Tim dropped a copy of Kim Gatlin’s new book, “Good Christian Bitches,” on my desk yesterday. I’m sure many of you know Kim—she’s a lady-about-town, a commercial real estate agent, and she’s involved in a lot of charitable organizations. I’ve been flipping through it, and so far, I’m really enjoying it. Mostly because I’m trying to figure out which Dallasites appear in the story. The book seems like it could be a thinly-veiled account of Gatlin’s life. For example: The story is set in “Hillside Park” (ahem). The “Longhorn Ball” is “the only high profile event where the men didn’t have to wear tuxes; they could wear jeans” (hello, Cattle Baron’s). Later in the book, the main character, Amanda Vaughn, goes for drinks with her friends at “Al’s.” (Oh wait, that’s the same). Incidentally, Vaughn is divorced with two children…and so is Kim.
I’m looking forward to reading this, mostly because it feels like a tell-all. I’m sure Gatlin would say that the characters are fictional, but I’m wondering how much is based on fact. I’m guessing Dallas women will be curious too, especially since the descriptions of the characters are fairly specific, and a little brutal (like Sharon Peavy, Amanda’s former best friend, who works in the hospitality industry, has the “best chest” in Hillside Park, and who “isn’t marriage material”). In the first chapter, Gatlin — I mean, Amanda — hears herself being discussed during Bible study at “Hillside Park Presbyterian” by a bunch of ladies she thought were her friends. In a prayer request, no less. Sounds like a great way to get back at a few people who’ve wronged you, and if that’s the case, there are a few of us who’d like to buy you a drink at the real Al’s. Stop by Barnes and Noble to pick up a copy. (Report from the field: It won’t be at NorthPark Barnes and Noble until Oct 31. Boo.) It’s already out of stock on Amazon.
