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Alone, Together

By Jack Weyland

Reviewed by Jeffrey Needle
On 5/9/2006

Deseret Book, 2006. Trade paperback:
231 pages.
ISBN: 1-59038-575-6
Suggested retail price: $14.95 (US)

Books that describe Mormon mating rituals are alternately amusing and irritating. Amusing, because there's so much dancing around the subjects of attraction and sexuality; irritation, well, for the same reason. You usually know where the story is headed, and you wish they'd just get there. The best you can hope for is a good ride.

Weyland's latest is a tale of two missionaries, each from families who pass through the best of times and the worst of times. Josh Baxter and Madison Forsgren first meet while serving their missions, with Josh serving as her zone leader. The Baxters live a spartan life, never much in the way of wealth or luxury. When Grandfather Baxter turns ill and can't maintain his service station in a remote Wyoming town, the Baxters must relocate and help him keep the station running. This is not much to the liking of either of the Baxter children.

The Forsgrens, on the other hand, are relatively affluent. Mr. Forsgren is a successful attorney. Madison is a college graduate and now works as a social worker. For Madison, living the Gospel has always been a priority, but she's found her life being sidetracked by her insecurity about her looks (she wins a contest to receive a complete makeover in a plush California resort), and finds herself slowly sliding into a lifestyle not compatible with her beliefs.

On the last day of their mission, Madison asks Josh for a blessing, during which he receives a strong message from Heavenly Father that this is the girl he will marry. He doesn't tell her -- he's too shy, but he decides to pursue the relationship, although they live several states apart.

Alone, Together has some pretty hairy stuff in it -- kids with guns, tragic deaths -- things that remind you of the fragility of life. And there are some happy parts, even amusing. One of the nicest parts of the book is the relationship Josh has with his sister Hannah, a relationship that bears heavily on Josh on the book unfolds. And the story of Madison's California make-over made me chuckle a bit.

However, there's nothing really innovative here. With a few exceptions, a few bumps, the story is fairly predictable and, at times, cloyingly devout. Yes, Weyland has honed his craft to the point where he can turn out novels at a pretty good pace. But only rarely does he surprise the reader with a novel and unexpected ending.