Bliss: Death and Resurrection in a Chinatown Stripclub Paperback – March 14, 2013

This book started out with some overwrought, shoe-gazing writing, but then the writing calmed down. I thought this was going to be another "what it's like to be a stripper" book, and there's plenty of that in the first third. Then, an interesting plot kicks in -- and the book goes in an unexpected direction. It was an enjoyable read; a bit more character development would gave gotten this four stars.

Expertly and provocatively written, Bliss details the juicy bits of an examined life on the other side of the tracks. June's journeys in relationship, self doubt, and joy reflect the humanness we all share, if a charmingly racier rendering than most of ours can boast.

I was fortunate to read an advance readers copy of this title, and fell in love. The lovely and clever June Day swept me right into her world, backstage at the stripclubs she and her bff & lover Lina danced in, equal parts gritty and ethereal. The story builds to a tragedy I still can barely wrap my mind around, and comforts with unexpected redemption. I read this book in one sitting, could not put it down. You will fall in love with June & Lina. I promise.