Muriel Avenue Sluts

by Maggie Hasbrouck

Alternate cover edition for 9781520489056

Seventeen-year-old Julia Turnbow’s mother gets paid to have sex; that’s just how it is. When Jules turns eighteen she‘ll follow in her mother’s footsteps and begin training to join the exclusive world of Philadelphia’s infamous Muriel Avenue Sluts. Anyway, that’s the plan.

But when Jules’s best friend Anna reveals that she’s being abused by one of Muriel Avenue’s gentleman clients, Jules’s world is knocked off its bearings. After a routine haircut and shave, Anna’s abuser falls to his death from a second-story balcony—and Jules is just one of two people who knows exactly what happened.

To complicate matters, Jules dives head first into a friendship with the daughter of the dead man. Greta’s a train wreck: she’s charming, unpredictable, and has one too many questions about Muriel Avenue. Then, Jules puts all of Muriel Avenue at risk with an ill-timed slip of the tongue and she finds herself wanted by the FBI. Running from everything she’s ever cared about, all Jules wants is to get back to the people she loves.

Complete with duct tape, wasp spray, and a healthy dose of sexual tension, MURIEL AVENUE SLUTS is a coming of age story with a dark edge that explores what it means to take care of the people you love.

Genres: Dark, Young Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, Audiobook, Coming Of Age, Adult

294 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2016

About the author

Maggie Hasbrouck, artist and author of the decidedly feminist novel, Muriel Avenue Sluts.

Reviews

[Hanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

One woman of every family that lives on Muriel Avenue is a Slut. A Slut gives a massage or a haircut, but they also have sex with a man most of the time. Jules’ mom is a Slut and she gives the best massages of the all the women. Jules wants to be one and she will be over a few months when she turns 18. She will live together with her best friend. When that best friend needs help, Jules rescues her. She can’t believe what she did and it will affect Jules’ life. One day, Jules meets Charlie and she likes him. The feeling is mutual and it doesn’t take long before they are a couple.

I liked Jules. She’s young, sweet, caring, strong and innocent. She’s not embarrassed about living on Muriel Avenue nor about her future job. I loved the people of Muriel Avenue. Everybody on Muriel Avenue knows everybody and they are all close to each other. They always have each other’s back and ready to help. Jules’ best friend lives on Muriel Avenue and she spends a lot of time with her.

I liked this book. The book deals with a difficult subject and there is some violence in it. The focus is mostly on Jules, what she did and what will happen after meeting Greta. Jules’ relationship with Charlie isn’t the most important part of the story in my opinion, but I didn’t mind it. I liked Charlie and he’s good for Jules. He wants her and he doesn’t care where she lives. He has different dreams for Jules, but he supports her. Jules questioning her sexuality was maybe a little weird, but she was very inexperienced and young.

The reasons I gave it 3 stars would be that Jules was sometimes too naïve and the ending felt rushed. Jules finally loves Charlie at the end and I wanted more scenes of her with him, both of them finally in love.

-- My honest review is based on a copy provided by the author. --

[Erin Bomboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You see them everywhere — a gaggle of teenaged girls, giggling over boys, gossiping about teachers, gabbing, gabbing, gabbing with each other. Their hair is shiny, their outlook sunny. You would never guess that one in nine of them is or has been sexually assaulted. Often by someone the girl knows or to whom she is related.

The scope of the problem is enormous. The solution? That’s unclear. When it’s your father who’s doing the raping, to whom do you turn? What if your father is a police officer? Where do you go then?

Maggie Hasbrouk’s Muriel Avenue Sluts takes a clear-eyed yet compassionate look at the sexual assault of teenaged girls and the radical, maybe even moral, retaliation to those who perform the abuse.

Narrated by Julia “Jules” Turnbow, the novel unfolds against the backdrop of Muriel Avenue, a small enclave in Philadelphia populated by courtesans. While some readers may find the depiction of prostitution distasteful, Hasbrouck is careful to paint it as consensual (the women pick their gentleman callers). Furthermore, as the themes of power and consequence are unpacked, the seamy background works in the story’s favor — assaultive sex is never about pleasure; it is about control.

When Muriel Avenue Sluts opens, Jules is going through typical teenager things: burgeoning sexuality, apprehension about adulthood, and heart-to-heart confessions with her best friend Anna. I’m pretty shockproof, but I imagine more conservative readers might clutch their pearls at some of the events, which run the gamut from silly (Jules’ exploration with a condom-clad cucumber) to deplorable (the methodical rape of minors).

The plot picks up steam when Jules discovers Anna is being raped by Fitz, one of the clients. Fitz also happens to be the father of Greta, Jules’ classmate. A series of heated decisions by Jules and icy manipulations by Greta lead Jules far away from Muriel Avenue. Will she get back to her family and Charlie, the boy for whom she’s begun to fall? Will justice be served? You’ll keep turning the pages to find out.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5
Received this ARC for an honest review and I found this to be an interesting read.

Julia is a child who was born to a mom that gets paid for sex at Muriel Avenue Sluts and plans on doing the same when she turns 18 years old but things change when she finds out about the abuse and then the mysterious death and the two people that can be the only ones that could have done it or know what happened. Things become complicated for Julia because she says a lot more than she was supposed to and ends up having to leave the only place she cares about.

