Official Review: The Hidden Playground by Peter Wood

[CommMayo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Hidden Playground" by Peter Wood.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of one of the oldest professions in the world? Peter Wood’s The Hidden Playground allows those of us in the white world to act as voyeurs while he explains the inner workings between providers and hobbyists. These groups are more commonly known as escorts and the customers paying for adult companionship. In this semi-autobiographical novel, Wood details his thirteen years as a hobbyist, spanning over four hundred encounters with two hundred different providers. He also includes a brief history of prostitution throughout different cultures and some interesting chapters regarding the business side of the industry.

Wood frequented independent providers and women who contracted through various escort agencies. The author maintained a large presence on websites dedicated to safely and discretely connecting consumers with providers. A large portion of these sites involved ranking experiences with the providers as well as hobbyists, much like Yelp but for sex. He pulled heavily from his posted reviews and personal notes of his encounters to illustrate the bulk of his experiences and often recalls very intimate details about individual providers. As well as graphic sexual details, he discusses things such as the woman’s personality, nationality, and personal interests.

The Hidden Playground is intriguing because it candidly explains the nuances of an illegal activity that many people know very little about. I appreciate how Wood fosters an honest discussion about the dangers people on both sides of this activity face: physical violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and law enforcement intervention. He also brings up the personal issue of wondering if providers are being genuine or if they are just putting on a good show to ensure their income stream. This book forthrightly sated my curiosity regarding the many nuances surrounding the escort industry. It also taught me a whole new use for Listerine strips.

Wood’s depictions of his encounters are many; however, they become very formulaic as you read deeper into the novel. Halfway in, I was able to predict how his sexual encounters would progress: kissing, then blowjob, moving to sixty-nine, then…well, you get the picture. An editor would be valuable in helping Wood spice up his writing style. He could also use assistance with evident proofreading issues and poor transitions between stories. There were some awkward aspects of the book that seemed like they didn’t belong. One such recurring issue revolved around personal conflict between the author and other hobbyists on the various forums he frequented.

Make no mistake, this book is about the illegal business of sex for money even if it is often referred to as companionship between consenting adults. Those who are uncomfortable with open discussions about sex, infidelity, or illegal activity should stay clear. Readers who are curious about the details of an underground lifestyle that is seldom discussed will find aspects of The Hidden Playground very interesting; parts of the novel might make the most open-minded person raise their eyebrows. I am a very liberal-minded person when it comes to sex and bucking the legal system. I found that some comments made me dislike the author and his choices while others made me look at him slightly more favorably. This is an interesting book for the right audience, and I give The Hidden Playground 3 out of 4 stars. With a little editorial tightening up, it could easily earn a higher rating.

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The Hidden Playground
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[Erin Painter Baker]

I am one of those that wishes we would make sex work legal throughout the US, as I believe that would make things much safer for all involved. This sounds like a really interesting book for those who are involved in the fight to make sex work legal, to better understand the "hobbyists" and perhaps get a better picture of the providers as well.

[kdstrack]

I really enjoy the way you analyze a book. Your word choice and methodical presentation of details make this an interesting review. Great writing! Thanks.

[kandscreeley]

This isn't a book I enjoy. I know it happens, but that doesn't mean I condone it or want to learn more about it. Nor do I wish to hear of the many and continuous exploits of the author. Thanks, but I'll pass.

[Miller56]

Thanks for the review. This is not a topic that I am interested in but your review was interesting. Unfortunately the book sounds like it gets pretty repetitious.

[Manang Muyang]

These things do happen, sometimes even in the open; the flesh trade is as old as time itself. I agree that making this business legal will be safest for all the participants.

P.S. Now I know that "hobbyist" can have that meaning.

[Alice Heritage]

I also hadn't come across the term "hobbyist" in that sense! The subject does sound interesting. I hadn't realized escort work was illegal in the US.

[Wyland]

It’s interesting reading on an illegal trade being formally discussed in a textbook. But as evidenced by the writing style some issues will remain as they are, and no amount of civility can make them any different. Thanks for the enjoyable review.

[Brendan Donaghy]

I don't know if Louis Theroux, the documentary-maker, is widely known outside the UK, but this book sounds like the sort of thing he'd make a programme about. I like his stuff, so I suspect I might enjoy this book too. Your review is excellent: very difficult to strike exactly the right tone with a book like this, but you've managed it.

[Falconcrest]

It is interesting to know that there is literature out there on such hobbies. This is not my kind of thing so i won't be reading this one. Thanks, for a very interesting review.