“No,” Rodney said. “That’s Golden Girls.”
And the heart-wrenching:
I continued to carry Chris in my heart, though. It was impossible to extract him completely; he’d become a part of me.
Be warned, this did not have your typical Happily Ever After. It’s a realistic, though extremely sad, ending. The book is listed as a series, I can only hope RJ and Chris get a second chance.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...
As much as I’m against organized religions in my life, I still find myself drawn to books in the genre that deal with religion. This was one of the best ones I’ve read in a long time with a story so detailed that I wouldn’t be surprised if it was autobiographical.
The story begins with RJ, a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, going on his mission. He’s disappointed he’s not going somewhere exotic and instead to Portland, Oregon. He ends up housing with another young man named Chris and his life course changes completely.
At first RJ and Chris don’t have anything in common but they soon become close friends. I loved how the book showed the way the relationship progressed every step of the way. I experienced RJ’s hesitance at going out on the street and preaching and how he and Chris got to know each other.
At times RJ refers to a sin in the past, a sin that I assumed to be homosexuality. He does his best to move beyond what he thinks is wrong, but the more he gets to know Chris the more temptation he feels.
Eventually, the two men are unable to deny their feelings any longer and a stop in a grove of trees to take a piss turns into a hot session of oral sex. Never has guilt and a blow job been mixed so well. This scene was amazingly well written. I could picture every last action these guys took.
Oh. My. God. This couldn’t be happening. But it was, and I wasn’t doing anything to fight it. Despite the horror and guilt I tried to conjure for the occasion, my whole body responded to Chris’s attentions and firmly welcomed the smooth wetness of his mouth.
I shivered with a mixture of both physical response and emotion—guilt muddled with ecstasy infused with disbelief. Tears welled in my eyes as Chris caressed my thighs and lifted his hands to meet the gentle, rhythmic action of his mouth, cupping me tenderly to himself.
RJ and Chris go on to explore their emotions and it eventually leads to trouble both internal and external.
This book was beautifully written with lines funny and heart-wrenching.
The funny:
“Sex and the City?” I asked. I’d heard of that. I wasn’t sure what it was about, but it seemed an odd choice for Rodney. Definitely not in the same category as the other movies he suggested.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s about girls in New York,” Rodney said. “They run around and have sex with everybody.”
“Oh,” Chris said. “Is that the show about the three hookers and their mom?”
“You’re talking about All in the Family,” I corrected him.
“No,” Rodney said. “That’s Golden Girls.”
And the heart-wrenching:
I continued to carry Chris in my heart, though. It was impossible to extract him completely; he’d become a part of me.
Be warned, this did not have your typical Happily Ever After. It’s a realistic, though extremely sad, ending. The book is listed as a series, I can only hope RJ and Chris get a second chance.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...
June 20, 2025
It's a book that explores the relationship between religious beliefs and one's sexual identity. A spiritual and beautiful love story between Chris and RJ. RJ is the narrator of his and Chris's love story, as they are elders in the LDS Church, both on missions. Added to this are family conflicts, the guilt generated by homosexual love, RJ's struggle to have his church recognize them and not reject them, the search for acceptance and support from their respective families, and the culmination of their four-month journey after both being separated and dismissed from their missionary work. In addition to RJ and Chris' struggles to reconcile their religious beliefs and their homosexual desires, it's a story that ends dramatically and sadly when RJ, after his four-month road trip, has also spent years without hearing from the love of his life and, heartbroken, seems to give up. It is recommended as a reading that leads us to question our treatment as believers of those who do not conform to heteronormativity and are placed outside the heterosexual binary.
December 28, 2019
This is not my first LDS MM book and since I adored the first one I read I had to read this one.
Chris & RJ.
RJ has a past but he has listened to God and his LDS faith and is now ready for his Mission. He's partnered with the elder Brother Merrill (Chris). At first he looks up to Chris for guidance but then he can't get away from his true feelings.
Once Chris & RJ let their feelings out the story started to get some momentum and it became cute and heartfelt. Their trip seemed a bit long but I get why it was. Then the epilogue came and I was 'that's it'. I so hope there is a book 2 because I felt like the story was unfinished for me. Or maybe I just didn't get the ending I wanted. Either way I would love book 2 to help make my heart happy.
Religion and sexuality can be a hard line for some. When their true self says one thing but their religion says the other. I felt this conflict was written well.