[Pamela Canepa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the type of book I would usually read, but it is much more meaningful than the savvy cover and title. I am glad to say that the plot of this story goes much deeper than simply to glamorize the lives of high-priced prostitutes (as I at first thought it might do). The reader certainly gets a different point of view on the topic, but the plot goes much further into that of mistreatment, child abuse, and sexual addiction. There are many serious topics covered here, and I believe this book, most definitely an adult novel, touches on the moral dilemmas presented by this industry where gentleman callers are not all gentlemen, and several fathers are revealed to be damaging figures in their daughters’ lives.

Several things kept me interested in this book. There is some mystery as to who Jules’ father is and what her new friend Greta’s motives truly are. There is a lot of action and there are many twists that engaged me as a reader. Add to all of this that Jules is falling in love for the first time and wants things to be “just right,” like so many other innocent young women. I found that detail charming, as Jules is just an ordinary girl who happens to live in unusual circumstances. All throughout this book I rooted for Jules, wanting to see her leave this life where women break their own rules for a man who is charming enough. Jules is a fighter, and the author has created a believable, lovable character in her.

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Heartbreaking. Compelling. This is a story with a message, albeit an uncomfortable one, it is an important one. One personal to me. The title, while fitting, doesn’t give the full indication of just how much depth you will find in the pages.

From the start, the story is gripping. It’s coming of age. Drama. Romance. Despair. Action. Mystery. It doesn’t shy away from looking at real hard issues that face some unfortunate young people and ladies. I loved the portrayal of strong brave women and young ladies, who despite or perhaps because of, their lots were heroic in their loyalty and love for each other.

The voice and style is prefect for this story. The pacing is fast. The descriptions make the settings easy to see and the characters are beyond rich and well developed. Main and secondary characters endearing, and some not so much, as intended. I would definitely recommend this and will look for more from this author.

[Maggie Hasbrouck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this doesn't really count, because I wrote the book.
I was first inspired by wondering what it would be like to be a teenaged girl who was raised by a prostitute. How would that inform her thoughts on love, sex, and relationships? From there, the Muriel Avenue Sluts were born.
I must have read it through a thousand times, and I still love going back to it.

[Cecily Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - this was disturbing and thought-provoking, as a story with these subjects should be, and yet, there was humor as well to temper the seriousness of these darker topics, which are, sadly, too real and need to be addressed. I really liked Jules; she is a very believable character is such a crazy situation, and her emotions and reactions are priceless, both the good and the bad. I wanted happiness for her so much as I read on and got to know her better, and I think, both as an author and reader, if a writer creates a character I am pulling for, they've done their job.

[high_on_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, so here it is.I thing this book is great. It was really slow read for my, but only because halfway through I had to stop. It was just too much for me. I know something bad is going to happen and I don’t wanted to see it. I read about 10 books before realising it was too good of a story and I needed to finish it. So I started reading it again, and I know it was going to be bad, I just haven’t realised just how bad. Don’t think I mean bad in a bad story, or bad writing, I mean it in a terrible things happening to the main characters sort of way. Well I did like the story it made me think a lot, a little too much, but I love this in a book.

Който се интересува от ревюто ми на български може да посети: http://highonbook.blogspot.bg/2017/03...

[Annabelle Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the YA genre, and I especially love books that are written *about* young adults but with very adult themes (e.g. Hunger Games), so this was right up my alley.

This book grabbed me right away, with the story about the girl named Julia who was predestined to be a Muriel Ave Slut (=prostitute), but wanted to fall in love before she met her destiny. I thought it was going to be a love story where she'd meet some guy who would convince her that she was more than a slut and she could have real love and go to college, la la la. But it went in an entirely different direction when Julia's best friend confesses that she was raped by a client of her mother's. And it's up to Julia to help her.

What follows is a devious little story that genuinely kept me on the edge of my seat. It actually reminded me a bit of Heathers at times, which is a compliment. Despite doing terrible things, Julia remained likable throughout the entire book. And I absolutely adored Charlie... he made me nostalgic for my own high school relationships. Charlie and Julia's relationship had just the right amount of humor and sweetness.

There were a few nigging issues that didn't quite come together for me (like who was running this support group for girls being raped by their fathers and *why wasn't that person reporting this to the police*???), but I was able to put that aside because it was a really wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes the YA genre but doesn't shy away from sex/murder in books.

[Rori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I’d like to approach this book as a regular reader.

I’d like to tell you the storytelling voice is supreme. This book is not your everyday paperback – it has the perfect pacing of a masterpiece, with twists in all the right moments.

The main character is relatable but so are those around her. The story is gripping, slow at times but not for long, and gets you through a rollercoaster of emotions.

Now, for the rest.
The author themselves seem proud of the feminist themes within the book and so was I. For one, this is a feminist book with the key characters almost exclusively being sex workers. The strong matriarchal system established at Muriel Avenue was fascinating.
The Sluts rule, so to say.

(It often made me think of Sin City and quite frankly that makes it even better.)

The good part about the status quo on Muriel Avenue is that it gets challenged. By Tellow, Anna, even Julia. The only “fact” which I didn’t see addressed was the topic of men’s weakness – that women must bear the burden of it, and help men overcome it.

Speaking as a feminist, women don’t own men anything.

The plot itself is driven by a heroine who acts in the spur of the moment. Yet she doesn’t let things happen to her—she constantly chooses which path to take. Even when she’s being misled and dragged into a situation, her agency shines.

Julia is, like I said, relatable, but more importantly she is fascinating. Brought up by a prostitute, she is painfully clear on what sex is all about.
The most fascinating—and excellent part—about this story is that even though Julia knows her sex ed, she is still as genuine in her younghood. She stumbles with love, navigates her first relationship, and deals with the curious turns of her sexuality, all the while wondering exactly how intimacy should work.
She’s seen sex as a job and not a shared experience so far.

But this isn’t even the story yet! The entire setting is so fascinating and complex, that you get lost in it. The real topic of the book—the topic which grabs you hard and doesn’t let you go—is statutory rape.
Yep, it gets tough, folks. I must say despite the dark theme, it wasn’t hard for me to read through the book. It doesn’t mean it wouldn’t affect other survivors—but as somebody who could have been triggered by the difficult circumstances of the girls Julia meets, I was glad to see the topic was handled gracefully.
Because who wants to read about the act of rape anyway?! I’m glad I didn’t have to focus on it so much, beyond the reference of pants pulled around knees and the inevitable reminder that the girls themselves were in pain.

If I have one real complaint, it is this: as a writer of LGBT literature, I’d like to see more bisexual characters call themselves bisexual. Moreover, I’d like to see more bisexual characters in a setting where their friend&family don’t hint that there are only two choices: gay or straight.

Overall, and excellent read! I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking for a unique, realistic, strong character.

[Auriel Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent piece of YA fiction which boldly ventures into no-go territory in a way that satisfies a teen. Hasbrouck has a lively writing style, often injected with quirky phrasing making it a wonderfully pacy read - I read it in three sittings. She has the ability of getting under the skin of the teenage narrator who is a very real character with interesting idiosyncrasies that make her engaging throughout. Deserves to be read widely. Bravo!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! The novel is fast-paced, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. The story of Jules and of her life growing up in a brothel is at times beautifully sweet and crushingly tragic. Her story is definitely coming-of-age and also about the consequences of the choices we make. I was eager to discover how all of the pieces were going to fit together in the end, and I was not disappointed when I got to the last page.

There are heavy topics in Muriel Avenue Sluts. The sexual abuse, rape, and murder scenes contained a lot of detail, but in no way did I feel that they were exploitive or were meant to “entertain the reader”. The scenes had purpose and were necessary to the story. Having said that, I don’t think I’ve laughed out loud quite as much as I did with Muriel Avenue Sluts. The author did an excellent job of weaving in humor to balance out the serious topics, for which I was exceedingly grateful.

“I wasn’t sure if it was the cucumber or the relief I felt knowing I was going to tell Vivienne absolutely everything.” Just read the book and you’ll understand why this is hilarious.

Jules’ story did not end on a cliffhanger. All of the major questions and problems get resolved. However, there is room for the author to continue her journey, and I believe she plans to do just that. I look forward to reading more adventures on Muriel Avenue.

[Kristine Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book review. * Note: I have avoided using the title and instead identify it as MAS because many of the vendors who sell this book won’t post my review if I use any NAUGHTY words! Ha! That’s a blog post of its own, isn’t it? *

I am going to admit that I chose to read (with my ears) MAS based 90% on the title and 10% on the sleek cover and description. What a unique premise! I knew the book would likely be sexual in nature – edgy even – but with seventeen-year-old Jules as the main character, I assumed it was geared for a young adult audience (warning: it isn’t). In typical fashion, I plowed right in without being fully prepared, which was probably best. Had I known much more, I would likely have passed on reading it, but I am glad I didn’t. Though MAS struggles with defining its audience, it’s a well-done, intriguing story that I listened through in a day.

"If sex was better than love, we wouldn't be in business, would we?"

The name of the game on Muriel Avenue is sex, and the message is sex equals power. Though the deed itself is mostly kept behind closed doors, readers need to prepare themselves for some blunt talk about it. (The magic crisper drawer? Did we have to go there?) Sex is a commodity that’s not only endorsed/embraced by the community but protected, informally, by law enforcement. Everyone seems okay with it, and honestly, to live and work on Muriel Avenue seems appealing. This is a tight-knit, loving, supportive community of women who have it figured out. There is a hierarchy, there are rules, there are standards. The women and their children live well and have nice things. It would almost seem like an attractive lifestyle if it weren’t for the inevitable violence and abuse associated with sex for sale.

"... making Orange Zinger and contemplating love and sex and a tray of freshly baked chocolate chunk muffins."

Main character Jules’s voice is 100% teen, as are many of her impulses and decisions. She’s smart and necessarily street smart, but she’s also naïve and at times she’s maddeningly immature in her very mature world. (Again, realistic teen.) MAS reads like young adult, and then WHAM, it doesn’t. This may frustrate adult readers who crave different angles and want more from some of the adult characters (there is great potential for spin-off novellas). Adult readers have that life experience under their belts that requires more realistic emotional responses and see the cracks in the pavement.

The short chapters keep the interest level high, and the pace and action in MAS move quickly. Since I read with my ears, I cannot speak to the SPAG, but author Maggie Hasbrouk’s sentences flow nicely. How Jules thinks and the dialogue between the well-written characters is natural. Especially good is the relationship between Jules and her best friend, Anna, but it’s clear that Jules is the only one comfortable telling all in that friendship. This relationship provides some of the lightest and darkest moments in the story. Readers will be amused that Anna has to spell-out for Jules that Jules is bisexual – it hadn’t occurred to Jules, apparently, that not just getting turned-on but having make-out sessions with both males and females might be a pretty good indicator of that.

A word about the narration: EXCELLENT. (I listened at 1.25X). Julia Farmer is a gifted narrator. There is a huge cast of characters in MAS , and she voices teens and adults, male and female, gruff and soft-spoken, sassy and serious, northern and southern. Her characterization makes each person memorable and distinct from the others.

Concept aside, the language is rough, so if you blanch at the use of the F-bomb, be prepared for facial freeze. Despite the age of the main character and many of the supporting characters, I think it crosses the line for what I would recommend to young adult readers – not teenagers, anyhow. It has solidly new adult/adult content, and the book’s dark and disturbing subject matter provides lots of potential triggers for readers of any age who've suffered sexual abuse. I recommend MAS for mature readers who enjoy young adult characters but want to take it up a notch and experience a full range of reactions. You’ll be horrified, you’ll be heartbroken, but there are also moments of levity and hopefulness that round out MAS , making it a satisfying, engaging, and unique book. SO book club worthy.

Thank you to Audiobookworm Productions and the author for providing me an audio download in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and other features on Hall Ways Blog

[lupine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book (meaning I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review) because the premise was intriguing to me; the main character (Julia, called Jules) lives in a neighborhood in Philadelphia (legally and with full support of government and law enforcement, apparently, in this fantasy) that is inhabited entirely by self-proclaimed (Jules is very clear on this point) "sluts." When I first read the title, I thought, "that can't be right, that has to be code or a metaphor for something else, right?" It isn't. The book opens with Jules' statement, "My mother and every other woman who lives on Muriel Avenue gets paid to have sex; that's just how it is." I couldn't help but wonder, all the way through the book, if a teenager (lately s child) would be able to grasp the potential enormity of the situation. Then again, perhaps prostitution isn't that complicated or confusing. Perhaps, as a woman raised (mostly) by two parents, with the typical societal pressure /not/ to resort to prostitution... but then maybe that's the difference; I inherently view prostitution as something you must resort to, that one must be forced into it. In short, this is a sticky philosophical conundrum for me to think about (and I'd venture to guess for most of the people that might read this novel). So, I guess, the fact that the book seems to me to only address this issue in passing is part of my problem with it. Just the premise, just the title, suggests so much rich and thoughtful storytelling, but Hasbrouck chooses instead to focus on... something else (more in spoilers).

My opinion is that Hasbrouck took on too many emotionally-charged issues at once. The book tackles not one, not two, but three very emotionally-charged issues (that includes the prostitution), and I feel the story is convoluted, and fails to deliver a meaningful sentiment on any of these issues.

I think you've already guessed that I wouldn't recommend this book, especially not to teenagers (maybe nineteen-year-olds, so almost-not-teenagers). I think if you're looking for a story with something meaningful to say about prostitution, child abuse, or the appropriate consequences for the abusers, don't look here. However, if you're just looking for a story about a girl surviving life, I think it's a decent story. Some of Julia's musings on child abuse and abusers are kind of interesting, mostly as just a way to understand what someone in the middle of the mess might feel, and what might drive them to certain actions. Hasbrouck does certainly spend time developing her characters; in particular Jules, her brother Tellow, and another slut named Vivenne are nicely fleshed out as real characters. That's not to say I like them, because Jules is actually one of my least favorite characters. She's shallow, she's naive and gullible, she's hot-headed and impulsive... basically, she's a teenager (admit it, we were all there once). Maybe the most unsatisfying part of the book for me was the ending. I mean, I was kind of coasting though the whole book, and not very engaged really in any part of it, but the end was a spectacular letdown. The book pretty much just ends. I can see where the author might have been trying for the succinct, matter-of-fact "this is the end of the story" (a la Camus, Orwell, Wells, etc) but I think she just left too many loose threads. Not that she could have gathered up those threads, because there were too many threads to begin with. The whole last quarter or so of the story feels like she got tired of writing it. And I sympathise, because I got tired of reading it.

*****SPOILERS AHEAD*****

What I didn't want to say before: Hasbrouck chooses instead to focus on Jules' moral struggle with child molestation, familial sexual abuse, and murder. So, the story--when this is considered to be the main plotline--really begins when Jules learns that her best friend, Anna, is being physically abused and raped by Anna's mother's "Friday night" (this is how they refer to their "gentlemen," both of which seem to me to be a misguided attempt to add class and legitimacy to prostitution). This is itself would be a meaty story, and a decent YA coming-of-age novel, but there are too many things going on, in my opinion, for these multiple storylines to come to an acceptable conclusion. And with either of these subjects--prostitution or child abuse--maybe it would never come to an "acceptable" conclusion. These are complicated, controversial, emotional subjects, each in themselves. Now add murdering the abuser(s). Yes, abusers such as this deserve to be punished, but who decides who is punished and what that punishment is? If we throw out our constitutional ideals to a fair trial by one's peers, we create a situation of chaos and anarchy. And then there's the debate on whether any crime at all warrants the death penalty.

