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Stripped Down: A Naked Memoir
STRIPPED DOWN: A Naked Memoir is a look back at a surreal world kept carefully hidden from public view. This chronicle of life in the skin trade follows the meteoric rise of Stacey Keith, a girl scarcely out of her teens whose eye-popping assets launch her from wet T-shirt contests to the catwalks of Houston, strip bar capital of the world.
Almost overnight, she is discovered by a famous porn star, who Svengalis her onto the pages of Playboy, Penthouse, and dozens of other men’s magazines. While strutting her stuff onstage and across the country, Stacey makes the fateful decision to head to Hollywood. She’s got everything a girl could want: fame, attention, endless piles of cash...but no idea what awaits her.
With Internet porn overtaking men’s magazines, everyone from her Mafia-boss road manager to her smarmy talent agent pressures Stacey to do more than just flash her flesh. Uber-boob filmmaker Russ Meyer verbally abuses her; rocker Don Henley tries to use her. Yet through it all, from the warped misogyny of Playboy to the S&M dungeons of the Pacific Palisades, Stacey’s dark, self-deprecating humor will leave you laughing, crying and rooting for her at every step of the way.
Almost overnight, she is discovered by a famous porn star, who Svengalis her onto the pages of Playboy, Penthouse, and dozens of other men’s magazines. While strutting her stuff onstage and across the country, Stacey makes the fateful decision to head to Hollywood. She’s got everything a girl could want: fame, attention, endless piles of cash...but no idea what awaits her.
With Internet porn overtaking men’s magazines, everyone from her Mafia-boss road manager to her smarmy talent agent pressures Stacey to do more than just flash her flesh. Uber-boob filmmaker Russ Meyer verbally abuses her; rocker Don Henley tries to use her. Yet through it all, from the warped misogyny of Playboy to the S&M dungeons of the Pacific Palisades, Stacey’s dark, self-deprecating humor will leave you laughing, crying and rooting for her at every step of the way.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2013
101 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Keith
8 books181 followersAward-winning author Stacey Keith doesn’t own a television, but reads compulsively—and would, in fact, go stark raving mad without books, most of which are crammed into every corner of the house. She lives with her jazz musician boyfriend in Civita Castellana, a medieval village in Italy that sits atop a cliff, and she spends her days writing in a nearby abandoned 12th century church. But the two things she is most proud of are her ability to cook pasta alla matriciana without burning down the kitchen and swearing volubly in Italian with all the appropriate hand gestures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 10, 2015
Stacey Keith's memoir, "Stripped Down - A Naked Memoir", is not the sort of book I would have normally chosen, had it not been recommended it to me by a friend. So, if it's not the sort of thing you'd choose, either, this is me recommending it to you!
This intimate invitation to share a part of Stacey's career as a young exotic dancer and glamour model leaves her soul exposed and bare. A misfit wherever she went, a woman with high morals and superior intelligence, whose beautiful exterior was an obstacle preventing people from seeing the human being inside, this brave woman entered a career - largely out of desperation - which could have destroyed her. This profession had always seemed so glamourous to me (as a child Linda Lusardi from my father's "Scope" magazines was my idol). Instead, the misogyny, humiliation, multiple violations, and degradations endured by Stacey - a woman who was barely out of her teens at the time! - reveals an industry that dehumanises women and is all about power and male ego. It was a humbling read. Beautifully written, funny, tragic, and hopeful, I would recommend this book to anyone. Stacey Keith survived something most of us couldn't imagine with her integrity and self-worth intact. She is a feminist, a survivor, a "naked nerd"! I have the deepest respect for this remarkable and inspiring woman.
This intimate invitation to share a part of Stacey's career as a young exotic dancer and glamour model leaves her soul exposed and bare. A misfit wherever she went, a woman with high morals and superior intelligence, whose beautiful exterior was an obstacle preventing people from seeing the human being inside, this brave woman entered a career - largely out of desperation - which could have destroyed her. This profession had always seemed so glamourous to me (as a child Linda Lusardi from my father's "Scope" magazines was my idol). Instead, the misogyny, humiliation, multiple violations, and degradations endured by Stacey - a woman who was barely out of her teens at the time! - reveals an industry that dehumanises women and is all about power and male ego. It was a humbling read. Beautifully written, funny, tragic, and hopeful, I would recommend this book to anyone. Stacey Keith survived something most of us couldn't imagine with her integrity and self-worth intact. She is a feminist, a survivor, a "naked nerd"! I have the deepest respect for this remarkable and inspiring woman.
