"American Fantasy" | Reviewed by Chris Stuckenschneider

Newbies and veteran cruisers will love hitting the seas with Emma’s Straub’s newest, “American Fantasy.” Straub, a prolific writer who never seems to take life too seriously, is at the top of her game with a page turner that focuses on a fateful 4-day celebrity cruise out of Miami that effects change in a number of characters. Their engaging stories gradually unfurl as they board the ship with more emotional baggage than clothes jammed into their overstuffed bags.

More than 2,000, mostly middle aged women, are fans of the boy band Boy Talk and the cruise promises to put them up close and personal with a band that reconvened in 2009 after a 15 year hiatus. Their fans, dubbed “Talkers,” excitedly mill about the cruise ship decked out in duds with their favorite band member emblazoned on their t-shirts and tote bags.

Among the throngs is Annie, a 50-year-old who isn’t thrilled to be along for the ride. Her sister, Katherine, a huge fan of Boy Talk, convinced her they should go on the trip to celebrate Katherine’s 45^th birthday. As luck would have it, Katherine broke her leg and had to stay home. That’s where newly divorced Annie wishes she were, rather than sharing a small room with Maira, a perfect stranger, and a real “Talker.”

Thirty-year-old Sarah handles the ship’s entertainment for Jack Rabbit Productions. Sarah has her hands full making sure Boy Talk has everything they need and putting out fires that erupt between the guys. Sarah is just coming off a break-up too—her girlfriend deserted her for Plum, “a 23-year-old dog walker.” Sarah is good at her job, experienced and thorough, pleasant and efficient, but the pressure is on when it comes to keeping Boy Talk's shows running smoothly, a once popular band that’s sold millions of records.

The band is comprised of brothers, Shawn and Keith Fiore. Shawn serves as the leader, and Keith is known as the “nicest one.” The most recognizable band member is Corey West, thanks to numerous TV appearances. But Corey’s life in the limelight has come at a cost that causes the band issues. Scotty Sanchez is the party animal of the group and Terrence Campbell, though nice, is “kind of a weirdo.”

As the ship’s activities commence, bits and back stories about the band members are revealed. Major emphasis is placed on Keith, who’s grown older and wiser, but remains rather sad—a performer who just wants “people to listen to the music.” Keith is trapped in a marriage to a woman who clearly doesn’t like being with him anymore. Though he has no idea a shipboard romance might be in the cards, it could be a possibility. 

“American Fantasy” is entertaining with punchy writing that moves. In a less capable writer’s hand, the novel could have been reduced to fluff, but Straub pulls it off, never sacrificing her characters to a schmaltzy plot without substance. Readers grow to care about Annie, Keith and Sarah, in this believable, feel good story sure to have readers fantasizing about a getaway with benefits.

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