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Latter Days
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.
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.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 4, 2017
I was a bit afraid to dive into this book, since the movie is in my top 5 favorites. But I was very pleasantly surprised! I was expecting a straight from movie to page interpretation, since I think it said this was based on the screenplay. Now, the dialogue and scenes were pretty much the same as in the movie as far as I could tell. It's been a few months since I have seen the movie.
BUT we get to hear inside every character's head! We get to know what they are thinking, how they feel, background information that wasn't possible to tell in the movie. It's going to be so fun to watch the movie again with 'new' eyes, knowing all of this information for the characters. We find out some more about Aaron's mission work that happened before he moved to California. We get to know some more about Christian's past. Even more about Ryder!
I was hoping there would be a tiny bit more at the end, but I can't really fault the book, as it ended the exact same place the movie did. Just me being greedy.
Anyway, if you enjoyed the movie, you should like the book!
BUT we get to hear inside every character's head! We get to know what they are thinking, how they feel, background information that wasn't possible to tell in the movie. It's going to be so fun to watch the movie again with 'new' eyes, knowing all of this information for the characters. We find out some more about Aaron's mission work that happened before he moved to California. We get to know some more about Christian's past. Even more about Ryder!
I was hoping there would be a tiny bit more at the end, but I can't really fault the book, as it ended the exact same place the movie did. Just me being greedy.
Anyway, if you enjoyed the movie, you should like the book!
Read
April 23, 2026Apparently this is where my reading attention span is at right now: a novelisation of one of my fav queer romcoms from the early noughts, about an LA partyboy and a Mormon missionary falling for each other.
I have kind of a soft spot for movie/show novelisations, but I’m also under no illusion about the quality of most of them, and this was pretty terrible. It’s based on the screenplay, so mostly the dialogue is just verbatim, though it does include deleted scenes and a bit of thin backstory for some of the characters (I think my favourite of these is how Ryder got his heart broken by Misty Johnson and her lack of Mormon faith, lol). It was also nice to get a bit more of Aaron’s sister.
Mostly reading this gave me a renewed appreciation of how much even the most promising screenplay depends on the right actors and directing to bring it to life – Latter Days the movie absolutely has its share of cheesy moments but because the actors have genuine chemistry and charm, they manage to make even the corniest bits endearing, whereas reading it on page in a, shall we say quite pedestrian narrative style is mostly cringeworthy and absolutely not emotionally engaging.
Even so it might have been fine if not for the barrage of terrible physical descriptions – I would’ve yammered about male gaze writing but everyone gets objectified equally so at least the grossness is non-gender-specific? Mostly it just made me grimace but I was actually mad about the icky descriptive language used with Aaron’s mum – author cannot stop going on about thick ankles, orange hair, thick hips, etc. in a casually disdainful way. Come on, the woman is a homophobic religious zealot who drives her son to near-disastrous choices, can we please focus on that and not on how to bash her looks? Gross.
Anyway, not rating because I don’t think it applies (love the movie, screenplay clearly depends on good performance, this book is terrible, but they’re all still intertwined).
I have kind of a soft spot for movie/show novelisations, but I’m also under no illusion about the quality of most of them, and this was pretty terrible. It’s based on the screenplay, so mostly the dialogue is just verbatim, though it does include deleted scenes and a bit of thin backstory for some of the characters (I think my favourite of these is how Ryder got his heart broken by Misty Johnson and her lack of Mormon faith, lol). It was also nice to get a bit more of Aaron’s sister.
Mostly reading this gave me a renewed appreciation of how much even the most promising screenplay depends on the right actors and directing to bring it to life – Latter Days the movie absolutely has its share of cheesy moments but because the actors have genuine chemistry and charm, they manage to make even the corniest bits endearing, whereas reading it on page in a, shall we say quite pedestrian narrative style is mostly cringeworthy and absolutely not emotionally engaging.
Even so it might have been fine if not for the barrage of terrible physical descriptions – I would’ve yammered about male gaze writing but everyone gets objectified equally so at least the grossness is non-gender-specific? Mostly it just made me grimace but I was actually mad about the icky descriptive language used with Aaron’s mum – author cannot stop going on about thick ankles, orange hair, thick hips, etc. in a casually disdainful way. Come on, the woman is a homophobic religious zealot who drives her son to near-disastrous choices, can we please focus on that and not on how to bash her looks? Gross.
Anyway, not rating because I don’t think it applies (love the movie, screenplay clearly depends on good performance, this book is terrible, but they’re all still intertwined).
