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Anything But a Wasted Life
Working as a stripper is anything but easy. You're often treated like a living blow-up doll and a therapist simultaneously. It's a life that many judge easily ... until you know more. Sita Kaylin, a California-based veteran in the sex industry, has lived the pitfalls of being naked in front of strangers and the absurdities that arise when you fake intimacy for a living. She left home when she was sixteen, worked hard at several jobs and eventually started college after dropping out of high school. There, a roommate turned her on to stripping, revealing a way out of the crushing financial pressures she felt and her struggles as a pre-law student with very little time or energy to study. She had no idea how wild her journey would become and what a large part of her life it would be. Sita's stories take shape through an often altered, occasionally sarcastic, sometimes illegal and frequently funny magnifying glass she holds up to not just the sex industry, but also to human needs and desires, modern relationships, mental health, personal independence. Anything But a Wasted Life is the memoir of an unorthodox life about a woman who has rarely said 'no' to life.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2018
40 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Sita Kaylin
5 books12 followersI was born in San Francisco and raised by a single parent in a loosely organized hippie commune of vegetarian drug dealers. My mom worked at the famous Trident restaurant in Sausalito, and although she loved me, she was checked out—I raised myself for the most part. In addition to selling (and doing copious amounts of) cocaine, the house patriarch trained standard poodles, showing them at stuffy dog shows while gaked out. At the tender age of eleven, I already knew life was a sham.
I started working at ten, first cleaning offices, then touring the carnival and craft fair circuit selling crystals and pewter figurines. I moved out of the house just before my sixteenth birthday. I took the California High School Proficiency Exam and stopped going to high school to quit my night job and work full-time. My abusive childhood caught up with me emotionally, I started cutting and starving myself. Seven months after I had moved out, I was locked in a mental institution in East Oakland for general teenage angst, self-loathing, and suicidal tendencies. To get out, I entered and graduated from a thirty-day adult rehab. I remained clean and sober for twelve years. I eventually went back to school. Through hard work and many simultaneous jobs, I earned my Bachelor of Arts at San Francisco State University in 1994, intending on law school.
Two years before graduation, I started stripping. I had money for the first time in my life; it was incredible. I always say: money isn't happiness, but it sure the fuck is freedom. I worked at Mitchell Brothers O'Farrell Theatre, the city’s premier strip club for nine years, where I was surrounded by other creative, intelligent, open-minded women like me. Law school never happened. Like most strippers, I figured I'd dance for a short time to pay for school, save a little dough and have some fun...I never thought I'd still be in the sex industry over three decades later.
I moved to Los Angeles in 2001. While attending UCLA’s Recording Engineering program, I worked at Sound City Recording Studios while stripping part-time at a club by LAX. Although I loved studio life and recording music, the exhaustive hours and singular lifestyle wasn’t for me; I was back to the proverbial drawing board. In 2004, one of my co-workers asked if I would take photos of her. I absolutely loved it. Not only was it fun and creative, but I also discovered that I had an eye for it.
I've always loved writing—even though I’m terribly dyslexic. I'd considered writing a memoir years before I started it (mostly at the behest of others). I brought my Composition Book to the club so I could write while it was slow; it spilled out of me. My first memoir, "Anything But a Wasted Life", was written mostly in strip clubs as well as local watering holes around Los Angeles.
During my tenure as a stripper, I also hooked when the price was right, and I was single. I stopped dancing in December 2013 but have continued to see private clients.
"Anything But a Wasted Life" was published by HarperCollins in 2018. I self-published the updated edit with new cover art in 2023, plus, an audiobook I recorded this spring!
"Anything But a Wasted Heart", the second installment in my series was published June 2023. For further information about the people in my orbit, see ORIGIN STORIES on my website.
I started working at ten, first cleaning offices, then touring the carnival and craft fair circuit selling crystals and pewter figurines. I moved out of the house just before my sixteenth birthday. I took the California High School Proficiency Exam and stopped going to high school to quit my night job and work full-time. My abusive childhood caught up with me emotionally, I started cutting and starving myself. Seven months after I had moved out, I was locked in a mental institution in East Oakland for general teenage angst, self-loathing, and suicidal tendencies. To get out, I entered and graduated from a thirty-day adult rehab. I remained clean and sober for twelve years. I eventually went back to school. Through hard work and many simultaneous jobs, I earned my Bachelor of Arts at San Francisco State University in 1994, intending on law school.
