Review of Not #MeToo. #MeinCharge

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Not #MeToo. #MeinCharge" by Aphrodite Phoenix.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Not #MeToo # MeInCharge: Independent Sex Work Understood by Aphrodite Phoenix is a seven-part memoir about being a sex worker, escort, or prostitute. The author's mother had a stroke when she was two. Her parents divorced when she was four, because her father couldn't handle her mother's disabilities. Her mother then died when she was six. She went to live with her father, but he traveled so much, that she was cared for by her Aunt Gloria.

After marrying and getting divorced several times, she was left as a single mother with three boys. Having to work three jobs just to make ends meet, her boys became juvenile delinquents. At a friend's suggestion, she started prostituting and making tons of money. She realized she didn't need a pimp and could make $200 an hour and keep all of the money for herself. Her clients came from different backgrounds and were all different sizes and shapes. One client had lost 400 lbs and had tons of excess skin. A war injury disfigured another.

I enjoyed reading about her life and the stories about her various clients. However, she then got on the feminist's bandwagon and started writing about equal rights for sex workers. She started saying that they should legalize prostitution, and then they could pay taxes and make everything on the up and up. This way, they wouldn't have to worry about the cops posing as potential clients, and the government would be happy because they have their money. She also thought of having schools where you could learn to be a sex worker.

I liked the book's first half, but after that, I wouldn't say I enjoyed it as much. The book was over 600 pages and could have been cut in half. The mention of feminists and empowerment makes my eyes start to glaze over. The book was well-edited, as I only found a few things that needed to be corrected. I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars because all the pages on the rights and fairness of treating sex workers were repetitive. This book is definitely for adults only, as there are explicit sex scenes. I would also warn those who are very religious, as although she doesn't believe in Satan, she also doesn't believe in religion. If you are a reader who likes memoirs, then you will enjoy reading this book.

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Not #MeToo. #MeinCharge
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[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I respect the author for choosing that job; however, it's against my beliefs. I hope she will stay healthy until the end. Her job is quite dangerous, in my opinion. This book is not for me. Thanks for your honest review, Shirley!

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

I am passionate about the rights of sex workers. It is not unfair that they would be criminalised for not doing harmful crime. I am eager to learn about the author's thought regarding this. Awesome review.

[danya danya]

The rights of sex workers are a cause close to my heart. Being charged with a crime even when they did not commit a destructive one is not unreasonable. I'm curious to know what the author thinks about this. Fantastic review.
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[Amy Luman]

I don’t think that this is a book that I would enjoy. The author can rationalize all she wants, but the fact is that prostitution is against the law. I support her right to try and change that if she so chooses, though.

[Stephen Pokoo]

Such a thorough and well-structured review. Your insights are greatly appreciated.