Did Not Finish
December 27, 2017Alright I can´t take it anymore. The writing is just too bad. So I´m giving up at page 57.
Just watch the movie. It´s way better and the dialogue doesn´t feel so incredibly cringy.
Just watch the movie. It´s way better and the dialogue doesn´t feel so incredibly cringy.
March 20, 2012
Not a bad book, it's based on an adapted screenplay, so you can imagine its depth and breadth of character. Still, it took me one evening to read, and parts made me smile, and parts made me a little sad.
Here's the basic set up: Stereotypically gay Christian basically lives for sex, and is shallow and pointless. He and his friends note the arrival of a group of Mormons on their mission across the way, and his friends make him bet he can't bed one of them (and steal the sacred underwear) before thirty days. Money is wagered.
Interesting Aaron - the saving grace of this book - is the Mormon with doubts about his sexuality, and what that means for who he is, a non stereotypically devout believer who can't decide what to do about this confusion in his life. When Christian makes his moves (and, in true Hollywood fashion, learns he is shallow and just, gosh-darn, wants to change to be worthy of Aaron after all), the confusion and misunderstandings abound. Including the typical "I was just a bet!" discussion, the book is still worthy if only for Aaron's journey, who, like I said before, is a rare well-written gay-and-faith character from a religion that decries what he is.
That said, I'm sure the movie is all about smooth chests and washboard abs. Internal dialogue rarely makes it to the big-screen.
Here's the basic set up: Stereotypically gay Christian basically lives for sex, and is shallow and pointless. He and his friends note the arrival of a group of Mormons on their mission across the way, and his friends make him bet he can't bed one of them (and steal the sacred underwear) before thirty days. Money is wagered.
Interesting Aaron - the saving grace of this book - is the Mormon with doubts about his sexuality, and what that means for who he is, a non stereotypically devout believer who can't decide what to do about this confusion in his life. When Christian makes his moves (and, in true Hollywood fashion, learns he is shallow and just, gosh-darn, wants to change to be worthy of Aaron after all), the confusion and misunderstandings abound. Including the typical "I was just a bet!" discussion, the book is still worthy if only for Aaron's journey, who, like I said before, is a rare well-written gay-and-faith character from a religion that decries what he is.
That said, I'm sure the movie is all about smooth chests and washboard abs. Internal dialogue rarely makes it to the big-screen.
September 8, 2016
"Dad, your grandfather had at least a half-dozen wives, and the same goes for every single person in this room. I'd say we were the original definition of 'alternative lifestyle.' But now that we've conveniently erased that episode from our theology, that gives our church the right to define normal for everybody else? Don't you see what a contradiction that is?"
being queer and growing up in utah (aka the land of the mormons), i just feel very emotionally attached to this story. i fell in love with the movie years before i even knew there was a book. i will say i like the movie a lot more, but it was still an enjoyable read.
being queer and growing up in utah (aka the land of the mormons), i just feel very emotionally attached to this story. i fell in love with the movie years before i even knew there was a book. i will say i like the movie a lot more, but it was still an enjoyable read.
June 6, 2021
Adaptado de la icónica película , esta novela no solo muestra una historia de amor gay honesta y humana, sino que nos enseña esos rincones de la psicología de los personajes y las escenas extendidas que no están en la película. Qué gusto volver a esta historia después de tantos años y descubrí que sigue viva y vigente.
November 18, 2009
Ok, first thing:
I saw the movie befoee I read the book. In terms of gay cinema, it's a really cute movie. Considering the slew of badly overacted or badly written/produced gay cinema out there, getting one that's really cute/great/well-written can be tough. Now, having noticed that the novelization of the movie is based on the screenplay, I'm going to say that I have more respect for the actor who plays Aaron, I really feel like the material that he was given had very little depth. At times, the novel felt sluggish, and there was no real dimension to the emotional upheaval that's supposed to be happening.
In addition, (and before anyone throws something, it may just be me,) Christian has no depth. One of my first reactions after seeing the movie was that the Christian character was a complete miscast. Although there may have been chemistry between the actors themselves, the actor's range falls flat for the movie.
As a rule, that's generally my usual complaint about gay cinema. If the story's great, the acting's awful. If the acting's awful, the story's so cliche that you might want to stop watching. With the notable exception of a few amazing Hollywood contributions, (Brokeback Mountain, the Hours, Milk, etc.,)and several fan-favorite indie pieces (The Sum of Us, Beautiful Thing, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, etc.) most of the gay cinema I've seen is so full of cliches and over/underacting. Here endeth the rant.
