Jenny Brown, an unguarded exotic dancer in Beaverton, Oregon, seeks financial legitimacy for her and her family through higher channels of adult entertainment. In December, 1997, she meets porn star Ron Jeremy in a strip club and he offers to introduce her to contacts in Los Angeles. She flies down for a modeling shoot for Hustler Magazine, and Ron rapes her.
The destruction of Jenny's boundaries invites a string of exploitive incidents. To prove herself unaffected, she dissociates her way toward national success as a feature entertainer. Effects of childhood grooming drive her faulty sense of danger as blurred lines allow for the creation of another herself.
Complex and rich, this book is not only about one woman's harrowing experiences in the porn industry but about broader feminist issues, child abuse, and of course the men who got away with so much for so long. It grabbed me from the first page. I could not put it down!
"Adult Agency" - A Brave and Eye-Opening Journey Through Rape Culture
"Adult Agency" by Jennifer Steele Mondello is an exceptionally powerful and brave book that delves into the dark corners of rape culture, especially as it exists in the adult entertainment industry, fearlessly exploring the entire spectrum - from the insidious process of grooming to the harrowing experiences of victimization, and ultimately to the path of healing. This raw and honest examination of deeply troubling matters is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound understanding of the way society perpetuates and protects rapists like Ron Jeremy.
From the very first page, Mondello's words grip the reader, drawing them into her story with empathy and sensitivity. Her writing is both heart-felt and unflinching. Mondello skillfully dissects the process of grooming, where perpetrators manipulate, exploit, and gain control over their victims, often leaving them feeling trapped and voiceless. By shedding light on this predatory behavior, the author empowers readers to recognize the warning signs and take proactive steps in dismantling such damaging cycles.
One of the book's most significant strengths is its unwavering determination to expose the systems, especially those within the adult entertainment industry, that protect and shield rapists from facing the consequences of their actions. Through candid accounts, Mondello reveals the insidious ways in which influential individuals, like Ron Jeremy, enjoy protection and immunity despite their abhorrent behavior. This is an unapologetic call to action urging us all to challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those who commit such atrocious acts.
The journey towards healing and recovery is another poignant aspect of "Adult Agency." Mondello offers a sensitive portrayal of her story, without self-aggrandizement (in fact, she is very open about her own mistakes) as she navigates the challenging path towards reclaiming her life and her agency. Mondello gives hope to others who may be grappling with their own trauma, showing them that healing is possible, and they are not alone.
"Adult Agency" is a groundbreaking book that demands to be read and reckoned with. This book is an essential resource in the fight against sexual violence, and it serves as a rallying call to transform society into a place where survivors are believed, protected, and supported on their journey towards healing.
I never realized how much i hated men in porn until i read this book. Jennifer tells it like it is, and pulls no punches when exposing the very dark side of adult entertainers. She is an extremely strong woman, and helping out the troubled individuals she worked with, and today saving the lost souls to get out of the industry, and live better rewarding lives.