Two years before graduation, I started stripping. I had money for the first time in my life; it was incredible. I always say: money isn't happiness, but it sure the fuck is freedom. I worked at Mitchell Brothers O'Farrell Theatre, the city’s premier strip club for nine years, where I was surrounded by other creative, intelligent, open-minded women like me. Law school never happened. Like most strippers, I figured I'd dance for a short time to pay for school, save a little dough and have some fun...I never thought I'd still be in the sex industry over three decades later.
I moved to Los Angeles in 2001. While attending UCLA’s Recording Engineering program, I worked at Sound City Recording Studios while stripping part-time at a club by LAX. Although I loved studio life and recording music, the exhaustive hours and singular lifestyle wasn’t for me; I was back to the proverbial drawing board. In 2004, one of my co-workers asked if I would take photos of her. I absolutely loved it. Not only was it fun and creative, but I also discovered that I had an eye for it.
I've always loved writing—even though I’m terribly dyslexic. I'd considered writing a memoir years before I started it (mostly at the behest of others). I brought my Composition Book to the club so I could write while it was slow; it spilled out of me. My first memoir, "Anything But a Wasted Life", was written mostly in strip clubs as well as local watering holes around Los Angeles.
During my tenure as a stripper, I also hooked when the price was right, and I was single. I stopped dancing in December 2013 but have continued to see private clients.
"Anything But a Wasted Life" was published by HarperCollins in 2018. I self-published the updated edit with new cover art in 2023, plus, an audiobook I recorded this spring!
"Anything But a Wasted Heart", the second installment in my series was published June 2023. For further information about the people in my orbit, see ORIGIN STORIES on my website.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 21, 2019
Great book from someone who has worked in the sex trade industry in California for many years. Honest, raw and also very funny learning the truth about this career that is very hard work, laborious but also very important and necessary. Would definitely recommend everyone read this book!
July 26, 2018
This book is hands down one of the best books I have ever read. Enter the world of Sita! The author takes you on a wild journey throughout her life. Her ability to describe these events has you craving more. I felt like I was with her in the book. You could almost smell the vanilla she sprayed on her body, you can feel her pain as she guides through the rocky roads of being a young attractive and intelligent woman, you can hear the music as she describes it in the silo in Kansas and you can feel her pain in the cobble stones of Paris. Sita will have you at the edge of your seat, craving more, wanting to read just one more chapter of her amazing life. I have been a long time follower of her blog and Instagram, I have always loved her photography and her ability to make art. I knew this book would be amazing but I had no idea I would leave work because I couldn't get enough. I fell asleep last night reading her book and that hasn't happened in a very long time! Anything But A Wasted Life is exceptionally well written and will satisfy every emotion you can think of. I strongly recommend this book! It will reach all kinds of people and quench so many desires!
February 5, 2019
This is a brilliant read, really engaging, I loved it! Raw, honest, authentic. This lady describes her life beautifully and simply and it's so compelling. I highly recommend this book; the next one Sita releases I'll be reading it on day one:)
January 9, 2021
"A friend of a friend made a negative crack about strippers the other night. I should have asked what the fuck he was doing with his life that was so important of earth-shattering; at least I make people laugh and feel good."
Anything But A Wasted life is the memoir of a long-time stripper and full-service sex worker that really brings home the point that sex work is real WORK. With 89 short chapters, Sita's life story is easy to pick up and bounces from comical to horrifying fast enough to give you whiplash several times over. With the legal status of sex work of all kinds under fire and the threat lost income very real for many, personal accounts like these are important. There are certainly a fair share of raunchy stories as you would expect, but just as many mundane experiences (many of which could be shared with retail and office workers worldwide!)
While I did enjoy the book overall, much of the writing seemed disorganized and came across almost as a stream of consciousness flowing from your cool aunt. According to the author, much of the book was written during slow days while working at various strip clubs- and it shows. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but the style didn't particularly work for me and felt distracting from the more thoughtful and introspective moments sprinkled throughout.
Anything But A Wasted life is the memoir of a long-time stripper and full-service sex worker that really brings home the point that sex work is real WORK. With 89 short chapters, Sita's life story is easy to pick up and bounces from comical to horrifying fast enough to give you whiplash several times over. With the legal status of sex work of all kinds under fire and the threat lost income very real for many, personal accounts like these are important. There are certainly a fair share of raunchy stories as you would expect, but just as many mundane experiences (many of which could be shared with retail and office workers worldwide!)