Getting back to the review...for me, the movie's cute, the novel falls short. There's a range of emotion and depth in the movie that just doesn't cross over into the novel.
I saw the movie befoee I read the book. In terms of gay cinema, it's a really cute movie. Considering the slew of badly overacted or badly written/produced gay cinema out there, getting one that's really cute/great/well-written can be tough. Now, having noticed that the novelization of the movie is based on the screenplay, I'm going to say that I have more respect for the actor who plays Aaron, I really feel like the material that he was given had very little depth. At times, the novel felt sluggish, and there was no real dimension to the emotional upheaval that's supposed to be happening.
In addition, (and before anyone throws something, it may just be me,) Christian has no depth. One of my first reactions after seeing the movie was that the Christian character was a complete miscast. Although there may have been chemistry between the actors themselves, the actor's range falls flat for the movie.
As a rule, that's generally my usual complaint about gay cinema. If the story's great, the acting's awful. If the acting's awful, the story's so cliche that you might want to stop watching. With the notable exception of a few amazing Hollywood contributions, (Brokeback Mountain, the Hours, Milk, etc.,)and several fan-favorite indie pieces (The Sum of Us, Beautiful Thing, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, etc.) most of the gay cinema I've seen is so full of cliches and over/underacting. Here endeth the rant.
Getting back to the review...for me, the movie's cute, the novel falls short. There's a range of emotion and depth in the movie that just doesn't cross over into the novel.
March 28, 2017
After seeing the movie I was thrilled to find the book; this is one of the rare cases where the movie far outshines the book. The story is very rushed and the characters lack depth (Even though one of the main characters, Christian, is a shallow character, his shallowness could have still been portrayed with more depth.). Most of the descriptions are superficial. Christian's flings had lukewarm and brief descriptions, and when it came to the relationship that really mattered (Christian and Aaron) details were left out completely, instead there was only, "how long did we go at it?" "two and a half hours." The ending also was cut a little too soon.
There was however this fabulous quote in the book, "Funny thing about guilt, there's nothing so bad that you can't add a little guilt to it and make it worse. But there's nothing so good that you can't add a little guilt to it to make it better."
There was however this fabulous quote in the book, "Funny thing about guilt, there's nothing so bad that you can't add a little guilt to it and make it worse. But there's nothing so good that you can't add a little guilt to it to make it better."
April 23, 2013
I saw the film first and then read the book. The book, for me, padded out the screen characters. It's a fast read for sure. But there is plenty of substance here for discussion. In short, the book represents the strident stance of religious fundamentalism against unfolding 21st Century society. We see the ducking-stool mentality, still so present today, in so many churches and the lengths to which people will go to 'enforce' their beliefs on others.
It's a good read and I'm happy to give it five. I ask all my readers not to be too hard on it; not to pick it apart too much - don't fall into the trap of failing to see the wood for the trees.
Regardess of what limitations either the book or its film adaptation have, for me one thing stands true. It is, and remains, a major milestone in my life in finally coming out and also keeping my faith in context.
I've read the book several times and it's good to do that now and again.
Ian Bradley Marshall
UK
It's a good read and I'm happy to give it five. I ask all my readers not to be too hard on it; not to pick it apart too much - don't fall into the trap of failing to see the wood for the trees.
Regardess of what limitations either the book or its film adaptation have, for me one thing stands true. It is, and remains, a major milestone in my life in finally coming out and also keeping my faith in context.
I've read the book several times and it's good to do that now and again.
Ian Bradley Marshall
UK
May 30, 2012
After watching the movie, I saw that there was a novel based off it. I had never read a novelization of a movie before but since I loved the story I felt this was a good one to try. Overall it was a very enjoyable read. While sometimes it felt like the author's intention was to summarize the movie -by focusing on the characters' clothing choices rather than actions and inner feelings- the back stories of the minor characters gave them more depth and more insight into their actions.
It took me less than a day to finish the novel because I just couldn't put it down and as soon as I finished reading it I wanted to read it again.
It took me less than a day to finish the novel because I just couldn't put it down and as soon as I finished reading it I wanted to read it again.
March 11, 2018
Sweet novelization of the wonderful movie Latter Days. It's when opposites attract when gay playboy Christian meets young Mormon missionary Aaron. It starts off shaky, Christian makes a bet with his fellow waiting staff a Lila's to defrock one of the missionary flocks. It becomes more than that when Christian gets to Aaron who sees Christian as a pretty piece of fluff with no substance. I love this book and I truly love the movie.
July 28, 2011
The movie is one of my favorite movies of all time and the book was exactly like it. The only thing I didn't understand was the prologue. It really had nothing to do with the story and I'm glad they didn't add it in the movie. The best part of the book was the lines they used were the exact same in the movie. I enjoyed reading it!
May 17, 2015
I've wanted to see the movie that this book is based on but I've never found it anywhere. So when I found the book at the library, I just read that instead (though I might watch the movie if I have come across it). It was a rather lovely read but the plot twists were so obviously movie-esque. Still, the romance was tender and the tension was well done.
January 31, 2018
Novelizations of film scripts are usually hit or miss for me. It’s true a novel can give more insight to the characters thoughts, but sometimes that just isn’t enough.
I LOVE this movie and have watched it many times over the years since I purchased the DVD. I figured I would give this book a read.
And I thought it was just okay. I’l stick with watching and enjoying the film.
I LOVE this movie and have watched it many times over the years since I purchased the DVD. I figured I would give this book a read.
And I thought it was just okay. I’l stick with watching and enjoying the film.
June 14, 2013
Beautiful love story. The book really is just the novelization of the film, which is heart-wrenching. If you ask, I'd simply recommend watching the film over and over.
March 7, 2025
This movie is a huge inside joke between my friend and I and we bought this book and are taking turns reading it. This was such an insane read, the writing was kinda giving amateur ao3 fanfic but in a good way.
April 17, 2025
So happy to find this book at the thrift store!
Okay, so I adore this film. When I lived in L.A. I also had the opportunity to volunteer at Project Angel Food. Still really miss their lemon cookies.
Was this novelization awesome, no. Ask me if I care?
Okay, so I adore this film. When I lived in L.A. I also had the opportunity to volunteer at Project Angel Food. Still really miss their lemon cookies.
Was this novelization awesome, no. Ask me if I care?
March 2, 2019
I must admit I did not read the book but watched the film. But I had tears in my eyes most of the time. Wonderful story.
June 28, 2020
Okay. It was okay. That it was an adaptation from a movie script is evident in the way scenes unfold and the light characterization.
December 7, 2025
I was hoping for a lot more extra scenes. You're way better off just watching the movie - the dialogue works much better on the screen than it does on the page.
January 26, 2026
Sucha sweet movie. The novelisation doesn't quite match up but what the hey?
April 18, 2011
I enjoyed the novelization because I love the movie and it tugs at my heartstrings every time I see it. I realize that it is contrived and cheesy,but there is just something about it because it really is romantic. I can't recommend this book with a straight face. Author is fascinated with the smell of sweat.
December 17, 2015
I loved this film, it blew me away and I didn't expect to feel what it made me feel. That being said, the book adaption probably wouldn't have impressed me had I not seen the film first. But I had, and I loved it. I'm getting "beautiful" "funny" and "good" tattooed soon, I love Aaron's quote about everything being connected so much.
May 15, 2008
This is an incredible story of a Mormon who comes to terms with his sexuality in the context of a romance with a West Hollywood party boy forcing him to choose between his religion and his true self. Very moving and intense in its character portrayal.
August 26, 2008
This is one of the few times the movie was better than the book. I think the only thing better about the book was that some thoughts and feelings that couldn't be caught on film were found in the pages of this book.
April 14, 2009
I really enjoyed reading the book and the story was fantastic. It did lack the character development and flow that comes from adapting a screenplay into a novel though; certain things just translate better on film than in words. All and all though an excellent story, heartbreaking even.
September 7, 2016
I saw the movie before I read the book. I think that was a mistake. The book was missing something. The movie moved me but the book didn't do anything for me. I still read all of it though because I kept hoping that it would get better. So much for hope.
February 5, 2012
I adored this movie wholeheartedly. I had hoped that the book would give more insight into the characters-- more internal monologues, more details, an extended scene at the ending. I was very disappointed.
August 29, 2014
I got the impression T. Fabris wasn't used to writing fiction when I read this (although I could be wrong) but I really enjoyed this, Latter Days is my favourite movie of all time and this added slightly more to it.
April 11, 2008
I got this book a few years ago after watching the movie. The book was so boring I couldn't even get past the first chapter, and I have to say the movie really wasnt even worth renting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews