Fabulous, 29 Oct 2006
I read this book when it first came out over a year ago and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Jenna has had an amazing yet unbelievably life, I found quite a lot of it shocking but very very honest. I was shocked to read about the things that have happened to her when she was younger, she has well and truly come out the other side.

I think to read this and enjoy it you have to forget she is such a famous porn star an just enjoy the book. It portrays her in a totally different light and makes you realise she is actually a person who has had one hell of a life and not just a porn star. I was also very sad to hear that she and Jay have split up now. Please read the book! You will not be disappointed!

Brilliant!, 04 Sep 2006
I think this was such a good read, very open but still fun.
This shows Jenna in a different light. Really enjoyed it!
Well done Jenna!

"Pardon?" said the deaf man., 13 Jul 2006
Lets face it. The one thing the world knows Jenna Jameson for isn't her writing skill or her acting skills. Yet there is a sense of facination as to why she does what she does.

I knew nothing about Ms Jameson. I hadn't even seen a film with her in but the title kinda caught my eye, like it does. After I read this book i was left with a sense of what life can do to a person and what a person will do to escape the realities which they don't want to face.

It wasn't brilliantly written but was enjoyable and kept me going. I feel that, perhaps, a lot of spin may have been added to make certain people look better or worse than they really are.

Maybe the best book by a porn star but that isn't much, 22 Jul 2005
This book is a light, easy and somewhat intersting read. However the intersting bits could be condensed into maybe 25 pages. The rest is a bunch of two bit, feelgood self-psychoanlyses. Seriously you're better off hanging out with your friends for the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to read this. Good airplane book for an overnight flight though.

Compelling! Gripping! .. and er.. Brutal!, 14 Feb 2005
....Let me tell you that this is no picnic. It's brutal from the off, and you really start to feel for the poor girl. I am only half way through, and to say I'm enjoying it would be a little sadistic - It's very compelling, and fast moving indeed - yet you are litterally 'dying' to read more! A damn good read! I would defintely put it in my top 20 (if not top 10!) books that I have read.

Definitely worthy of a read!

Fabulous, 29 Oct 2006
I read this book when it first came out over a year ago and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Jenna has had an amazing yet unbelievably life, I found quite a lot of it shocking but very very honest. I was shocked to read about the things that have happened to her when she was younger, she has well and truly come out the other side.

I think to read this and enjoy it you have to forget she is such a famous porn star an just enjoy the book. It portrays her in a totally different light and makes you realise she is actually a person who has had one hell of a life and not just a porn star. I was also very sad to hear that she and Jay have split up now. Please read the book! You will not be disappointed!

Brilliant!, 04 Sep 2006
I think this was such a good read, very open but still fun.
This shows Jenna in a different light. Really enjoyed it!
Well done Jenna!

"Pardon?" said the deaf man., 13 Jul 2006
Lets face it. The one thing the world knows Jenna Jameson for isn't her writing skill or her acting skills. Yet there is a sense of facination as to why she does what she does.

I knew nothing about Ms Jameson. I hadn't even seen a film with her in but the title kinda caught my eye, like it does. After I read this book i was left with a sense of what life can do to a person and what a person will do to escape the realities which they don't want to face.

It wasn't brilliantly written but was enjoyable and kept me going. I feel that, perhaps, a lot of spin may have been added to make certain people look better or worse than they really are.

Maybe the best book by a porn star but that isn't much, 22 Jul 2005
This book is a light, easy and somewhat intersting read. However the intersting bits could be condensed into maybe 25 pages. The rest is a bunch of two bit, feelgood self-psychoanlyses. Seriously you're better off hanging out with your friends for the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to read this. Good airplane book for an overnight flight though.

Compelling! Gripping! .. and er.. Brutal!, 14 Feb 2005
....Let me tell you that this is no picnic. It's brutal from the off, and you really start to feel for the poor girl. I am only half way through, and to say I'm enjoying it would be a little sadistic - It's very compelling, and fast moving indeed - yet you are litterally 'dying' to read more! A damn good read! I would defintely put it in my top 20 (if not top 10!) books that I have read.

Definitely worthy of a read!

My Undoing, 18 Aug 2008
Upon reading the first page of this book I thought I was reading a 'PORN NOVEL', this soon tamed down and just became various stories of Aiden's very interesting, and saucy, life.

Definately recommended, but if you are a bit of a Prude, maybe best to avoid this one!

He can do better, 24 May 2008
No doubt, Mr. Shaw is one of the last legendary gay porn stars, although I'm not much interested in his video performances.
But prefer his novels, poetry, and some of his music.
I must admit that this new book is not my favourite.
He can do better than this.
It is said to be his autobiographical story, but in fact, only about several years of his career. He honestly writes about drugs, porn industry, club, accident and his unrequited love. It was refreshing that unlike some insider stories, he did not go deep into gossip materials. Something I found interesting was that although (from his novels) it is clear that he knows how to write fiction, he did not try to write fictitious stories to satisfy readers excitement, but just told as it was.

I hoped he'd write more about how he survived after the fatal accident, and more about his family. When he dose, it is probably the most interesting and touching parts of his book. Maybe this is because he is well aware of his readership. I hope this changes him, so he can write about things that aren't necessarily related to sex and drugs.

I have read some of his short stories in the magazines.
They were so well written. I wish he would publish his short stories and unpublished poetry (they were once in his web-site).


Review For 'My Undoing' by Aiden Shaw, 22 Feb 2007
This book was so powerful that I havnt been able to get this man out of my head, I could of easily read the whole book in an evening but purposely only read two chapters at a time, giving me time to think about every gritty detail! His language and delivery in writing such personal subject matter is both powerful and sensitive. His robotic attitude to sex and drugs on one hand is the height of debauched escapism (allot of us do it, including myself!) but contradictory when he falls in love and wants more. It had me talking to the page "dont do it, dont do it" but then of course we do. I couldnt help being amazed at the extent of this mans drug intake, he would literally take drugs to sleep, stay awake, go to the gym and have sex! A truelly gripping story of love, sex, prostitution and drugs and poignant comments on the gay scene and gay people in general! His relationships with his closest friends are genuine and heartfelt, their experiences one might think crazy but always endlessly entertaining. Many lines and scenes from this book stand out, but the most interesting has to be when he says that he just wants someone to hold him, seemingly you can have everything, looks, a big cock, money, stardom, great friends and notoriety and the one thing is lacking is being held and ultimately love! His no bullshit account of the plastic people he meets through both work and being famous is astutely sincere. A triumph, it must have been exhausting to write as emotionally this has its foot hard on the trottle! It had me knowingly laughing in one chapter and crying in another! I have just been on to amazon and ordered all of his books!

Moving and insightful, 31 Oct 2006
I would actually disagree with an earlier review because I believe it does let you know about Aiden Shaw. Although it may only offer a short peak at his psyche My Undoing reveals the vulnerability of someone who has made a career from his alter ego, letting you get a brief glimpse of the real man inside whilst providing a very moving and frank insight into a world that most of us only view from our couches. This is not an erotic novel it is a genuine and frank account of one mans journey. The only negative point I can make is it starts mid flight and I for one would love to pick it up from the beginning.

The man behind My Undoing, 23 Sep 2006
This autobiography doesn't so much let you get to know Aiden Shaw, but takes us on a headonistic ride through Shaw's work in the porn industry.

