Rating:  Summary: More to it than meets the eye Review: "Going Down" is more than a story about a call girl. This book is very well written and multi-layered. On the surface, you have the story of college student Bennington becoming a call girl, and all that ensues. This makes for an interesting read, and I was engaged, getting a glimpse into Benny's life, her experiences as a call girl and her days in the brothel, which were both humorous and sad. Jennifer Belle is very, very funny, and sharp-witted. What I love about her writing style is that she makes her lead characters uncensored in what they think and say. The sub-stories of this book concern women's roles and self-esteem, sex and love, and the dynamics and power within relationships between men and women, particularly Benny's with her father. There is an interesting exchange between Benny and one client who is utterly conflicted (...). The novel is well thought-out, and every event, large and small, is connected and tied up by the finish, which I appreciate. There's nothing that feels false, the characters are very interesting and multi-faceted, and I found the book to be a very satisfying read.
Rating:  Summary: Well, I liked it! Review: *It's naughty*. You get a peek into a bad girl's life and it's a pretty good time. I wish I could find more books like it!!! (sad news is- I wasn't so hot for her next book, High maintenance, it wasn't as fun.)
Rating:  Summary: A year in the life of a call girl..... Review: Belle takes us on a journey on one Bennington Bloom, college freshman at NYU. To pay for college she answers an ad for "COED$" and begins her year as a call girl.At the very beginning you realize that for all her likeable qualities she's jaded and emotionally vulnerable. I liked the character but I pittied her more. The journey she takes is told with alot of humor or I wouldn't have finished the book. As it was I struggled in the last few chapters to the end. Belle tells the story with lot of laugh out loud humor and skillfully writes about the goings on of Bennington Blooms exploits as student, call girl dejour, girlfriend, daughter, and vulnerable young woman. The story doesn't really go anywhere or expand on supporting characters as much as it just follows Bennington for a year. Although, the book was not what I expected I will read her next book High Maintenence.
Rating:  Summary: a good start Review: i found this book to be thoroughly entertaining, smart, and original. the only reason why this book didn't get 5 stars from me is that i read Belle's second book "High Maintenence" which outshone her first. i would recommend reading this book first and then follow it up by reading "high maintenence"
Rating:  Summary: Very readable Review: I really liked the descriptive language and imagery in this book. The plot wasn't amazing, but it took me into a world I don't usually visit, and I enjoyed being there, even when it was uncomfortable. The characters felt real and I give credit to Jennifer Belle for depicting a different side to life as a college student.
Rating:  Summary: Not as good as High Maintenance Review: I think Belle could have done better. I read High Maintenance first and loved it. I was disappointed with Going Down. It was a real stretch to believe that prostitution was the only way Benny was able to make any money, and all of her attempts at earning money by working elsewhere were sabotaged so her only way to save herself was by going back to prostitution. I did, however, enjoy the situations with Benny's dysfunctional family. I also enjoyed Benny's sense of humor about men. I was happy she found someone new in the end. I thought Adam was a jerk. I would still read a third book by Belle, when and if that happens.
Rating:  Summary: It surprised me... Review: I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did - I mean, how original could a bestseller about a New York call girl be? However, the writing is refreshingly vivid with a sense of pure honesty next to the grittiness. The story takes place over one year as we follow Bennington, a 19-year old acting student, through her experiences with creepy johns, her dealings with messed-up divorced parents and their new spouses, her corky friendships and eventually her quest for a real love affair. Lots of dark humor, mental instability, and heart break peppered with stereotypical images of New York and its inhabitants. An interesting read for a debut novel.
Rating:  Summary: I loved it Review: This book was wonderful. Gritty, funny, daring. It definately wasn't a "Red Dress Ink" fluffy kind of book. I've read it a few times and love the character. I liked it much more than her second book. It takes a naughty look on the darker side of life without scaring you off.
Rating:  Summary: I loved it Review: This book was wonderful. Gritty, funny, daring. It definately wasn't a "Red Dress Ink" fluffy kind of book. I've read it a few times and love the character. I liked it much more than her second book. It takes a naughty look on the darker side of life without scaring you off.
Rating:  Summary: Great Review: This is a great book that I've recomended to numerous friends. It's incredibly entertaining and funny, but I think mainly for young women (it's obvious target audience). My friends and I found the sex situations hilarious, but if promiscuity isn't your thing, maybe this book isn't either. All the characters all are quirky and most of their interactions are hilarious. Don't be surprised to laugh out loud (a lot).
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