Journal Entry 1 by Funkybamboozle from Georges Hall, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, April 24, 2005

I bought this in the small country town of Kyneton, Victoria after searching through at least 5 other bookshops in Melbourne who were all apparently sold out.

I was rewarded with an excellent read, although it only took me one evening to read because I was so engrossed in the text.

To some, this book would be quite shocking. It tells the story of a high class hooker working in London. She is quite explicit in her descriptions, but is somehow extremely funny at the same time. It made me wonder if the crowd I was hanging out with during uni were all a little bit square. I know that “A-levels” were not usually the topic of discussion nor was sleeping with all 5 male friends something that was common.

I question whether all female prostitutes, regardless of their "class" have the same luxuries as the protagonist of this book. I will have to pass it on to my husband, because she would have to be the ideal male fantasy. She's all class and ready and willing to do anything!!

Unfourtantly, at times I felt she was trying too hard too shock. She continually makes reference to "a-levels" (Im trying to keep this G rated), S&M and a few other tricks in an almost clinical fashion - but then again, i guess thats what it would become if it was a job. Makes me query whether a gyno. can actually enjoy pleasuring his wife after seeing atleast 10 or more VGs a day.

Although our lovely protagonist continually describes enjoying lovemaking with her real life partners, and a need to satisfy herself when they or a client are not around, I am curious as to why her approach to it is somewhat, I dont know, mechanic, and I question why she prefers it anywhere BUT where most regular women do (please assume I am talking about what you think I am. I am.) Is she really happy? She seems to go to remarkable lengths to persuade the reader that she is.


Regardless, I found the book to be remarkably entertaining.
 

Journal Entry 2 by Funkybamboozle from Georges Hall, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, April 24, 2005

Im creating a bookring for this. usual rules apply.

1. blackfeather
2. Woosang <----- Currently here
3. Fushmush
4. mundoo
5. amberc
6. buggyhare
7. aussieangel2
8. gabbysmum
9. puppymummy (will post to NZ)
10. KiwiWonder (NZ)
11. liltricks (NZ)
12. Pluisje (NZ)
Back to Australia
13. bookfairy65
14. lakelady2282
15. Pixette
16. piemunga
17. gypsyrose02
18. catsalive
19. kirst040
20. Woosang
21. hunnyb 

Journal Entry 3 by Funkybamboozle at Mailed to BC member in Mailed to another BC member, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (6/6/2005 UTC) at Mailed to BC member in Mailed to another BC member, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

posting this to Woosang after receiving it back from blackfeather who read it BUT REFUSED to journal it. did stimulate (no pun intended) coversation at our work place 

Journal Entry 4 by woosang from Picton, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, July 07, 2005

I received this book a while ago, alone with 3 other book rings. I thought I had journalled it, but alas I was mistaken. I also stupidly thought I would be able to fit this book in, but with so many on the list, I have decided to send it on and put myself at the bottom of the list (IF that is OK) I hope to received it back one day so I can actually read it.

 

Journal Entry 5 by fushmush from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Monday, September 26, 2005

ooops! Did I not journal that I had received this? Sorry! I received this a couple of weeks ago and I have now read it.

At first I did find the explicit descriptions a little bit shocking. However, it all becomes quickly routine and just a little bit boring. The book was originally a blog and I thought the interrupted nature of her "posts" disturbed the flow of the novel.

An eye opening read.

Update: Posted 27/09/05 

Journal Entry 6 by Mundoo from Hindmarsh Island, South Australia Australia on Thursday, September 29, 2005

Arrived today. 1 ahead of this book. 

Journal Entry 7 by Mundoo from Hindmarsh Island, South Australia Australia on Sunday, October 09, 2005

The 'activities' of the Call Girl took a little bit of getting used to in the beginning of the story but as I read along I became de-sensitized to what she was doing. I have to admit I didn't like the descriptions of the S&M or the anal activities and skipped over those parts. I suppose being a prostitute was a good way of dealing with her sexual appetite and at least she got paid for the fun. Her descriptions of most of the clients confirmed what I suspected as typical prostitute users. But she never really admitted to becoming wealthy from her job. Her relationships with the boyfriends was how I expected, what male would really put up with her job in the long-term? The story ended lamely for me. Yes I expected her to go it alone but it seemed to be glossed over as an ending.
 

Journal Entry 8 by Mundoo at By Mail in Controlled Release, Given to a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, October 09, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (10/9/2005 UTC) at By Mail in Controlled Release, Given to a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Posted to AmberC 

Journal Entry 9 by amberC from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Wednesday, October 12, 2005

received today with another bookring.

i have a couple ahead of this. 