Whilst recapturing time spent on shoots, parties and taking drugs (which becomes repetative), we do eventually get a glimpse of the people in Aiden's life and the affect they have on him.

For me, the most interesting part of the book is surrounding his near fatal accident. Here we see a insight into his day-to-day life, a life away from the superficial world of gay porn. The downside of the book is that we never really find out why he turned to prostitution and why he made a career out of something, that in hindsight, I'm not sure brought him happiness.

If you want to take a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a world which most of us will only ever experience via a DVD, this is the book for you. But it's only when you talk to Shaw that you get an insight to the much deeper, creative, talent that is the man behind My Undoing.

Fabulous, 29 Oct 2006
I read this book when it first came out over a year ago and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Jenna has had an amazing yet unbelievably life, I found quite a lot of it shocking but very very honest. I was shocked to read about the things that have happened to her when she was younger, she has well and truly come out the other side.

I think to read this and enjoy it you have to forget she is such a famous porn star an just enjoy the book. It portrays her in a totally different light and makes you realise she is actually a person who has had one hell of a life and not just a porn star. I was also very sad to hear that she and Jay have split up now. Please read the book! You will not be disappointed!

Brilliant!, 04 Sep 2006
I think this was such a good read, very open but still fun.
This shows Jenna in a different light. Really enjoyed it!
Well done Jenna!

"Pardon?" said the deaf man., 13 Jul 2006
Lets face it. The one thing the world knows Jenna Jameson for isn't her writing skill or her acting skills. Yet there is a sense of facination as to why she does what she does.

I knew nothing about Ms Jameson. I hadn't even seen a film with her in but the title kinda caught my eye, like it does. After I read this book i was left with a sense of what life can do to a person and what a person will do to escape the realities which they don't want to face.

It wasn't brilliantly written but was enjoyable and kept me going. I feel that, perhaps, a lot of spin may have been added to make certain people look better or worse than they really are.

Maybe the best book by a porn star but that isn't much, 22 Jul 2005
This book is a light, easy and somewhat intersting read. However the intersting bits could be condensed into maybe 25 pages. The rest is a bunch of two bit, feelgood self-psychoanlyses. Seriously you're better off hanging out with your friends for the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to read this. Good airplane book for an overnight flight though.

Compelling! Gripping! .. and er.. Brutal!, 14 Feb 2005
....Let me tell you that this is no picnic. It's brutal from the off, and you really start to feel for the poor girl. I am only half way through, and to say I'm enjoying it would be a little sadistic - It's very compelling, and fast moving indeed - yet you are litterally 'dying' to read more! A damn good read! I would defintely put it in my top 20 (if not top 10!) books that I have read.

Definitely worthy of a read!

My Undoing, 18 Aug 2008
Upon reading the first page of this book I thought I was reading a 'PORN NOVEL', this soon tamed down and just became various stories of Aiden's very interesting, and saucy, life.

Definately recommended, but if you are a bit of a Prude, maybe best to avoid this one!

He can do better, 24 May 2008
No doubt, Mr. Shaw is one of the last legendary gay porn stars, although I'm not much interested in his video performances.
But prefer his novels, poetry, and some of his music.
I must admit that this new book is not my favourite.
He can do better than this.
It is said to be his autobiographical story, but in fact, only about several years of his career. He honestly writes about drugs, porn industry, club, accident and his unrequited love. It was refreshing that unlike some insider stories, he did not go deep into gossip materials. Something I found interesting was that although (from his novels) it is clear that he knows how to write fiction, he did not try to write fictitious stories to satisfy readers excitement, but just told as it was.

I hoped he'd write more about how he survived after the fatal accident, and more about his family. When he dose, it is probably the most interesting and touching parts of his book. Maybe this is because he is well aware of his readership. I hope this changes him, so he can write about things that aren't necessarily related to sex and drugs.

I have read some of his short stories in the magazines.
They were so well written. I wish he would publish his short stories and unpublished poetry (they were once in his web-site).


Review For 'My Undoing' by Aiden Shaw, 22 Feb 2007
This book was so powerful that I havnt been able to get this man out of my head, I could of easily read the whole book in an evening but purposely only read two chapters at a time, giving me time to think about every gritty detail! His language and delivery in writing such personal subject matter is both powerful and sensitive. His robotic attitude to sex and drugs on one hand is the height of debauched escapism (allot of us do it, including myself!) but contradictory when he falls in love and wants more. It had me talking to the page "dont do it, dont do it" but then of course we do. I couldnt help being amazed at the extent of this mans drug intake, he would literally take drugs to sleep, stay awake, go to the gym and have sex! A truelly gripping story of love, sex, prostitution and drugs and poignant comments on the gay scene and gay people in general! His relationships with his closest friends are genuine and heartfelt, their experiences one might think crazy but always endlessly entertaining. Many lines and scenes from this book stand out, but the most interesting has to be when he says that he just wants someone to hold him, seemingly you can have everything, looks, a big cock, money, stardom, great friends and notoriety and the one thing is lacking is being held and ultimately love! His no bullshit account of the plastic people he meets through both work and being famous is astutely sincere. A triumph, it must have been exhausting to write as emotionally this has its foot hard on the trottle! It had me knowingly laughing in one chapter and crying in another! I have just been on to amazon and ordered all of his books!

Moving and insightful, 31 Oct 2006
I would actually disagree with an earlier review because I believe it does let you know about Aiden Shaw. Although it may only offer a short peak at his psyche My Undoing reveals the vulnerability of someone who has made a career from his alter ego, letting you get a brief glimpse of the real man inside whilst providing a very moving and frank insight into a world that most of us only view from our couches. This is not an erotic novel it is a genuine and frank account of one mans journey. The only negative point I can make is it starts mid flight and I for one would love to pick it up from the beginning.

The man behind My Undoing, 23 Sep 2006
This autobiography doesn't so much let you get to know Aiden Shaw, but takes us on a headonistic ride through Shaw's work in the porn industry.

Whilst recapturing time spent on shoots, parties and taking drugs (which becomes repetative), we do eventually get a glimpse of the people in Aiden's life and the affect they have on him.

For me, the most interesting part of the book is surrounding his near fatal accident. Here we see a insight into his day-to-day life, a life away from the superficial world of gay porn. The downside of the book is that we never really find out why he turned to prostitution and why he made a career out of something, that in hindsight, I'm not sure brought him happiness.

If you want to take a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a world which most of us will only ever experience via a DVD, this is the book for you. But it's only when you talk to Shaw that you get an insight to the much deeper, creative, talent that is the man behind My Undoing.


Right Wing Christian America, 14 Jan 2007
This book gives a real insight into right wing christian fundamentalism. A thought provoking novel that tracks the life of one Rich Merritt. Although poorly written at times (poor grammar / goes off track) it is on the whole an enjoyable read.

Fabulous, 29 Oct 2006
I read this book when it first came out over a year ago and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Jenna has had an amazing yet unbelievably life, I found quite a lot of it shocking but very very honest. I was shocked to read about the things that have happened to her when she was younger, she has well and truly come out the other side.

I think to read this and enjoy it you have to forget she is such a famous porn star an just enjoy the book. It portrays her in a totally different light and makes you realise she is actually a person who has had one hell of a life and not just a porn star. I was also very sad to hear that she and Jay have split up now. Please read the book! You will not be disappointed!