[Vanessa Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Muriel Avenue Sluts" is Maggie Hasbrouck's latest stand alone book, is an easy to read page-turner, that will hooks from the start. Packed with wonderful characters, with an original and entertaining plot, this Young Adult drama/romance will satisfy the readers desire for a truly compelling story.

"Muriel Avenue Sluts" follows the everyday life of those that live in a collective community of Muriel Avenue. This community, labelled "sluts", is well known in the town for their pleasing of gentleman and ladies needs and desires, under the thin veil of patrons not paying for sex. The spotlight is given to a teenager, Julia Turnbow, aka Jules, who embraces her life and part she will take in the "Muriel Avenue Sluts". Everything is meant to be as easy as ABC, that is until Jules meets a charming teen called Charlie, who supports and stands up for her, and begins to hold a place in her heart. So what does this mean for Jules as "Muriel Avenue Sluts" do not give away their heart? Will she be able to take her place in the "Muriel Avenue Sluts"?

With a story that focuses on the life of Jules in Muriel Avenue, the author Maggie Hasbrouck has cleverly blended the narrative. One part follows the weekdays and the so-called "ordinary" activities that capture the essence of the exclusive environment where Jules lives. The other alternates between people important to Jules, for example, her best friend Anna. This allows a reader to understand all facets of the life of the lead character.

The cast of "Muriel Avenue Sluts" is made up of many characters that both are part of Muriel Avenue and the wider community, adding to the enjoyment of the story. None overshadow the life of Jules, whose life although not realistic, becomes more fascinating as the plot continues to develop. From the start of the book, Jules's character continues to grow, responding well for her age and lack of experience, to the many twists and turns in the story.

A plot that celebrates women taking charge of their lives and not relying on the romance of a happily ever after relationship, earning a living that is deemed "ordinary" to them. "Muriel Avenue Sluts" stands out with a plot that balances fun, love, hate desire and so much more. With characters that blend and grow into the many layers and spirals to the plot, Maggie Hasbrouck's story of "Muriel Avenue Sluts" is easily given a 5-star rating.

I recommend all readers that enjoy a book that is best labelled as a cocktail of originality, desire, and humor mixed with a touch of twisted! I can't wait to see what Maggie Hasbrouck's creativity brings us next....and patiently awake for the sequel to "Muriel Avenue Sluts".

I reviewed this book voluntarily after receiving a free copy of the book.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to start by saying that Muriel Avenue Sluts was a great read. The book was unique. For me, the title alone made me interested.

Julia, the main character, lives on Muriel Avenue. All the women who live there who are above the age of 18, including Julia's mother, are sluts. By the author's definition, a slut is a class above whore because they are more exclusive. In the real world they are pretty much lumped into the same category. The way in which Julia and the other children of Muriel Avenue were brought up was astounding to me. They grew up around sex and believed that their mothers' profession was natural. Although they did know what their mothers did, they were not exposed to the more graphic side of the business. If you're reading this book for sex scenes, you will not find them. This was a good point forr me. I don't believe children should be exposed to such debauchery. The book made me think about the power of words and labels. The residents of Muriel Avenue behaved as a very large extended family. They all took care of each other. The world could learn something from these fictional characters.

When Julia's best friend tells her that she is being beaten and raped by one of her mother's clients, Julia is devastated. From there, an uncalculated slaying of the abuser takes place. The girls set it up as an accident and, because of the connections of Muriel Avenue, all is well. Next Julia befriends the daughter of the dead man. She learns that he abused her as well. Greta learns of several other abuse victims at their school. She talks Julia into intervening and once again she is involved in an uncalculated murder. Julia becomes the number one suspect in the murder due to unforeseen circumstances. This causes Julia to run.

I was a little disturbed by Julia at times. I'm not sure what the author was trying to convey with the obsession of Vivian and her body but it was very odd. I felt that she waffled between Vivian and Charlie but she seemed sure of her sexuality. I loved Julia as a fictional person and character but at times felt that she was odd and disconcerting.

This was a great book. I can honestly say that I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Hitomi Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muriel Avenue Sluts is told through the eyes of a teenage girl who lives in the community where prostitution is legal.

First off, it’s well written. It kept me going from the beginning to the end, which doesn’t happen to me too often (Especially with 300+ page books). The story is unique, written from an interesting angle. Dialogue is smooth and interactions between characters are good. It deals with a serious subject, yet it’s not too heavy because of the light tone of the book.

I liked the main character Jules most of the time. She’s caring, loving, strong and confident. Except I wasn’t sure about her sexual orientation - I suppose she’s just a confused teenager with a ton of mixed emotions.

I would have to say though, the story made me kind of sad in a way. It’s great that all Sluts and their children are happy and they’re like one big family, but at the same time, it’s sad that they are completely content and fulfilled without a husband or a father in their lives. I couldn’t imagine growing up in that type of situation where you don’t know your father (but know he’s one of the customers who buy sex). Jules says she’s in love with Charlie, but she still wants to be a Slut - I was kind of hoping for her to choose a normal life with Charlie. (She could live there with her mom and everyone else, but she could still get a normal job.)
I would also have to say having three men who sexually abuse their daughters in one book was a bit too much for me.

Another thing I noticed was that curse words might have been used a bit too frequently than needed.

Overall, it was a good read. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a well-written book that is unique and compelling.

[Bara B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and bizarre, not your average coming-of-age novel...

It’s like reading your first Palahniuk novel… It’s strange, at times weird, often funny, sometimes ridiculous, taking into account there is a place where kids grow up knowing they are going to become one of the “sluts”, just like their mothers and grandmothers. A place “full of juicy gossip, sexual banter, and thrilling secrets”. The book definitely keeps your attention from the very beginning. You start reading and you smile, roll your eyes, smirk, shake your head and then somewhere down the road it becomes your world, and suddenly things don’t seem so weird or awkward and by the time you finish reading it you love every character that you were secretly judging at the beginning of the book.
But, hey, this is life—prejudice is part of it, “judgement” is inevitable, love and freedom are taken for granted and no matter the rules you want to do the right thing. Until you find out you are wanted by the FBI…

And then you run…

One of the things the book teaches you is that some things, like family traditions and responsibilities, you can run away from, others—there is no place far enough to save you and you are forced to come back to face yourself.

Jules is the new adult hero. She is not a superhero, not one of those cheesy characters that live “by the book”, things don’t always roll the perfect way, but that’s why you love her. She is just like one of the girls that live around the corner, except… Except she lives on Muriel Avenue…

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an unexpected little gem. It hooked me from the get go and kept me interested the entire way through. Quick paced and lively, I greatly enjoyed the author’s writing style and her creativity in crafting the world of Muriel Avenue and the mess Julia Turnbow finds herself in when she attempts to save her best friend.

I rooted for the main character the whole way. Raised on Muriel Avenue, whose occupants live by a different set of standards, Jules has a pretty unique world view. I found that it only enhanced her likability, though. She’s clever, genuine, honest, and resourceful. Though she turns into somewhat of an unwilling avenger, her heart is always in the right place. The supporting characters are also pretty fantastic in their own right - each dynamic and deep in their own right.

In addition to the well-crafted heroine, also present were all the things you’d look for in a good book. The plot features steady action that makes you want to keep reading to see what happens (despite bedtimes, work obligations, or even crying children). There’s a love story to satisfy anyone craving romance, and it’s endearing and believable. There’s even a few plot twists to keep things interesting.

This is not the blew-me-away, life-changing sort of work that demands a five star rating, but it’s solidly good the whole way around. Very entertaining, worthwhile read.

[Augustine Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read with Frightening Statistics

I started reading this book just as the sexual harassment scandal involving Harvey Weinstein and the Hollywood elite was unraveling, and the sex abuse statistics in the book, though frightening, at once made sense. It says one in nine high school girls are sexually abused and a third of such abuse happens at home—a father, a stepfather, or an uncle. It is a troubling reality.

But Muriel Avenue Sluts is not all about statistics. The story itself is a journey that is fascinating and morbid in equal measure. With a smooth narrative voice and an enticing plot, it charms us into seeing the world through the eyes of a seventeen-year-old high school student named Jules. A girl with the heart of gold, she dreams of a future within the limits of the only reality she knows, but that is before events beyond her control transform her into a cold-blooded murderer. Her reasons are clear and her anger real, but her smarts are beyond her years. We are speechless as she contrives a rather creative way to rewrite her history. The story is bold, exciting, and an absolute pleasure to read.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I really really loved this book. I wasn't sure how I would like it at first (and I almost didn't sign up for it) because I thought it was going to be to graphically sexual - but it wasn't at all. It wasn't that kind of book. It was very much a coming-of-age type story. And it was done very well! I'm not saying it doesn't have anything sexual in it - it does! Also the sensitive subject of teen rape - but it is not that graphic and it is very well written, tastefully done.

Excellent character development. Loved Julia and her "friends" (some of them, not true friends) their characters were portrayed very well - they were very believable teens. I also loved a few of the Ladies. I could go on and on about them - but I will just leave it at that.

Even though this book is shocking and a bit sad - it is also fun and definitely puts you at the edge of your seat at times. This one kept me riveted and wanting to listen all day! I absolutely highly recommend this for your summer reading!

The Audio - Wow! I thought the narrator did a superb job! Honestly I don't think it could have been any better. I loved her voice. It did sightly change for the different characters. but what I loved most is that she was just so pleasant to listen to!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Audiobookwork Promotions - Thank You!!

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found the book very engaging. I never felt like I was not going to finish it. The story begins with Jules in high school getting taunted because her mother is a "Slut", which is apparently a women who provides services and more. The Sluts all live together in some kind of a commune/brothel with their children.

The first part of the story is pretty much high school drama, but then it starts to twist and turn with stories of sexual abuse and other crimes. Jules gets herself caught up in these various situations. I did feel that through the book she was maturing a bit and not being so naive.

