This one is a bit of an odd duck for me since I've never read an inspirational autobiography before. I discovered the author via the guilty pleasures of "Dr. Drews Sex Rehab" show. Prior to being an author, Ms. Ketcham was the porn star Penny Flame. This is her story, from adult sex worker to whatever she is now. At the end of the book she's left the industry behind and about to embark on whatever her future holds. Which is great, as far as I can tell she's the only person to come out of Dr. Drew's reality tv shows a better person.So the book was fine as a follow up to the series, and for the most part an interesting read. If you're looking for a book going into the sordid horrors of the porn industry, then this one is not for you. Really fascinating story written by a brave young woman. Her accounts of life as a coke addict and porn star were brutally honest. As someone who has had to confront demons myself, I really admire people who truly face up to their dark side; who are honest with themselves and who make amends when they screw up. So much respect to Jennie for all the hard work she has put in to rebuild her life and become a kinder, gentler, less destructive human being.Her story really showed just how enormously challenging it is to leave sex work behind. After living in a bubble, earning large sums of money in a short-lived career, how many girls must face exactly what Jennie faced - poor coping skills, an empty resume in a competitive job market, a trail of stigma. Also, how many girls end up in a lifestyle that they can only afford by continuing sex work, feeling trapped. Especially in America, where the minimum wage is so low and there is very little government support for higher education. No wonder so many girls reach their shelf life and feel completely stranded.I was also fascinated and more than a little repulsed by the sleazy, materialistic, looks-obsessed porn/celebrity culture she inhabited. I was revolted by the way some people treated others. For example, Jennie met a group of women at a party who were not allowed to speak to her because they were some rap dude's 'hos' and he did not allow these women to talk to anyone else without his consent. Why would any woman choose to live like that? There was a lot of lying, cheating and power tripping, incredibly selfish behaviour and not a lot of gentleness. Her account really showed just how seedy and unglamorous Hollywood and LA really can be, underneath all the shiny exteriors. It made me glad that I live in a place where people have a lot more substance.I really admire Jennie and the strength she has shown in leaving that really destructive world behind. Although it was an easy read and the subject matter is quite seedy, the book was very well-written, intelligent and not anywhere near as trashy as it sounds. I was very inspired. This book is a wonderful read for anyone who is struggling with demons of some sort, because she is such a success story. Really awesome. She is a living testimony to the power of a good therapist. Go Jennie!
What do You think about I Am Jennie (2012)?
This is a true success story!!! Much luck to Jennie Ketcham in her future! !!!
—poppy