Brilliant!, 04 Sep 2006
I think this was such a good read, very open but still fun.
This shows Jenna in a different light. Really enjoyed it!
Well done Jenna!

"Pardon?" said the deaf man., 13 Jul 2006
Lets face it. The one thing the world knows Jenna Jameson for isn't her writing skill or her acting skills. Yet there is a sense of facination as to why she does what she does.

I knew nothing about Ms Jameson. I hadn't even seen a film with her in but the title kinda caught my eye, like it does. After I read this book i was left with a sense of what life can do to a person and what a person will do to escape the realities which they don't want to face.

It wasn't brilliantly written but was enjoyable and kept me going. I feel that, perhaps, a lot of spin may have been added to make certain people look better or worse than they really are.

Maybe the best book by a porn star but that isn't much, 22 Jul 2005
This book is a light, easy and somewhat intersting read. However the intersting bits could be condensed into maybe 25 pages. The rest is a bunch of two bit, feelgood self-psychoanlyses. Seriously you're better off hanging out with your friends for the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to read this. Good airplane book for an overnight flight though.

Compelling! Gripping! .. and er.. Brutal!, 14 Feb 2005
....Let me tell you that this is no picnic. It's brutal from the off, and you really start to feel for the poor girl. I am only half way through, and to say I'm enjoying it would be a little sadistic - It's very compelling, and fast moving indeed - yet you are litterally 'dying' to read more! A damn good read! I would defintely put it in my top 20 (if not top 10!) books that I have read.

Definitely worthy of a read!

My Undoing, 18 Aug 2008
Upon reading the first page of this book I thought I was reading a 'PORN NOVEL', this soon tamed down and just became various stories of Aiden's very interesting, and saucy, life.

Definately recommended, but if you are a bit of a Prude, maybe best to avoid this one!

He can do better, 24 May 2008
No doubt, Mr. Shaw is one of the last legendary gay porn stars, although I'm not much interested in his video performances.
But prefer his novels, poetry, and some of his music.
I must admit that this new book is not my favourite.
He can do better than this.
It is said to be his autobiographical story, but in fact, only about several years of his career. He honestly writes about drugs, porn industry, club, accident and his unrequited love. It was refreshing that unlike some insider stories, he did not go deep into gossip materials. Something I found interesting was that although (from his novels) it is clear that he knows how to write fiction, he did not try to write fictitious stories to satisfy readers excitement, but just told as it was.

I hoped he'd write more about how he survived after the fatal accident, and more about his family. When he dose, it is probably the most interesting and touching parts of his book. Maybe this is because he is well aware of his readership. I hope this changes him, so he can write about things that aren't necessarily related to sex and drugs.

I have read some of his short stories in the magazines.
They were so well written. I wish he would publish his short stories and unpublished poetry (they were once in his web-site).


Review For 'My Undoing' by Aiden Shaw, 22 Feb 2007
This book was so powerful that I havnt been able to get this man out of my head, I could of easily read the whole book in an evening but purposely only read two chapters at a time, giving me time to think about every gritty detail! His language and delivery in writing such personal subject matter is both powerful and sensitive. His robotic attitude to sex and drugs on one hand is the height of debauched escapism (allot of us do it, including myself!) but contradictory when he falls in love and wants more. It had me talking to the page "dont do it, dont do it" but then of course we do. I couldnt help being amazed at the extent of this mans drug intake, he would literally take drugs to sleep, stay awake, go to the gym and have sex! A truelly gripping story of love, sex, prostitution and drugs and poignant comments on the gay scene and gay people in general! His relationships with his closest friends are genuine and heartfelt, their experiences one might think crazy but always endlessly entertaining. Many lines and scenes from this book stand out, but the most interesting has to be when he says that he just wants someone to hold him, seemingly you can have everything, looks, a big cock, money, stardom, great friends and notoriety and the one thing is lacking is being held and ultimately love! His no bullshit account of the plastic people he meets through both work and being famous is astutely sincere. A triumph, it must have been exhausting to write as emotionally this has its foot hard on the trottle! It had me knowingly laughing in one chapter and crying in another! I have just been on to amazon and ordered all of his books!

Moving and insightful, 31 Oct 2006
I would actually disagree with an earlier review because I believe it does let you know about Aiden Shaw. Although it may only offer a short peak at his psyche My Undoing reveals the vulnerability of someone who has made a career from his alter ego, letting you get a brief glimpse of the real man inside whilst providing a very moving and frank insight into a world that most of us only view from our couches. This is not an erotic novel it is a genuine and frank account of one mans journey. The only negative point I can make is it starts mid flight and I for one would love to pick it up from the beginning.

The man behind My Undoing, 23 Sep 2006
This autobiography doesn't so much let you get to know Aiden Shaw, but takes us on a headonistic ride through Shaw's work in the porn industry.

Whilst recapturing time spent on shoots, parties and taking drugs (which becomes repetative), we do eventually get a glimpse of the people in Aiden's life and the affect they have on him.

For me, the most interesting part of the book is surrounding his near fatal accident. Here we see a insight into his day-to-day life, a life away from the superficial world of gay porn. The downside of the book is that we never really find out why he turned to prostitution and why he made a career out of something, that in hindsight, I'm not sure brought him happiness.

If you want to take a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a world which most of us will only ever experience via a DVD, this is the book for you. But it's only when you talk to Shaw that you get an insight to the much deeper, creative, talent that is the man behind My Undoing.


Right Wing Christian America, 14 Jan 2007
This book gives a real insight into right wing christian fundamentalism. A thought provoking novel that tracks the life of one Rich Merritt. Although poorly written at times (poor grammar / goes off track) it is on the whole an enjoyable read.

Interesting but also frustrating and a touch sad!, 28 Sep 2008
Ron J is a porn star. Famous for being hairy and (of course) well-built in the tackle dept. And not a pretty geezer, although arguably, he was when he was a young 'un. Jeremy is, by his own account, extremly talented - he says he's a classical musician (and provides scant evidence) registered childcarer (for which there is) and intellect (judge for yourself). This book is a mixture of very interesting stories about the adult entertainment industry, nice anecdotes about his interesting life, and yet it ultimately dissolves into a series of namechecks of the famous and becomes a litany of minor mishaps and pratfalls for somebody wanting to break into the mainstream of acting who never succeeds.

Jeremy knows everybody but this seems due entirely to his curiosity status as a porn legend rather than his acting ability, and in the end, you both envy him for his wonderful freedom and liberty in his sex and social life and for his utter lack of fulfilment on any other level: it is apparent that having made it in porn early, he has absolutely no idea about conventional relationships at all. He is painfully and honourably honest about this which adds a twinge of pathos to the book.

Jeremy seems to think he has (third? Forth?) career as a stand-up comedian but never makes us laugh seriously (laugh seriously? I'm on good form today), although we do smile with and at him frequently. And through it all, you really do like and pity him in equal measure. He's trying to punch above the odds. He's had a good life. He's self-depreciating. He's not arrogant. He's a porn star who wanted more and grazed the surface. Basically he popularised porn as an icon. That is probably all he should have aimed for for happiness. At that level, Mr J is the best thing the industry ever produced. Not bad going, and it's a fun read. A tiny bit sad for his foiled ambitions - but he did not have to tell us about those - so in a way, we get the truth about who he is and what he wanted.