Chris & RJ.
RJ has a past but he has listened to God and his LDS faith and is now ready for his Mission. He's partnered with the elder Brother Merrill (Chris). At first he looks up to Chris for guidance but then he can't get away from his true feelings.
Once Chris & RJ let their feelings out the story started to get some momentum and it became cute and heartfelt. Their trip seemed a bit long but I get why it was. Then the epilogue came and I was 'that's it'. I so hope there is a book 2 because I felt like the story was unfinished for me. Or maybe I just didn't get the ending I wanted. Either way I would love book 2 to help make my heart happy.
Religion and sexuality can be a hard line for some. When their true self says one thing but their religion says the other. I felt this conflict was written well.
July 13, 2018
It was an ok to good book until the end. But you tell me that a guy who drove 700 miles to pick up his soul mate, then spends multiple months on an epic road trip with his soul mate and then drops him off with a new cell phone and the promise they will be in school together in a month ends that way and I have to call bullshit. I mean let’s say you were in that position and you call your soul mate. And you call your soul mate. And he never calls back. You write and he never writes back. You know where he lives and his parents names and you never check in with them. You don’t even appear to do any kind of research to find out what happened to him. Do you just shrug your shoulders and move on? Come on now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2018
*** 3.5 4 Stars ***
Wtf?!? This book was a 4 Star for me until that ending.... Gawd.... no sense of closure in the least. It almost feels like a character died! Pretty heartbreaking...
***UPDATE (a few hours later)***
So, after reading the reviews of others and doing a little internet research, I've learned that this is projected to be a trilogy. With that additional tidbit, I now give this book a 4 star rating. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll be watching the movies before the subsequent books come out but at least I know the ending of this book is not the final end. I'm excited to see where things go for these two!
Wtf?!? This book was a 4 Star for me until that ending.... Gawd.... no sense of closure in the least. It almost feels like a character died! Pretty heartbreaking...
***UPDATE (a few hours later)***
So, after reading the reviews of others and doing a little internet research, I've learned that this is projected to be a trilogy. With that additional tidbit, I now give this book a 4 star rating. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll be watching the movies before the subsequent books come out but at least I know the ending of this book is not the final end. I'm excited to see where things go for these two!
July 24, 2018
Bittersweet Mormon Coming Out Story
A quick story about 2 guys who fall in love on their church mission when they are assigned as companions. Focused on the teens trials balancing the negative church teachings with their growing connection.
A quick story about 2 guys who fall in love on their church mission when they are assigned as companions. Focused on the teens trials balancing the negative church teachings with their growing connection.
April 11, 2023
i love this story. the movies are some of my favorite movies of all time. i do wish this was a book series. the last two movies are even better than the first so it would be great to see it all in writing. also, the ending here is so abrupt. what were they thinking. go back in there and try again.
September 16, 2019
A Good Story
I enjoyed this story, it was well written,and had a great storyline. I wonder if it has a part two.
I enjoyed this story, it was well written,and had a great storyline. I wonder if it has a part two.
October 25, 2019
Excellent Read!
Although I’ve seen the movies, I feel that the book really seals them together. I like the two main characters even more after reading it.
Although I’ve seen the movies, I feel that the book really seals them together. I like the two main characters even more after reading it.
November 2, 2019
Not what I expected, very religious, and emotional and I was still hoping for a happy ending but understand there are people in this world that just can't accept God's work.
June 8, 2024
I don't want to talk about it..... but i appreciated the additional lore.....
November 14, 2024
ITS OKAY RJ YOURE GONNA GET MARRIED TO HIM ONE DAY…….
we want the falls 1.5 sooooo much
we want the falls 1.5 sooooo much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2017
As an ex-mormon (born, raised and excommunicated) and a reader of mm romance, I guess it was given that I should read this book. I like to imagine some of the cute missionaries from my youth, having a passionate relationship in secret.
I did see the movies and it is pretty much the same. Well both movie and book was "made" by the same person(s) who it should be expected. The church seems well researched and there was only some small discrepancies.
It was an okay book. Okay written. A bit boring, and besides the topic of gay missionaries, it was nothing special. None of the guys really got to me, and I just get angry about all their religious pious. But that is probably just a reflection of my own story.
I did see the movies and it is pretty much the same. Well both movie and book was "made" by the same person(s) who it should be expected. The church seems well researched and there was only some small discrepancies.
