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Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry & Into the Arms of the Savior
Después de más de una década siendo víctima de la industria del sexo comercial, Annie Lobert comparte no solo su historia de redención, sino también la de otras personas involucradas en el tráfico sexual.Cuando Annie pudo ver una oportunidad para escapar de su tumultuoso hogar de abuso, nunca antes había escuchado el término "tráfico sexual". Necesitando dinero, queriendo ser amada y buscando desesperadamente tomar el control de su vida, ella sucumbió al mundo cada vez más oscuro de la industria del sexo como una escort glamorosa y de clase alta en Las Vegas. Todo lo que brillaba no era oro. Tomó un camino peligroso hacia la autodestrucción. Perdió todo lo que imaginaba que su nueva vida le traería, incluso su propia identidad. Las palizas, el abandono y las amenazas de muerte eran rutinarias; a menudo se preguntaba si morir sería la mejor manera de salir.En este libro, Annie cuenta su historia extraordinaria de supervivencia en la industria del sexo por dieciséis años; una historia de liberación, sanidad, para luego ayudar a otros a ser libres también. Estas memorias fascinantes abren una ventana a un mundo sórdido y sombrío, y muestran cuán resplandeciente puede brillar la luz de Cristo.After more than a decade as a victim of the commercial sex industry, Annie Lobert shares not only her redemption story but those of others involved in sex trafficking.When Annie grabbed at what looked like an opportunity to escape her tumultuous, abuse-filled home, she had never heard the term "sex trafficking." Needing money, wanting to be loved, and desperately seeking control of her life, she stumbled into the ever-darkening world of the sex industry as a glamorous, high-class escort in Las Vegas. All that glittered was not gold. She embarked on a dangerous path toward self-destruction. She lost everything she envisioned her new life would bring her, even her own identity. Beatings, abandonment, and death threats became routine - she often wondered if dying would be the best way out.In FALLEN, Annie tells her remarkable story of surviving sixteen years in the sex industry, breaking free, finding healing, and then reaching back to help others find freedom as well. This riveting memoir opens a window into a sordid, shadowy world - and shows just how bright God's light can truly shine.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2015
55 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Annie Lobert
1 book13 followersAnnie Lobert is an internationally recognized expert and advocate of ministry to men and women in the commercial sex industry. She and her husband, Stryper lead guitarist Oz Fox, live in Las Vegas, where Annie runs Hookers for Jesus, a ministry to prostitutes and sex trafficking victims. She has been featured in major television shows, print and online publications, and also an I Am Second film.
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November 17, 2014
Honest and raw, Fallen is a fascinating look at the modern day sex industry and the power of Jesus to rescue people from our own brokenness. Although most people who read this book probably will not find themselves in prostitution, Lobert shows how all of us as human beings have a tendency to look to things other than God for satisfaction and comfort. Throughout her story she is constantly reminding the reader that it was really her craving for love, for comfort, for material success that drove her to prostitution.
She weaves her story with truth about God and the human condition of sin in a way that is almost seamless. It is a quick read, and is very honest without being too explicit. I never felt like I was reading something exploitive like I have with other books about the sex industry. I would read this with the high school girls I mentor, but probably not with anyone younger than that.
The only reason I didn't give the book 5 stars is because the last 1/3 of the book [after the author describes God's rescue of her] seems to be somewhat disconnected from the first. It is then that she leaves the biographical narrative and begins to "preach" [for lack of a better word]. It is not that what she says is bad, by no means, it is just disconnected from the first half. I found a number of grammatical errors in this part [and noticed none in the first part of the book] and felt like the writing style became immensely more casual. It almost seemed as if the editor stopped editing.
Additionally, Lobert leans theologically toward the more charismatic wing of the church - Joyce Meyer played a huge part in her conversion and growth in Christ, and she describes being "filled" with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues ["Many of you reading this might not understand what this is, so do your own personal research on it."], and multiple visions post-conversion.
Despite her influences, she accurately decries the excess of materialism and has not a hint of prosperity gospel in her theology. I found what she said about the Lord and His goodness to be encouraging and biblically sound - even when she isn't using scripture she weaves the language of the Bible throughout. The warning about her theology is not about any "closed-handed" issues; those who are cessationists/reformed should still be able to read the book and be encouraged about God's goodness to save sinners. I'm excited for this book to be released and can't wait to buy a few copies to give to friends and keep in my classroom.
Thank you to Worthy Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
She weaves her story with truth about God and the human condition of sin in a way that is almost seamless. It is a quick read, and is very honest without being too explicit. I never felt like I was reading something exploitive like I have with other books about the sex industry. I would read this with the high school girls I mentor, but probably not with anyone younger than that.
The only reason I didn't give the book 5 stars is because the last 1/3 of the book [after the author describes God's rescue of her] seems to be somewhat disconnected from the first. It is then that she leaves the biographical narrative and begins to "preach" [for lack of a better word]. It is not that what she says is bad, by no means, it is just disconnected from the first half. I found a number of grammatical errors in this part [and noticed none in the first part of the book] and felt like the writing style became immensely more casual. It almost seemed as if the editor stopped editing.
Additionally, Lobert leans theologically toward the more charismatic wing of the church - Joyce Meyer played a huge part in her conversion and growth in Christ, and she describes being "filled" with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues ["Many of you reading this might not understand what this is, so do your own personal research on it."], and multiple visions post-conversion.
Despite her influences, she accurately decries the excess of materialism and has not a hint of prosperity gospel in her theology. I found what she said about the Lord and His goodness to be encouraging and biblically sound - even when she isn't using scripture she weaves the language of the Bible throughout. The warning about her theology is not about any "closed-handed" issues; those who are cessationists/reformed should still be able to read the book and be encouraged about God's goodness to save sinners. I'm excited for this book to be released and can't wait to buy a few copies to give to friends and keep in my classroom.
Thank you to Worthy Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2021
-Disclaimer: I won this book for free through Goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review-
This book teaches you a life lesson everyone should know. To never give up or loose hope and to trust in God. For he is always with you no matter what. Even when everything seems to be falling down you should look to Gods word for help and peace. God will guide you and lead you out of darkness and into the light.
Annie Lobert tells a heart-wrenching story about her years of abuse in the sex industry. Throughout the book Annie has to overcome many hard and difficult task, not able to go through it alone she looks to God for help.(Books like these change peoples lives or view on life.)
People in life try to knock you down and crush your dreams but you mustn't give up hope. In the end everything you have went through, you went through for a reason. Sometimes during harsh times it is hard to find that reason but you will find it in the end.
This book teaches you a life lesson everyone should know. To never give up or loose hope and to trust in God. For he is always with you no matter what. Even when everything seems to be falling down you should look to Gods word for help and peace. God will guide you and lead you out of darkness and into the light.
Annie Lobert tells a heart-wrenching story about her years of abuse in the sex industry. Throughout the book Annie has to overcome many hard and difficult task, not able to go through it alone she looks to God for help.(Books like these change peoples lives or view on life.)
People in life try to knock you down and crush your dreams but you mustn't give up hope. In the end everything you have went through, you went through for a reason. Sometimes during harsh times it is hard to find that reason but you will find it in the end.
February 18, 2015
Rating 3.5
One word – intense. Annie Lobert’s account of how she was able to break free from the bondage of prostitution and into the arms of Jesus. Running to sin or running to Jesus. It seems like a no-brainer, but each of us is running to something and many times it’s not Jesus until we have come to the end of ourselves. Annie came to the end of herself and in doing so, came to the beginning of glory.
Her insecurities and her longing for approval from her father was one of the few things I was able to relate to Annie’s life. Something I never thought about was how insecurities can put you in bondage and how it can harden your heart towards the things of God. Confess those insecurities if this is you as well. It was in these hidden sins that seem harmless, that took her to the road of prostitution. She hits the nail on the head by comparing prostitution to any sin that holds us.
How can this happen? Why would you want to stay in a lifestyle of abuse that is both physical and emotional? Annie hits a home run on to what kept her there and the unhealthy love that she had for her pimp.
How she broke free is glory.
This is the only concern I have and I would be amiss not to say, but please do not be encouraged to follow the teaching of Joyce Meyer. Please google her false teaching and you will find a slew of teaching that is not aligned with scripture. Joyce Meyer plays the victim/entitlement card way too much for my taste. The bible is about sinners not victims. There are victims and many times we fall into being a victim, but we also victimize as well. Annie was both the victim and she also preyed on others as well. Annie is honest about her role in how her she fell into the lifestyle and she has insight to her own weakness.
I appreciated her honesty and praise God that she is using the evil for good in leading others out of the sex industry to the arms of Jesus.
A special thank you, Worthy Publishing
and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
One word – intense. Annie Lobert’s account of how she was able to break free from the bondage of prostitution and into the arms of Jesus. Running to sin or running to Jesus. It seems like a no-brainer, but each of us is running to something and many times it’s not Jesus until we have come to the end of ourselves. Annie came to the end of herself and in doing so, came to the beginning of glory.
Her insecurities and her longing for approval from her father was one of the few things I was able to relate to Annie’s life. Something I never thought about was how insecurities can put you in bondage and how it can harden your heart towards the things of God. Confess those insecurities if this is you as well. It was in these hidden sins that seem harmless, that took her to the road of prostitution. She hits the nail on the head by comparing prostitution to any sin that holds us.
How can this happen? Why would you want to stay in a lifestyle of abuse that is both physical and emotional? Annie hits a home run on to what kept her there and the unhealthy love that she had for her pimp.
How she broke free is glory.
This is the only concern I have and I would be amiss not to say, but please do not be encouraged to follow the teaching of Joyce Meyer. Please google her false teaching and you will find a slew of teaching that is not aligned with scripture. Joyce Meyer plays the victim/entitlement card way too much for my taste. The bible is about sinners not victims. There are victims and many times we fall into being a victim, but we also victimize as well. Annie was both the victim and she also preyed on others as well. Annie is honest about her role in how her she fell into the lifestyle and she has insight to her own weakness.
I appreciated her honesty and praise God that she is using the evil for good in leading others out of the sex industry to the arms of Jesus.
A special thank you, Worthy Publishing
and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 23, 2015
Annie Lobert is a true survivor.
In her book Fallen, she recounts years of abuse in the sex industry.
But how does a normal teenage girl end up here?
Annie shares this as well.
Growing up feeling unloved and unwanted by the men in her life, she craved attention, affection and love.
Annie believed she had finally found it in a man named Julian, but he would only use and abuse her again and again and again.
This book was hard to read, I found myself clenching my jaw through the painful parts- hurting for Annie and all of the other women in the world going through this hell on earth.
Why not run? Just leave this terrible life behind?
Annie explains…in vivid detail.
Does not Satan himself masquerade as an angel of light?
Annie’s story is heart-wrenching.
It made me cry, it made me angry.
It opened my eyes to the reality I can no longer ignore.
These women need a Savior…thank God for Annie, her testimony and her ministry.
In her book Fallen, she recounts years of abuse in the sex industry.
But how does a normal teenage girl end up here?
Annie shares this as well.
Growing up feeling unloved and unwanted by the men in her life, she craved attention, affection and love.
Annie believed she had finally found it in a man named Julian, but he would only use and abuse her again and again and again.
This book was hard to read, I found myself clenching my jaw through the painful parts- hurting for Annie and all of the other women in the world going through this hell on earth.
Why not run? Just leave this terrible life behind?
Annie explains…in vivid detail.
Does not Satan himself masquerade as an angel of light?
Annie’s story is heart-wrenching.
It made me cry, it made me angry.
It opened my eyes to the reality I can no longer ignore.
These women need a Savior…thank God for Annie, her testimony and her ministry.
January 30, 2015
Fallen is her alias. Fallen is also the name of her memoir - a heartbreaking tale of a woman imprisoned in the human trafficking industry, sinful excess, and substance abuse.
When I learned that Annie Lobert had written a book that described her descent into human trafficking and her radical conversion through the Lord Jesus Christ, I was eager to hear this incredible redemptive tale. Her husband, Oz Fox is the lead guitar player in the band that I've followed since the mid 80's, so Annie Lobert's book in my mind became required reading.
Fallen is an extremely difficult book to read. Annie Lobert tells the sad tale of her journey into the sex trade industry where she is manipulated, beaten, bruised, lied to, raped, and abused. The book is an inside look at what the German's refer to as the zeitgeist - the spirit of the age. Lobert unveils a worldly system that most people are captivated by. She refers to this worldly system that reeled her in as "a new, rich lifestyle that commanded my attention, and ultimately my worship." Behind the glitz and glamor, however, is a vicious worldview that lures the unsuspecting. Shrouded behind the veil lies a plethora of pain, suffering, suicide, horror and tragedy. Herein lies the greatest strength of the book. The author paints a true portrait of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Fallen is a vivid reminder of the truthfulness of Proverbs 16:25 - "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."
A series of circumstances drew Annie to the Savior, where she repented of her sin and accepted the free gift of salvation from God through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Some doctrinal difficulties emerge in the book that are influenced by some charismatic teaching that cannot be supported by Scripture such as receiving the Holy Spirit subsequent to one's initial encounter with Christ. Scripture clearly tells us, "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13).
Ultimately, Fallen is about the redemptive work of Christ which took root in Annie Lobert's heart. For this God receives all the glory, not only for her salvation and deliverance from the chains of sin but also for her ministry that she currently has in Las Vegas which ministers to sex trafficking victims and prostitutes. Lobert's testimony is a reminder that no one is out of the reach of God's amazing grace!
When I learned that Annie Lobert had written a book that described her descent into human trafficking and her radical conversion through the Lord Jesus Christ, I was eager to hear this incredible redemptive tale. Her husband, Oz Fox is the lead guitar player in the band that I've followed since the mid 80's, so Annie Lobert's book in my mind became required reading.
Fallen is an extremely difficult book to read. Annie Lobert tells the sad tale of her journey into the sex trade industry where she is manipulated, beaten, bruised, lied to, raped, and abused. The book is an inside look at what the German's refer to as the zeitgeist - the spirit of the age. Lobert unveils a worldly system that most people are captivated by. She refers to this worldly system that reeled her in as "a new, rich lifestyle that commanded my attention, and ultimately my worship." Behind the glitz and glamor, however, is a vicious worldview that lures the unsuspecting. Shrouded behind the veil lies a plethora of pain, suffering, suicide, horror and tragedy. Herein lies the greatest strength of the book. The author paints a true portrait of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Fallen is a vivid reminder of the truthfulness of Proverbs 16:25 - "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."
A series of circumstances drew Annie to the Savior, where she repented of her sin and accepted the free gift of salvation from God through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Some doctrinal difficulties emerge in the book that are influenced by some charismatic teaching that cannot be supported by Scripture such as receiving the Holy Spirit subsequent to one's initial encounter with Christ. Scripture clearly tells us, "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13).
Ultimately, Fallen is about the redemptive work of Christ which took root in Annie Lobert's heart. For this God receives all the glory, not only for her salvation and deliverance from the chains of sin but also for her ministry that she currently has in Las Vegas which ministers to sex trafficking victims and prostitutes. Lobert's testimony is a reminder that no one is out of the reach of God's amazing grace!
June 13, 2015
With her enthralling debut memoir "Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry and Into the Arms of the Savior" Annie Lobert recalls her captivating life story from her beginnings in Minneapolis MN to becoming an exotic dancer and a high class call-girl escorting in Hawaii and Las Vegas, NV. Eventually she would break away from the powerful lure of the sex industry, renew her Christian faith, and begin a street ministry for victims of sex trafficking.
In 1967, Lobert was born into a Catholic home with an older sister and two younger brothers, where she observed her parents volatile marriage, her father a strict harsh disciplinarian. Lobert hated school and not fitting in with the other students, wishing to live independently. At a young age, she turned to boys and romance seeking the attention and validation she was unable to get from her parents, this would continue into adulthood.
As a beautiful young woman, Lobert was surprised at the attention, amount of money made, and the luxury she could have going on dates, which didn't compare to the low pay/wages earned by average employment. Lured into the escort service and prostitution, she fell deeply in love with her pimp Julian, and lived to win his approval and love. A typical pimp, Julian was about total control through his horrific and severe beatings, battery, lies and abuse. With the lifestyle, she gradually became addicted to cocaine. Lobert discussed the challenges she had breaking the cycle of addiction, abuse, and dependency: (from the book)... "Though I serviced men in different capacities for a living, I still longed for companionship, for a genuine connection."
After the final break with Julian, Lobert's life didn't immediately change for the best. From November 9, 1995 - January 1996 she was treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma, with a grueling treatment of radiation therapy. During this time she lost a beloved family member in a tragic death.
Lobert's spirituality felt stronger after a trip to Italy/Vatican, she began following Joyce Meyer ministries which helped restore her Christian faith, and she would eventually begin her own street ministry: Hookers For Jesus, which is based out of Las Vegas NV, where she lives with her husband Oz Fox, Stryper lead guitarist. Lobert's work has been featured on many popular television shows and notable publications.
Many thanks to Worthy Publishing for the signed copy edition for the purpose of this review.
In 1967, Lobert was born into a Catholic home with an older sister and two younger brothers, where she observed her parents volatile marriage, her father a strict harsh disciplinarian. Lobert hated school and not fitting in with the other students, wishing to live independently. At a young age, she turned to boys and romance seeking the attention and validation she was unable to get from her parents, this would continue into adulthood.
As a beautiful young woman, Lobert was surprised at the attention, amount of money made, and the luxury she could have going on dates, which didn't compare to the low pay/wages earned by average employment. Lured into the escort service and prostitution, she fell deeply in love with her pimp Julian, and lived to win his approval and love. A typical pimp, Julian was about total control through his horrific and severe beatings, battery, lies and abuse. With the lifestyle, she gradually became addicted to cocaine. Lobert discussed the challenges she had breaking the cycle of addiction, abuse, and dependency: (from the book)... "Though I serviced men in different capacities for a living, I still longed for companionship, for a genuine connection."
After the final break with Julian, Lobert's life didn't immediately change for the best. From November 9, 1995 - January 1996 she was treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma, with a grueling treatment of radiation therapy. During this time she lost a beloved family member in a tragic death.
Lobert's spirituality felt stronger after a trip to Italy/Vatican, she began following Joyce Meyer ministries which helped restore her Christian faith, and she would eventually begin her own street ministry: Hookers For Jesus, which is based out of Las Vegas NV, where she lives with her husband Oz Fox, Stryper lead guitarist. Lobert's work has been featured on many popular television shows and notable publications.
Many thanks to Worthy Publishing for the signed copy edition for the purpose of this review.
December 8, 2015
RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL COMPLETA
I am very impressed by the story of Annie. My heart melted as I read this book.
From the first page, Annie's life is very shockin, and with the passing of the pages, the story becomes even more touching.
Annie writes with such honesty and with a simple way that makes you really feel what she felt during her lifetime. She also explains certain terms and phrases in the sex industry, and horrors that I personally never imagined.
We often think that people who are in that world, just have to get out and change their lives, but we do not think about the difficult situation in which they are going through and that out is not as easy as you think.
But not everything is drama and suffering. Annie found in Jesus the love she sought and desired; and that part of his story is what gives us the solution to this problem. If she could find redemption in the love of Jesus, why not others?
In the book there are similar stories from other people who were affected by the sex industry in one way or another, but they also found freedom and love in Jesus.
As a side note, Fallen is the pseudonym she used in the past; and explains that was easy being Fallen and not Annie, because then she could shed her identity and pretend to be someone else. However, when she arrived in the arms of God, she adopted a new identity as His daughter.
Beyond being the biography of Annie Lobert, this book offers hope to all who believe they are not good enough to be acceptable to God; and to realize how wrong they are, for He always has open arms for everybody.
-Copy provided by Netgalley but this fact didn't influence the review-
April 16, 2015
What a powerful story!!!! I'm out of words right now. I'll write a full review later.
February 25, 2015
I know a lot of us think our life is really hard. We think every day that life could be easier or we would want it to be easier. But there are people out there that have actually had hard lives compared to some of us. I know a lot of times I think my life is hard (being a single mom, working almost full time and homeschooling), but I have to tell myself that there are other people out there who are having a harder time with life than I am and would give anything to be in my position than what they are in.