The sex alone probably makes him a happier man than many have ever been - and the book is worth a read if you are open minded and curious. Possibly one of the most accessible works on the industry you'll ever be able to read. All told, however, I'd not swap his cock for my brains - even if many women I've met would!

Fabulous, 29 Oct 2006
I read this book when it first came out over a year ago and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Jenna has had an amazing yet unbelievably life, I found quite a lot of it shocking but very very honest. I was shocked to read about the things that have happened to her when she was younger, she has well and truly come out the other side.

I think to read this and enjoy it you have to forget she is such a famous porn star an just enjoy the book. It portrays her in a totally different light and makes you realise she is actually a person who has had one hell of a life and not just a porn star. I was also very sad to hear that she and Jay have split up now. Please read the book! You will not be disappointed!

Brilliant!, 04 Sep 2006
I think this was such a good read, very open but still fun.
This shows Jenna in a different light. Really enjoyed it!
Well done Jenna!

"Pardon?" said the deaf man., 13 Jul 2006
Lets face it. The one thing the world knows Jenna Jameson for isn't her writing skill or her acting skills. Yet there is a sense of facination as to why she does what she does.

I knew nothing about Ms Jameson. I hadn't even seen a film with her in but the title kinda caught my eye, like it does. After I read this book i was left with a sense of what life can do to a person and what a person will do to escape the realities which they don't want to face.

It wasn't brilliantly written but was enjoyable and kept me going. I feel that, perhaps, a lot of spin may have been added to make certain people look better or worse than they really are.

Maybe the best book by a porn star but that isn't much, 22 Jul 2005
This book is a light, easy and somewhat intersting read. However the intersting bits could be condensed into maybe 25 pages. The rest is a bunch of two bit, feelgood self-psychoanlyses. Seriously you're better off hanging out with your friends for the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to read this. Good airplane book for an overnight flight though.

Compelling! Gripping! .. and er.. Brutal!, 14 Feb 2005
....Let me tell you that this is no picnic. It's brutal from the off, and you really start to feel for the poor girl. I am only half way through, and to say I'm enjoying it would be a little sadistic - It's very compelling, and fast moving indeed - yet you are litterally 'dying' to read more! A damn good read! I would defintely put it in my top 20 (if not top 10!) books that I have read.

Definitely worthy of a read!

My Undoing, 18 Aug 2008
Upon reading the first page of this book I thought I was reading a 'PORN NOVEL', this soon tamed down and just became various stories of Aiden's very interesting, and saucy, life.

Definately recommended, but if you are a bit of a Prude, maybe best to avoid this one!

He can do better, 24 May 2008
No doubt, Mr. Shaw is one of the last legendary gay porn stars, although I'm not much interested in his video performances.
But prefer his novels, poetry, and some of his music.
I must admit that this new book is not my favourite.
He can do better than this.
It is said to be his autobiographical story, but in fact, only about several years of his career. He honestly writes about drugs, porn industry, club, accident and his unrequited love. It was refreshing that unlike some insider stories, he did not go deep into gossip materials. Something I found interesting was that although (from his novels) it is clear that he knows how to write fiction, he did not try to write fictitious stories to satisfy readers excitement, but just told as it was.

I hoped he'd write more about how he survived after the fatal accident, and more about his family. When he dose, it is probably the most interesting and touching parts of his book. Maybe this is because he is well aware of his readership. I hope this changes him, so he can write about things that aren't necessarily related to sex and drugs.

I have read some of his short stories in the magazines.
They were so well written. I wish he would publish his short stories and unpublished poetry (they were once in his web-site).


Review For 'My Undoing' by Aiden Shaw, 22 Feb 2007
This book was so powerful that I havnt been able to get this man out of my head, I could of easily read the whole book in an evening but purposely only read two chapters at a time, giving me time to think about every gritty detail! His language and delivery in writing such personal subject matter is both powerful and sensitive. His robotic attitude to sex and drugs on one hand is the height of debauched escapism (allot of us do it, including myself!) but contradictory when he falls in love and wants more. It had me talking to the page "dont do it, dont do it" but then of course we do. I couldnt help being amazed at the extent of this mans drug intake, he would literally take drugs to sleep, stay awake, go to the gym and have sex! A truelly gripping story of love, sex, prostitution and drugs and poignant comments on the gay scene and gay people in general! His relationships with his closest friends are genuine and heartfelt, their experiences one might think crazy but always endlessly entertaining. Many lines and scenes from this book stand out, but the most interesting has to be when he says that he just wants someone to hold him, seemingly you can have everything, looks, a big cock, money, stardom, great friends and notoriety and the one thing is lacking is being held and ultimately love! His no bullshit account of the plastic people he meets through both work and being famous is astutely sincere. A triumph, it must have been exhausting to write as emotionally this has its foot hard on the trottle! It had me knowingly laughing in one chapter and crying in another! I have just been on to amazon and ordered all of his books!

Moving and insightful, 31 Oct 2006
I would actually disagree with an earlier review because I believe it does let you know about Aiden Shaw. Although it may only offer a short peak at his psyche My Undoing reveals the vulnerability of someone who has made a career from his alter ego, letting you get a brief glimpse of the real man inside whilst providing a very moving and frank insight into a world that most of us only view from our couches. This is not an erotic novel it is a genuine and frank account of one mans journey. The only negative point I can make is it starts mid flight and I for one would love to pick it up from the beginning.

The man behind My Undoing, 23 Sep 2006
This autobiography doesn't so much let you get to know Aiden Shaw, but takes us on a headonistic ride through Shaw's work in the porn industry.

Whilst recapturing time spent on shoots, parties and taking drugs (which becomes repetative), we do eventually get a glimpse of the people in Aiden's life and the affect they have on him.

For me, the most interesting part of the book is surrounding his near fatal accident. Here we see a insight into his day-to-day life, a life away from the superficial world of gay porn. The downside of the book is that we never really find out why he turned to prostitution and why he made a career out of something, that in hindsight, I'm not sure brought him happiness.

If you want to take a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a world which most of us will only ever experience via a DVD, this is the book for you. But it's only when you talk to Shaw that you get an insight to the much deeper, creative, talent that is the man behind My Undoing.


Right Wing Christian America, 14 Jan 2007
This book gives a real insight into right wing christian fundamentalism. A thought provoking novel that tracks the life of one Rich Merritt. Although poorly written at times (poor grammar / goes off track) it is on the whole an enjoyable read.

Interesting but also frustrating and a touch sad!, 28 Sep 2008
Ron J is a porn star. Famous for being hairy and (of course) well-built in the tackle dept. And not a pretty geezer, although arguably, he was when he was a young 'un. Jeremy is, by his own account, extremly talented - he says he's a classical musician (and provides scant evidence) registered childcarer (for which there is) and intellect (judge for yourself). This book is a mixture of very interesting stories about the adult entertainment industry, nice anecdotes about his interesting life, and yet it ultimately dissolves into a series of namechecks of the famous and becomes a litany of minor mishaps and pratfalls for somebody wanting to break into the mainstream of acting who never succeeds.

Jeremy knows everybody but this seems due entirely to his curiosity status as a porn legend rather than his acting ability, and in the end, you both envy him for his wonderful freedom and liberty in his sex and social life and for his utter lack of fulfilment on any other level: it is apparent that having made it in porn early, he has absolutely no idea about conventional relationships at all. He is painfully and honourably honest about this which adds a twinge of pathos to the book.

