My Life as a Whore

by Tracy Beach

An extensively researched book about a well-known Colorado madam, but most of what's known about her is wrong, including the spelling of her last name. Follow the antics of Laura as she works in parlors in Denver, Leadville, and Salida, until she opens her own house. Laura's house stayed open longer than any other in Colorado, due largely to the unusual qualities of its owner. After years of trying to shut her down, the Salida town council finally passed the edict. Not long after, Salida began having numerous assaults on the streets. The council came back to her and suggested that she re-open, but she turned them down. Includes numerous historical photographs of Laura and her girls.

Genres: Nonfiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2015

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life as a Whore offers a striking look into the past through the eyes of Laura Evans, whose story brings both personal and historical depth to the page. I really appreciated the way the book captures her perspective growing up during the mining era, highlighting the harsh realities, trials, and tribulations people faced during that time.

The challenges she endured are astonishing, and the detailed sense of place adds so much to the story. The history of the area is woven in beautifully, creating a vivid and compelling depiction of Laura Evans’ life. Overall, it’s an engaging and memorable read.

[Brittany Cogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and interesting read! I loved learning about so much “local” history!

[Abigayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little worried about how narrative the story was at the start. I thought it was a bit much for a biography, but as I read, I got more and more invested in the story. There probably isn’t a better way to tell a story like that of Madam Laura Evens. Telling it in this way, Branch certainly engages the audience with the wins, losses, and tragedies endured by its protagonist.

As a whole, I loved this thrilling, gritty, and often funny story which did well to enfold within it changes on the global, national, and local scale. It also made me miss living in Colorado, which is impressive for any book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in women’s history, Colorado history, or just wants an all-and-all fascinating and electric true story to dive into. It’s a quick read I’d be happy to repeat myself and share with friends. Five stars and two thumbs up.

[Bianca Beton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Evens is a national treasure!

I could not put the book down. I loved hearing about the Colorado history after a recent trip. So thankful to the author taking the time to learn so much about Laura and what life was like in the 1900s. I learned so much!

[Joy A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great read

Tough life but a good historical view of CO at the time. Very informative and well written about Co mountain towns. Thank you.

[Taylor Lynn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, empowering, and historical! Super interesting to see what life would look like at that time! The phrases and verbiage are so interesting and almost hilarious!

[Getty · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting little historical book on prostitution in Colorado and a Parlor House owned by Laura Evens.

[Alyssa Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. This lady was a trip & a total badass. The Colorado history was cool to read about, especially from Laura’s perspective.