Journal Entry 10 by amberC from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Saturday, October 29, 2005

the first sentence sets the tone for the book, straight forward, no euphamisams (s?. i wasn't shocked by anything she wrote and had the feeling she had perhaps left out quite a bit, perhaps in case it shocked....she mentions bruises but gave no details of how she got them.

at times it did feel a bit choppy, as if the blog/diary entries weren't all there or had been chopped off and left unfinished.

thankyou for sharing funkybamboozle.

to be posted to buggyhare tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 11 by buggyhare from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Monday, November 07, 2005

Received today, thanks amberC! I have lots of other books to read and wasn't expecting to get this one now, but I think I should be able to get to it soon. 

Journal Entry 12 by buggyhare from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, November 09, 2005

um... whoops, I finished this book already (despite being very naughty and having a huge pile of other bookring books at home... it arrived as I was leaving for work yesterday so I'd read half of it at lunch!)!

I suppose I did enjoy it, in a "shouldn't look, but can't look away" car crash/reality tv kind of way - I couldn't put it down.

Yes, it was explicit. Were the more distubring descriptions at the beginning of the book, or did I just get desensitised along the way? Did anyone else wonder if she had been sexually abused as a child? I thought her violent fantasies and "relationships" with boyfriends (as opposed to clients) were the most disturbing.

Still, an interesting read.

Thanks for the bookring, Funkybamboozle. Will pass it on to aussieangel2 ASAP. 

Journal Entry 13 by buggyhare from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Posted to gabbysmum today, as aussieangel2 asked to be skipped. 

Journal Entry 14 by gabbysmum from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Thursday, November 17, 2005

Arrived today while I was at my sons year 12 graduation,I look forward to reading this.thanks heaps.

But what on earth was spilt on it? 

Journal Entry 15 by amberC from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Thursday, November 17, 2005

what has happened to the book? it was Ok when it left me. 

Journal Entry 16 by gabbysmum from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Monday, November 28, 2005

Hmmm well what can I say except boring.As others have said the first line does set the tone of the book for sure.I found that the way it was written was dull and I feel too lots were left out.Thanks for letting me read it.

Will post to the next along as soon as poss. 

Journal Entry 17 by gabbysmum at Bookring Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Released 6 yrs ago (2/14/2006 UTC) at Bookring Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Another one I have overlooked but have now finally sent on its way,so sorry. 

Journal Entry 18 by puppymummy from Melbourne, Victoria Australia on Monday, February 20, 2006

For those who are wondering, it appears that the book has gotten wet during its travels and some of the colour from the back cover has bled through the pages. However, it is still very readable, and I look forward to it - along with the other three that arrived yesterday! Even in 2006 they all come at once! 

Journal Entry 19 by puppymummy from Melbourne, Victoria Australia on Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Well, it was indeed compelling in that car-crash way, and I think I know why she doesn't like the 'normal' aperture - too stretched from fitting in more than a couple of fingers (yes that is what I am referring to). What bothered me most was her deciding not to use protection during oral sex - disease risks galore!
KiwiWonder has already read a different copy, so I have PM'd liltricks for an address and will post this on when I receive it. Thanks for sharing it with me! 

Journal Entry 20 by puppymummy at Controlled Release in Postal Release, Mailed to another bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Released 6 yrs ago (4/12/2006 UTC) at Controlled Release in Postal Release, Mailed to another bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Finally managed to get an address, from Pluisje. Book is now on the way to New Zealand. 

Journal Entry 21 by Pluisje on Sunday, April 23, 2006

Arrived yesterday. Will start once I've finished the one I'm currently reading, which shouldn't take long. 

Journal Entry 22 by Pluisje on Monday, May 15, 2006

I had just finished one of the Harry Potter books before I read this one. What a glaring contrast!
I read the book in two nights, I did not want to stretch it out because I found the whole tone of the book quite disturbing. Not so the explicit details but more that it was just that and not much story around it to give it depth. Yes sure she did mention her private life as well but there was always this cold distance. I never got into her character. Maybe the distance comes with the profession.

Thank you for sharing!
I pm-ed the next in line 2 weeks ago and today. Will wait for a bit longer and then try further down the list. 

Journal Entry 23 by Pluisje on Friday, May 19, 2006

Posted today.
Bookfairy65 had actually replied to me but I never received the message. I must check my mail filter, Anyway the book is crossing the Tasman right now! Thank you for setting up the bookring Funkybamboozle 

Journal Entry 24 by bookfairy65 from Yass, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Arrived today. I will get to it as soon as I've finished the book I'm currently reading. Thanks to all who have held this book before me for sending it on. 

Journal Entry 25 by bookfairy65 from Yass, New South Wales Australia on Monday, June 12, 2006

Ummm...yawn...boring! To put it in the authors own words...