Jeremy seems to think he has (third? Forth?) career as a stand-up comedian but never makes us laugh seriously (laugh seriously? I'm on good form today), although we do smile with and at him frequently. And through it all, you really do like and pity him in equal measure. He's trying to punch above the odds. He's had a good life. He's self-depreciating. He's not arrogant. He's a porn star who wanted more and grazed the surface. Basically he popularised porn as an icon. That is probably all he should have aimed for for happiness. At that level, Mr J is the best thing the industry ever produced. Not bad going, and it's a fun read. A tiny bit sad for his foiled ambitions - but he did not have to tell us about those - so in a way, we get the truth about who he is and what he wanted.

The sex alone probably makes him a happier man than many have ever been - and the book is worth a read if you are open minded and curious. Possibly one of the most accessible works on the industry you'll ever be able to read. All told, however, I'd not swap his cock for my brains - even if many women I've met would!

A Must-Read!, 13 Mar 2003
I bought this book after watching a documentary on Linda Lovelace a few months ago ...

I read this book in two days and would recommend it to any female wanting to read about a strong womans life. It is quite sad & depressing but does have a happy ending (without giving too much away!). Apparently some people don't believe Linda's claims that she was forced into the porn industry by her husband, but this book is written so convincingly, I didn't doubt a word of it.

Some of it takes a stong stomache to digest, some of the things her "husband" forced her to do were unspeakably sick & cruel.
Some of it is soooo frustrating, you think why didnt she just run away from him! But this is definately a must read! I'm just trying to get my hands on the follow-up now!

Traci Lords: Underneath It All is the autobiography of the infamous porn starlet. Nora Kuzma was a troubled teenager from Steubenville, Ohio; Traci Lords was the underage glamour mag/porn queen who became the centerpiece of the adult-video industry's greatest scandal. In reality, they were one and the same, the subject of this slick, if thin autobiography. But what's striking here is not the familiar story line--confused, sexually abused teen falls in with drugs and the wrong Southern California crowd, forges fake IDs to become Penthouse Pet of the Month at 16 and the 80s hottest adult star, then arrested as focus of the Reagan administration's crackdown on porn, only to become reborn as cleaned-up, psychoanalysed/rehabed purveyor of legitimate film, TV and music career. Rather, what's striking is Lords' capacity for denial, compartmentalisation and myopia when it serves her own ends.

Her scandalous tenure in the porn trade--undeniably the sole basis for her infamy and subsequent legitimate career--is glossed over here in a few dozen pages, with more attention paid to the heavy-metal musicians that dotted her life than the motivations and machinations of the Feds who literally changed her life; Slash's snake gets more ink here than Attorney General Ed Meese. Quick to ladle generous sympathy on her own plight, she heaps little but scorn upon those from the seedy past of her porn-star alter-ego, yet seems to have had few qualms about formally adopting that moniker as her legal name.

Many of her former cohorts in the adult industry (some of whom were jailed as targets of Federal law enforcement and tax probes related to her case) have long claimed that Lords was little more than a scheming careerist, and a careful reading of her own words does little to undermine their case. There are indeed many insights to Lords's troubled life here, with more than a few lurking between the lines. --Jerry McCulley, Amazon.com

Fabulous, 29 Oct 2006
I read this book when it first came out over a year ago and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Jenna has had an amazing yet unbelievably life, I found quite a lot of it shocking but very very honest. I was shocked to read about the things that have happened to her when she was younger, she has well and truly come out the other side.

I think to read this and enjoy it you have to forget she is such a famous porn star an just enjoy the book. It portrays her in a totally different light and makes you realise she is actually a person who has had one hell of a life and not just a porn star. I was also very sad to hear that she and Jay have split up now. Please read the book! You will not be disappointed!

Brilliant!, 04 Sep 2006
I think this was such a good read, very open but still fun.
This shows Jenna in a different light. Really enjoyed it!
Well done Jenna!

"Pardon?" said the deaf man., 13 Jul 2006
Lets face it. The one thing the world knows Jenna Jameson for isn't her writing skill or her acting skills. Yet there is a sense of facination as to why she does what she does.

I knew nothing about Ms Jameson. I hadn't even seen a film with her in but the title kinda caught my eye, like it does. After I read this book i was left with a sense of what life can do to a person and what a person will do to escape the realities which they don't want to face.

It wasn't brilliantly written but was enjoyable and kept me going. I feel that, perhaps, a lot of spin may have been added to make certain people look better or worse than they really are.

Maybe the best book by a porn star but that isn't much, 22 Jul 2005
This book is a light, easy and somewhat intersting read. However the intersting bits could be condensed into maybe 25 pages. The rest is a bunch of two bit, feelgood self-psychoanlyses. Seriously you're better off hanging out with your friends for the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to read this. Good airplane book for an overnight flight though.

Compelling! Gripping! .. and er.. Brutal!, 14 Feb 2005
....Let me tell you that this is no picnic. It's brutal from the off, and you really start to feel for the poor girl. I am only half way through, and to say I'm enjoying it would be a little sadistic - It's very compelling, and fast moving indeed - yet you are litterally 'dying' to read more! A damn good read! I would defintely put it in my top 20 (if not top 10!) books that I have read.

Definitely worthy of a read!

My Undoing, 18 Aug 2008
Upon reading the first page of this book I thought I was reading a 'PORN NOVEL', this soon tamed down and just became various stories of Aiden's very interesting, and saucy, life.

Definately recommended, but if you are a bit of a Prude, maybe best to avoid this one!

He can do better, 24 May 2008
No doubt, Mr. Shaw is one of the last legendary gay porn stars, although I'm not much interested in his video performances.
But prefer his novels, poetry, and some of his music.
I must admit that this new book is not my favourite.
He can do better than this.
It is said to be his autobiographical story, but in fact, only about several years of his career. He honestly writes about drugs, porn industry, club, accident and his unrequited love. It was refreshing that unlike some insider stories, he did not go deep into gossip materials. Something I found interesting was that although (from his novels) it is clear that he knows how to write fiction, he did not try to write fictitious stories to satisfy readers excitement, but just told as it was.

I hoped he'd write more about how he survived after the fatal accident, and more about his family. When he dose, it is probably the most interesting and touching parts of his book. Maybe this is because he is well aware of his readership. I hope this changes him, so he can write about things that aren't necessarily related to sex and drugs.

I have read some of his short stories in the magazines.
They were so well written. I wish he would publish his short stories and unpublished poetry (they were once in his web-site).


Review For 'My Undoing' by Aiden Shaw, 22 Feb 2007
This book was so powerful that I havnt been able to get this man out of my head, I could of easily read the whole book in an evening but purposely only read two chapters at a time, giving me time to think about every gritty detail! His language and delivery in writing such personal subject matter is both powerful and sensitive. His robotic attitude to sex and drugs on one hand is the height of debauched escapism (allot of us do it, including myself!) but contradictory when he falls in love and wants more. It had me talking to the page "dont do it, dont do it" but then of course we do. I couldnt help being amazed at the extent of this mans drug intake, he would literally take drugs to sleep, stay awake, go to the gym and have sex! A truelly gripping story of love, sex, prostitution and drugs and poignant comments on the gay scene and gay people in general! His relationships with his closest friends are genuine and heartfelt, their experiences one might think crazy but always endlessly entertaining. Many lines and scenes from this book stand out, but the most interesting has to be when he says that he just wants someone to hold him, seemingly you can have everything, looks, a big cock, money, stardom, great friends and notoriety and the one thing is lacking is being held and ultimately love! His no bullshit account of the plastic people he meets through both work and being famous is astutely sincere. A triumph, it must have been exhausting to write as emotionally this has its foot hard on the trottle! It had me knowingly laughing in one chapter and crying in another! I have just been on to amazon and ordered all of his books!

Moving and insightful, 31 Oct 2006
I would actually disagree with an earlier review because I believe it does let you know about Aiden Shaw. Although it may only offer a short peak at his psyche My Undoing reveals the vulnerability of someone who has made a career from his alter ego, letting you get a brief glimpse of the real man inside whilst providing a very moving and frank insight into a world that most of us only view from our couches. This is not an erotic novel it is a genuine and frank account of one mans journey. The only negative point I can make is it starts mid flight and I for one would love to pick it up from the beginning.

The man behind My Undoing, 23 Sep 2006
This autobiography doesn't so much let you get to know Aiden Shaw, but takes us on a headonistic ride through Shaw's work in the porn industry.

Whilst recapturing time spent on shoots, parties and taking drugs (which becomes repetative), we do eventually get a glimpse of the people in Aiden's life and the affect they have on him.

For me, the most interesting part of the book is surrounding his near fatal accident. Here we see a insight into his day-to-day life, a life away from the superficial world of gay porn. The downside of the book is that we never really find out why he turned to prostitution and why he made a career out of something, that in hindsight, I'm not sure brought him happiness.

If you want to take a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a world which most of us will only ever experience via a DVD, this is the book for you. But it's only when you talk to Shaw that you get an insight to the much deeper, creative, talent that is the man behind My Undoing.


Right Wing Christian America, 14 Jan 2007
This book gives a real insight into right wing christian fundamentalism. A thought provoking novel that tracks the life of one Rich Merritt. Although poorly written at times (poor grammar / goes off track) it is on the whole an enjoyable read.

Interesting but also frustrating and a touch sad!, 28 Sep 2008
Ron J is a porn star. Famous for being hairy and (of course) well-built in the tackle dept. And not a pretty geezer, although arguably, he was when he was a young 'un. Jeremy is, by his own account, extremly talented - he says he's a classical musician (and provides scant evidence) registered childcarer (for which there is) and intellect (judge for yourself). This book is a mixture of very interesting stories about the adult entertainment industry, nice anecdotes about his interesting life, and yet it ultimately dissolves into a series of namechecks of the famous and becomes a litany of minor mishaps and pratfalls for somebody wanting to break into the mainstream of acting who never succeeds.

Jeremy knows everybody but this seems due entirely to his curiosity status as a porn legend rather than his acting ability, and in the end, you both envy him for his wonderful freedom and liberty in his sex and social life and for his utter lack of fulfilment on any other level: it is apparent that having made it in porn early, he has absolutely no idea about conventional relationships at all. He is painfully and honourably honest about this which adds a twinge of pathos to the book.

Jeremy seems to think he has (third? Forth?) career as a stand-up comedian but never makes us laugh seriously (laugh seriously? I'm on good form today), although we do smile with and at him frequently. And through it all, you really do like and pity him in equal measure. He's trying to punch above the odds. He's had a good life. He's self-depreciating. He's not arrogant. He's a porn star who wanted more and grazed the surface. Basically he popularised porn as an icon. That is probably all he should have aimed for for happiness. At that level, Mr J is the best thing the industry ever produced. Not bad going, and it's a fun read. A tiny bit sad for his foiled ambitions - but he did not have to tell us about those - so in a way, we get the truth about who he is and what he wanted.

The sex alone probably makes him a happier man than many have ever been - and the book is worth a read if you are open minded and curious. Possibly one of the most accessible works on the industry you'll ever be able to read. All told, however, I'd not swap his cock for my brains - even if many women I've met would!

A Must-Read!, 13 Mar 2003
I bought this book after watching a documentary on Linda Lovelace a few months ago ...

I read this book in two days and would recommend it to any female wanting to read about a strong womans life. It is quite sad & depressing but does have a happy ending (without giving too much away!). Apparently some people don't believe Linda's claims that she was forced into the porn industry by her husband, but this book is written so convincingly, I didn't doubt a word of it.

Some of it takes a stong stomache to digest, some of the things her "husband" forced her to do were unspeakably sick & cruel.
Some of it is soooo frustrating, you think why didnt she just run away from him! But this is definately a must read! I'm just trying to get my hands on the follow-up now!

The Most Interesting book I have read so Far, 19 Sep 2005
I got this book on the 15th of spethmeber 2005 from my bookshop i go to and I took it home and i could not put it down it was interestering some of it to read was hard as for wat she as been through must have been hard too I read the book in three days Im very happy to see that her life has changed heaps and is happyly married to her hubby. I hope she lives a good and happy life and if you havent read it then do so your missing out on a good book here ppls

Opinionated, self obsessed and very interesting, 27 Mar 2005
Traci Lords has, undoubtedly, had an extremely ineteresting life. This book charts her journey through a shaky start in life, a childhood rape, running away from home and becoming a hit porn star and drug addict long before her 18th birthday.
Yes, this autobiography is self serving, one-sided and narcissistic. But it is also well written and absorbing.

A great read, 30 Jan 2004
Traci Lords' life is nothing short of amazing. She has overcome obstacles that most people would never want to overcome. She's survived a rape, being an underage porn star, a drug addict and a becoming media sensation.

If you want a lot of in depth gory details of her 80's porn shoots you wont find theme here. What you will find is the tale of a young girl who went off the rails and soaring down another track. You'll read lots about her childhood, her relationships, her post-porn movies (which include The Tommyknockers, John Waters' Cry-Baby and Serial Mom, Blade, her stints on US series' Melrose Place, Roseanne, First Wave and Profiler, and her music career (she topped the US Billboard Dance chart with 'Control' in 1995).

Traci is a surprisingly good writer. The chapters are short, but there are a lot of them and there are about 10 pages of photos, none are nude! It's probably a book that might appeal to people interested in womens issues rather than someone who wants to read about Traci Lords' porn movies.

a rip off, 06 Jan 2004
don't buy it!!!! large print, loads of chapter's many pictures, a real con.... avoid

Wheres the beef?, 18 Nov 2003
An autobiography that attempts to write a book about her life while trying to avoid the parts that everybody wants to hear about. Lets all be dead honest here, if you know Traci Lords then you are probably looking to hear about the story that made news in the 80's regarding an underage pornography scandal, and you are only mildly (if at all) interested in her 1990's B-grade movie and music credits. It is thus unfortunate that the entire purpose of this book seems to be to rid herself (and resultantly us) of her past while trying to divert our focus onto the present and future. I found about 1/2 of this book truely interesting, certainly well written, and even inspirational at times. I persisted on with the 'work' that involved finishing the book and hearing about her shallow experience in movies and music, unfortunately combined with a distinctly righteous attitude towards the adult industry in general. We (and she) need to realise that there are literally tens of thousands of people with the shallow movie industry experience that Mrs Lords has, and the random ramblings of Traci doesnt add much value to us, nor generate much interest for your average reader.

Despite my reservations about the 2nd half of the book, I was glad that I made the purchase and believe that the 1st half makes for interesting reading and warrants the price tag. If you can pull yourself to stop reading and not feel 'guilty' for putting the book back on the shelf at the halfway point, then this book might be for you. If your like me and need to finish a book once its started, then be prepared for a couple of hundred pages of work to get you through to the end.

Generally enjoyable, but be prepared to work for it.

Fabulous, 29 Oct 2006
I read this book when it first came out over a year ago and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Jenna has had an amazing yet unbelievably life, I found quite a lot of it shocking but very very honest. I was shocked to read about the things that have happened to her when she was younger, she has well and truly come out the other side.

I think to read this and enjoy it you have to forget she is such a famous porn star an just enjoy the book. It portrays her in a totally different light and makes you realise she is actually a person who has had one hell of a life and not just a porn star. I was also very sad to hear that she and Jay have split up now. Please read the book! You will not be disappointed!

Brilliant!, 04 Sep 2006
I think this was such a good read, very open but still fun.
This shows Jenna in a different light. Really enjoyed it!
Well done Jenna!

"Pardon?" said the deaf man., 13 Jul 2006
Lets face it. The one thing the world knows Jenna Jameson for isn't her writing skill or her acting skills. Yet there is a sense of facination as to why she does what she does.

I knew nothing about Ms Jameson. I hadn't even seen a film with her in but the title kinda caught my eye, like it does. After I read this book i was left with a sense of what life can do to a person and what a person will do to escape the realities which they don't want to face.

It wasn't brilliantly written but was enjoyable and kept me going. I feel that, perhaps, a lot of spin may have been added to make certain people look better or worse than they really are.

Maybe the best book by a porn star but that isn't much, 22 Jul 2005
This book is a light, easy and somewhat intersting read. However the intersting bits could be condensed into maybe 25 pages. The rest is a bunch of two bit, feelgood self-psychoanlyses. Seriously you're better off hanging out with your friends for the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to read this. Good airplane book for an overnight flight though.

Compelling! Gripping! .. and er.. Brutal!, 14 Feb 2005
....Let me tell you that this is no picnic. It's brutal from the off, and you really start to feel for the poor girl. I am only half way through, and to say I'm enjoying it would be a little sadistic - It's very compelling, and fast moving indeed - yet you are litterally 'dying' to read more! A damn good read! I would defintely put it in my top 20 (if not top 10!) books that I have read.

Definitely worthy of a read!

My Undoing, 18 Aug 2008
Upon reading the first page of this book I thought I was reading a 'PORN NOVEL', this soon tamed down and just became various stories of Aiden's very interesting, and saucy, life.

Definately recommended, but if you are a bit of a Prude, maybe best to avoid this one!

He can do better, 24 May 2008
No doubt, Mr. Shaw is one of the last legendary gay porn stars, although I'm not much interested in his video performances.
But prefer his novels, poetry, and some of his music.
I must admit that this new book is not my favourite.
He can do better than this.
It is said to be his autobiographical story, but in fact, only about several years of his career. He honestly writes about drugs, porn industry, club, accident and his unrequited love. It was refreshing that unlike some insider stories, he did not go deep into gossip materials. Something I found interesting was that although (from his novels) it is clear that he knows how to write fiction, he did not try to write fictitious stories to satisfy readers excitement, but just told as it was.

I hoped he'd write more about how he survived after the fatal accident, and more about his family. When he dose, it is probably the most interesting and touching parts of his book. Maybe this is because he is well aware of his readership. I hope this changes him, so he can write about things that aren't necessarily related to sex and drugs.

I have read some of his short stories in the magazines.
They were so well written. I wish he would publish his short stories and unpublished poetry (they were once in his web-site).


Review For 'My Undoing' by Aiden Shaw, 22 Feb 2007
This book was so powerful that I havnt been able to get this man out of my head, I could of easily read the whole book in an evening but purposely only read two chapters at a time, giving me time to think about every gritty detail! His language and delivery in writing such personal subject matter is both powerful and sensitive. His robotic attitude to sex and drugs on one hand is the height of debauched escapism (allot of us do it, including myself!) but contradictory when he falls in love and wants more. It had me talking to the page "dont do it, dont do it" but then of course we do. I couldnt help being amazed at the extent of this mans drug intake, he would literally take drugs to sleep, stay awake, go to the gym and have sex! A truelly gripping story of love, sex, prostitution and drugs and poignant comments on the gay scene and gay people in general! His relationships with his closest friends are genuine and heartfelt, their experiences one might think crazy but always endlessly entertaining. Many lines and scenes from this book stand out, but the most interesting has to be when he says that he just wants someone to hold him, seemingly you can have everything, looks, a big cock, money, stardom, great friends and notoriety and the one thing is lacking is being held and ultimately love! His no bullshit account of the plastic people he meets through both work and being famous is astutely sincere. A triumph, it must have been exhausting to write as emotionally this has its foot hard on the trottle! It had me knowingly laughing in one chapter and crying in another! I have just been on to amazon and ordered all of his books!

Moving and insightful, 31 Oct 2006
I would actually disagree with an earlier review because I believe it does let you know about Aiden Shaw. Although it may only offer a short peak at his psyche My Undoing reveals the vulnerability of someone who has made a career from his alter ego, letting you get a brief glimpse of the real man inside whilst providing a very moving and frank insight into a world that most of us only view from our couches. This is not an erotic novel it is a genuine and frank account of one mans journey. The only negative point I can make is it starts mid flight and I for one would love to pick it up from the beginning.

The man behind My Undoing, 23 Sep 2006
This autobiography doesn't so much let you get to know Aiden Shaw, but takes us on a headonistic ride through Shaw's work in the porn industry.

Whilst recapturing time spent on shoots, parties and taking drugs (which becomes repetative), we do eventually get a glimpse of the people in Aiden's life and the affect they have on him.

For me, the most interesting part of the book is surrounding his near fatal accident. Here we see a insight into his day-to-day life, a life away from the superficial world of gay porn. The downside of the book is that we never really find out why he turned to prostitution and why he made a career out of something, that in hindsight, I'm not sure brought him happiness.

If you want to take a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a world which most of us will only ever experience via a DVD, this is the book for you. But it's only when you talk to Shaw that you get an insight to the much deeper, creative, talent that is the man behind My Undoing.


Right Wing Christian America, 14 Jan 2007
This book gives a real insight into right wing christian fundamentalism. A thought provoking novel that tracks the life of one Rich Merritt. Although poorly written at times (poor grammar / goes off track) it is on the whole an enjoyable read.

Interesting but also frustrating and a touch sad!, 28 Sep 2008
Ron J is a porn star. Famous for being hairy and (of course) well-built in the tackle dept. And not a pretty geezer, although arguably, he was when he was a young 'un. Jeremy is, by his own account, extremly talented - he says he's a classical musician (and provides scant evidence) registered childcarer (for which there is) and intellect (judge for yourself). This book is a mixture of very interesting stories about the adult entertainment industry, nice anecdotes about his interesting life, and yet it ultimately dissolves into a series of namechecks of the famous and becomes a litany of minor mishaps and pratfalls for somebody wanting to break into the mainstream of acting who never succeeds.

Jeremy knows everybody but this seems due entirely to his curiosity status as a porn legend rather than his acting ability, and in the end, you both envy him for his wonderful freedom and liberty in his sex and social life and for his utter lack of fulfilment on any other level: it is apparent that having made it in porn early, he has absolutely no idea about conventional relationships at all. He is painfully and honourably honest about this which adds a twinge of pathos to the book.

Jeremy seems to think he has (third? Forth?) career as a stand-up comedian but never makes us laugh seriously (laugh seriously? I'm on good form today), although we do smile with and at him frequently. And through it all, you really do like and pity him in equal measure. He's trying to punch above the odds. He's had a good life. He's self-depreciating. He's not arrogant. He's a porn star who wanted more and grazed the surface. Basically he popularised porn as an icon. That is probably all he should have aimed for for happiness. At that level, Mr J is the best thing the industry ever produced. Not bad going, and it's a fun read. A tiny bit sad for his foiled ambitions - but he did not have to tell us about those - so in a way, we get the truth about who he is and what he wanted.

The sex alone probably makes him a happier man than many have ever been - and the book is worth a read if you are open minded and curious. Possibly one of the most accessible works on the industry you'll ever be able to read. All told, however, I'd not swap his cock for my brains - even if many women I've met would!

A Must-Read!, 13 Mar 2003
I bought this book after watching a documentary on Linda Lovelace a few months ago ...

I read this book in two days and would recommend it to any female wanting to read about a strong womans life. It is quite sad & depressing but does have a happy ending (without giving too much away!). Apparently some people don't believe Linda's claims that she was forced into the porn industry by her husband, but this book is written so convincingly, I didn't doubt a word of it.

Some of it takes a stong stomache to digest, some of the things her "husband" forced her to do were unspeakably sick & cruel.
Some of it is soooo frustrating, you think why didnt she just run away from him! But this is definately a must read! I'm just trying to get my hands on the follow-up now!

The Most Interesting book I have read so Far, 19 Sep 2005
I got this book on the 15th of spethmeber 2005 from my bookshop i go to and I took it home and i could not put it down it was interestering some of it to read was hard as for wat she as been through must have been hard too I read the book in three days Im very happy to see that her life has changed heaps and is happyly married to her hubby. I hope she lives a good and happy life and if you havent read it then do so your missing out on a good book here ppls

Opinionated, self obsessed and very interesting, 27 Mar 2005
Traci Lords has, undoubtedly, had an extremely ineteresting life. This book charts her journey through a shaky start in life, a childhood rape, running away from home and becoming a hit porn star and drug addict long before her 18th birthday.
Yes, this autobiography is self serving, one-sided and narcissistic. But it is also well written and absorbing.

A great read, 30 Jan 2004
Traci Lords' life is nothing short of amazing. She has overcome obstacles that most people would never want to overcome. She's survived a rape, being an underage porn star, a drug addict and a becoming media sensation.

If you want a lot of in depth gory details of her 80's porn shoots you wont find theme here. What you will find is the tale of a young girl who went off the rails and soaring down another track. You'll read lots about her childhood, her relationships, her post-porn movies (which include The Tommyknockers, John Waters' Cry-Baby and Serial Mom, Blade, her stints on US series' Melrose Place, Roseanne, First Wave and Profiler, and her music career (she topped the US Billboard Dance chart with 'Control' in 1995).

Traci is a surprisingly good writer. The chapters are short, but there are a lot of them and there are about 10 pages of photos, none are nude! It's probably a book that might appeal to people interested in womens issues rather than someone who wants to read about Traci Lords' porn movies.

a rip off, 06 Jan 2004
don't buy it!!!! large print, loads of chapter's many pictures, a real con.... avoid

Wheres the beef?, 18 Nov 2003
An autobiography that attempts to write a book about her life while trying to avoid the parts that everybody wants to hear about. Lets all be dead honest here, if you know Traci Lords then you are probably looking to hear about the story that made news in the 80's regarding an underage pornography scandal, and you are only mildly (if at all) interested in her 1990's B-grade movie and music credits. It is thus unfortunate that the entire purpose of this book seems to be to rid herself (and resultantly us) of her past while trying to divert our focus onto the present and future. I found about 1/2 of this book truely interesting, certainly well written, and even inspirational at times. I persisted on with the 'work' that involved finishing the book and hearing about her shallow experience in movies and music, unfortunately combined with a distinctly righteous attitude towards the adult industry in general. We (and she) need to realise that there are literally tens of thousands of people with the shallow movie industry experience that Mrs Lords has, and the random ramblings of Traci doesnt add much value to us, nor generate much interest for your average reader.

Despite my reservations about the 2nd half of the book, I was glad that I made the purchase and believe that the 1st half makes for interesting reading and warrants the price tag. If you can pull yourself to stop reading and not feel 'guilty' for putting the book back on the shelf at the halfway point, then this book might be for you. If your like me and need to finish a book once its started, then be prepared for a couple of hundred pages of work to get you through to the end.

Generally enjoyable, but be prepared to work for it.

An excellent insight into the world of hustling!, 15 Jan 2001
After reading just the first page from the chapter called "First Trick", you can understand one of his main reasons for getting into the business. In some of his chapters he explains his experiences in a bookstore and rough treatment he had at the hands of a hockey player. He also got more than what he bargained for after being a present for a guest at a party, plus many other wonderful tales. The book describes from start to finish of how he progressed to charging the money he now makes. This is a very good book and a little different from the usual erotic tales. Buy it!

Fabulous, 29 Oct 2006
I read this book when it first came out over a year ago and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Jenna has had an amazing yet unbelievably life, I found quite a lot of it shocking but very very honest. I was shocked to read about the things that have happened to her when she was younger, she has well and truly come out the other side.

I think to read this and enjoy it you have to forget she is such a famous porn star an just enjoy the book. It portrays her in a totally different light and makes you realise she is actually a person who has had one hell of a life and not just a porn star. I was also very sad to hear that she and Jay have split up now. Please read the book! You will not be disappointed!

Brilliant!, 04 Sep 2006
I think this was such a good read, very open but still fun.
This shows Jenna in a different light. Really enjoyed it!
Well done Jenna!

"Pardon?" said the deaf man., 13 Jul 2006
Lets face it. The one thing the world knows Jenna Jameson for isn't her writing skill or her acting skills. Yet there is a sense of facination as to why she does what she does.

I knew nothing about Ms Jameson. I hadn't even seen a film with her in but the title kinda caught my eye, like it does. After I read this book i was left with a sense of what life can do to a person and what a person will do to escape the realities which they don't want to face.

It wasn't brilliantly written but was enjoyable and kept me going. I feel that, perhaps, a lot of spin may have been added to make certain people look better or worse than they really are.

Maybe the best book by a porn star but that isn't much, 22 Jul 2005
This book is a light, easy and somewhat intersting read. However the intersting bits could be condensed into maybe 25 pages. The rest is a bunch of two bit, feelgood self-psychoanlyses. Seriously you're better off hanging out with your friends for the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to read this. Good airplane book for an overnight flight though.

Compelling! Gripping! .. and er.. Brutal!, 14 Feb 2005
....Let me tell you that this is no picnic. It's brutal from the off, and you really start to feel for the poor girl. I am only half way through, and to say I'm enjoying it would be a little sadistic - It's very compelling, and fast moving indeed - yet you are litterally 'dying' to read more! A damn good read! I would defintely put it in my top 20 (if not top 10!) books that I have read.

D