TAN LINES
By J.J. Salem
St. Martin’s Press, 336 pages; $24.95 paperback.
Sharing a summer home on Shelter Island, Billie, Liza and Kellyanne are such different personalities that one wonders what binds their friendship. Billie, an indie rock diva, embodies the spirit of Amy Winehouse. Liza, a feminist writer, finds herself at an impasse when facing up to an unhappy marriage and the pitfalls of fame. Kellyanne, an aspiring actress, finds comfort with a sugar daddy whose selfishness may drive her away.
As each woman struggles to carve her own career and romantic paths, they are forced to consider whether the end justifies the means. “Tan Lines” is an entertaining read with laugh-out-loud moments. Get your cosmos ready, girls (and boys), because this ain’t your mama’s chick lit.
-Akilah Fortson