I will be honest and say that I was expecting Jules's boyfriend to come out of the closet with his kitten and rainbow unicorn T-shirts, but at one point the author casually points out that the shirts are some inside joke between him and his father. I think that this should have been pointed out a bit earlier. Although, I did question if Jules herself was going to pop out of that closet due to some of her interactions with Greta.

I didn't fall in love with any of the characters so I don't know that I would read another book about them if it came out.

[Dominique Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you’re seventeen and you (sort of accidentally) kill someone? I enjoyed every word of this book. The story plunges straight in and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering how the heroine is ever going to get out of the mess that she’s gone and gotten herself into when she just can’t seem to stop digging that hole…
The subject matter of this story is CSA (Childhood Sexual Abuse), rape, and high class prostitution. Ok, so that’s a warning to you if any of these subjects are triggers for you. But the exploration of these issues is done sensitively and in a matter-of-fact and non-judgemental manner. And more than that, despite the subject matter, the tenor of the story wraps you up in a warm fuzzy blanket of love, warmth, respect, tenderness and lightness leaving you feeling clean, positive and empowered, not degraded, helpless and dirty.
Since I am a Brit, I have no idea if such an organised set-up can exist in the US, it certainly can’t in the UK. But recently, a group of young Indian women came over to England to tour a play that they have written about their experiences of being the daughters of prostitutes in the quarter of the Indian town where they all reside, portraying a mixed bag of responses to their situation – trying to go to school every day and have a normal life whilst being subjected to the prejudices that society holds against them, watching their mothers dress up beautifully every night, turned out fabulously for the rich men who patronise them, the apparent glamour and attraction of the life being contrasted with the abuse and the damage, and the very real danger that the girls are exposed to themselves while living in that environment despite the best attempts of the adult women to try to shield them, and the limited choices available to them about whether to follow in their mothers’ footsteps or not… So yes, this is happening all over the world. And if the fact that this story is set in the US and is about regular all-American girls shocks you even a little bit – then good – because if it’s not ok for an American girl, then it’s not ok for any girl in any society and we need to say that – loudly – without any mealy mouthed ‘cultural relativity’.
Oh, and just for the record – I think the advice offered about the cucumber is terrible – but hey-ho, each to their own!

[Katerina Ribitsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve received a copy of this book from a giveaway the author had on Goodreads.

Honestly , It is the best thing i won so far!
Thank you for picking me!

I LOVED IT!
There's not a single thing i didn't like about this book. (only the fact that there's not more of it)

Despite what the title and the summary makes you assume about the content of this book, this story is full of love and compassion. It shows that family is people who care about you and love you no matter what and not someone who shares your DNA.

Jules lives an ideal life in a non ideal world. She's a teenager that goes through all the troubles and worries girls her age go though. Maggie did an excellent job capturing her every step through it. How she feels about her life, her relationships with her friends, boys, siblings, her mom and everyone that works around her and , of course, her new neighbor/ role model.

Yet, she risks it all for the well being of her best friend Anna. Even from the very first pages you can feel how true and deep is their friendship. You can relate to her way of thinking about doing what had to be done. However, her actions drag her deeper into trouble and she decides the only way out is running away.

I have to admit I was so SO looking forward to Wednesday night with Vivienne. I really wanted to see what would happen between them. Their relationship was so pure and lovely. I was more disappointed she missed that than her Thursday night special with Charlie. Even though they reunite at the end their meeting gets interrupted.
It wasn't enough.
I want more!

Thank you.

[S.K. Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia and her family live on Muriel Avenue. Her mother and the women of the street are the local sluts and they run a very successful business. Jules is trying to figure out her life and when she will become a slut along with her best friend Anna, but events take a dark turn when she learns that one of the clients has been abusing Anna. This sparks a chain of events which changes Jules' life forever. I really enjoyed this book, it was never boring and it dealt with some harrowing subject matter which made you wonder what you would do in Jules' shoes. Strong characters and a compelling story - highly recommended.

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book right from the beginning. Hooked me right away. Quick paced and Emotional read. Interesting plot. This is different from any other story I read before. I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

[Alberta McMorris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia is a junior in high school and a member of the Honor Society, but Julia is no ordinary student. She and her best friend Anna live on Muriel Avenue, where both their mothers work as prostitutes ("Sluts" as they call themselves). Muriel Avenue has a reputation for being a place where any woman can be bought, and where men frequent the bar, the teahouse and "The Schoolhouse" (where the official transactions take place), all under the watchful eye of Barbara-"the oldest working Slut on Muriel Avenue" who is "the boss of just about everything."
Julia and Anna have their futures mapped out and intend to travel to Niagara Falls, then return to Muriel Ave to take their rightful place as Sluts right beside their mothers. Julia is still a virgin, and dreams about her first time, wanting to save it for someone who matters "Before I got paid to have sex, I wanted to do it with someone who actually loved me."
When Julia's friend Charlie comes to her defense, she begins to think about him as more than a friend, and begins to daydream about a real relationship with him, but their budding romance will have to wait. Julia learns a devastating secret that her friend Anna has been keeping, and when she feels compelled to save Anna, her actions have consequences that nobody could have predicted and Julia soon finds herself being blackmailed into a murderous plot.

Muriel Avenue Sluts is a terrific, fast-paced thriller.

[Unsung Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Two Sentence Description: Julia grew up on Muriel Avenue—the women-owned, women-run street of houses inhabited by an exclusive set of “sluts” (who are, more accurately, well-paid escorts with uncommon agency over their professional sex worker lives). When she learns that her best friend (also the daughter of a slut) was raped by one of her mother’s Johns, she plays a dangerous game of revenge that sets her on a course toward a double life that creates tension among her normal teenage things—her post-college plans, the crush she has another girl, and her sweet, stable boyfriend.

Note: This is a literary novel with romance as the z-plot.

What Makes It Stand Out: The driving plot element of the book is Julia’s outrage over her best friend’s rape and I felt that this book did a tremendous job of dealing with the rape issue in an uncommon way. Julia herself was not the victim, but her outraged reaction and her compulsion to seek retribution were fitting. I find that so many other rape stories are about outing the rapist and seeing him punished through the system of law. But, we (and Julia) know that the legal system often fails victims, and the reader cheers her approach—to seek the only kind of justice she feels she can guarantee—vigilante justice that she executes herself.

What You’ll Love About It: By delving into the taboo subject of sex work and flipping it on its head by showing a non-exploitative sex operation, the reader feels as if she is being shown a secret world. The blurred lines between the taboo world and the world most of us know are interesting and ring true. Julia goes to high school with the children of men who keep company with the women on Muriel Avenue and the contrast between the kind of wisdom she has, from being exposed to an element of human nature that few teenagers are, skillfully juxtaposes the fact that she’s still just a teenager figuring teenage stuff out. A key character—another teenager who leads her more deeply, and is complicit to, her revenge fantasy—paints an accurate picture of modern high school bullying.

Truisms, Complexities, and Other Themes: “Muriel Avenue Sluts” not only deals with serious themes head-on—it takes a more balanced and level-headed view of those themes, rather than a caricaturized one. I love that this book deals with sex work that is structured as a women-owned cooperative, one in which consent is not dubious, and that acknowledges that sex work can be a viable profession with its own underappreciated honor. Indeed, there have been women-owned, sex trade enterprises since the beginning of time and there is value in portrayals of sex work that destigmatize this.

The Standout Side Character: One of the “sluts” who is a sex worker on Muriel Avenue is new to the co-op and captures Jules’ attention in a less than innocent way. The coming of age theme is amplified through this character, who causes Jules to think harder about her sexual orientation and her attraction to this woman who is not traditional in terms of her reaction to Jules’ obvious interest.

Our Prediction: I don’t know where this author is headed in terms of genres and tropes, but her writing is strong and I would read her again, regardless of genre.

[Angel Leya · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, let me say, this is not a typical read for me. Like, way outside my comfort limits, but I want to rate the book on its merits and not the story, because I think others will like the the story.

Jules is the daughter of a Muriel Avenue slut--women paid for sex, but much classier than prostitutes--and one day hopes to become one herself. But life gets complicated when she finds out her best friend is getting raped by one of their gentlemen between activities. She's horrified and desperate to do something to stop it. So when she hears it happening, she rushes to her friend's rescue and does the only thing she can think of. He falls off the balcony to his death, and only she and her best friend know what really happened.

The secrets are eating at her, and she finds herself drawn to Greta, the daughter of the man who died. Jules gets pulled into Greta's darkness, and after a few mistakes, she finds herself on the run from the FBI. How can she get her life back without bringing down Muriel Avenue and those she loves so much?

This story has it all - sex, murder, secrets, and danger. And there's enough swearing in there to tide over even the saltiest of sailors. :) I think a lot of people would enjoy this kind of thing, even though it wasn't exactly my bag. The characters are well-developed and very realistic. The setup feels like a real life situation - the sluts, the stories, the magical crisper drawer... There is an incredible amount of detail that sets this book up as great storytelling.

My biggest qualm--other than the fact that I would never recommend this book to any young adult--was the ending. But it's not a moral story, so I supposed there doesn't need to be a moral to the story, I just wonder what ideas some people will get reading it.

Otherwise, if the story sounds like one you'd like, pick it up. It has a definite Pretty Little Liars feel to it, though darker and more sinister.

[Tassa DeSalada · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Muriel Avenue Sluts" has been on my to-read list for some time. And I must say that I'm glad I finally picked it up. It's very easy reading.

The premise is rather chilling - prostitution by a rather predestined path. This is a disturbing topic for an adult-level book, much less a young adult book, but it may also be an appropriate one. Prostitutes have kids, and those kids have childhoods. That's reality. That part of life has never been part of my upbringing, but it does happen. As a result, I rely heavily on books like these to open up my mind and heart to people who are different from me. Other people have thoughts and feelings too.

This book has a strong element of fantasy, but it also has strong doses of reality. "Muriel Avenue Sluts" gives us a peek into the lives of others who are probably closer to us than we care to believe. Some people say there are six degrees of separation between everyone in this world. In many cases, there are two degrees of separation. It simply depends on which social circle you travel. Do you ever really know the background of you're acquaintances?

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.