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Misfit: The Unravelling of Samantha X
Amanda Goff was a successful journalist in London and Sydney before ditching her nine-to-five job at the age of 38 to become Samantha X, Australia's most famous escort. A bipolar diagnosis changed she retired from sex work, walked away from Samantha X, and went in search of Amanda.
Misfit is her third memoir - but the first written as 'herself'. Raw, honest, provocative, wise and often laugh-out-loud funny, this is an unflinching record of her journey along the bumpy path to healing and self-acceptance. Beyond confronting her bipolar disorder and addiction issues, Amanda must also contend with prejudice and judgement, lingering trauma from her earlier life, and her own crushing self-doubt. As she struggles with the realities of so-called normality, the persistent voice of Samantha X is there to remind her of a former life that offered power, money, fame - and protection from the challenges that Amanda has courageously chosen to tackle head-on.
Misfit is her third memoir - but the first written as 'herself'. Raw, honest, provocative, wise and often laugh-out-loud funny, this is an unflinching record of her journey along the bumpy path to healing and self-acceptance. Beyond confronting her bipolar disorder and addiction issues, Amanda must also contend with prejudice and judgement, lingering trauma from her earlier life, and her own crushing self-doubt. As she struggles with the realities of so-called normality, the persistent voice of Samantha X is there to remind her of a former life that offered power, money, fame - and protection from the challenges that Amanda has courageously chosen to tackle head-on.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 18, 2025
The hardest reviews are those which are close to my heart. Misfit is one of these. I love to read because I learn, and my curious nature means I inhale what I resonate with. If I feel the same, if I see the similarities – not the differences – it’s a great reading experience. Reading is my passion now that I have walked my own sobriety path. I strongly dislike books that include token sobriety stories, the ones written by those who do not have lived experience, who can only assume. They stand out to me like a sore thumb, I cringe, I become noticeably annoyed, and usually out this in my review. In fiction Marian Keyes smashes it. Amanda here does it the nonfiction way.
Such a chatty vibe, I felt like I was sitting sharing coffee (probably lamenting on creating chaos after a few bottles of sav blanc). This memoir shows what it was like before, what is like now and all the mess and drama of the in betweens. Amanda shows how easy it is to flip your emotions in an instant, what it is TRULY like to live with Bipolar disorder, and at times the lengths we will go to ride the wave of insanity. Laying bare her past actions, which I know are COMPLETELY doable. She talks of the big things that others won’t, and the massive impacts.
The conversational tone made it easy to pick up and put down which I love, so in doing this it dumped me right into her frame of mind. Changeable, frenetic, empathetic, scared, scathing and ultimately, a helpful soul. She’s fallible just like I am. Like you are. The format of Samantha and Amanda carrying out their internal monologue shows just how intricate the parting of these two worlds are. The juxtaposition is in constant flow. I loved when she pinpoints the need to help herself before the desire to help other takes over. What I see, and my hope for Amanda is that undoubtedly this book is going to help others.
I'm messy and complicated, kind and funny, quirky, and a bit introverted. I like peace and solitude, but I love time with people I love and trust.
If your drinking is a problem now, whatever you think, there is one solution that works and that is putting the drink down.
Thanks Echo for my review copy and Amanda for, I suppose you could say, being a sobriety sister.
Such a chatty vibe, I felt like I was sitting sharing coffee (probably lamenting on creating chaos after a few bottles of sav blanc). This memoir shows what it was like before, what is like now and all the mess and drama of the in betweens. Amanda shows how easy it is to flip your emotions in an instant, what it is TRULY like to live with Bipolar disorder, and at times the lengths we will go to ride the wave of insanity. Laying bare her past actions, which I know are COMPLETELY doable. She talks of the big things that others won’t, and the massive impacts.
The conversational tone made it easy to pick up and put down which I love, so in doing this it dumped me right into her frame of mind. Changeable, frenetic, empathetic, scared, scathing and ultimately, a helpful soul. She’s fallible just like I am. Like you are. The format of Samantha and Amanda carrying out their internal monologue shows just how intricate the parting of these two worlds are. The juxtaposition is in constant flow. I loved when she pinpoints the need to help herself before the desire to help other takes over. What I see, and my hope for Amanda is that undoubtedly this book is going to help others.
I'm messy and complicated, kind and funny, quirky, and a bit introverted. I like peace and solitude, but I love time with people I love and trust.
If your drinking is a problem now, whatever you think, there is one solution that works and that is putting the drink down.
Thanks Echo for my review copy and Amanda for, I suppose you could say, being a sobriety sister.
July 25, 2025
2.5 stars
What Amanda tries to explain in this memoir is how her struggle with bi-polar shaped her life, causing bad decision making, addiction and self destruction.
Her writing is raw and honest as she explains the conflict she endures every day as she tries to leave behind a major part of her life.
I am sorry to say I found the book repetitive, often confusing and a bit boring.
I wasn't sure if Amanda was proud of Samantha X or hated that part of her life. Maybe both.
I can only hope writing this memoir was cathartic and it will help Amanda leave Samantha behind and start enjoying life.... as herself.
What Amanda tries to explain in this memoir is how her struggle with bi-polar shaped her life, causing bad decision making, addiction and self destruction.
Her writing is raw and honest as she explains the conflict she endures every day as she tries to leave behind a major part of her life.
I am sorry to say I found the book repetitive, often confusing and a bit boring.
I wasn't sure if Amanda was proud of Samantha X or hated that part of her life. Maybe both.
I can only hope writing this memoir was cathartic and it will help Amanda leave Samantha behind and start enjoying life.... as herself.
May 19, 2025
Some real nuggets of wisdom in this but overall, it was just SO repetitive. I have loved her books in the past and I understand this was in a differently style intentionally, but I feel she was just rehashing the same things over and over again. I admire her honesty and vulnerability, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this one.
March 6, 2025
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Journal, Self Discovery
- - -
The kind folks at Echo Publishing sent me this book and from the stand out cover and subject matter, I knew I was in for a ride.
Those who follow me know I love a good memoir but I’ve been on an audiobook roll lately so this was the first memoir I have read rather than listened to in a while but let me tell you, it still hit hard.
This was Amanda’s third book about her experiences as ‘Samantha X’ - one of Australia’s most infamous escorts. While I was vaguely aware of ‘Samantha X’ I hadn’t read the other books. But from the start I could tell this was different.
This wasn’t about clients or sexual encounters - this was Amanda’s story. Told in a journal style format, it was deeply personal giving insight into the duality of Amanda/Samantha, her struggles with addiction, her bipolar diagnosis, her relationships and the judgment she’s faced. It was raw, honest and at times, heartbreaking to see someone be so hard on themselves. But the support network around Amanda seems absolutely incredible.
It took me a little while to adjust to the diary style writing and the inner voice of Samantha appearing throughout, but I could see why it was told this way. It made me feel like I was right there with her, listening, cheering her on, wanting to hug her, cry with her and celebrate her wins (and maybe do Pilates together!).
If you like your memoirs honest and emotional just like I do, this will be one for you.
Vibes: Journal, Self Discovery
- - -
The kind folks at Echo Publishing sent me this book and from the stand out cover and subject matter, I knew I was in for a ride.
Those who follow me know I love a good memoir but I’ve been on an audiobook roll lately so this was the first memoir I have read rather than listened to in a while but let me tell you, it still hit hard.
This was Amanda’s third book about her experiences as ‘Samantha X’ - one of Australia’s most infamous escorts. While I was vaguely aware of ‘Samantha X’ I hadn’t read the other books. But from the start I could tell this was different.
This wasn’t about clients or sexual encounters - this was Amanda’s story. Told in a journal style format, it was deeply personal giving insight into the duality of Amanda/Samantha, her struggles with addiction, her bipolar diagnosis, her relationships and the judgment she’s faced. It was raw, honest and at times, heartbreaking to see someone be so hard on themselves. But the support network around Amanda seems absolutely incredible.
It took me a little while to adjust to the diary style writing and the inner voice of Samantha appearing throughout, but I could see why it was told this way. It made me feel like I was right there with her, listening, cheering her on, wanting to hug her, cry with her and celebrate her wins (and maybe do Pilates together!).
If you like your memoirs honest and emotional just like I do, this will be one for you.
June 20, 2025
I didn't get as much out of their memoir as I originally thought I would. All in all, Amanda is a very talented and smart woman and the sex work industry does not far more insight and stories told and memories recounted than what we currently see so society can reflect on this thing we deem such a taboo. HOWEVER, I did also find this book a little triggering and I didn't necessarily always agree with statements regarding men. But, this is not my trauma to carry so I'm not surprised we have differing opinions and emotions regarding this topic. An interesting and quick little read, I just don't think I'd pick it up ever again in my lifetime
February 11, 2025
I received this book as an arc from the publisher and this is my honest review.
This is a raw, emotional, heartbreaking, healing, proactive and honest memoir.
I don’t really know if I have the words to describe the impact this book had on me while reading but I will try.
I found ‘Misfit’ to be so openly raw and relatable. There were many moments I really resonated with and just had to let myself sit in that feeling for a moment.
Amanda Goff openly talks about her anxiety, bipolar, addiction, sex-work and the road to self-recovery. Goff does not gloss over the journey, but rather shares the gritty experience that is healing and recovery.
There are also many light hearted moments that made me smile, giggle and laugh.
I really enjoyed how Amanda Goff uses the voice of Samantha X in her writing as well, showing the duality, and giving the reader a small insight into the duality of her brain and inner monologue even after leaving Samantha X behind.
This memoir challenges you to rethink some of the perceptions we hold due to societal stigmatisation.
I implore you to pick up this book, dive deep, think deeper, and rethink.
This is a memoir that I am grateful for the opportunity to read.
I feel like every single book I read I take a lesson with me, I learn something, I grow. This book I definitely took a lot from. Lessons in self love, lessons in anxiety, lessons in trusting and listening to myself, lessons in grief and anger, and importantly lesson in growing and healing.
Moments
• If I peel my whole body, will I discover who I am?
• Some things can’t be fixed.
• I know there are three sides to a story. The facts don’t matter. The feelings do. You can dispute facts, but no one can dispute my feelings.
• It’s challenging accepting yourself in a world where we are not accepted.
This is a raw, emotional, heartbreaking, healing, proactive and honest memoir.
I don’t really know if I have the words to describe the impact this book had on me while reading but I will try.
I found ‘Misfit’ to be so openly raw and relatable. There were many moments I really resonated with and just had to let myself sit in that feeling for a moment.
Amanda Goff openly talks about her anxiety, bipolar, addiction, sex-work and the road to self-recovery. Goff does not gloss over the journey, but rather shares the gritty experience that is healing and recovery.
There are also many light hearted moments that made me smile, giggle and laugh.
I really enjoyed how Amanda Goff uses the voice of Samantha X in her writing as well, showing the duality, and giving the reader a small insight into the duality of her brain and inner monologue even after leaving Samantha X behind.
This memoir challenges you to rethink some of the perceptions we hold due to societal stigmatisation.
I implore you to pick up this book, dive deep, think deeper, and rethink.
This is a memoir that I am grateful for the opportunity to read.
I feel like every single book I read I take a lesson with me, I learn something, I grow. This book I definitely took a lot from. Lessons in self love, lessons in anxiety, lessons in trusting and listening to myself, lessons in grief and anger, and importantly lesson in growing and healing.
Moments
• If I peel my whole body, will I discover who I am?
• Some things can’t be fixed.
• I know there are three sides to a story. The facts don’t matter. The feelings do. You can dispute facts, but no one can dispute my feelings.
• It’s challenging accepting yourself in a world where we are not accepted.
June 22, 2025
I’ve read Amanda’s previous books and enjoyed them and completely understand this book is different however I felt it had a lot of repetition and felt like one great big whinge. I can see on her Instagram she’s writing “sexy” stories so for me the whole purpose of the book getting away from and capitalising on her past now seems redundant. I don’t have bi polar so I don’t know how things ebb and flow with things like that but overall I really couldn’t wait to finish the book and move on.
December 28, 2025
DNF. I was genuinely excited for this book when I saw it had been released, but it ended up feeling like a long, repetitive vent that belonged in a therapist’s office rather than between covers. I only made it a quarter of the way through before returning it. The opening in Italy showed real promise and read like a story, but it quickly dissolved into a defensive, circular whinge. By the end, I was left unsure what the purpose of publishing this actually was.
April 23, 2025
Meh
I’ve enjoyed this authors previous books but I found that the writing in this wasn’t the same as it had been previously.
I hope she finds acceptance in herself that she’s been struggling with but this book really wasn’t for me.
I’ve enjoyed this authors previous books but I found that the writing in this wasn’t the same as it had been previously.
I hope she finds acceptance in herself that she’s been struggling with but this book really wasn’t for me.
November 4, 2025
Not as fun as her first 2 books but still super readable and enjoyable. But without the SW there’s just not the crazy fun client stories anymore hehe
April 28, 2025
Misfit - The Unraveling of Samantha X
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Echo Publishing for my copy of this book to read and review.
I actually had never heard of Samantha X previously so this was an interesting book for me.
Amanda was very honest and raw in the story. Becoming Amanda again after 10 years of being Samantha. Becoming sober, giving up the life she knew and thrived in, the money and the fame of being the most high profile escort in Australia.
At this time she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Not knowing much about this disorder myself I found it really interesting. Her take on it and how it affected her and all aspects of her life. The mania and the lows.
Finding acceptance, self love and peace in her new self was her main focus even though the temptation of being drawn back into that world was strong.
I admire Amanda for writing her story and allowing us to see that she is a mother, friend and dog owner just like the rest of us, she is human.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Echo Publishing for my copy of this book to read and review.
I actually had never heard of Samantha X previously so this was an interesting book for me.
Amanda was very honest and raw in the story. Becoming Amanda again after 10 years of being Samantha. Becoming sober, giving up the life she knew and thrived in, the money and the fame of being the most high profile escort in Australia.
At this time she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Not knowing much about this disorder myself I found it really interesting. Her take on it and how it affected her and all aspects of her life. The mania and the lows.
Finding acceptance, self love and peace in her new self was her main focus even though the temptation of being drawn back into that world was strong.
I admire Amanda for writing her story and allowing us to see that she is a mother, friend and dog owner just like the rest of us, she is human.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews