Bought

by Anna David

Anna David turns her reporter's eye for detail toward Tinseltown's seedy underbelly yet again and "eloquently and humorously unveil[s] what could be a new Chick Lit with a Message" ( New York Post ). Tired of gathering banal quotes from the B-list on the sidelines of the red carpet, Emma Swanson publicly yearns for a more substantial career but privately dreams of a hotshot boyfriend to transport her into the beating heart of the Hollywood scene. Instead, she meets Jessica—beautiful, cavalier, manipulative—who shamelessly trades sex for the gifts it can bring. Convinced that writing a story about Jessica and her ilk would seriously boost her journalistic cred, Emma soon finds herself sucked into a world where the luxuries of prettied-up prostitution may cost more than she ever expected.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Anna David is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books and the founder of Legacy Launch Pad Publishing, a boutique book publishing company trusted by high-income entrepreneurs to build seven-figure authority.

A three-time TEDx speaker, she has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, The Talk and dozens of other programs.

Anna has also written for the New York Times, Time, Playboy, Vanity Fair and the Huffington Post, among many others, and been written about in such publications as Entrepreneur, Martha Stewart magazine and Forbes.

Her first novel, Party Girl, is in development as a feature film and she's the on-air book critic for KATU Portland. Her company has published over 50 books, many of which have become Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestsellers.

She lives in Hollywood with her boyfriend, filmmaker Jim Agnew, their son Benjamin and their cranky-looking cat Bernie.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it so of course I love it.

[Dara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seeking a guilty pleasure, I found this instead clumsy, adolescent, and just plain boring.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought is not standard chick-lit; in fact, I'm not really sure that term really applies at all. Some chick-lit trappings are present, but reading through it, it struck me as almost more of a coming-of-age story with a healthy dose of Woody Allen-esque neurosis peeking through. As in Party Girl, David's first novel, the protagonist gets seduced by the "dark side" - whereas in Party Girl it was drugs, in Bought it's the allure of a certain lifestyle, and the book does an excellent job in raising the question of how much one is willing to compromise their morality in pursuit of it.

Without spoiling the end, I will say that one thing I appreciate about David's writing is that she excels at open-ended conclusions - that is, while all major plot points get resolved, she doesn't wrap everything up in a bow and create a perfectly happy ending (much as things tend to go in life) - again, defying the trope of many books I would consider chick-lit.

Bought is a fast, funny, thought-provoking read and I'd recommend it to anyone.

[Ernis Levesque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna David's "Bought" is a wonderful tale of the appeal and dangers of fame. Anna's heroine, Emma, is smart, funny, and worldly, but not worldly enough to fail to be shocked by, or in awe of, the trappings of fame. But the story is not so much about fame as it is about what we give up in our lives to achieve our goals. Emma wants to be a feature writer for a Los Angeles magazine. It is that goal that brings us to the point; along about chapter four; as to how she might obtain that status. We are filled with an incredible sense of dread as we realized where the story (both Anna's and Emma's) is headed and the ominous implications that the title "Bought" now hold.

The villains of the story are, as often as not, ones own needs and desires. And the real, flesh and blood, villains are often so much a victim of their own needs and desires, that it is hard not to feel empathy for them.

It is within this world of excess that Anna leads Emma. All the way dropping shoes, each one, we hope is the last. Some of the shoes are expected, the clues are made easy for us to see: But then we're blind-sided by something totally unexpected, or better said, something that we shake our heads at because we missed the possibility.

We are not spoilers, you'll want to read the story for it's ending, but we give you this much: It is not a fairy tale.

[Joseph McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought is an excellent novel. It's a very entertaining story about a journalist who gets involved in the world of high class prostitution. It's a story about love, lust, power, manipulation and betrayal.

Miss David keeps the story moving right from the opening chapter to the very last page. I don't follow Hollywood or the stars, and yet I loved this novel even more than I did her first book Party Girl. I was only disappointed when I got to the last page because I didn't want it to end.

Highly recommended.

[Erin Demchak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived in Los Angeles myself, this book was accurate, intriguing and very well written. Anna is hilarious and her characters are very relatable. There were so many instances where I felt like I was sucked into the novel and living Emma's life. I had a love hate relationship with Jessica throughout the entire book.

I learned that there may be a secret hiding behind the Fendi sunglasses of the well kept girls you see at Starbucks in the middle of the day.....read Bought and you'll know what I'm talking about!

[Mary Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read the story summary, see the author picture, and read the "about the author" blurb, and yep, you basically get what you paid for: a not incredibly well written story about materialism, sex, and what it is to be female in Hollywood. Although David attempts making a point about feminism, and what is means to be a female and use your sex for power, the points fall short and the end result is basically a 29 year old writer trying to "find" herself and worries about being single forever. . . . clearly a fate worse then death. . . . gasp!

[Tabbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty fast reading, but the ending left MUCH to be desired !
I wish she would of gone more in depth with what happened to Jessica - why she was the way she was .
Her sister - why did she get dumped ?
The job - what exactly happened ?
The men - ??
The other girls we were introduced to ??

It was as though the author had a good idea, but really rushed the ending ! Not really wrapping things up like she should of.

This book could of been longer, and so much better !

Good for the beach I guess.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED it! Fast paced, funny and clever, Bought sold me!

[Andreap · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the general story line for this book, but for me the story really got going. I kept waiting for it to "get good", and for me it just didn't.

[Mc Chanster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh... sadly disappointed in Bought. I wanted to like Emma, but ultimately, I found her whiny, clueless and generally unlikable. She spends most of the novel with a 'woe-is-me' attitude, blithely unaware that the reason people walk all over her is because she lets them, and then complains about it or represses it. Then, when she somehow gains confidence to speak her mind (either drunk or on cocaine), she comes off like a hormonal teenager throwing a hissy fit.

I am all for a strong woman lead, but this is most certainly not it. I actually preferred Jessica's character over Emma's - at least I knew she was a b***h when the book started.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Very different from my usual stuff but I loved it

[Lamya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a fairly enjoyable, light read at first. However, as the book went on, I found myself increasingly disbelieving that anyone in the narrator's position would act as she did. This lack of realism ultimately led to my low rating for the book. Read on for a more spoiler-filled review.


Emma Swanson is a writer struggling to make it in Hollywood doing event coverage for the magazine Substance. When she sees a (sort-of) ex at a party with a glitzy young woman, she is jealous and demoralized -- until a friend mentions that the girl is a new model of prostitute. Rather than sleeping with men for money, she does it for shoes, bags, clothes, and apartments. Wanting to get to the bottom of this -- and possibly get a feature story out of it, to boot -- Emma goes in search of Jessica and women like her.

Yet, once she finds them, Emma ends up with more questions than answers. Against her editor's advice, Emma convinces all the girls but Jessica that she is one of them, a down-on-her-luck girl searching for her next Marc Jacobs handbag. This information gradient gives Jessica considerable power over Emma, power she does not always use for good.

Up to this point in the story, I was sold. Young career girl seeks advancement, and gets herself in a little over her head in the process. Awesome. Except, Emma doesn't just end up a little over her head. No, Emma dives in fully, and really only has herself to blame.

My first worries arose with Emma's symbolic first cigarette -- a habit of Jessica's that Emma seems to pick up out of nowhere, going from lily-white lungs to chain smoker in the course of a few weeks. Additionally, the amount of time that Emma spends with Jessica right off the bat was incredible -- in fact, unbelievable. These small things led to the One Big Thing that really put me off the book: Emma's night of cocaine-fueled stupidity. I found it very hard to believe that our intrepid heroine would go from a girl who was strictly anti-drug at the beginning to a girl who non-chalantly is snorting coke in the back of a limo after a week with a girl she acknowledges not even liking. Not only that, but Emma seemed to not see what was happening before her very eyes; specifically, that Jessica was trying to make Emma into a photocopy of herself.

Additionally, I found the storyline surrounding Danny, the cute guy Emma met at Whole Foods, to simply add to my incredulity. In spite of knowing this nice, sweet guy, Emma would rather pursue douchy movie producers? And I was supposed to like her, to believe she's better than your average Hollywood girl? In the end, I agree with her opinion, that she isn't any better -- but I'm left with a bitter taste in my mouth about the amount of time spent reading about someone I don't particularly like or respect.

I should say, however, that I liked how Ms. David handled the story line involving Emma's family. I felt she really accurately portrayed the feelings of a neglected older child in the presence of a younger wunderkind. Unfortunately, I feel like this story was cut short so that Ms. David would have the chance for a sequel.

Overall, this was a disappointing read that left me with little interest to try some of the author's other works.

[Reviewsbythegeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secara teknis, novel ini memang bisa digolongkan ke dalam kategori chick lit, tapi seperti yang dibilang sebuah review dari The New York Post, novel ini adalah chick lit with a message.

Emma Swanson adalah seorang reporter kelas teri paruh waktu yang bertugas meliput selebriti kelas B (B-list) di red carpet untuk majalah Substance. Dia bermimpi keluar dari jeratan kerjanya yang membosankan ini dan mengejar karier sebagai jurnalis serius yang meliput berita-berita yang lebih serius. Jalannya untuk mencapai cita-cita itu terbuka dengan cara yang tidak terduga melalui orang yang tidak terduga: Jessica Morrison.

Cantik dan seksi seperti model catwalk, Jessica sama sekali tidak terlihat seperti escort girl, semacam wanita panggilan. But she really is. Jessica bukan wanita simpanan karena dia punya banyak klien, bukan sebagai wanita panggilan karena dia tidak menerima uang tetapi barang/hadiah, melainkan semacam courtesan modern.

Emma akhirnya menghubungi seorang editor senior di kantornya dan menyampaikan keinginannya untuk menulis cover story tentang praktek prostitusi modern di L.A. yang gemerlap. Setelah berhasil mendekati Jessica dan membuat semacam perjanjian untuk menjadikannya narasumber, Emma memulai petualangan undercover menjadi courtesan modern bersama Jessica.

Novel ini bukan a cinderella story, tetapi bercerita tentang the dark side of human nature, dan hal-hal yang sangat riil, things we can relate to meskipun berlatar gemerlap L.A. yang beda jauh dengan kehidupan pembaca pada umumnya. Chick lit with a message, indeed.

Read full review at http://reviewsbythegeek.wordpress.com...

[CGregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really close to giving this one 4 stars. The only reason I didnt was because it was a bit too cut and clean. What do I mean? Well, the summary led me to believe that there was more degradation ((to be blunt) maybe... excitement is better; tragedy, trial, struggle, involvement etc) for me to "exeperience". Perhaps a bit harsh without explanation.

After reading the book summary, which stated "...Emma soon finds herself sucked into a world where the luxuries of prettied-up prostitution may cost her more than she ever expected." I honestly did not see or was made to feel that any of her actions or choices would have costed her nothing more than what she was already prepared to give up; and she never really entered this world but merely partnered along side it close enough to see and here some details. It was like accusing someone of breaking and entering a home who literally only openen an unlocked window and pulled a curtain aside so they could see better but never went inside.

Her actions did not put her in any real predicament worth acknowledging. I never felt that she was in any real dangers of passing some point of no return. As it was seemingly predicted to be. She was always at liberty to walk away free and clear at any moment throughout the entire story.

With that said, I do wish to declare that I did enjoy reading this story. The writing style was ever so pleasant and skilled. It was expertly descriptive; giving enough description with taste without going overboard or belaboring any particular scene or environment in the story. Smooth and flowing and enticing enough to keep me reading (but always waiting for that wrench in the gears).

[A Bull In A Bookshop · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Bought, readers are introduced to Emma. A press line reporter for in Hollywood. She hates her job and thinks her life is far inferior to the glitterati she's surrounded by. At a baby shower her most recent ex-boyfriend (who she is still obsessing over) shows up with a date. A beautiful woman with dark hair and a perfect body. While chatting with a "friend" that happened to date the same guy before dear Emma, informs her that the woman is actually a prostitute. Intrigued by the woman and wanting to do a story on her chosen profession, Emma finds a way to befriend Jessica.
Jessica knows right away that Emma is a reporter looking to make a name for herself but she lets Emma into her life anyway. Madness ensues.

The story was hard to get into during the first three chapters because Emma is a whiner. Her obsession with the hot stuff Hollywood agent ex-boyfriend is pathetic and she talks about him, a lot. Once we get past the whining about Matt, we get to see Emma try to own some of her own power when she starts working on her investigation into high-priced Hollywood call girls. Yet once she's on Jessica's radar, we see that Emma still struggles with the controlling her own power. She's no match for Jessica (as much as she liked to think she was) because Jessica is professional manipulator. Seriously sociopathic.

In the end, Emma does manage to come back into her senses before she becomes Jessica. (Which is what Jessica seemed to be steering her toward.) Her life still isn't great but she's working on making it that way, for herself.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read that was ok. Emma is a lowly press line journalist (stands outside of events and tries to get quotes from celebs) who decides to write an article on high-end prostitutes/girlfriends who receive gifts, not cash. She becomes friends with the queen bee who offers to show her world to Emma. But their friendship isn't quite normal and Emma has to make some decisions - follow her new "friend" or remain loyal to her former friends and family?

It was fairly predictable and though I felt like David touched on some of the heavier issues - at what point does paying for one's company turn into prostitution? If the women are getting things they want (their rent paid, expensive handbags, shoes, trips, etc.), where's the harm? But these forays into the bigger issues are unfortunately rather brief and the story maintains its light feel. Not a bad read, but not great either.