"Expecting the piece to delight and entertain was about as fruitless as reading the back of a shampoo bottle in search of fine literature."

The author should stick with prostitution; she sure doesn't cut it as a writer!

Will get in touch with the next in line and get the book moving again ASAP. 

Journal Entry 26 by lakelady2282 from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Thanks Bookfairy for your note. I just thought I would note that it appears the red dye from the plastic postal bag has leaked over the book. It must of got wet somehow in transit. Will read soon. 

Journal Entry 27 by bookfairy65 from Yass, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, June 27, 2006

The book has been in that condition (the red dye) for quite some time it seems, gabbysmum commented on it way back in November! 

Journal Entry 28 by lakelady2282 from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Monday, July 31, 2006

Got to page 16 and that was enough for me! Will pm Pixette. 

Journal Entry 29 by lakelady2282 at Bookring in by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, August 12, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (8/10/2006 UTC) at Bookring in by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

 

Journal Entry 30 by Pixette from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, August 13, 2006

Received in my postbox late last week.

I was fascinated and picked it up for a look immediately. I thought considering the nature of the piece the dye leaking into the pages added an interesting allurement.

I've got to page 37 and have to agree with some other journals but it is a bit boring.

I will continue for a bit and see if anything different occurs.

Thanks for sharing though I would always have wondered about this book. 

Journal Entry 31 by Pixette from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Monday, August 14, 2006

No I'm done I'm afraid at page 63. Unfortunately it's just dull.

It's not well written enough to be erotic and not graphic enough to be pornographic.

She needed a ghost writer I think.

Thanks for sharing but I won't be finishing it. I'll send it on to the next recipient when I have an address. 

Journal Entry 32 by piemunga from Marrickville, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, August 29, 2006

I received this last week (sorry I haven't logged it yet!)

I'll get to it right after 1 other bookring. 

Journal Entry 33 by piemunga from Marrickville, New South Wales Australia on Monday, September 11, 2006

Surprisingly, I quite enjoyed Belle De Jour - being the prude I am. It was very clinical, but I thought that was appropriate since it was her job.
Not for everyone though!
I must admit I was paranoid reading it on the train, worried that some little old lasy would be looking over my shoulder :)

I'll post it off to gypsyrose02 some time this week. 

Journal Entry 34 by piemunga at postal release in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (9/12/2006 UTC) at postal release in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Posted off today! 

Journal Entry 35 by gypsyrose02 from Byford, Western Australia Australia on Monday, September 18, 2006

arrived yesterday. have started reading it already. know im gonna be hooked. 

Journal Entry 36 by catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Friday, December 08, 2006

I have received this book. Thanks, gypsyrose02. 

Journal Entry 37 by catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, December 30, 2006

I couldn't get into this book. Got as far as page 66 & couldn't force myself on. I'll PM kirst040. Thanks Funky. 

Journal Entry 38 by catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, January 04, 2007

Handing over to kirst040 at lunch @ Tiffany's today. 

Journal Entry 39 by kirst040 from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, January 06, 2007

Picked up from catsalive over crepes (that were wonderful). Thanks. Given the mixed reviews I couldn't resist having a peek at this on my way home. I read about 40 pages and it seems to me (so far) to be the ramblings of a self obsessed woman that would be better left private. I will persevere a little longer but its on to TBR for now until its rightful turn comes around. 

Journal Entry 40 by kirst040 from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, January 28, 2007

Well my initial first impressions were correct, self obsessed ramblings of a woman that should know better. What I can't understand is why I read it all the way through, perhaps I was searching for one redeeming feature. I'm sure I've seen a sequel to this in the shops and I can't possbly imagine how the author has managed to get another book published.

I'll pass this on to woosang as soon as I can.

Edit 30/01 - woosang has passed so I'm going to contact hunnyb - stay tuned 

Journal Entry 41 by kirst040 from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Hopefully passing this into the waiting clutches of hunnyb at our Sydney BC get together this evening 

Journal Entry 42 by hunnyb from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Received at meetup. Thanks all. Looks like the book's been on a few adventures of its own :) Will get stuck into it right away. 

Journal Entry 43 by hunnyb from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, February 27, 2007

I thought the book had been dropped in the bath :) All in all an interesting read. I agree with other journallers that it's not very well written - it chops and changes a bit too much and it's hard to keep track of the different characters. The book seems designed to shock - I'm not doubting the authenticity of her experiences, but at the same time I'm not sure the physical descriptions were so necessary. Maybe I'm just a prude?

For something similar (but set closer to home!), try Kate Holden's "In My Skin".

Thanks for sharing this funkybamboozle. Looks like it's ready to head home now!