Magic Gardens: The Memoirs of Viva Las Vegas

by Viva Las Vegas

A Midwest preacher's daughter with a fabulous academic pedigree, Viva could have chosen any career, but chose to become a stripper. This personalized tour of her milieu offers a unique perspective on a thriving industry that is largely condemned or ignored, while painting portraits of women who are passionate, smart, and entrepreneurial. With language that is at turns gritty and glorious, she preaches new paradigms regarding the sex industry and the women who work in it. Part coming-of-age story, part Portland (Oregon) love letter, Magic Gardens appeals to diverse audiences worldwide. It s a magical tale that makes a valiant case for following one's dreams, whatever they may be.

Genres: Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ethan Minsker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The business:

I have to preface this review with a few noteworthy facts.

1. Yes, I have dated more than a few strippers. That goes hand-in-hand with bartending in a rock ‘n’ roll bar in the East Village.

2. I have known the writer for more than a few years. She used to date a close friend and it didn't end well, so I hated her guts like a good puppy pal, in keeping with guy solidarity. They have since made peace and now everyone is lovey-dovey.

3. I never review books I do not love. No matter what. Don't think that means there aren't books I hate. In fact most books I read I hate. I also know from working on my own books how much work and heartache goes into putting out a novel. I will not take part in bashing that effort. If I write a review, your book has passed that test, and really there is little need to read more.

The review:

Hanging around strip clubs, and being friends with strippers helps you decipher the fact from the fiction, where the flesh meets the bone of a club. Not all strippers have the best hygiene. Sometimes, that cocktail dress they are wearing has never been washed. Viva Las Vegas’ book brings you into this world. The secret thoughts, behind the scenes, in the dressing room. But there is more to this story; a young woman’s struggles with questions we should all be asking ourselves. Why are we working a job that enslaves us to the mighty dollar? Isn't there more to life? Can you live the rock ‘n’ roll life without compromise?
Other notable details: There are flyers of the events mixed within the pages of this book. They complement the text and make you feel that you were there, as Viva would have forced one of them into your hand upon meeting you.
The tone: Conversational in many ways. An easy read, yet it's clear that she is educated, and a world traveler.
You travel: The descriptions of Portland, Oregon, its weather, politics, and people, make me feel like I know this place. Now I am anxious to go and see for myself. Did you know Portland has more strip clubs per capita than any other city?
Writers like to imagine their readers. I would find myself in my quiet house late at night, stretched out on the sofa, immersed in the story. Does she come off a bit egotistical? Yes. But I find that common among all artists, and it suits the story perfectly. We all think we are superstars, and if not, it's unlikely you would write about it.
Writers are always in competition with one another, whether they admit it or not. Miss Las Vegas has thoroughly kicked my ass and I admit defeat. I suggest you get a copy of this for yourself. Consider it a nice tip for that dancer you know deserved more.
Viva Las Vegas

[Angus Vieira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Is stripping an art form? The only people who could think it isn't have no souls and are just shills for long dead Abrahamic Ponzi schemes so let's just disregard that question as a silly waffle, this artist makes a good living stripping and I happen to know she does that beautifully but why her book wasn't a best seller mystifies me. Now she does write this smart, funny, poignant and true book about Portland, Oregon's strip clubs, and they are very different from the uptight clip joints that pass for erotic entertainment in some parts country, but this tale of a young college educated women discovereing the shameless joy of making money in a never, never land where money flutters onto your stage as soon as you panties hit the boards and the twin dangers that can spoil your dreamy life include, "addiction and adulthood', but the underlying theme is so much deeper than that. It's all about the freedom to be an artist, a woman artist without shame or stigmatization and in this age of fresh daily insults from the right on a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body this book lays it right on the tip rail and let's you take it to the bank!

[Mrlunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an interesting memoir. A preacher's daughter grows up in the Midwest, becomes high-school valedictorian, graduates with honors from Williams College, and then proceeds to move across the country to Portland to become a stripper and play rock-n-roll.
In Magic Gardens, Viva Las Vegas not only paints a fascinating self-portrait of a smart, creative, and energetic young woman, searching for freedom, inspiration, and purpose, but also renders a portrait of Portland in the late 90's, when the city was grittier and less sanitized.

[David Wagstaff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Portland is, by its own profession, the strip club capital of the world and Viva casts a long shadow on that stage. Picking up her tips she always says, "Thank you for supporting the arts tonight." And she's dead serious. She's a musician, author, and actress as well as a stripper. Her memoir provides a unique perspective on the art of stripping, Portland, and what it means as an artist, and just beyond the boundaries of the mainstream. She's a Portland treasure and the book is a good read.

[Mary Emily O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Magic Gardens in about 2 days; it was impossible to put down. This stripping memoir is sure to make a rapt audience out of anyone. A great personal history of 90's and early millenial Portland, written in an intelligent but true-to-life punk girl's voice. The book includes flyers from old burlesque and rock shows, which lends it a sort of scrappy zine feeling. The only problem I had with Viva's debut is that it leaves you wanting to know so, so much more.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grand Marais valedictorian, Williams College Graduate, preacher's daughter, journalist, band rocker, bartender, and stripper--WOW! This book by a former student makes me wonder how I can have the temerity to write. She has a gift with words that often stops me mid-page. It's a must-read for open-minded people. Probably not my students in Istanbul

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended if you're looking for a memoir of Portland in the 90s.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[Tracie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible boring self grandizing

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This girl has so much moxie that it oozes off the pages of her book. She alternately comes across as vivacious, intelligent, depressive, articulate, compulsive and compassionate. She also comes across as an incorrigible vixen and maneatress. Woe betide the harmless Portlandian fellow who falls into this web.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this manuscript when it came to Ink & Paper Group. I've met the lovely and talented Viva. This is only the beginning of the stories she has to tell.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stripper's memoir and love-letter to Portland. Well done. Of interest to those seeking a defense of stripping, Portland scene history, or if you wanna know what she wore...

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic Gardens: The Memoirs of Viva Las Vegas (Paperback)
by Viva Las Vegas