Alone, Together

Elder Josh Baxter met Sister Madison Forsgren while serving his mission; little did he know that she would become his eternal companion. The inspiration took him by surprise as he was giving Madison a blessing. Neither of them were sure what they should think about it. We get to grow up with Madison and Josh as they struggle through the trials, temptations and sorrows that go along with being a teenager. As the two reluctantly get together and get to know more about one another, they realize one big thing they have in common: they both grew up alone. Both of them chose righteousness over popularity. The problem is, Madison has dreams and goals that are beyond Josh, and Josh doesn't really know what he wants, which bothers Madison. They both have to decide if they are willing to give up certain things to heed to God's inspiration and be together. It is LDS fiction, but there's nothing much in there that non-members wouldn't be able to understand; so in other words, you don't have to be Mormon in order to enjoy this book, all you'd have to keep in mind is that it is fiction. Also, I think that this book could encourage youth to make the right choices. Josh and Madison's choices are inspiring and they get their reward for making those decisions. A short read, I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. Perfectly awkward, it's an unusual tale. I loved how peculiar both the characters were; most stories seem to be about perfect and flawless people; the main characters in this book are not that. They are unique. I only have one disappointment with this book, and that is that it ended too soon. I wanted more. Alone, together has its sad, tender, romantic and happy moments, all the while remaining clean and appropriate. I recommend it, especially for high-school aged youth.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is written for the Mormon market, but I think other Christians might enjoy it too. It is about two people who are the only members of the LDS Church in their high schools while growing up. And so, they are alone. Ultimately, they meet and marry. It was a good book to read.