Annie Lobert had a tough life, but like most determined people, she found a way out. Life didn't start out well for her at all. She was sexually abused at a young age and then turned to prostitution or more or less a high class call girl. During her life as a high class call girl, she met a couple of men who didn't treat her the way she should have been and had to enduring beatings and abandonment. On top of that, she developed cancer and became addicted to cocaine.
The only thing that could happen to Annie Lobert was to either die or turn her life around. She decided to rely on God and turn her life around. Relying on him heavily helped her see that there were others that could benefit from her story. She decided to let others know that there is hope by participating in speakings and ministries. And as luck would have it, through it all, she found her prince charming.
Towards the end of the book, there is a section on sex trafficking. It gives you a deeper understanding of what it is and how it is done. There is also a section of testimonies from girls who have attended the Destiny House Ministry. You will be amazed at some of these stories that you read.
I have read a couple of "sex trafficking" stories, but this one was different. It was written in a way that you could truly feel for Annie Lobert. I practically read the book in one sitting. I think if you were to get this book, you would enjoy it and realize that no matter where your life is and how hard it may be/feel, that God can pull you through and push you to the top, just like he did for Annie Lobert.
Annie Lobert had a tough life, but like most determined people, she found a way out. Life didn't start out well for her at all. She was sexually abused at a young age and then turned to prostitution or more or less a high class call girl. During her life as a high class call girl, she met a couple of men who didn't treat her the way she should have been and had to enduring beatings and abandonment. On top of that, she developed cancer and became addicted to cocaine.
The only thing that could happen to Annie Lobert was to either die or turn her life around. She decided to rely on God and turn her life around. Relying on him heavily helped her see that there were others that could benefit from her story. She decided to let others know that there is hope by participating in speakings and ministries. And as luck would have it, through it all, she found her prince charming.
Towards the end of the book, there is a section on sex trafficking. It gives you a deeper understanding of what it is and how it is done. There is also a section of testimonies from girls who have attended the Destiny House Ministry. You will be amazed at some of these stories that you read.
I have read a couple of "sex trafficking" stories, but this one was different. It was written in a way that you could truly feel for Annie Lobert. I practically read the book in one sitting. I think if you were to get this book, you would enjoy it and realize that no matter where your life is and how hard it may be/feel, that God can pull you through and push you to the top, just like he did for Annie Lobert.
February 22, 2015
I've always had a morbid fascination with the sex industry. For some reason I enjoy reading the unsettling "better them than me" memoirs and biographies of
artists, druggies, eccentrics, murderers, pimps, cults, gang members, whores, criminals, musicians, alcoholics, inmates, porno stars, Mafiosi, etc. My fascination with the not so squeaky clean, sordid stuff of life ensured that I enjoyed this story of sex, lies, and redemption.
Annie Lobert didn't have a perfect childhood, it wasn't bad but it wasn't great. Instead of attending college she moved to the city and worked on acquiring money. Instead of staying at secure office job, she and her friends set their sites a little higher. When they learned how easy and profitable it was to turn tricks they entered into a life of prostitution. From Hawaii to Las Vegas, Annie honed her trade eventually taking on the name of her alter ego, Fallen. She was the best in the business but the years of abuse by her pimp, degradation, and multiple arrests began to take it's toll. It took her years to get out of the trade, battle her addiction and find God. Her story isn't easy to read but it's empowering that she was able to battle her demons and turn her life around. She founded a ministry in Las Vegas called Hookers for Jesus and currently helps other women escape sex trafficking. As this memoir can testify, the truth is usually scarier than fiction.
I received this book for free from First Look Bloggers in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
artists, druggies, eccentrics, murderers, pimps, cults, gang members, whores, criminals, musicians, alcoholics, inmates, porno stars, Mafiosi, etc. My fascination with the not so squeaky clean, sordid stuff of life ensured that I enjoyed this story of sex, lies, and redemption.
Annie Lobert didn't have a perfect childhood, it wasn't bad but it wasn't great. Instead of attending college she moved to the city and worked on acquiring money. Instead of staying at secure office job, she and her friends set their sites a little higher. When they learned how easy and profitable it was to turn tricks they entered into a life of prostitution. From Hawaii to Las Vegas, Annie honed her trade eventually taking on the name of her alter ego, Fallen. She was the best in the business but the years of abuse by her pimp, degradation, and multiple arrests began to take it's toll. It took her years to get out of the trade, battle her addiction and find God. Her story isn't easy to read but it's empowering that she was able to battle her demons and turn her life around. She founded a ministry in Las Vegas called Hookers for Jesus and currently helps other women escape sex trafficking. As this memoir can testify, the truth is usually scarier than fiction.
I received this book for free from First Look Bloggers in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
November 13, 2015
I wanted to hear this given in Annie Lobert's voice (she does indeed read it in the Audible edition) rather than reading it myself, because it shows a lot more passion and feeling in hearing her read her story, so I listened to it through Audible. This was a great book!
Annie gives a detailed account of her life, starting with her struggles growing up and abuses she endured, to when she started to seek attention from guys and sold her body, to how poorly her pimp treated her (very intense), to the broken relationships she endured while being a high class call girl, and ultimately how Jesus found her and lifted her out of the muck she was in. She shows much love and now works with Destiny House to help women who are just as she once was, victims of human trafficking who are looking for love and in need of a Savior. I truly adore this woman and have heard her talk here and there in various interviews but never really knew all she went through until I "read" this book.
Keep on shining a light, you lover of Christ!
Annie gives a detailed account of her life, starting with her struggles growing up and abuses she endured, to when she started to seek attention from guys and sold her body, to how poorly her pimp treated her (very intense), to the broken relationships she endured while being a high class call girl, and ultimately how Jesus found her and lifted her out of the muck she was in. She shows much love and now works with Destiny House to help women who are just as she once was, victims of human trafficking who are looking for love and in need of a Savior. I truly adore this woman and have heard her talk here and there in various interviews but never really knew all she went through until I "read" this book.
Keep on shining a light, you lover of Christ!
January 24, 2015
Fallen is a great book in that it tells Annie's story and also gives a fresh perspective and much needed look at how sex trafficking should be viewed. I very much appreciated Annie's honesty, courage and vulnerability in sharing her personal story.
I was disappointed that 85-90% of the book is personal narrative of the "before," if you will. It isn't until the final chapter that she really talks of following Christ and how He has saved her, changed her, and how she now walks with Him. Perhaps this was misguided on my behalf, but I figured that would get more than one chapter when the before made up almost the entirety of the book. It's certainly important to see where she has come from. Absolutely. But I figured the present day would have more of a presence in the book than it did. I do appreciate her honesty, though, as I said before. I hope that her words will encourage and strengthen many who are walking her pages.
I was disappointed that 85-90% of the book is personal narrative of the "before," if you will. It isn't until the final chapter that she really talks of following Christ and how He has saved her, changed her, and how she now walks with Him. Perhaps this was misguided on my behalf, but I figured that would get more than one chapter when the before made up almost the entirety of the book. It's certainly important to see where she has come from. Absolutely. But I figured the present day would have more of a presence in the book than it did. I do appreciate her honesty, though, as I said before. I hope that her words will encourage and strengthen many who are walking her pages.
January 12, 2016
At some point perhaps I will write a full-fledged review, but for now I will only highlight the important thoughts and points.
It was an inspiring story, and I feel joyful God has radically changed someone's life to show how wonderful He is. Now every Christian makes mistakes and isn't right in their thinking on everything, and this seemed to occur all when she was a baby Christian. But as powerful and wonderful as her testimony was we can't let our guards down on thinking rightly concerning the things of the bible and everything in light of it. I believe there were some things she got incorrect in her theology, some of her experiences and her understanding of them (just before and after her conversion) seem questionable. I do not highly regard Joyce Meyers. But Other than that it was an amazing story and I highly recommend it!
It was an inspiring story, and I feel joyful God has radically changed someone's life to show how wonderful He is. Now every Christian makes mistakes and isn't right in their thinking on everything, and this seemed to occur all when she was a baby Christian. But as powerful and wonderful as her testimony was we can't let our guards down on thinking rightly concerning the things of the bible and everything in light of it. I believe there were some things she got incorrect in her theology, some of her experiences and her understanding of them (just before and after her conversion) seem questionable. I do not highly regard Joyce Meyers. But Other than that it was an amazing story and I highly recommend it!
January 1, 2016
Annie thank you so much for sharing your story, being courageous & strong by telling the truth about the sex industry. Thank you for showing that there is healing after such grievous pain and wounds. Thank you for giving all the glory to God and God alone. I am so glad to have you as my sister in Christ. God bless you & yours!
January 16, 2016
Wow! I am usually a fiction reader, but this testimony was...wow. A must read for anyone questioning how much God loves us and His redemptive powers.
Truly inspiring. It was one of those reads you are still thinking about days later.
God bless you Annie Lobert.
Truly inspiring. It was one of those reads you are still thinking about days later.
God bless you Annie Lobert.
December 27, 2015
Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry & Into the Arms of the Savior
by Annie Lobert
This book is not full of fluff or fillers its fast forward and in detail telling the true story of a girl looking for love in all the wrong places, looking for love in to many faces.. yes that's a song but you get the point! Annie book testimony is so touching it made me mad with tears of sorrow and happy with tears of joy. This book is a roller coaster!!! I even wrote a poem with this book being a big reason why I wrote my poem. My poem and this poem can be found in my first book the Heartbeat of Good 1...
~For every girl who has ever been hurt~
Girl's/Lady's please understand where I'm coming from here. Please read this with a open heart and with open eyes!
~Rules for guys~ ~From Girls~
Never say I love you... if you really don't care.
Never talk about feelings... if they aren't really there.
Never hold my hand... if your going to break my heart.
Never look me in the eyes... if all you do is lie.
Does your guy love your skin or love your heart!!!! Meaning does he love only what he can see and feel, Does he love your heart. Does he talk to you heart to heart. Does he listen really listens? Does he really want to touch your heart to be a blessing Are you his slave does he want to use you for what he can get from you?
A guy who is always looking at other girls & says he only has eyes for you (You know if he does) does not think much of you he thinks why buy the cow when he gets the milk for free. A guy who always call you sexy,babe,hott who see you as a cuddle buddie does not really love you for who you are spirit,soul,body its lust. You will know its lust not love because he will demand from you or be overly sweet when he wants you but ya know in your heart he is playing you (& if not you the next girl that would put up with him.) He should call you beautiful he should call on Jesus on your behalf.
Girls as the Bible says you should show love to all people but you don't have to be disrespected like that by nobody!
If a guy is playing girl's... If he is playing/lying to girl's trying to get her number 1-815-booty-call/easy then he does not respect girls, does not respect you, does not respect himself. He need's Jesus, then don't we all? Now Jesus is the one who knows respects, loves, listens and have a real dedication...
I'm not part of the Sisterhood but I can relate from a guys point of view. To be honest once again... Players are like red eyed rat's they look for easy cheap meat! A guy worth keeping will know where to touch a women = Her Heart.. A real keeper would want Jesus to hold your heart before he ever held your hand.
Charles W. Warner
When you said forever, you meant a few months. When I said forever, I meant every day until I died. When you said always, you meant until you couldn't handle it anymore. When I said always, I meant until time ended. When you said you loved me, you meant I was no different from any other girl. When I said I loved you, I meant I had never felt what I felt for you.
By~Jennifer L. Gould-Harris
IF YOU WANT A "WEDDING DRESS", THEN STOP TAKING OFF YOUR "LIL BLACK DRESS"...............IF YOUR "LIL BLACK DRESS" IS WHAT HE FELL IN LOVE WITH AND NOT BECAUSE YOU WERE DRESSED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, THEN HE WILL FALL FOR ANOTHER "LIL BLACK DRESS because If you used your booty to ATTRACT him...don't be surprised if someone else's booty DISTRACTS him. Alethea McClendon
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man has to seek Him first to find her."
1 John 5-21 ~Dear children keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts~
Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Cor 15: 33
Choosing to place God at the center of your life sometime's mean's there may be a relationship that you need to run away from.
Until you truly fall in love with God every other love relationship in your life will fall apart.
by Annie Lobert
This book is not full of fluff or fillers its fast forward and in detail telling the true story of a girl looking for love in all the wrong places, looking for love in to many faces.. yes that's a song but you get the point! Annie book testimony is so touching it made me mad with tears of sorrow and happy with tears of joy. This book is a roller coaster!!! I even wrote a poem with this book being a big reason why I wrote my poem. My poem and this poem can be found in my first book the Heartbeat of Good 1...
~For every girl who has ever been hurt~
Girl's/Lady's please understand where I'm coming from here. Please read this with a open heart and with open eyes!
~Rules for guys~ ~From Girls~
Never say I love you... if you really don't care.
Never talk about feelings... if they aren't really there.
Never hold my hand... if your going to break my heart.
Never look me in the eyes... if all you do is lie.
Does your guy love your skin or love your heart!!!! Meaning does he love only what he can see and feel, Does he love your heart. Does he talk to you heart to heart. Does he listen really listens? Does he really want to touch your heart to be a blessing Are you his slave does he want to use you for what he can get from you?
A guy who is always looking at other girls & says he only has eyes for you (You know if he does) does not think much of you he thinks why buy the cow when he gets the milk for free. A guy who always call you sexy,babe,hott who see you as a cuddle buddie does not really love you for who you are spirit,soul,body its lust. You will know its lust not love because he will demand from you or be overly sweet when he wants you but ya know in your heart he is playing you (& if not you the next girl that would put up with him.) He should call you beautiful he should call on Jesus on your behalf.
Girls as the Bible says you should show love to all people but you don't have to be disrespected like that by nobody!
If a guy is playing girl's... If he is playing/lying to girl's trying to get her number 1-815-booty-call/easy then he does not respect girls, does not respect you, does not respect himself. He need's Jesus, then don't we all? Now Jesus is the one who knows respects, loves, listens and have a real dedication...
I'm not part of the Sisterhood but I can relate from a guys point of view. To be honest once again... Players are like red eyed rat's they look for easy cheap meat! A guy worth keeping will know where to touch a women = Her Heart.. A real keeper would want Jesus to hold your heart before he ever held your hand.
Charles W. Warner
When you said forever, you meant a few months. When I said forever, I meant every day until I died. When you said always, you meant until you couldn't handle it anymore. When I said always, I meant until time ended. When you said you loved me, you meant I was no different from any other girl. When I said I loved you, I meant I had never felt what I felt for you.
By~Jennifer L. Gould-Harris
IF YOU WANT A "WEDDING DRESS", THEN STOP TAKING OFF YOUR "LIL BLACK DRESS"...............IF YOUR "LIL BLACK DRESS" IS WHAT HE FELL IN LOVE WITH AND NOT BECAUSE YOU WERE DRESSED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, THEN HE WILL FALL FOR ANOTHER "LIL BLACK DRESS because If you used your booty to ATTRACT him...don't be surprised if someone else's booty DISTRACTS him. Alethea McClendon
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man has to seek Him first to find her."
1 John 5-21 ~Dear children keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts~
Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Cor 15: 33
Choosing to place God at the center of your life sometime's mean's there may be a relationship that you need to run away from.
Until you truly fall in love with God every other love relationship in your life will fall apart.
March 2, 2015
First Impressions
I knew about Annie through the sex trafficking documentary called Nefarious. Her story and ministry impacted me a lot so I didn’t hesitate to enter to this book tour for her book called Fallen.
Content
Fallen is read as a powerful testimony about Annie’s life. Though sex trafficking is real, sometimes we cover our eyes trying to cover the issue from our lives. It feels so foreign to our everyday activities. Unless we personally know someone that has been through this problem, our attitude tends to be that of indifference.
Through Annie’s eyes we read a story that doesn’t start in the drama of being abused by a pimp. She boldly lets us have a glimpse into her childhood, into the interaction with her family. And no, not because it’s the introduction to her life it means it was a happy or easy life, on the contrary, it was a hard one. If you read with a pessimistic view you can easily feel overwhelmed by the many troubles Annie faced when she was young. But as you go through the pages you’ll notice the importance of this experiences being told. You’ll notice a great story of redemption that starts to unfold.
Annie���s experiences as a call girl or sex worker when she was under the control of her pimp, are the central content of Fallen. But believe me, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This story not only serves as a great demonstration of how sex trafficking works or how you can avoid it, but it’s also a great example of God’s love into action in the life of anyone that is willing to accept it.
I’d like to point to the strong, detailed and obvious situations that are mentioned in different parts of this book that some people can find extreme, offensive or unnecessary. I strongly believe they are completely necessary to illustrate the reality we’re living as a society and many of us is not willing to accept. One the other hand, I’d suggest guidance through the reading if you’re underage as many questions and doubts may arise.
Conclusion
Yes, Fallen is a book about sex trafficking but it’s also a book about God’s power to deliver those in bondage, to embrace those who feel unloved and to give purpose to those who feel trapped. Annie’s story is a reminder of man’s evil, but most important, of God’s goodness. Make sure you stop by Annie’s ministry, Hookers 4 Jesus to know more about sex trafficking and how you can get involved.
I received this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I knew about Annie through the sex trafficking documentary called Nefarious. Her story and ministry impacted me a lot so I didn’t hesitate to enter to this book tour for her book called Fallen.
Content
Fallen is read as a powerful testimony about Annie’s life. Though sex trafficking is real, sometimes we cover our eyes trying to cover the issue from our lives. It feels so foreign to our everyday activities. Unless we personally know someone that has been through this problem, our attitude tends to be that of indifference.
Through Annie’s eyes we read a story that doesn’t start in the drama of being abused by a pimp. She boldly lets us have a glimpse into her childhood, into the interaction with her family. And no, not because it’s the introduction to her life it means it was a happy or easy life, on the contrary, it was a hard one. If you read with a pessimistic view you can easily feel overwhelmed by the many troubles Annie faced when she was young. But as you go through the pages you’ll notice the importance of this experiences being told. You’ll notice a great story of redemption that starts to unfold.
Annie���s experiences as a call girl or sex worker when she was under the control of her pimp, are the central content of Fallen. But believe me, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This story not only serves as a great demonstration of how sex trafficking works or how you can avoid it, but it’s also a great example of God’s love into action in the life of anyone that is willing to accept it.
I’d like to point to the strong, detailed and obvious situations that are mentioned in different parts of this book that some people can find extreme, offensive or unnecessary. I strongly believe they are completely necessary to illustrate the reality we’re living as a society and many of us is not willing to accept. One the other hand, I’d suggest guidance through the reading if you’re underage as many questions and doubts may arise.
Conclusion
Yes, Fallen is a book about sex trafficking but it’s also a book about God’s power to deliver those in bondage, to embrace those who feel unloved and to give purpose to those who feel trapped. Annie’s story is a reminder of man’s evil, but most important, of God’s goodness. Make sure you stop by Annie’s ministry, Hookers 4 Jesus to know more about sex trafficking and how you can get involved.
I received this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 28, 2016
I love reading about other people's lives and stories. This book is not an easy read and many times made me sick to my stomach as people continued to do horrible things to Annie. I can't imagine living her life and it's truly evident that God had plans for her to survive and write this book today.
Annie doesn't make her life seem like a dream or blame all of her bad decisions on other people. She started out innocent and then quickly the money drew her into prostitution. It's interesting because the majority of the book is set in Vegas but I feel like while it's "illegal" it's not seen as bad as long as done in secret. A lot of this book was frustrating to read because she lived an endless cycle but she explains things about that mindset. While I'm sure this book was hard to write she wrote it well and I think it's an incredible story to be heard.
Obviously there are many things in this book that you wouldn't want a very young person to read about. While she isn't explicit- she still has to tell her story.
I highly recommend if you like reading about changed lives for Christ!
"I received this book from Worthy Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."
May 19, 2015
Me he quedado sin palabras.
Estoy impactada con este libro, Annie Lobert ha sido muy sincera respecto a su pasado.
Acabo de terminar de leer este libro, y aún sigo con una punzada en el corazón. Su testimonio, su vida y cómo Dios transformó la vida de Annie, es simplemente milagroso, tremendo, extraordinario, increible.....¡sin palabras!
Es cierto que hay muchas chicas que buscan amor y se refugian en la.prostitución, pero también hay personas que idolatran las cosas vanales de la vida, y al tratar de llegar allí, "venden" su cuerpo y su imagen.
Dios tiene un plan para cada uno, Él sabe lo que es mejor para nosotros, no solo eso, sino que siempre está a nuestro lado para apoyarnos y recordarnos cada dia que somos linaje escogido,real sacerdocio, y Él nos ama a pesar de nuestros pecados.
