The Customers Always Write

by C. DeAndré Smith

The Customers Always Write is a coming-of-age story of sorts in which one man begins a journey down an unfamiliar road and stumbles upon a path of enlightenment. Along the way, unexpected lessons about maturity, self-awareness and tolerance are learned from the unlikeliest of teachers such as a vagabond, a transsexual and a dominatrix. The collection of escapades captured in the book invites readers to insert themselves into the author’s place and determine how they would have reacted to certain situations and decide what they would have possibly done differently-and in the process, learn more about themselves. The book also provides a mirror affording readers the opportunity to look inside and find any emotional triggers surrounding sex that result in personal judgments, biases or stereotypes about themselves or others. At its core, this book makes the statement- in a fun and enjoyable way- that we as a society are still very miseducated about the topic of sex and the many sub-categories falling under its umbrella.

244 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2018

Reviews

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this arc in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley.

When Andre loses his job as a writer, he moves from LA to San Diego. Unable to find another writing gig, he applies for and accepts a job at a porn store. This book is a collection of short stories, really, about conversations that he had with clients and friends and coworkers during this time. Many of the antics and stories are humorous and some make you think deeper into the perceptions that you may have, but I felt after a while that I was reading the same things over and over.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honet look at working at an adult store. I am sure many have wondered what goes on in such a type of establishment, type of people it attracts, etc. Well, read this book and find out. Yes, the setting is a bit different, but you may find that is is not very different from say a grocery store ie; experiences, dealing with the public, etc. i enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not affect my opinion of this book nor my review.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author wasn't doing well as a writer so he moved from San Diego to Los Angeles. There, he got a job in a porn shop. These, are stories from the shop.
The introduction was confusing. The stories were written well enough but got a little repetitive. I started skimming about halfway through the book so I could just get through it. Okay as a behind the scenes but best consumed in small bites.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha! I had no idea Adult stores could be so entertaining and enlightening! I wasn't really sure what to expect when I requested to read this book from Netgalley. I was sort of expecting odd letters from costumers rather then conversations the author had with various customers and fellow employees. Fun read and entertaining.

I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.

[wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a refreshing view of the adult video store. Society has this demented perspective of what goes on behind those doors but it was so nice to read stories of real people. In these pages, the reader is able to connect with the characters that frequent the store. You are able to laugh and feel for them. Suddenly with the help of Dre, the adult video store isn't so disgusting it is actually kind of funny. You have always been told to never judge a book by its cover,well this book solidifies that comment even more so.

[Lydia Timpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these little insights into different occupations. Having been in retail myself I recognise the weird and wonderful assortments of people who stroll into your life. It was a great interest to me to see the types of people who frequent porn shops and adult places of work and those who adamantly insist that they are "not like that".
I found the author's candid reactions and encounters to be fresh, funny and fully immersive. He has a great voice and I look forward to hearing more from him.
A great book I would recommend.

[Laura Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny anecdotal account of America's relationship with sex through the eyes of an experience adult store clerk. This book will give you many a chuckle and will also cause to question our society,