In this "kind of twisted version of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (Tama Janowitz), Bennington Bloom is working her way through college--as a call girl....
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Dec 01, 2007
Lisalit
rated it: 
You know the old train wreck saying--its horrible yet you can't stop looking? Yeah. That's how this book was for me. I suppose it wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it really wasn't very good. My biggest problem with it wasn't the graphic descriptions of life as a call-girl--in fact, that was probably all that kept me reading--but rather the narrator and main character of the book, who was flat, one-dimensional, static and offered nothing for the reader to invest in. She didn't seem
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May 13, 2011
~Toni~
rated it: 
This book was sadly funny. I found the character interesting enough to finish the book, but it was a little disturbing that she was so nonchalant about being a prostitute, and about her whole attitude towards life. Her parents and her friends seemed to have some sort of mental instability. This whole "world" that was created, was very disturbing, I found it hard to continue to read the book. If it was not for the dark humor of the main character I would have stopped reading all togethe
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Jul 31, 2011
Andrea
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jun 26, 2010
Marty
rated it: 
Having read two other Jennifer Belle books, I wanted to read more. I really liked Going Down, I found it dark and insightful about what one does to make money and just try to get along in live. It is how our decisions can make or break us.
It does not have a downer ending, but gives hope for redemption, and family relationships.
I have now read three of her books, and will look to read anything she does in the future.
It does not have a downer ending, but gives hope for redemption, and family relationships.
I have now read three of her books, and will look to read anything she does in the future.
Aug 12, 2010
Jacqueline
rated it: 
One of my favorite things to do in my downtime is to peruse the shelves of my friends on Goodreads. That's how I made the decision to order this one off of Bookmooch. Most of the books that I mooch are titles that I'm not convinced that I want to spend the cash on. Thanks to the mixed reviews that I read online - Going Down fell into that category.
After the first few pages, it became apparent why there were so many varying reviews. This story is very polarizing - you either love it o More...
After the first few pages, it became apparent why there were so many varying reviews. This story is very polarizing - you either love it o More...
Dec 10, 2009
This book is unlike any other book I've read before. As it turns out, it was a very easy and entertaining read. I enjoyed reading Belle's "Little Stalker" very much so I decided to read this one. It is a story about Bennington Bloom and everyone she encounters and knows so you really get to know ALL of the characters.
Jun 10, 2010
Nanaz
rated it: 
Funny yet sad book by one of my fave authors. Belle understands well what it is like to be a young woman trying to make it in the city. She shows how young people today are uncertain of who they are and are lost in the overwhelming daily decisions to be made.
Jan 10, 2011
Chris
rated it:
I picked "read" meaning I got 1/3 of the way through before I couldn't stand any more...that seems harsh...could care less about the story or characters is more like it.
All I could think of while reading is Catcher in the Rye if the nitwit was a whore rather than a teenager.
I'm afraid if I finished this book then, like the Catcher fans, I'd want to assassinate someone or something, preferably the author's manuscripts.
I started writing a synopsis, but I can't work up the More...
All I could think of while reading is Catcher in the Rye if the nitwit was a whore rather than a teenager.
I'm afraid if I finished this book then, like the Catcher fans, I'd want to assassinate someone or something, preferably the author's manuscripts.
I started writing a synopsis, but I can't work up the More...
Dec 02, 2008
Caty
rated it:
Again, couldn't stand it, couldn't even read it through. Skimmed. The compulsive quirkiness seemed like a joke told too many times, with all the staleness of that phenomenon. & I'm a sex worker and usually lust for any portrayal of sex work in the media...blurghhh.
Jan 20, 2009
Jon
rated it:
I can't imagine a better first novel. One of my biggest influences, it's the story of a girl who starts hooking to pay for college. It is stream of conscioussness, dark and funny. Really a special book.
Sep 23, 2011
Sarah
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The book didn't have much to keep my interest, though it also didn't lose my interest. The only contemporary book I've found with a semi-sympathetic protagonist who is a prostitute..in a classy brothel.
Jan 04, 2009
Diane
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This book is strangely dark. I liked it and it was very funny at points, but a bit too disturbing. Too dark to be a beach read or "chick lit" but impossible to characterize as anything else.
Jun 21, 2010
Taylor
rated it:
What a sad, disturbing and hilarious book.
“It was one of those masochistic days when you try on jeans at The Gap, go to a diet doctor, and then have an interview at a whorehouse.”
“It was one of those masochistic days when you try on jeans at The Gap, go to a diet doctor, and then have an interview at a whorehouse.”
Nov 22, 2010
Julie
rated it:
Depressing in parts, but oddly touching. Bennington is a great character, even though (especially because?) I didn't understand a lot of the things she does. She's naive, twisted, quirky, interesting, and sweet, all wrapped up in a gap-toothed smile.
Nov 10, 2009
Karlin
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What a horrible book...bad writing, bad story - yech. I only read it cause someone passed it along to me and i needed something to read at the conference i was just at. Blech
Jun 06, 2011
Desiree
rated it:
I liked it. Much better that those dreadful chick-lit novels where some aimless young Manhattanite loses a guy and whines and eats ice cream until she falls for a perfect new guy that her mom set her up with. At least there's a real conflict. Although it's a work of fiction, you get the sense that it's highly autobiographical, especially when the protagonist, asked to name a celebrity she resembles, says "Valerie Bertinelli"-- take a look at the author photo ;)
A bit short. So More...
A bit short. So More...
Feb 13, 2011
Liz
rated it:
Fairly original voice for chick lit. Can't help but wonder how much the author drew from her own experiences. Funny quick read.
Feb 11, 2009
Shannon
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I could not put this book down! I am really liking Jennifer Belle! I am about to start on another of her books.
Jun 06, 2009
H3yd00
rated it:
Better than I expected, quick read...look into the life of a college call girl. Pretty dark reading.
Jul 10, 2009
Corinne
rated it:
Great book. About a girl in her twenties who becomes a call girl. Funny, quirky and sorta sad.
Apr 30, 2008
Emily
rated it:
Leah gave me this book when she was cleaning out her house. I am now convinced that Leah is a pervert.
Okay, just kidding. But! I wasn't a big fan. The author obviously thinks quite highly of herself, and tries to write abstractly and be deep yet witty and she tries waaaaay too hard. I never felt for the main character. And at this point, I've forgotten most of the plot (she was a hooker because she was mad at daddy, I remember that much). Total waste! Leah was smart to give i More...
Okay, just kidding. But! I wasn't a big fan. The author obviously thinks quite highly of herself, and tries to write abstractly and be deep yet witty and she tries waaaaay too hard. I never felt for the main character. And at this point, I've forgotten most of the plot (she was a hooker because she was mad at daddy, I remember that much). Total waste! Leah was smart to give i More...
Dec 20, 2007
Carrie
rated it:
I must read for anyone who has ever wondered what it's actually like to be a call girl or "escort". It's a very realistic portrait of how a normal girl takes this path and what actually occurs on her dates (some of it not pretty). There's just something about this book that keeps your interest though.
I discovered this book in high school and later learned that Madonna was supposed to start in the movie. Can't remember if it was in fact ever made (I think it was), but I b More...
I discovered this book in high school and later learned that Madonna was supposed to start in the movie. Can't remember if it was in fact ever made (I think it was), but I b More...