While I did enjoy the book overall, much of the writing seemed disorganized and came across almost as a stream of consciousness flowing from your cool aunt. According to the author, much of the book was written during slow days while working at various strip clubs- and it shows. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but the style didn't particularly work for me and felt distracting from the more thoughtful and introspective moments sprinkled throughout.
February 15, 2019
🍁Anything But A Wasted Life By Sita Kaylin
🍁Genre: Memoir, non-fiction
🍁Publisher: Harper Collins
.
Introduction: Sita Kaylin, a California-based veteran in the sex industry, has lived the pitfalls of being naked in front of strangers and the absurdities that arise when you fake intimacy for a living. She left home when she was sixteen, worked hard at several jobs and eventually started college after dropping out of high school. She had no idea how wild her journey would become and what a large part of her life it would be.
.
My Opinion: Umm, I don't know from where to start but let me tell you that I completed the book in a single go maybe because of curiosity. I have read alot of prostitution books in form of short stories may be but never read something about a stripper written by herself, before starting the book I assumed that it would be exaggerated or will be just about how guilty is she. But, after reading it I have altogether a new perspective for the work she is doing for a living. The book is written in a very frank way without any formalities, no guilts, no regrets, just a straight forward acceptance or being what ever she is. The writing was really strong & it was fun, to know about alot of unknown facts. It focuses on the real meaning of being free, freedom to her means making choices, more boldly & that's what she did. It's a beautiful compilation & really appreciate her for writing it. The cover is catchy but could have been even more better.
.
Pros: The best part of the book is acceptance, her memoir has no exaggerated self appreciation, she wrote what is true, what she feels & what she wanna convey. The writing is simple with many hi-fi, funny moments, many experiences which we never will get to know. How the stripper life is from outside is what I got to know from it. Many things get more clear when you read it rather than assuming. It was emotional & heart touching at times. I do recommend it & everyone should give it a try.
Cons: The book has some badwords & should be avoided by people below 15, at point I felt narration went monotonous.
.
Rating: 4🌟
🍁Genre: Memoir, non-fiction
🍁Publisher: Harper Collins
.
Introduction: Sita Kaylin, a California-based veteran in the sex industry, has lived the pitfalls of being naked in front of strangers and the absurdities that arise when you fake intimacy for a living. She left home when she was sixteen, worked hard at several jobs and eventually started college after dropping out of high school. She had no idea how wild her journey would become and what a large part of her life it would be.
.
My Opinion: Umm, I don't know from where to start but let me tell you that I completed the book in a single go maybe because of curiosity. I have read alot of prostitution books in form of short stories may be but never read something about a stripper written by herself, before starting the book I assumed that it would be exaggerated or will be just about how guilty is she. But, after reading it I have altogether a new perspective for the work she is doing for a living. The book is written in a very frank way without any formalities, no guilts, no regrets, just a straight forward acceptance or being what ever she is. The writing was really strong & it was fun, to know about alot of unknown facts. It focuses on the real meaning of being free, freedom to her means making choices, more boldly & that's what she did. It's a beautiful compilation & really appreciate her for writing it. The cover is catchy but could have been even more better.
.
Pros: The best part of the book is acceptance, her memoir has no exaggerated self appreciation, she wrote what is true, what she feels & what she wanna convey. The writing is simple with many hi-fi, funny moments, many experiences which we never will get to know. How the stripper life is from outside is what I got to know from it. Many things get more clear when you read it rather than assuming. It was emotional & heart touching at times. I do recommend it & everyone should give it a try.
Cons: The book has some badwords & should be avoided by people below 15, at point I felt narration went monotonous.
.
Rating: 4🌟
October 4, 2025
A fresh perspective on work, freedom and what it means to truly live.
Sita Kaylin's “Anything But a Wasted Life” is a candid, darkly funny and unexpectedly wise memoir that offers far more than a glimpse behind the curtain of the sex industry. With a conversational and matter-of-fact tone, Kaylin chronicles her journey from hate fueled teenager years to pre-law student crushed by financial pressure to a veteran stripper who finds a complex form of freedom in an unorthodox life.
Her narrative is non-chronological, unfolding through a series of self-deprecating and sharply observed anecdotes that explore not just the absurdities and pitfalls of her work but also universal themes of human desire, modern relationships and mental health.