Gracias a Dios por el Ministerio que Annie ha fundado, pues ahora que he leido el libro, me toca compartirlo y orar por aquellas chicas que están en las desamparadas en las calles.
Tal vez, nosotros no somos trabajadores sexuales, pero tenemos otras cosas que nos hacen tropezar, pues es hora de pedir a Dios que nos ayude y nos levante del polvo y Él lo hará.
Estoy impactada con este libro, Annie Lobert ha sido muy sincera respecto a su pasado.
Acabo de terminar de leer este libro, y aún sigo con una punzada en el corazón. Su testimonio, su vida y cómo Dios transformó la vida de Annie, es simplemente milagroso, tremendo, extraordinario, increible.....¡sin palabras!
Es cierto que hay muchas chicas que buscan amor y se refugian en la.prostitución, pero también hay personas que idolatran las cosas vanales de la vida, y al tratar de llegar allí, "venden" su cuerpo y su imagen.
Dios tiene un plan para cada uno, Él sabe lo que es mejor para nosotros, no solo eso, sino que siempre está a nuestro lado para apoyarnos y recordarnos cada dia que somos linaje escogido,real sacerdocio, y Él nos ama a pesar de nuestros pecados.
Gracias a Dios por el Ministerio que Annie ha fundado, pues ahora que he leido el libro, me toca compartirlo y orar por aquellas chicas que están en las desamparadas en las calles.
Tal vez, nosotros no somos trabajadores sexuales, pero tenemos otras cosas que nos hacen tropezar, pues es hora de pedir a Dios que nos ayude y nos levante del polvo y Él lo hará.
November 30, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this woman’s story. I don’t know how people survive the ongoing abuses their body takes, but they survive because God has bigger plans for them, as God did for this lady. I also enjoyed reading the other testimonials at the end of her book from others who were saved and got out of that business. It’s amazing what Annie has done for so many others looking for a way out. It’s well worth the read!
April 3, 2023
This book was an incredible book. If you loved Sex, Jesus, and The conversations the church forgot by Mo Isom, go get this book. This is a redemption full of one’s downfall in the sex industry, her drug and alcohol abuse, and her journey back to God. Her story shows that God will truly love you where you are.
April 14, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it.
Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry & Into the Arms of the Savior is a shocking and honest account of life as a sex trafficking victim. Though it could not have been easy for her to write, Lobert pours her heart out and manages to be brutally candid about all of her experiences. She starts out by giving us a glimpse into her childhood, which, at first, seemed very average, until she shared stories about her father's abusive behavior and his lack of affection and love. This, along with the fact that she was sexually assaulted by a neighborhood friend, creates a deep longing in Lobert - a need for comfort, acceptance, and fairytale romance.
She starts out as a driven teenager who wants to grab the reigns of life and experience everything. Lured by the possibility of the lifestyle of the rich and famous, she turns to stripping. Some might read this and think, "Why and how could a young woman ever think that becoming a stripper is a good idea?" Lobert explains that her decision was primarily based on money and independence. Her current job paid $3.25 an hour while her stripping gig sometimes resulted in $400 in the first few minutes of dancing.
Lobert's initial decision to become a stripper is the first of many poor decisions, all of which were fueled by her addiction to money and materialism. After meeting Julian, a good-looking, powerful man, at the strip club, she quickly becomes his girlfriend. She states often that she'd grown up looking for a Disney romance, one in which she'd feel like a princess. She yearned to feel taken care of and adored, and Julian promised her all of this and more. However, after traveling to Las Vegas and earning $800 for 10 minutes with a john, she quickly realizes that Julian is a violent and abusive man who's intent, from the very beginning, was not to be her boyfriend but her pimp. The abuse that Lobert describes is nothing short of horrific. It was disturbing, hard-to-read, and at times, I found myself wondering how and why she kept finding her way back to Julian & the lifestyle time and time again. However, unlike many memoirs I've read, Lobert articulates her actions and thoughts very well, explaining the mental anguish and brain-washing that she endured throughout those five years with Julian. She explains that many sex trafficking victims develop a syndrome similar to Stockholm Syndrome - they become immune to the abuse, bonding with their abusers, often feeling sympathy for them. Lobert also stresses that, despite how abusive Julian was, she was in love with him, and she still believed that she was working towards the goal of having a fairytale ending with him, that all of the money she earned was ultimately going to be put towards their future together.
She also explains that "Fallen" became more than just a nickname, it became another part of her psyche, a part of herself that was brave, fearless, and independent. She used this persona to protect herself from the disturbing and degrading behavior that she was constantly subjecting herself to.
By the time she realized that the lifestyle was going to kill her - by this point she'd personally watched as other women "disappeared" with rumors of their pimps having killed them - she was trapped. Julian had taken away her identity - literally, he had stolen all of her documents, her ID and driver's license belonged to him. All of her money was his. All of her belongings had been bought by him with the understanding that, if she were to flee, they were his. She was constantly under his watch and even forced to train new sex trafficking victims who were often underage. She was threatened daily with physical violence. Despite numerous arrests and police officers who urged her to release his name, Lobert or "Fallen" refused, going back to Julian time and time again, until finally - she got away and stayed away.
You'll cry for her and celebrate with her as you read about Lobert's transition - from a drug-addicted prostitute to an empowered and independent woman whose belief in God fuels her to use her story for a greater purpose. She truly has overcome the odds, not only has she left prostitution and become an emotionally healthy and independent woman, not only has she managed to have a healthy marriage, but most impressively, she's made the decision to use her story to help other women. Hookers for Jesus is her ministry. Its purpose is to bring women out of prostitution and to remind them of their value and worth. She personally speaks to women on the streets and gives them a safe haven, a home where they can rest and move forward, far away from their captors. She teaches them that they are not their mistakes, they are not the things they're ashamed of, they aren't their pasts, and the testimonials she shares towards the end of the book prove that her ministry is truly reaching people.
You don't have to be Christian to connect with this story. It's not just about a religious awakening. It's about a woman who defies the odds and uses her trauma and pain to help others in similar situations. Very inspirational, encouraging, and eye-opening.
Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry & Into the Arms of the Savior is a shocking and honest account of life as a sex trafficking victim. Though it could not have been easy for her to write, Lobert pours her heart out and manages to be brutally candid about all of her experiences. She starts out by giving us a glimpse into her childhood, which, at first, seemed very average, until she shared stories about her father's abusive behavior and his lack of affection and love. This, along with the fact that she was sexually assaulted by a neighborhood friend, creates a deep longing in Lobert - a need for comfort, acceptance, and fairytale romance.
She starts out as a driven teenager who wants to grab the reigns of life and experience everything. Lured by the possibility of the lifestyle of the rich and famous, she turns to stripping. Some might read this and think, "Why and how could a young woman ever think that becoming a stripper is a good idea?" Lobert explains that her decision was primarily based on money and independence. Her current job paid $3.25 an hour while her stripping gig sometimes resulted in $400 in the first few minutes of dancing.
Lobert's initial decision to become a stripper is the first of many poor decisions, all of which were fueled by her addiction to money and materialism. After meeting Julian, a good-looking, powerful man, at the strip club, she quickly becomes his girlfriend. She states often that she'd grown up looking for a Disney romance, one in which she'd feel like a princess. She yearned to feel taken care of and adored, and Julian promised her all of this and more. However, after traveling to Las Vegas and earning $800 for 10 minutes with a john, she quickly realizes that Julian is a violent and abusive man who's intent, from the very beginning, was not to be her boyfriend but her pimp. The abuse that Lobert describes is nothing short of horrific. It was disturbing, hard-to-read, and at times, I found myself wondering how and why she kept finding her way back to Julian & the lifestyle time and time again. However, unlike many memoirs I've read, Lobert articulates her actions and thoughts very well, explaining the mental anguish and brain-washing that she endured throughout those five years with Julian. She explains that many sex trafficking victims develop a syndrome similar to Stockholm Syndrome - they become immune to the abuse, bonding with their abusers, often feeling sympathy for them. Lobert also stresses that, despite how abusive Julian was, she was in love with him, and she still believed that she was working towards the goal of having a fairytale ending with him, that all of the money she earned was ultimately going to be put towards their future together.
She also explains that "Fallen" became more than just a nickname, it became another part of her psyche, a part of herself that was brave, fearless, and independent. She used this persona to protect herself from the disturbing and degrading behavior that she was constantly subjecting herself to.
By the time she realized that the lifestyle was going to kill her - by this point she'd personally watched as other women "disappeared" with rumors of their pimps having killed them - she was trapped. Julian had taken away her identity - literally, he had stolen all of her documents, her ID and driver's license belonged to him. All of her money was his. All of her belongings had been bought by him with the understanding that, if she were to flee, they were his. She was constantly under his watch and even forced to train new sex trafficking victims who were often underage. She was threatened daily with physical violence. Despite numerous arrests and police officers who urged her to release his name, Lobert or "Fallen" refused, going back to Julian time and time again, until finally - she got away and stayed away.
You'll cry for her and celebrate with her as you read about Lobert's transition - from a drug-addicted prostitute to an empowered and independent woman whose belief in God fuels her to use her story for a greater purpose. She truly has overcome the odds, not only has she left prostitution and become an emotionally healthy and independent woman, not only has she managed to have a healthy marriage, but most impressively, she's made the decision to use her story to help other women. Hookers for Jesus is her ministry. Its purpose is to bring women out of prostitution and to remind them of their value and worth. She personally speaks to women on the streets and gives them a safe haven, a home where they can rest and move forward, far away from their captors. She teaches them that they are not their mistakes, they are not the things they're ashamed of, they aren't their pasts, and the testimonials she shares towards the end of the book prove that her ministry is truly reaching people.
You don't have to be Christian to connect with this story. It's not just about a religious awakening. It's about a woman who defies the odds and uses her trauma and pain to help others in similar situations. Very inspirational, encouraging, and eye-opening.
Read
March 30, 2024This is the heartbreaking story of Annie Lobert (but also a healing one!) in which Annie tells her story of finding Jesus amidst the darkness of sex-trafficking.
February 27, 2015
This book stuck with me. This book stuck with me for days and days. How quickly, how easily women can be sucked into this lifestyle. Can be treated as if they are worthless and love is a beating, slavery and selling yourself.
Annie has shared her heart, her testimony and her bared her soul in this book. God is using this beautiful woman to bring Him much glory. I ask you to please take a look at this book. Please read this and share it with others. It is so frightening to see how quickly a young girl can be “broken” and become hopeless. This needs to be in the hands of every friend you know.
As the title indicates, Annie was in the sex industry for many years. As life became more and more hopeless, God showed His love to her. She is now free from the bondage. Free from the guilt. Free from all of it because there is freedom in Christ!!!!
Instead of turning her back and running away, she looked into the eyes of the girls she knew and realized what she must do with her life. She began a ministry called Hookers for Jesus. Yes, I realize that is a bit awkward to say, but it is based off of this simple verse:
Jesus called out to them: “Come follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19
From the site: http://www.HookersforJesus.net
“Hookers For Jesus is a non-profit organization which addresses the harmful effects of prostitution, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation linked to pornography and the sex industry.
The primary mission of Hookers For Jesus is to Hook (Outreach) Give Hope (Jesus) Heal (emotional & spiritual restoration) and Help (Transitional Assistance) for those who have been negatively affected by sex trafficking and the adult entertainment industry.”
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Tags
God, grace, Hookers for Jesus, love, review, sex industry
by Annie Lobert
This book stuck with me. This book stuck with me for days and days. How quickly, how easily women can be sucked into this lifestyle. Can be treated as if they are worthless and love is a beating, slavery and selling yourself.
Annie has shared her heart, her testimony and her bared her soul in this book. God is using this beautiful woman to bring Him much glory. I ask you to please take a look at this book. Please read this and share it with others. It is so frightening to see how quickly a young girl can be “broken” and become hopeless. This needs to be in the hands of every friend you know.
As the title indicates, Annie was in the sex industry for many years. As life became more and more hopeless, God showed His love to her. She is now free from the bondage. Free from the guilt. Free from all of it because there is freedom in Christ!!!!
Instead of turning her back and running away, she looked into the eyes of the girls she knew and realized what she must do with her life. She began a ministry called Hookers for Jesus. Yes, I realize that is a bit awkward to say, but it is based off of this simple verse:
Jesus called out to them: “Come follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19
From the site: http://www.HookersforJesus.net
“Hookers For Jesus is a non-profit organization which addresses the harmful effects of prostitution, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation linked to pornography and the sex industry.
The primary mission of Hookers For Jesus is to Hook (Outreach) Give Hope (Jesus) Heal (emotional & spiritual restoration) and Help (Transitional Assistance) for those who have been negatively affected by sex trafficking and the adult entertainment industry.”
I asked Annie a few questions and she was gracious enough to answer. I asked her if she was fearful of staying and living in the same town where she was threatened and beaten so often.
She is not.
I asked her about bringing God glory, and she wants to use her past to help as many people as she can.
As for her favorite verse? Jeremiah 29:11
A few fun questions, she DOES NOT go Black Friday shopping! She has eaten a Sea Urchin!!!! She does NOT hang out with Chumlee and Crew (Pawn Shop). Her dream is to travel the world non-stop (but I know that comes second to her amazing ministry). Oh, and she’s a mac (as in apple) girl! I love her even more!
So, how can those of us outside the city help? How can we contribute to this amazing ministry?
“The best ways to be involved from outside of the Las Vegas area is to pray, contribute financially, and spread Hookers for Jesus information via social media.”
www.hookersforjesus.net/donate/
Annie has shared her heart, her testimony and her bared her soul in this book. God is using this beautiful woman to bring Him much glory. I ask you to please take a look at this book. Please read this and share it with others. It is so frightening to see how quickly a young girl can be “broken” and become hopeless. This needs to be in the hands of every friend you know.
As the title indicates, Annie was in the sex industry for many years. As life became more and more hopeless, God showed His love to her. She is now free from the bondage. Free from the guilt. Free from all of it because there is freedom in Christ!!!!
Instead of turning her back and running away, she looked into the eyes of the girls she knew and realized what she must do with her life. She began a ministry called Hookers for Jesus. Yes, I realize that is a bit awkward to say, but it is based off of this simple verse:
Jesus called out to them: “Come follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19
From the site: http://www.HookersforJesus.net
“Hookers For Jesus is a non-profit organization which addresses the harmful effects of prostitution, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation linked to pornography and the sex industry.
The primary mission of Hookers For Jesus is to Hook (Outreach) Give Hope (Jesus) Heal (emotional & spiritual restoration) and Help (Transitional Assistance) for those who have been negatively affected by sex trafficking and the adult entertainment industry.”
[Edit]
Tags
God, grace, Hookers for Jesus, love, review, sex industry
by Annie Lobert
This book stuck with me. This book stuck with me for days and days. How quickly, how easily women can be sucked into this lifestyle. Can be treated as if they are worthless and love is a beating, slavery and selling yourself.
Annie has shared her heart, her testimony and her bared her soul in this book. God is using this beautiful woman to bring Him much glory. I ask you to please take a look at this book. Please read this and share it with others. It is so frightening to see how quickly a young girl can be “broken” and become hopeless. This needs to be in the hands of every friend you know.
As the title indicates, Annie was in the sex industry for many years. As life became more and more hopeless, God showed His love to her. She is now free from the bondage. Free from the guilt. Free from all of it because there is freedom in Christ!!!!
Instead of turning her back and running away, she looked into the eyes of the girls she knew and realized what she must do with her life. She began a ministry called Hookers for Jesus. Yes, I realize that is a bit awkward to say, but it is based off of this simple verse:
Jesus called out to them: “Come follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19
From the site: http://www.HookersforJesus.net
“Hookers For Jesus is a non-profit organization which addresses the harmful effects of prostitution, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation linked to pornography and the sex industry.
The primary mission of Hookers For Jesus is to Hook (Outreach) Give Hope (Jesus) Heal (emotional & spiritual restoration) and Help (Transitional Assistance) for those who have been negatively affected by sex trafficking and the adult entertainment industry.”
I asked Annie a few questions and she was gracious enough to answer. I asked her if she was fearful of staying and living in the same town where she was threatened and beaten so often.
She is not.
I asked her about bringing God glory, and she wants to use her past to help as many people as she can.
As for her favorite verse? Jeremiah 29:11
A few fun questions, she DOES NOT go Black Friday shopping! She has eaten a Sea Urchin!!!! She does NOT hang out with Chumlee and Crew (Pawn Shop). Her dream is to travel the world non-stop (but I know that comes second to her amazing ministry). Oh, and she’s a mac (as in apple) girl! I love her even more!
So, how can those of us outside the city help? How can we contribute to this amazing ministry?
“The best ways to be involved from outside of the Las Vegas area is to pray, contribute financially, and spread Hookers for Jesus information via social media.”
www.hookersforjesus.net/donate/
February 28, 2015
WOW! That's what I said when I finished the book. Believe me when I tell you that WOW! describes this book and the story behind it. I received the book, Fallen: Out of The Sex Industry And Into The Arms of The Savior by Annie Lobert as part of my exclusive membership with First Look at Worthy Publishing, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn Annie's amazing story of redemption and the work she is doing now as a result of her life experiences.
Be warned - this book has a very abrupt beginning that is a bit hard to read. It begins with Annie - whose alter ego, "Fallen" carries her through the tough times - is face down in a pile of animal feces in a yard, having just undergone a horrible, violent beating by her pimp. Once we make it through the beating, readers are led through Annie's life history leading up to this horrific event.
We learn of Annie's early beginnings growing up in a tumultuous home in a small town struggling with the regular issues that young girls experience. Added to the common issues of self worth and feeling unloved, she is sexually abused as a teenager and abused by boys in exchange for the promise of love. Annie gets out of that small town and heads to Hawaii, where she and her friend find it easy to earn thousands of dollars sometimes for as little as taking of their clothes. Annie believes that money will bring her power and power will help her have revenge over men because of the men she felt caused her harm or broke her heart. The lure of money causes her to chase her "dream" and greed consumes her as she heads to California and then ends up in Las Vegas where she became a very sought-after "high-class" escort.
While Annie is in the land of glitter and lights, Las Vegas brings her something entirely different than the fairytale dream she is chasing. It isn't long before Annie's dream of riches and power become darkened by abuse, loneliness, arrests and rapes. She leaves the pimp she believes she loves so dearly in her own very skewed way of thinking, but repeatedly returns to him after his phony promises, only to receive more beatings, more abuse, and more violence. This book shares the details of what I consider to be the unthinkable horrors of the profession. If she stayed and didn't make enough money, she was beat. If she left her pimp, she was beat. Either way, Annie was a prisoner of her captor, her pimp.
Finally, after yet another near death beating, Annie begins her journey toward getting out of the sex trafficking industry of prostitution. After being diagnosed and treated for cancer, Annie finds herself near death from a drug overdose and finally surrenders to the love of Jesus.
While I have never walked in Annie's shoes, I have my own story of God redemption from the terrible life choices I was making. Those who know me really know the depths of my story and know what a walking miracle I am thanks to our Savior. That being said, Annie's story is even MORE powerful than I could ever imagine and it reminds me again how very powerful our Almighty God really is and how much grace he showers over each of us who ask for his safety and love.
Just like me (and many other Christ followers), Annie has been redeemed by God's grace. Annie Lobert's story is yet another example of the fact that no matter how far you have fallen, God loves you and wants to save you from the depths of any pain, trauma, addiction, or abuse, and He wants to give you a new life.
About the Author: Annie Lobert is a survivor of more than a decade of sex trafficking—working as an exotic dancer and a high-class escort prostituted in Hawaii, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas. She is an internationally recognized expert and advocate of ministry to men and women in the commercial sex industry from her personal experience. She and her husband, Oz Foxx, lead guitarist for the rock band Stryper, live in Las Vegas, Nevada. Today Annie Lobert is called to rescue other victims suffering the same pain and traveling the same road of sex trafficking through her organization called Hookers for Jesus.
Be warned - this book has a very abrupt beginning that is a bit hard to read. It begins with Annie - whose alter ego, "Fallen" carries her through the tough times - is face down in a pile of animal feces in a yard, having just undergone a horrible, violent beating by her pimp. Once we make it through the beating, readers are led through Annie's life history leading up to this horrific event.
We learn of Annie's early beginnings growing up in a tumultuous home in a small town struggling with the regular issues that young girls experience. Added to the common issues of self worth and feeling unloved, she is sexually abused as a teenager and abused by boys in exchange for the promise of love. Annie gets out of that small town and heads to Hawaii, where she and her friend find it easy to earn thousands of dollars sometimes for as little as taking of their clothes. Annie believes that money will bring her power and power will help her have revenge over men because of the men she felt caused her harm or broke her heart. The lure of money causes her to chase her "dream" and greed consumes her as she heads to California and then ends up in Las Vegas where she became a very sought-after "high-class" escort.
While Annie is in the land of glitter and lights, Las Vegas brings her something entirely different than the fairytale dream she is chasing. It isn't long before Annie's dream of riches and power become darkened by abuse, loneliness, arrests and rapes. She leaves the pimp she believes she loves so dearly in her own very skewed way of thinking, but repeatedly returns to him after his phony promises, only to receive more beatings, more abuse, and more violence. This book shares the details of what I consider to be the unthinkable horrors of the profession. If she stayed and didn't make enough money, she was beat. If she left her pimp, she was beat. Either way, Annie was a prisoner of her captor, her pimp.
Finally, after yet another near death beating, Annie begins her journey toward getting out of the sex trafficking industry of prostitution. After being diagnosed and treated for cancer, Annie finds herself near death from a drug overdose and finally surrenders to the love of Jesus.
While I have never walked in Annie's shoes, I have my own story of God redemption from the terrible life choices I was making. Those who know me really know the depths of my story and know what a walking miracle I am thanks to our Savior. That being said, Annie's story is even MORE powerful than I could ever imagine and it reminds me again how very powerful our Almighty God really is and how much grace he showers over each of us who ask for his safety and love.
Just like me (and many other Christ followers), Annie has been redeemed by God's grace. Annie Lobert's story is yet another example of the fact that no matter how far you have fallen, God loves you and wants to save you from the depths of any pain, trauma, addiction, or abuse, and He wants to give you a new life.
About the Author: Annie Lobert is a survivor of more than a decade of sex trafficking—working as an exotic dancer and a high-class escort prostituted in Hawaii, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas. She is an internationally recognized expert and advocate of ministry to men and women in the commercial sex industry from her personal experience. She and her husband, Oz Foxx, lead guitarist for the rock band Stryper, live in Las Vegas, Nevada. Today Annie Lobert is called to rescue other victims suffering the same pain and traveling the same road of sex trafficking through her organization called Hookers for Jesus.
July 15, 2019
This book is not full of fluff or fillers its fast forward and in detail telling the true story of a girl looking for love in all the wrong places, looking for love in to many faces.. yes that's a song but you get the point! Annie book testimony is so touching it made me mad with tears of sorrow and happy with tears of joy. This book is a roller coaster!!! I even wrote a poem with this book being a big reason why I wrote my poem. My poem and this poem can be found in my first book the Heartbeat of Good 1...
~For every girl who has ever been hurt~
Girl's/Lady's please understand where I'm coming from here. Please read this with a open heart and with open eyes!
~Rules for guys~ ~From Girls~
Never say I love you... if you really don't care.
Never talk about feelings... if they aren't really there.
Never hold my hand... if your going to break my heart.
Never look me in the eyes... if all you do is lie.
Does your guy love your skin or love your heart!!!! Meaning does he love only what he can see and feel, Does he love your heart. Does he talk to you heart to heart. Does he listen really listens? Does he really want to touch your heart to be a blessing Are you his slave does he want to use you for what he can get from you?
A guy who is always looking at other girls & says he only has eyes for you (You know if he does) does not think much of you he thinks why buy the cow when he gets the milk for free. A guy who always call you sexy,babe,hott who see you as a cuddle buddie does not really love you for who you are spirit,soul,body its lust. You will know its lust not love because he will demand from you or be overly sweet when he wants you but ya know in your heart he is playing you (& if not you the next girl that would put up with him.) He should call you beautiful he should call on Jesus on your behalf.
Girls as the Bible says you should show love to all people but you don't have to be disrespected like that by nobody!
If a guy is playing girl's... If he is playing/lying to girl's trying to get her number 1-815-booty-call/easy then he does not respect girls, does not respect you, does not respect himself. He need's Jesus, then don't we all? Now Jesus is the one who knows respects, loves, listens and have a real dedication...
I'm not part of the Sisterhood but I can relate from a guys point of view. To be honest once again... Players are like red eyed rat's they look for easy cheap meat! A guy worth keeping will know where to touch a women = Her Heart.. A real keeper would want Jesus to hold your heart before he ever held your hand.
Charles W. Warner
When you said forever, you meant a few months. When I said forever, I meant every day until I died. When you said always, you meant until you couldn't handle it anymore. When I said always, I meant until time ended. When you said you loved me, you meant I was no different from any other girl. When I said I loved you, I meant I had never felt what I felt for you.
By~Jennifer L. Gould-Harris
IF YOU WANT A "WEDDING DRESS", THEN STOP TAKING OFF YOUR "LIL BLACK DRESS"...............IF YOUR "LIL BLACK DRESS" IS WHAT HE FELL IN LOVE WITH AND NOT BECAUSE YOU WERE DRESSED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, THEN HE WILL FALL FOR ANOTHER "LIL BLACK DRESS because If you used your booty to ATTRACT him...don't be surprised if someone else's booty DISTRACTS him. Alethea McClendon
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man has to seek Him first to find her."
1 John 5-21 ~Dear children keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts~
Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Cor 15: 33
Choosing to place God at the center of your life sometime's mean's there may be a relationship that you need to run away from.
Until you truly fall in love with God every other love relationship in your life will fall apart.
~For every girl who has ever been hurt~
Girl's/Lady's please understand where I'm coming from here. Please read this with a open heart and with open eyes!
~Rules for guys~ ~From Girls~
Never say I love you... if you really don't care.
Never talk about feelings... if they aren't really there.
Never hold my hand... if your going to break my heart.
Never look me in the eyes... if all you do is lie.
Does your guy love your skin or love your heart!!!! Meaning does he love only what he can see and feel, Does he love your heart. Does he talk to you heart to heart. Does he listen really listens? Does he really want to touch your heart to be a blessing Are you his slave does he want to use you for what he can get from you?
A guy who is always looking at other girls & says he only has eyes for you (You know if he does) does not think much of you he thinks why buy the cow when he gets the milk for free. A guy who always call you sexy,babe,hott who see you as a cuddle buddie does not really love you for who you are spirit,soul,body its lust. You will know its lust not love because he will demand from you or be overly sweet when he wants you but ya know in your heart he is playing you (& if not you the next girl that would put up with him.) He should call you beautiful he should call on Jesus on your behalf.
Girls as the Bible says you should show love to all people but you don't have to be disrespected like that by nobody!
If a guy is playing girl's... If he is playing/lying to girl's trying to get her number 1-815-booty-call/easy then he does not respect girls, does not respect you, does not respect himself. He need's Jesus, then don't we all? Now Jesus is the one who knows respects, loves, listens and have a real dedication...
I'm not part of the Sisterhood but I can relate from a guys point of view. To be honest once again... Players are like red eyed rat's they look for easy cheap meat! A guy worth keeping will know where to touch a women = Her Heart.. A real keeper would want Jesus to hold your heart before he ever held your hand.
Charles W. Warner
When you said forever, you meant a few months. When I said forever, I meant every day until I died. When you said always, you meant until you couldn't handle it anymore. When I said always, I meant until time ended. When you said you loved me, you meant I was no different from any other girl. When I said I loved you, I meant I had never felt what I felt for you.
By~Jennifer L. Gould-Harris
IF YOU WANT A "WEDDING DRESS", THEN STOP TAKING OFF YOUR "LIL BLACK DRESS"...............IF YOUR "LIL BLACK DRESS" IS WHAT HE FELL IN LOVE WITH AND NOT BECAUSE YOU WERE DRESSED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, THEN HE WILL FALL FOR ANOTHER "LIL BLACK DRESS because If you used your booty to ATTRACT him...don't be surprised if someone else's booty DISTRACTS him. Alethea McClendon
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man has to seek Him first to find her."
1 John 5-21 ~Dear children keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts~
Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Cor 15: 33
Choosing to place God at the center of your life sometime's mean's there may be a relationship that you need to run away from.
Until you truly fall in love with God every other love relationship in your life will fall apart.
January 6, 2016
As a little girl, Annie Lobert longed for love and acceptance. Instead she learned that she was worthless in the eyes of others, from her emotionally abusive father to the men she met at bars and clubs, who thought nothing of drugging and raping her. Anxious to gain control over her life, she turned to “high-class prostitution,” making some serious money. But what she thought would be a short-term job (to save up for school, of course) soon turned into a terrifying form of slavery.
If you’re looking for something to read this Human Trafficking Awareness Month (or anytime really), consider Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry and Into the Arms of the Savior (Worthy, 2015). Part testimonial, part memoir, this book tells the heartbreaking story of Annie Lobert’s experience working as an “escort” in Hawaii, Las Vegas, and her home state Minnesota. While a life of expensive jewelry, handbags, and cars might appear glamourous to some, Lobert reveals the darker side of being a sex worker, including the toxic relationship between her and her pimp. Now free from that life, the founder of Hookers for Jesus devotes her time to reaching out to other prostitutes and raising public awareness.
Despite its heavy topic, Fallen is a quick read. I attribute this to the fact that the story didn’t grip me the way similar ones have. Perhaps this is due to the author’s style of writing. Lobert doesn’t allow the events of the story to unfold naturally. For example, we learn of her eventual reconciliation with her father when she’s first trying to explain her troubling childhood, instead of later in the book. Hindsight influences her comments about being used and manipulated by lovers, clients, her escort agency, and her pimp. And we don’t get to see how her miscarriages and clinical abortions affected her while she was a prostitute because she doesn’t mention them until the end, when discussing how difficult it was to forgive herself. The end result is a lack of a clear picture of how Lobert finally became aware of her situation, decided to get out for good, and came to convert to charismatic Christianity.
I appreciate Lobert opening up about her past. It’s not easy for anyone to do. I also appreciate her willingness to speak frankly about the sex industry, when many under-informed people promote it in the name of freedom and many Christians prefer to turn a blind eye to its victims in the name of upholding decency. While there is always room for improvement, Fallen is an important book in the growing number of resources addressing this social problem. For that reason, I think it deserves your consideration.
If you’re looking for something to read this Human Trafficking Awareness Month (or anytime really), consider Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry and Into the Arms of the Savior (Worthy, 2015). Part testimonial, part memoir, this book tells the heartbreaking story of Annie Lobert’s experience working as an “escort” in Hawaii, Las Vegas, and her home state Minnesota. While a life of expensive jewelry, handbags, and cars might appear glamourous to some, Lobert reveals the darker side of being a sex worker, including the toxic relationship between her and her pimp. Now free from that life, the founder of Hookers for Jesus devotes her time to reaching out to other prostitutes and raising public awareness.
Despite its heavy topic, Fallen is a quick read. I attribute this to the fact that the story didn’t grip me the way similar ones have. Perhaps this is due to the author’s style of writing. Lobert doesn’t allow the events of the story to unfold naturally. For example, we learn of her eventual reconciliation with her father when she’s first trying to explain her troubling childhood, instead of later in the book. Hindsight influences her comments about being used and manipulated by lovers, clients, her escort agency, and her pimp. And we don’t get to see how her miscarriages and clinical abortions affected her while she was a prostitute because she doesn’t mention them until the end, when discussing how difficult it was to forgive herself. The end result is a lack of a clear picture of how Lobert finally became aware of her situation, decided to get out for good, and came to convert to charismatic Christianity.
I appreciate Lobert opening up about her past. It’s not easy for anyone to do. I also appreciate her willingness to speak frankly about the sex industry, when many under-informed people promote it in the name of freedom and many Christians prefer to turn a blind eye to its victims in the name of upholding decency. While there is always room for improvement, Fallen is an important book in the growing number of resources addressing this social problem. For that reason, I think it deserves your consideration.
February 23, 2015
FTC disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Fallen is a difficult book to read, but one that was just as hard to put down. It details how Annie Lobert became a sex worker, her life in the sex industry, and her escape from her pimp. While this is a Christian book, it has some very adult situations in it but please don't let that stop you from reading it. She handles them with as much class as possible, but it's hard to be classy when telling about how she was abused by multiple men.
This book makes it easy to see how girls and women become prostitutes. As Ms. Lobert states, no one dreams of being a call girl when they grow up -- something happens. Also, one thing I didn't realize was that if a prostitute has a pimp, she is considered sex trafficked because she is not able to leave on her own and the pimp will require her to give him all her money.
While the author made some bad choices, I felt so much compassion for her through the book. She fell in love with her pimp and had to endure things she never thought possible. Her escort service tried to keep her into bondage debt, saying she owed them $65,000 for when she couldn't work when she was getting treatment from cancer.
This is a glimpse inside the unthinkable. Ms. Lobert was one of the lucky ones. She was able to escape. She fell deeply in love with Jesus. She wanted to make use of her past, and she's back on the strip trying to help others who have been sex trafficked to escape.
This book was fascinating. I can't say it was enjoyable because of the subject matter, but it's one I highly recommend. It was an intense book and one I could not read straight through as I am sometimes apt to do. I would read about what she endured and then have to put it down for a little while. It was absolutely amazing how much pain and abuse she endured as well as how much she was able to tell in 208 pages. Annie's life story is one that needs to be told so that hopefully her life can help prevent others from making the same mistakes she did, make others more aware of the sex industry so they can spot victims, and hopefully inspire people to help those who are escaping, be it by donating to the charity that Annie has started or volunteering. There were some things I disagreed with about her interpretation of the Bible, but I am just thrilled she was able to leave the sex industry and is a Christian. I might not agree with her all her interpretation of Scripture, but we are all Christians, and her experience is not my experience so I cannot discount it. Amazing book I highly recommend.
Fallen is a difficult book to read, but one that was just as hard to put down. It details how Annie Lobert became a sex worker, her life in the sex industry, and her escape from her pimp. While this is a Christian book, it has some very adult situations in it but please don't let that stop you from reading it. She handles them with as much class as possible, but it's hard to be classy when telling about how she was abused by multiple men.
This book makes it easy to see how girls and women become prostitutes. As Ms. Lobert states, no one dreams of being a call girl when they grow up -- something happens. Also, one thing I didn't realize was that if a prostitute has a pimp, she is considered sex trafficked because she is not able to leave on her own and the pimp will require her to give him all her money.
While the author made some bad choices, I felt so much compassion for her through the book. She fell in love with her pimp and had to endure things she never thought possible. Her escort service tried to keep her into bondage debt, saying she owed them $65,000 for when she couldn't work when she was getting treatment from cancer.
This is a glimpse inside the unthinkable. Ms. Lobert was one of the lucky ones. She was able to escape. She fell deeply in love with Jesus. She wanted to make use of her past, and she's back on the strip trying to help others who have been sex trafficked to escape.
This book was fascinating. I can't say it was enjoyable because of the subject matter, but it's one I highly recommend. It was an intense book and one I could not read straight through as I am sometimes apt to do. I would read about what she endured and then have to put it down for a little while. It was absolutely amazing how much pain and abuse she endured as well as how much she was able to tell in 208 pages. Annie's life story is one that needs to be told so that hopefully her life can help prevent others from making the same mistakes she did, make others more aware of the sex industry so they can spot victims, and hopefully inspire people to help those who are escaping, be it by donating to the charity that Annie has started or volunteering. There were some things I disagreed with about her interpretation of the Bible, but I am just thrilled she was able to leave the sex industry and is a Christian. I might not agree with her all her interpretation of Scripture, but we are all Christians, and her experience is not my experience so I cannot discount it. Amazing book I highly recommend.
February 19, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads' First Reads in exchange for an honest review.This was a difficult book to review. The first portion of the book relays some of Lobert's experiences in the sex industry under her alias, Fallen. This portion was intensely powerful as it helps dispell many myths about sex work such as that sex workers cannot be raped or that the women do it by choice. I am thankful that Lobert was strong enough to share her experiences in order to benefit others. This is the kind of book you read for substance rather than writing, so it is easy to look past the simplistic writing style. Often Lobert writes in a detached, matter-of-fact way, which is completely understandable and in no way diminishes her credibility or the reader's experience.The part I wasn't a huge fan of was once Lobert committed herself to religion. As an atheist, that part was easily unrelatable to me. While I am glad she was able to safely leave the sex industry, I wish she would give herself more credit for the transformation she made, rather than giving all responsibility to God. I wish that Lobert gave a message about being your own person rather than jumping from one submissive relationship with a pimp to a submissive relationship with God.The text was also very anti-abortion, even in cases involving drug and alcohol use, abusive relationships, and life in the sex industry. Overall, I think this is an important book because of its ability to dispell myths regarding sex works and hopefully to benefit sex workers themselves. I with that Lobert's message was more empowering to such women however. Even her insistence on referring to sex workers as sex-trafficking victims, while well-intended, has the effect of solely focusing on a person as a victim, in the same way it does when someone is refereed to as a rape victim rather than a survivor of rape. So as well-intended as the book was, I think there are still a few issues in its lack of female empowerment, especially regarding women who really need to be empowered. I would still recommend this book for the powerful narrative of Lobert's life as a sex worker and the importance of her great work in helping women leave the industry.
February 27, 2015
Like many small town girls, Annie Lobert dreamed of the big city and the big dollars she thought would bring her happiness and material comfort. What she found was violence, pain, and a sort of modern day slavery that has not garnered the attention of modern day historians or philosophers.
In her autobiography Fallen: Out of the Sex trade and into the Arms of the Savior, Annie tells her story in an honest and unabashed way. She makes no excuses for her lifestyle and because of her honesty, it is believable. As I read her story, I was understood the lost child that the young girl from Minneapolis was. I could see how mesmerizing the glitz and glitter of the big city could be and how the lavish attention of handsome men could feed the hunger in her young soul. Annie's story is not an easy one. It is hard to come face to face with the consequences of our bad decisions. What is important is her honesty, especially as she walks us through her conversion to Christ. She shows us how important it is to be in a community of believers that help us to grow and mature in our walk.
This book was a good read, not an easy one, but a good one. Annie chose not to sugar coat her sin, and its reality is something that should resonate with all of us. In portraying her life as she did, the reality of the Grace of the Gospel was made more evident. Though some may think they cannot identify with her seemingly dramatic conversion, in truth, Annie's life shows that we are all the same in God's eyes in our sin and are all dependent upon His Grace and love for our life and meaning.
Annie has not abandoned the community that is so much of her story. Now, she seeks to serve her Savior by sharing the love of Christ with others involved in the sex trade. She founded a ministry whose mission is to combat the harmful effects of prostitution, sex trafficking and exploitation by providing hope through Jesus Christ and providing both emotional and spiritual healing and assistance. For more information, see Hookers For Jesus
Want to find out more about Annie? Watch this brief video I Am Second
In her autobiography Fallen: Out of the Sex trade and into the Arms of the Savior, Annie tells her story in an honest and unabashed way. She makes no excuses for her lifestyle and because of her honesty, it is believable. As I read her story, I was understood the lost child that the young girl from Minneapolis was. I could see how mesmerizing the glitz and glitter of the big city could be and how the lavish attention of handsome men could feed the hunger in her young soul. Annie's story is not an easy one. It is hard to come face to face with the consequences of our bad decisions. What is important is her honesty, especially as she walks us through her conversion to Christ. She shows us how important it is to be in a community of believers that help us to grow and mature in our walk.
This book was a good read, not an easy one, but a good one. Annie chose not to sugar coat her sin, and its reality is something that should resonate with all of us. In portraying her life as she did, the reality of the Grace of the Gospel was made more evident. Though some may think they cannot identify with her seemingly dramatic conversion, in truth, Annie's life shows that we are all the same in God's eyes in our sin and are all dependent upon His Grace and love for our life and meaning.
Annie has not abandoned the community that is so much of her story. Now, she seeks to serve her Savior by sharing the love of Christ with others involved in the sex trade. She founded a ministry whose mission is to combat the harmful effects of prostitution, sex trafficking and exploitation by providing hope through Jesus Christ and providing both emotional and spiritual healing and assistance. For more information, see Hookers For Jesus
Want to find out more about Annie? Watch this brief video I Am Second
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