It was an okay book. Okay written. A bit boring, and besides the topic of gay missionaries, it was nothing special. None of the guys really got to me, and I just get angry about all their religious pious. But that is probably just a reflection of my own story.
July 14, 2016
I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
I intentionally did not watch the movie before reading the book so I could give a more objective review based exclusively on the novel rather than making comparisons to the film. My understanding of the LDS church is also limited to the occasional missionaries at my door, so bear that in mind with this review.
I'm usually drawn to books with religious themes, which was why I chose this one. As a story, it's decent--there's a nice, slow build to the relationship between RJ and Chris, some intense emotional moments, and some humor. RJ is a great narrator, the right combination of naive but thoughtful, his maturity increasing incrementally throughout. I enjoyed watching his growth and the way his universe expanded from his relatively sheltered upbringing. I was slower to warm to Chris. He wasn't especially likable at first, and since I didn't know the story, I kept thinking he was onto RJ and was going to be the one to out him. His trajectory seemed to be almost opposite of RJ's--he started off as clearly the more knowledgeable one, but he also ended up being the one whose doubts festered. That produced an interesting dynamic between them, and it's one I think a lot of people who grew up with strict religion can relate to.
What really sold me on this novel was how it made me think about some of the ways in which even progressive churches can and do still limit who they think is a worthy messenger of God. RJ never loses his faith; in fact, coming to terms with his sexuality deepens it, and he himself brings up the question of who can represent God to the world. These are ongoing issues even in fully affirming denominations, and it's something important to consider. RJ's unapologetic expressions of who he is--both with his religion and his relationships--is a challenge even to the most welcoming churches.
I'm excited to see so many books which are clearly written for lgbtq+ people of faith in which open dialog about belief, doubt, and holiness is handled with such grace and care. This is a must-read for any Christians, both lgbtq+ and not and both LDS and not, who are struggling to reconcile spirituality and identity. It was clearly written with such an audience in mind.
This is not a traditional romance by any stretch. Readers looking for "hot gay Mormon action" would be better off finding something different. Those who want a deeper understanding of the LDS church and a good example of lgbtq+ people of faith will enjoy this one.
I intentionally did not watch the movie before reading the book so I could give a more objective review based exclusively on the novel rather than making comparisons to the film. My understanding of the LDS church is also limited to the occasional missionaries at my door, so bear that in mind with this review.
I'm usually drawn to books with religious themes, which was why I chose this one. As a story, it's decent--there's a nice, slow build to the relationship between RJ and Chris, some intense emotional moments, and some humor. RJ is a great narrator, the right combination of naive but thoughtful, his maturity increasing incrementally throughout. I enjoyed watching his growth and the way his universe expanded from his relatively sheltered upbringing. I was slower to warm to Chris. He wasn't especially likable at first, and since I didn't know the story, I kept thinking he was onto RJ and was going to be the one to out him. His trajectory seemed to be almost opposite of RJ's--he started off as clearly the more knowledgeable one, but he also ended up being the one whose doubts festered. That produced an interesting dynamic between them, and it's one I think a lot of people who grew up with strict religion can relate to.
What really sold me on this novel was how it made me think about some of the ways in which even progressive churches can and do still limit who they think is a worthy messenger of God. RJ never loses his faith; in fact, coming to terms with his sexuality deepens it, and he himself brings up the question of who can represent God to the world. These are ongoing issues even in fully affirming denominations, and it's something important to consider. RJ's unapologetic expressions of who he is--both with his religion and his relationships--is a challenge even to the most welcoming churches.
I'm excited to see so many books which are clearly written for lgbtq+ people of faith in which open dialog about belief, doubt, and holiness is handled with such grace and care. This is a must-read for any Christians, both lgbtq+ and not and both LDS and not, who are struggling to reconcile spirituality and identity. It was clearly written with such an audience in mind.
This is not a traditional romance by any stretch. Readers looking for "hot gay Mormon action" would be better off finding something different. Those who want a deeper understanding of the LDS church and a good example of lgbtq+ people of faith will enjoy this one.
January 7, 2017
Romances centered around religion have always been fascinating to me because I like to see how the relationship plays out around, or in spite of, the religion in question. The stricter the religion, the higher the stakes. Amish romances have always had a soft-spot in my heart—both gay and straight—and now the Mormon religion has made its way to my heart.
I was a fan of the film Latter Days—okay, scratch that—I still am a fan and watch it whenever I need a good cry. When the film The Falls came out, I naturally sucked it down as well and loved the movie even if my heart did break. So, when I saw that it was also a book, I knew I had to read it.
The book pretty much follows the film exactly, as I remember. I found myself thinking, oh yeah, I remember this, many times. But it was still a good read whether you’ve seen the film or not. Told from RJ’s point of view, readers see a young Mormon man on his mission, a time that is filled with great excitement for the men and women who go on missions.
I have friends who are Mormon, so reading about the world they tell me about, and seeing it so carefully constructed on the page, made this story ring very true for me. I can easily picture RJ and Chris’s struggles as being real. The author has done an excellent job at researching and presenting the information carefully. That said, it can be uncomfortable to read at times because of how accurate it is. The author does not take liberties and gloss over anything to make it nicer for the story. While there is a romance, this does not have a traditional HEA. I know there is a second movie, but I have yet to watch it, and I don’t know if my heart could handle it!
If you enjoy reading romances where religion influences the characters—for better or for worse—or you would like to learn more about the Mormon faith and how it effects LGBT youth, I highly recommend this book. RJ and Chris struggle to come to terms with who they are, and while some challenges are overcome, not all of them are. I felt for Chris and his feelings of guilt. I also felt for RJ. Since RJ was telling the story, I was able to connect to him better, but I still found both to be well-written and well-rounded characters. It seems like there will be a sequel to this, as there is a sequel to the movie. I’m sure I will read it at some point, but only when my heart can handle it!
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
I was a fan of the film Latter Days—okay, scratch that—I still am a fan and watch it whenever I need a good cry. When the film The Falls came out, I naturally sucked it down as well and loved the movie even if my heart did break. So, when I saw that it was also a book, I knew I had to read it.
The book pretty much follows the film exactly, as I remember. I found myself thinking, oh yeah, I remember this, many times. But it was still a good read whether you’ve seen the film or not. Told from RJ’s point of view, readers see a young Mormon man on his mission, a time that is filled with great excitement for the men and women who go on missions.
I have friends who are Mormon, so reading about the world they tell me about, and seeing it so carefully constructed on the page, made this story ring very true for me. I can easily picture RJ and Chris’s struggles as being real. The author has done an excellent job at researching and presenting the information carefully. That said, it can be uncomfortable to read at times because of how accurate it is. The author does not take liberties and gloss over anything to make it nicer for the story. While there is a romance, this does not have a traditional HEA. I know there is a second movie, but I have yet to watch it, and I don’t know if my heart could handle it!
If you enjoy reading romances where religion influences the characters—for better or for worse—or you would like to learn more about the Mormon faith and how it effects LGBT youth, I highly recommend this book. RJ and Chris struggle to come to terms with who they are, and while some challenges are overcome, not all of them are. I felt for Chris and his feelings of guilt. I also felt for RJ. Since RJ was telling the story, I was able to connect to him better, but I still found both to be well-written and well-rounded characters. It seems like there will be a sequel to this, as there is a sequel to the movie. I’m sure I will read it at some point, but only when my heart can handle it!
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
December 29, 2015
This beautifully moving story makes for difficult and unsettling reading. The authors have researched the experiences of LGBT youth in the Mormon church with exacting detail and the resulting story is compelling and absolutely fascinating.
The authors capture the naive innocence of the twenty-year-old missionaries perfectly. Even when the boys aren’t terribly likeable, they are uncomfortably recognisable. At the start, RJ and Chris almost feel like alien creatures. Their devout, robotic routines leave little room for personality. Their initial beliefs are often offensive and off-putting to non-Mormons, so it is difficult to warm to the boys. It is only when the devotion starts to slip and their beliefs and practises are challenged that Chris and RJ begin to feel human and real - both to readers and to each other.
The story is told from RJ’s perspective. His character is more confident and his struggles feel more open and honest, making him an easier character for readers to come to care for. Chris grapples more with fear, doubt and guilt and by the end of the story I still found it difficult to empathise with his character.
I haven’t seen either of the films so this was completely new to me. I love the way truth and belief is questioned and wrestled with but never judged by the writers. The compatibility of faith with LGBT identity is a complex subject and the authors refuse to treat it lightly. The result is a difficult but important story.
My only frustration with this story is that it still feels more like a film script than a novel at times. There are descriptive gaps which would be clear on film but require more description in novel format. At times this feels like a series of scenes spliced together. On film, such gaps and time lapses are linked by visual cues unavailable to readers.
It is important for readers to realise is that this isn’t a stand-alone romance. This is more of a drama than a traditional romance and readers expecting a formulaic progression towards a HEA will be disappointed. On the other hand, readers wanting an unbiased, compassionate insight into the experience of LGBT youth in the Mormon church will find this a provocative, touching story.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
The authors capture the naive innocence of the twenty-year-old missionaries perfectly. Even when the boys aren’t terribly likeable, they are uncomfortably recognisable. At the start, RJ and Chris almost feel like alien creatures. Their devout, robotic routines leave little room for personality. Their initial beliefs are often offensive and off-putting to non-Mormons, so it is difficult to warm to the boys. It is only when the devotion starts to slip and their beliefs and practises are challenged that Chris and RJ begin to feel human and real - both to readers and to each other.
The story is told from RJ’s perspective. His character is more confident and his struggles feel more open and honest, making him an easier character for readers to come to care for. Chris grapples more with fear, doubt and guilt and by the end of the story I still found it difficult to empathise with his character.
I haven’t seen either of the films so this was completely new to me. I love the way truth and belief is questioned and wrestled with but never judged by the writers. The compatibility of faith with LGBT identity is a complex subject and the authors refuse to treat it lightly. The result is a difficult but important story.
My only frustration with this story is that it still feels more like a film script than a novel at times. There are descriptive gaps which would be clear on film but require more description in novel format. At times this feels like a series of scenes spliced together. On film, such gaps and time lapses are linked by visual cues unavailable to readers.
It is important for readers to realise is that this isn’t a stand-alone romance. This is more of a drama than a traditional romance and readers expecting a formulaic progression towards a HEA will be disappointed. On the other hand, readers wanting an unbiased, compassionate insight into the experience of LGBT youth in the Mormon church will find this a provocative, touching story.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
March 16, 2017
Okay! Finally read this, and I enjoyed it. I feel like it was a bit shallow in places, which I think is a common issue with novelizations, but in general and overall, it gave me a good look into RJ's head. I enjoyed getting to know him and Chris and hear their opinions on their religion both before and after they got together. It's not the most fantastic book I've read, but it kept me engaged, and I read it quickly.
It's been a while now since I saw the movie, but I'm pretty sure the book goes much more in depth once they . I might need to rewatch the movie on Netflix to remind myself. But there are some parts that I think are very close to the movie—which makes sense.
So, my biggest gripe about the book is that it ends terribly. Like...just terribly. Rage-inducing. But after gaping at my iPad for a few minutes, I took a deep breath and reminded myself that this was based on a movie, so maybe there's another movie!! And alas, there is. In fact, there are TWO more movies. So I am going to watch the second movie this weekend. I have no idea if they'll do another novel or two for the next two movies, but I hope they do!! I'd definitely read them.
If you haven't seen the second movie, be prepared to watch it after this so as to reduce your rage.
(It better reduce my rage!!!! It just better!)
:)
Oh, heh, when I went back to the start of the book to make notes to myself, I noticed it says "The Falls: Book One." Too bad I never look at the starter blurbs before I read a book!! But at least now I know. :)
~~~~~
From March 2016: I saw this movie just a couple months ago, and while I liked the story, the acting was not fantastic. In theory, having it in book format would address that... So, I'm definitely curious :)
It's been a while now since I saw the movie, but I'm pretty sure the book goes much more in depth once they . I might need to rewatch the movie on Netflix to remind myself. But there are some parts that I think are very close to the movie—which makes sense.
So, my biggest gripe about the book is that it ends terribly. Like...just terribly. Rage-inducing. But after gaping at my iPad for a few minutes, I took a deep breath and reminded myself that this was based on a movie, so maybe there's another movie!! And alas, there is. In fact, there are TWO more movies. So I am going to watch the second movie this weekend. I have no idea if they'll do another novel or two for the next two movies, but I hope they do!! I'd definitely read them.
If you haven't seen the second movie, be prepared to watch it after this so as to reduce your rage.
(It better reduce my rage!!!! It just better!)
:)
Oh, heh, when I went back to the start of the book to make notes to myself, I noticed it says "The Falls: Book One." Too bad I never look at the starter blurbs before I read a book!! But at least now I know. :)
~~~~~
From March 2016: I saw this movie just a couple months ago, and while I liked the story, the acting was not fantastic. In theory, having it in book format would address that... So, I'm definitely curious :)
January 18, 2016
RJ Smith is prepared to go out on his mission--an exciting time in the life of any young Mormon man. It is a time when one often learns much about himself while doing a great service to the church. And when RJ meets his mission companion, Chris Merrill, he knows he's in luck. Chris is one who knows, understands, and follows the rules, and he'll certainly help RJ adapt to the life of a missionary. As the two set out to spread their message, RJ finds that it's a bit more difficult to get people to listen than he thought it might be. And both RJ and Chris learn that sometimes what lingers below the surface can only be contained for so long.
I absolutely loved this film, so I wasn't too surprised that I enjoyed the book. Although it's basically the same story, the treatment is just different enough that I found myself enthralled from cover to cover. The authors capture the struggle between being who you are and the pressures to conform to the expectations of one's family and religion. It's a well-written and developed story that is definitely worth a read.
The publisher has this listed as "Book One" on the website, which has me excited. There was a sequel to the film, so I'm hoping that means we'll be getting a novelization of that one too.
I absolutely loved this film, so I wasn't too surprised that I enjoyed the book. Although it's basically the same story, the treatment is just different enough that I found myself enthralled from cover to cover. The authors capture the struggle between being who you are and the pressures to conform to the expectations of one's family and religion. It's a well-written and developed story that is definitely worth a read.
The publisher has this listed as "Book One" on the website, which has me excited. There was a sequel to the film, so I'm hoping that means we'll be getting a novelization of that one too.
April 22, 2017
After months of waiting, I can only say that it was all worthwhile. Both movies, The Falls and Testament of Love are very dear to me. Few movies have moved me like these two have. So, obviously I was very excited about this book. And it did not disappoint me. It offers so much more in terms of providing answers to things that were left out for the viewers to find on their own in the movie.
It's written in first person POV which I am not a fan of as it can easily rob us the chance of being inside Chris's mind. However, this story needs to be told through RJ's perspective as it was done in the movie. And I think they did a very good job. I can feel the turmoil Chris goes through and his love for RJ is so palpable.
The scenes are eloquently written and the dialogues are superb. It was a real treat to finally go with Chris and RJ on their road trip. By introducing familiar faces, I get the idea that the writers are pitching in for a second installment, which makes me super happy. I hope the second book has a closure that we all wanted. But it would be even better if there will be book no. 3 or movie no. 3!!!
Kudos to the writers!
It's written in first person POV which I am not a fan of as it can easily rob us the chance of being inside Chris's mind. However, this story needs to be told through RJ's perspective as it was done in the movie. And I think they did a very good job. I can feel the turmoil Chris goes through and his love for RJ is so palpable.
The scenes are eloquently written and the dialogues are superb. It was a real treat to finally go with Chris and RJ on their road trip. By introducing familiar faces, I get the idea that the writers are pitching in for a second installment, which makes me super happy. I hope the second book has a closure that we all wanted. But it would be even better if there will be book no. 3 or movie no. 3!!!
Kudos to the writers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2016
I enjoyed the movie, so I was excited to revisit it in a book. Though a lot of the book was the same as the movie, there was more added to it so that those who saw the film will get a little more.
As with the movie, my heart absolutely broke for Chris and RJ. This book does an excellent job of looking into the Mormon church and exploring LGBT youth inside. I know several people who are Mormon, and while they are not LGBT and we do not talk about that, the rest of what I read was accurate to what I know of their religion.
As with the movie, my heart absolutely broke for Chris and RJ. This book does an excellent job of looking into the Mormon church and exploring LGBT youth inside. I know several people who are Mormon, and while they are not LGBT and we do not talk about that, the rest of what I read was accurate to what I know of their religion.
April 4, 2018
I liked it, but I had seen the movies. Just found out that a 3rd movie was recently done to finish the story. Wouldn't mind having books 2 and 3, if that's still in the works or not? I'm not sure.
April 29, 2017
A story that tackles about the complexities of life, where religion and sexuality became the reason of conflict for the two young mormons, RJ and Chris. Easy to read and is a good book to understand how the LDS church functions.
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