Hookers

by Julian Davies

Sex, money, drugs and danger: they are all in a night’s work for millions of prostitutes around the world. But who are they? What are their lives like? And how do they really feel about what they do?

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2008

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains from the point of view of prostitutes their reasons, experiences feelings, thoughts and stories. my only criticism is it does nit explore enough the horrors these women are often subjected to the truth is prostitutes are full human beings, and some of them are really good hearted people.
I have never understood why people hate or negatively judge prostitutes, they are human beings and deserve to be safe and live with dignity. many are forced into it or do it it out to survive poverty or feed their kids, others may want to do it for whatever reason. wat is certain is no woman deserved to be hurt or tortured or murdered by warped men because she works as a prostitute. And no woman should ever be jaied for taking payment for sex/

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Each chapter the true story of a different prostitute explaining how they got into it, some of their experiences and their feelings about it in hindsight. Does a good job of showing people from all backgrounds and different situations. Enjoyed reading this, although some of the stories are obviously quite sad.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't my usual read, but when I saw that it offers an insight into the world of prostitution, I was curious. The book is a compilation of short accounts from prostitutes, escorts and customers, each told from their own perspective. Some of the stories provide an insight into the childhood and family life of the prostitutes, where as others speak about the type of customers they've had and the problems they have faced during their time on the job.

A while ago, I read Trafficked, which was about a young lady forced into prostitution by a man she thought was her friend. This book was different, as most of the prostitutes who tell their story made the conscious decision to begin this career, for whatever reason. However both books had a great deal of sadness radiating through them, that I couldn't shake even after putting down the book.

If you can stay away from judgement, this book will prove a fascinating read. It doesn't focus on prostitution as being glamorized as some other books do (Belle De Jour) but at the same time, it doesn't portray all aspects of prostitution as being negative and dangerous. In my opinion, the entire book serves its purpose in providing an honest account of what it's really like to work in the sex industry.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

anybody expecting a salacious book about prostitution will be surprised how heart rending this is.each chapters covers a womans life her family background and how she ended getting into prostitution.there is one glimmer of hope in one story,and surprisingly for me anyway a mans eye view on being paid to be with women.there is some dark humour and a shrug of the shoulders attitude towards life.margos story at the end i found upsetting and brings home the real world of prostitution far removed from the fairytale idea of pretty woman.

[Karah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is largely known in the UK, where it was published. Too bad American readers haven't learned about it, viewers of crime shows would relish this book. Julian Davies mostly interviewed people who weren't massively damaged by the sex trade. More than few women had happy or optimistic endings: Anne Marie, Colleen, Carissa, Lynn, Pam, Rebecca, Sandra, Simona, Mary, and Emmalee. Yet, Brogan, Faith, and Stephanie had heavy drug addictions and doubted they would survive much longer. The last story saddens the heart. This book fits under the category of 'cautionary tale'. It relieved me to read of people who thrived from the profession. I yearn for the day where people receive such provision and education where prostitution won't be considered a first resort.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One guy married his hooker. Loved that.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of experiences from prostitutes from different walks of life. There are also some accounts from the “punters” point of view which I found a little eye-rolly. An entertaining and shocking read.

[Susan Birrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was confronting in parts but in all very interesting to hear actual confessions and their stories on which led them down the path of prostitution.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining read. Colourful personal accounts, lots of fascinating stories. I enjoyed this!

[Demetzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Due to the language used to talk about sex worker in this book I imagined it was written in the 90’s to find its 2011 was surprising. Some very sad stories as expected but some lighter parts too.

[Les Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Very interesting indeed! Will buy more books by this author. Fascinating insight into other people's lives in the darker side of life.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book with real people telling their stories of how they got into the sex industry.A real interesting read as long as you are not a judgemental person you will find it fascinating as I did.We can't always judge everyone the same and this highlights that very clearly,there is some sad stories but there is also a lightness in some of the stories.
It is a collection of very short chapters each given over to an individual sex worker.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an eye opener this book was. I had no idea that not all the girls were on drugs, i just presumed and it goes to show that one should NEVER PRESUME. A great read and some funny stories in there too

[Princess Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the world of prostitution. It seems to discuss the situation in an open manner without making it seem glamorous or attractive. Interesting mix of accounts including from people who use the services of prostitutes.

[Michael Harwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light but fascinating read. Raw, tragic, triumphant, and funny. True first-person narratives told from the people who have lived the life.

[Emily Smirnova · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading some of the stories but equally felt there were some really uninteresting ones ehich spoilt the book. i didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hope which left me a little disappointed.