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Emma, a struggling reporter, decides to write a story on the interesting world of kept women. These women actually have contracts and accept only "gifts" in the form of cars, apartments, $8,000 handbags, etc. Most of these girls are actually pretty intelligent. My favorite quote from the book appears while Emma is talking to a friend. She cant understand why all the successful attractive men are hiring these girls when they could have any girl they want. Her friend responds "Honey, they arent paying them for the sex. They are paying them to leave". I dont know why but that really made so much sense to me. I did like the book. The first chapters were pretty slow. And it just sort of ends in the middle of no where. I definitely dont think this book would be for everyone. But it was a fun quick read and think some people would quite enjoy it.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not high literature, but that's not the intent. It's clear the author knows the subject matter - from being a journalist of course, not a high paid escort! And though I don't know much of this world (thank goodness), the story felt very authentic and I have no doubt there are real life characters who mimic the fictional ones in this book. I had some trouble relating to the heroine because she did things and tooks risks I never would but by the end I was hooked into her story and wanting her to do well. This is an interesting, quick read and a different take on "chick lit." I recommend it if you're looking for something off the over-beaten-girl-meets-boy path. I also liked how everything was not neatly wrapped up at the end.

[Marina Saavedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna has the ability to make you feel like you are living the story. You feel the inner struggle and the array of emotions of her main character Emma Swanson. The book quickly draws you in and you can barely put it down. There was not a dull moment or anything that you saw coming or that was predictible. What I enjoyed the most, because I watch Anna David on Red Eye and I follow her on Twitter, is her wittiness, as I read, I would suddenly burst into laughter because of something that Emma (Anna) was thinking, which is so Anna, the person. Anna has a great personality and it comes through in her book. I highly recommend reading "Bought."

[Anthony Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought will take you on a wild ride!
Anna David takes us into the world of women who trade sexual favors for gifts. But she was able to bring us into this world through the eyes of Emma, a writer and Jessica, one of these women.
The book will grip you from page 1 until the final letter of the final word. Anna spun the story using her unique writing style and helps brings the reader inside the minds of these women.
Finally we can look in the mirror and realize that we all do exactly the same things in our own way we all have been Bought and Sold

I urge everyone to read "Bought" by the Amazing Anna David !

[Lani · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really unclear about why my step-mom sent this in a recent box from Burma. Did she like this book? Did she think I would? That's kind of embarrassing...

This was a totally trashy book that I read on a rainy day without much stopping. I thought it was pretty terrible, but I can only say so much when I read it so quickly.

Bought follows an annoying journalist of the stars through her attempt to come up with a feature article. Suddenly she becomes friends with a manipulative call girl and has to lie her way through a variety of situations in pursuit of an article about Hollywood prostitution. All sorts of hijinks ensue, but, don't worry, it's all wrapped up in the end.

[Mike Partipilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought is a great read. The story is about Emma, a journalist who wants to write a story about prostitution and finds out things aren't always as simple as they appear. The characters are developed well and the story is entertaining and thought provoking. The novel has some humor, danger, twists and unexpected turns and sometimes shocking behavior by people who don't seem to be shocked by any of it at all. I enjoyed the novel from beginning to end. Definitely not chick-lit.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought is an excellent novel about the world of high class prostitution, and a reporter who falls into it. Trying to get her big break in the magazine biz, the Emma Swanson’s world, and the world of high class prostitution start to blur. Anna David creates a great story, with real characters that you can feel for, and leaves you wanting more. A great read, thoroughly enjoyable by both men and women.

[Natali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a book written by one of my best friends before. It was really fun! Reading Bought was like spending time with Anna, which is always a pleasure. She is especially good at the metaphors and the book really captures what it is like to live in LA. A fun summer beach read...although I didn't read it on a beach. I read it in an uncomfortable airplane seat.

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought's a fun book, but I'm not a super fan of Chick-Lit. It's an off and on kind of reading. I'm finding that while the antagonist (Jessica) is really cool, the main character seems to do all these bad things without making too much of a choice about it. I'm still working my way through it (which seems like an easy read). I am loving the whole courtesan angle to the story, though.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delicious read. It is the kind of book that is frankly, light as air and fun as heck to enjoy. A guilty pleasure that I am guilty of! It was so much fun! Hollywood, sleaze, sex and shopping with some other stuff thrown in! I won't spoil it...Girls and this is girl fiction at its finest, enjoy this pastry puff of a story. It's good fun!

[Clare · Rating 1 out of 5]

The poor trees who had to die for this book to be printed.

It's about a journalist who investigates women who have sex for gifts, rent, drinks and jewelry instead of money. Not only is the concept disgusting, with no moral lesson, but reading about the conspicuous consumption in the book while living in this economy felt really bizarre.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh-that's all I can say really. I saw the ending coming a mile away. I did enjoy seeing how much Emma changed during the book under Jessica's influence but you could see the train wreck coming very early as Emma was pretty weak and totally lead down the primrose path.