March 2, 2016
No Bimbosity Detected
I thought this was going to be another bimbo autobiography about a young woman's descent into the adult entertainment industry and her inability to get out. I was wrong. This book was intelligently and candidly written. Having been in that business I know her stories were true. I didn't do any research on the author but I really hope she was able to stay out of the business once she left. That's not an easy thing to do. Other actresses have made it seem so glamorous but it's anything but. Kudos to the author for being truthful and not glorifying that lifestyle.
I thought this was going to be another bimbo autobiography about a young woman's descent into the adult entertainment industry and her inability to get out. I was wrong. This book was intelligently and candidly written. Having been in that business I know her stories were true. I didn't do any research on the author but I really hope she was able to stay out of the business once she left. That's not an easy thing to do. Other actresses have made it seem so glamorous but it's anything but. Kudos to the author for being truthful and not glorifying that lifestyle.
May 13, 2021
All I have to say is WOW. I started reading Stripped because it was free on kindle unlimited - so Zero expectations. Yet almost from the very first page I knew this was no ordinary book. Stacey Keith is an incredible writer and this book is funny, insightful, at times deeply moving, a deep dive into a sleazy world where men have all the power and women are hanging on for dear life. Some parts do require a bit of a strong stomach, but I guess that goes with the territory. Read it! You won't be disappointed.
March 5, 2018
This is a really interesting read. I went into it thinking that it may be interesting, but wasn’t certain. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is very insightful, funny and honest.
The book takes a look into a world that many of us only pretend to know and understand, from seeing ladies and gents on the front of skin magazines, many of which we then judge, not knowing where they’ve come from or anything about them or their lives. This looks deep into the life of a lady in such a trade, whose fame was originally based purely on her assets. She lets us in on the secrets, both good and bad, about the life those in her trade live and the things they are expected to do and endure, from ridicule to jeering.
I found it very interesting, throughout and really am glad I took the time to read it, as I was surprised by everything the author had to tell us. It would be great to see her author another book, be it about a similar topic or even putting her past into a more fictional type of read. It look forward to hearing more from her.
The book takes a look into a world that many of us only pretend to know and understand, from seeing ladies and gents on the front of skin magazines, many of which we then judge, not knowing where they’ve come from or anything about them or their lives. This looks deep into the life of a lady in such a trade, whose fame was originally based purely on her assets. She lets us in on the secrets, both good and bad, about the life those in her trade live and the things they are expected to do and endure, from ridicule to jeering.
I found it very interesting, throughout and really am glad I took the time to read it, as I was surprised by everything the author had to tell us. It would be great to see her author another book, be it about a similar topic or even putting her past into a more fictional type of read. It look forward to hearing more from her.
April 26, 2024
Stacey Keith is intelligent and witty! However, this book doesn’t add much to the “my life as a stripper” genre, except for a few excellent lines.
May 6, 2018
Very addictive reading!
Really a heartfelt biography, along with the good & bad. A very smart woman who sadly was let down over and over. Really enjoyed it
Really a heartfelt biography, along with the good & bad. A very smart woman who sadly was let down over and over. Really enjoyed it
September 15, 2015
Pleasantly surprised - not what I expected
What a surprising book! I couldn't put it down! It was very insightful and more about the author and how she got there - and away from the life. It was really interesting and not all about sex though there was some of that. But it was really good, very well written!
What a surprising book! I couldn't put it down! It was very insightful and more about the author and how she got there - and away from the life. It was really interesting and not all about sex though there was some of that. But it was really good, very well written!
November 29, 2016
I don't normally read romance or erotic novels, but this was written my a Facebook friend, so I thought I'd support her by buying a copy.
Was I impressed! She tells her story, which is interesting in itself, in a style full of humor and self-depreciation that forces you to keep turning the pages.
Highly recommended.
Was I impressed! She tells her story, which is interesting in itself, in a style full of humor and self-depreciation that forces you to keep turning the pages.
Highly recommended.
July 26, 2015
A stripper's story
Probably would have been a good idea for a fact checker, it's an interesting tale. The dialogue certainly is not at all consistent with the way people talk, and a little bit too much of 'I'm smart, really' an interesting tale.
Probably would have been a good idea for a fact checker, it's an interesting tale. The dialogue certainly is not at all consistent with the way people talk, and a little bit too much of 'I'm smart, really' an interesting tale.
May 8, 2014
invigorating. Doesn't hold back. Awesome read
January 20, 2017
Phenomenal writing!
This young lady has a knack for writing! Enjoyed this book, so much it literally consumed me every evening for 8-10 nights! 5 stars
This young lady has a knack for writing! Enjoyed this book, so much it literally consumed me every evening for 8-10 nights! 5 stars
February 28, 2022
I am aware, now, as an older man, just how much time I have spent during my life with my full concentration on sex. Gay or straight, we come into this world as sex addicts in the making. After a decade or so of thinking about other things and playing games, suddenly a switch is thrown and everything else goes out the window. For decades. At 60, I am starting to experience life on the other side of that.
Stacey Keith, in Stripped Down: A Naked Memoir has written one of the most honest and unflinching accounts of her experiences as a woman in the front lines of the battle of the sexes. Rather than just work around the "sex thing" with men, she confronts it head-on and tries to do battle with it on her own terms. What follows is nothing short of remarkable.
I don't know what it's like to be a woman. I don't even know what it's like to be a straight man. As a gay man, Ms. Keith's physical attributes would not elicit the same reaction in me that they clearly do and have done with non-gay men. I am drawn to Stacey Keith because of her passion and her intelligence - both of which are considerable. Following her journey through a landscape where those emotional and intellectual attributes are thoroughly ignored or actually hinder her forward progress is harrowing.
Ms. Keith's writing is clear. It is true. It is full of humor that only draws the reader deeper into her experiences. More than anything, this is a journey of empowerment and, as a result, it doesn't matter whether the reader is straight, gay, or indifferent. I don't think it matters whether you are male, female, or non-binary - Ms. Keith has written about an archetypal struggle that each of us goes through in our lives. That hers takes place in a milieu that is outside the traditional norms that most of us experience, makes it that much more vivid.
Stacey Keith writes a wonderful blog on Substack.com called Cappuccino. It is about all things Italian and beyond. She writes with the strength of someone who's been there and back. Stripped Down makes it abundantly clear exactly where she's been and the strength it took to get back.
Stacey Keith, in Stripped Down: A Naked Memoir has written one of the most honest and unflinching accounts of her experiences as a woman in the front lines of the battle of the sexes. Rather than just work around the "sex thing" with men, she confronts it head-on and tries to do battle with it on her own terms. What follows is nothing short of remarkable.
I don't know what it's like to be a woman. I don't even know what it's like to be a straight man. As a gay man, Ms. Keith's physical attributes would not elicit the same reaction in me that they clearly do and have done with non-gay men. I am drawn to Stacey Keith because of her passion and her intelligence - both of which are considerable. Following her journey through a landscape where those emotional and intellectual attributes are thoroughly ignored or actually hinder her forward progress is harrowing.
Ms. Keith's writing is clear. It is true. It is full of humor that only draws the reader deeper into her experiences. More than anything, this is a journey of empowerment and, as a result, it doesn't matter whether the reader is straight, gay, or indifferent. I don't think it matters whether you are male, female, or non-binary - Ms. Keith has written about an archetypal struggle that each of us goes through in our lives. That hers takes place in a milieu that is outside the traditional norms that most of us experience, makes it that much more vivid.
Stacey Keith writes a wonderful blog on Substack.com called Cappuccino. It is about all things Italian and beyond. She writes with the strength of someone who's been there and back. Stripped Down makes it abundantly clear exactly where she's been and the strength it took to get back.
May 10, 2019
I've always found people with backgrounds interesting, and Stacy's background is definitely that! The book is honest and at times makes you sad with sympathy for all of the negativity she has faced, as well as , proud of her strength., and , even a little squeamish at some of the vulgarity she expressed about the adult industry.
February 7, 2023
Amazing and Entertaining
Unexpectedly eye-opening, funny , serious and entertaining is the best description I can give to this book. Surprising too! I enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot at the same time. Excellent!
Unexpectedly eye-opening, funny , serious and entertaining is the best description I can give to this book. Surprising too! I enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot at the same time. Excellent!
November 23, 2025
more than “boobs”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book & was over the moon when Stacey got pregnant & turned her life around. I am grateful for her sharing her vulnerability & all the things that happened during her roller coaster life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book & was over the moon when Stacey got pregnant & turned her life around. I am grateful for her sharing her vulnerability & all the things that happened during her roller coaster life.
May 4, 2017
This could have been a massive hit if written by Paulo Coehlo !
Not another bimbo in Hollywood story. This is way beyond.
Not another bimbo in Hollywood story. This is way beyond.
August 24, 2018
Great read
Easy to follow read the whole book in 10 hours or less . Glad things looked up for her and she made a good life !
Easy to follow read the whole book in 10 hours or less . Glad things looked up for her and she made a good life !
January 12, 2022
A very poignant look at the industry and the way women are mistreated. Refreshing to hear the story of brains and beauty colliding and the way it's just disregarded.
Want to read
May 29, 2023Stopped on page 101
September 23, 2024
was decent enough
It was a good read shows you how bad some things can be. It must have been a crazy time
It was a good read shows you how bad some things can be. It must have been a crazy time
October 19, 2024
Amazing story
Stacey’s incredible journey is a page turner, leaving you wondering at times if she’s going to come through unscathed. It’s vulnerable and raw at times
Stacey’s incredible journey is a page turner, leaving you wondering at times if she’s going to come through unscathed. It’s vulnerable and raw at times
May 26, 2025
Did not finish
February 13, 2014
I loved this book, It basically made me cry and laugh throughout, usually at the same time. Stacey is actually my trainer at the gym, so it meant much more to me to have such an insight into her life, past and present, because she is someone who I already admire and respect. She's an amazing and beautiful person inside and out, and you can see from the book where her strength comes from. She is also a very talented writer, able to express and help us understand some of the worst parts of our society, the parts no one talks about, while still letting us know that there is a bright and even humorous side to all of it. It was reassuring to know that I am not alone and that I, too, can turn hardship into something that makes me better and stronger.
September 8, 2016
Quick. Funny. Raw.
Stumbled across this and was happily surprised that the author is actually a real writer. There are many typos that make no sense after accepting that this author is well read and articulate enough to not make those annoying errors. Typo errors that seem to be part of many ebooks. The ending of this memior feels rushed, which is a testament to the writing. The fact is that this is tough subject matter that I expected to need to stop reading about, but didn't because she does a great job of telling her own story. Curious to know what else she's written.
Stumbled across this and was happily surprised that the author is actually a real writer. There are many typos that make no sense after accepting that this author is well read and articulate enough to not make those annoying errors. Typo errors that seem to be part of many ebooks. The ending of this memior feels rushed, which is a testament to the writing. The fact is that this is tough subject matter that I expected to need to stop reading about, but didn't because she does a great job of telling her own story. Curious to know what else she's written.
May 12, 2016
This book illustrates why stripping is not "empowering"
I was surprised (I'm embarrassed to say) by how well-written this book is. The author has a way with words and keen insight into a world I knew nothing about. No polemics, just a clear-eyed recounting of one woman's foray into the strip club trenches. The author's sense of humor and dawning self-awareness made this a sobering but thoroughly enjoyable book.
I was surprised (I'm embarrassed to say) by how well-written this book is. The author has a way with words and keen insight into a world I knew nothing about. No polemics, just a clear-eyed recounting of one woman's foray into the strip club trenches. The author's sense of humor and dawning self-awareness made this a sobering but thoroughly enjoyable book.
November 14, 2015
Really good. She writes very well and portrays an accurate story without going into too much detail, which makes similar books read more like erotic fiction. She really conveys the reality and the feelings well.
(It was also pretty neat reading her description of the Playboy pool house, grotto, etc., since I've been there and could picture exactly what she was describing.)
(It was also pretty neat reading her description of the Playboy pool house, grotto, etc., since I've been there and could picture exactly what she was describing.)
Read
December 28, 2013An incredible book written by my master yogi, Stacey Keith, who introduced me to the art of letting go of the past through yoga.
Read
March 28, 2018Very true to the soul. Great read
Very good read, holds true to the soul read it within two days very intriguing and hold your attention ..
Very good read, holds true to the soul read it within two days very intriguing and hold your attention ..
May 18, 2016
Surprisingly well written. This was an enjoyable read.
July 1, 2018
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews