Hos, Hookers, Call Girls, And Rent Boys Review

by Laurie Henzel

Edited by David Henry Sterry and R.J. Martin, JR.
Soft Skull Press

In these dark days of brokedom, who amongst us hasn’t lingered a bit too long in the Etc. section of the Craigslist job postings? I mean, I do have dainty feet with nicely trimmed toenails, and if I could make my rent just by stepping on some random businessman’s face, well who’s to judge?? Granted, I am not brave enough (or hard up enough) to go through with such an evening’s work (just yet), but the selection of writers featured in the anthology, Hos Hookers, Call Girls, And Rent Boys were not only brave enough to do it, and keep doing it, but were equally brave enough to write about it.
The first hand accounts, interviews, and poems featured in this book are so well written and organized, that the fact that they all center around the exchanging of sex for money falls into the background, and what’s left is an intimate offering of on-the-job gossip and late night horror stories that have you wanting to spend more time with the writer than the three or four pages a pop you’re given with each one.

One of the most captivating stories is called ‘The Accidental Hooker’ and is written by porn star Georgina Spelvin. In the story, Georgina points out that being a porn star is very different from being a prostitute because porn stars only fuck in front of bright lights. When the lights dimmed for the actress, and she found that her prime had passed, she took a one-day trial run at turning tricks and discovered that it wasn’t for her. Having been forced to learn a trade by her mother early on in life, she then resorted to taking up a job in desktop publishing. This story just goes to show that whether you’re a porn star or the captain of your high school’s football team; clerical work is looming around the corner.

When you pick up the book, make sure to also check out the pieces by former Bust contributor, Jodi Doff. Included in the collection is an excerpt from a memoir Jodi is working on regarding her 10-year stint as a topless dancer. We like to call that, Bust after hours. You know, like the Peach Pit? (By Kelly McClure)

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Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

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