The book's strength lies in Kaylin's unapologetic voice and her ability to find humor and insight in the most challenging circumstances. She writes with lucid clarity, avoiding grand philosophy in favor of raw, personal truth.
While the adult content and nonchalant detailing of sexual acts and drug use make this a read for a non-conservative audience, the occasional repetitiveness of certain professional encounters is a minor flaw in an otherwise compelling narrative. Ultimately, this memoir is a fierce testament to personal independence and the power of owning one's choices without regret.
Sita Kaylin's “Anything But a Wasted Life” is a candid, darkly funny and unexpectedly wise memoir that offers far more than a glimpse behind the curtain of the sex industry. With a conversational and matter-of-fact tone, Kaylin chronicles her journey from hate fueled teenager years to pre-law student crushed by financial pressure to a veteran stripper who finds a complex form of freedom in an unorthodox life.
Her narrative is non-chronological, unfolding through a series of self-deprecating and sharply observed anecdotes that explore not just the absurdities and pitfalls of her work but also universal themes of human desire, modern relationships and mental health.
The book's strength lies in Kaylin's unapologetic voice and her ability to find humor and insight in the most challenging circumstances. She writes with lucid clarity, avoiding grand philosophy in favor of raw, personal truth.
While the adult content and nonchalant detailing of sexual acts and drug use make this a read for a non-conservative audience, the occasional repetitiveness of certain professional encounters is a minor flaw in an otherwise compelling narrative. Ultimately, this memoir is a fierce testament to personal independence and the power of owning one's choices without regret.
March 31, 2019
Her I am reading another memoir. Maybe I do like them after all? Sita is such an honest writer and her story is incredible, but her raw delivery makes it that much more interesting. I've been following her Instagram for a couple years now and her talent extends far beyond her life. Sita does an excellent job of not revealing too much via Instragram as to give away everything from the book- I found I had only heard a handful of the thousand stories in her memoir. It is not a raunchy novel about sex; it's an insightful read about a woman falling in love with the sex industry (or was it the money that went along with it?). Can't wait for the second and third book she's working on to be published!
April 2, 2019
I liked this book - I've been following Sita on Facebook for years. Her stories are interesting, and she certainly has grabbed life by the horns. Many of the stories in the book have been heard before on FB, but that is ok - still great stories. The number of men and women who want to perform oral sex on her is kinda unbelievable...but what do I know? I've only been to a strip club once, and did not get a lap dance. Good book, fast and fun read.
November 30, 2020
enjoyed this a lot. a lot of sw memoirs i've come across are about just a few years in the industry. it was interesting to read insights and stories from someone with a long career. lots of laughs and honesty and frustrating developments, etc. also real easy to pick up--the chapters are very short and attainable to make progress if you just have a few minutes.
May 23, 2024
Such a joy to read, having known of Sita’s work from following her on Instagram I had high hopes for this memoir and I’m delighted to say it was every bit as good as I was hoping.
I am very much looking forward to reading her upcoming memoirs (of which I know she has several in the works), number 2 will hopefully be on its way soon.
I am very much looking forward to reading her upcoming memoirs (of which I know she has several in the works), number 2 will hopefully be on its way soon.
March 15, 2020
This is a very enjoyable book. Extremely forthcoming and honest. It gives a complete description of the life of a stripper/prostitute and the ins and outs of strip clubs and genuine relationships as opposed to paid exchanges. It doesn’t get rawer than this.
May 9, 2021
Good book Abrupt ending
I enjoyed the book but it ended quite abruptly. Is there a follow up coming? To much of the story l see left hanging
I enjoyed the book but it ended quite abruptly. Is there a follow up coming? To much of the story l see left hanging
January 15, 2022
I follow Sita on Instagram which is how I learned of her memoir. She gives us a raw look into her life, with touches of humour and a matter of fact attitude. I truly enjoyed this memoir and it’s lead me down a path of searching for similar content to read. Highly recommend 👌🏼
March 12, 2022
would read anything she writes
January 26, 2026
Amazing. So raw and real and I bow down to my elder workers!
July 11, 2019
Many told that this book is good and after reading this book we will see some good change in our life
January 11, 2024
Such a raw and amazing book! Sita is great at her story telling and this book is so relatable as a retired stripper and veteran sex worker. It was comforting to read and to feel nostalgic. This book is a page turner and left me wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews