Thinly disguised simultaneous orgasm gag (Come Together - Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees)

Member Name: The Duke

Product:	Come Together - Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
Date:	19/08/01 (122 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Witty, Interesting concept

Disadvantages: Horrible ending

Like a lot of books on the market these days, “Come Together” is somewhat like a paperback version of “Friends”. Aimed at the late twenties crowd, it should go down well with anyone who likes High Fidelity, Bridget Jones’ Diary or any similar books.

Jack is single. Jack likes being single - it’s fun, and he doesn’t have to please anyone but himself. He’s taking a year out from “proper” work to have a stab at becoming an artist, and works part time at an art gallery because the art is not doing too well. Jack, along with best mate, Matt, are dedicated single guys just out for a good time, and the books starts off on a Friday morning which is Matt’s birthday with Jack trying to get rid of his latest “conquest” without appearing rude. After failing miserably, making moves on another girl, the first chapter comes to a close when Jack turns up to the bar to celebrate Matt’s birthday.

Amy, on the other hand, is not single. She’s not unhappy, but could be happier, and her path to increased happiness just happens to include a boyfriend. She’s also at Matt’s birthday, and has a crush on Matt, so she’s got the war paint on, and pulling clothes (complete with CFM boots and probably pulling pants, as well). The second chapter begins on the Saturday morning, with Amy recounting events from the night before to her friend Helen (or “H” for short). Apparently in the span of one booze-filled evening, as gorgeous as Matt is, Amy’s attention is now focused 100% on Jack. Boy, are you women hard to understand!

This is the basic premise behind “Come Together”. We get to see both sides of this blossoming relationship, told by both main characters. Each character gets one chapter to describe and advance the story before giving the other one the chance to do so themselves. Do they get together? Can Amy get her man, or will Jack
remain happy and single?

The book is co-written by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees, and because both sexes are involved in the writing, both sexes are portrayed in a realistic manner. At least, I think they are, because I, for one, cannot understand women at all.

It’s quite humorous, I suppose to see Jack describe something in his simple bloke way, and then Amy will mention the same thing in her terms, with her point of view during her chapter which is obviously quite different to what Jack thought. I think the alternate chapter storytelling works well overall. The story advances at a good enough pace, and also allows both Jack and Amy to provide both sides of the same story.

It’s not all fine and dandy though. Jack, I thought, was a bit clueless at times – especially for someone who had already been involved in a “serious” relationship. I also have real problems with the ending of the book, which I found to be completely unsatisfactory. I’ll not ruin for anyone by telling you whether it’s a happy ending or not, but for some reason, I found it to be quite predictable once I saw what direction the plot had taken.

Apart from this, the book is an enjoyable enough read. I’m sure that both males and females will recognise something of themselves in the two main characters, and give you something to relate to. So, overall, it’s not a bad book. It’s not up to the standard of High Fidelity, or some Douglas Coupland stuff e.g. “Girlfriend In A Coma”, but is worth reading, if you like this type of thing. My distaste about the ending will probably knock my rating of this down to three stars, which is a shame because the rest of the book is probably four star standard.

Authors: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
ISBN: 0099279274
Price: £5.99
Publisher: Arrow

Summary: