Memoir of a Writing Porn Star

A Satire

By: Jan Peregrine

Narrated by: Peter Stewart

This novel is a satirical look at my life, and I have never written for a porn site. There are four parts to this book: The Rehearsal (trying to figure out my life and men), The Performance (a story in two perspectives about a transgender guy being interviewed), The Reviews, and Pornopraphy (amusing selection of commentary and reviews of media products). I write just a little soft porn for humor, but mostly it's about why my satirical "drag queen" narrator started writing erotica. People who enjoy satire aimed at men/women relationships, conventional people, and the porn industry may love this novel. It's for adults and young adults. I selected reviews written in the past when I was paid to review books, movies, and music on epinions.com for 14 years. Some examples of reviews are Lady Chatterley's Lover, Flesh and the Devil, Zombie Strippers, Anais Nin's Henry and June, and American Gigolo. I end with a more serious epilogue and "author's last words" to help listeners understand the real discrimination faced by nonconforming people.

©2015 Jan Peregrine (P)2016 Jan Peregrine

Memoir of a Writing Porn Star, by Jan Peregrine

If you could sum up Memoir of a Writing Porn Star in three words, what would they be?

Smart. Sexy. Fun.

What other book might you compare Memoir of a Writing Porn Star to and why?

I can't think of any, this is a unique reading experience, like no other book I've read.

Did Peter Stewart do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes, I detected a definite shift in ... "attitude" ... when switching between characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It definitely made me laugh in several places, but later, when the author got to the review section, it made me sit up and take note and see some familiar stories in a very different, well-thought-out light.

Any additional comments?

I've been reading this author's work for years--well over a decade--and this book just validates why; I've been writing reviews of my own for 20 years, but she's still way better at it than I'll ever be.

I took a chance and I'm glad I did

Would you consider the audio edition of Memoir of a Writing Porn Star to be better than the print version?

The narrator does a "drag" kind of voice that's honestly hysterical. If you enjoy the sassy stylings of the likes of Adore Delano or Sharon Needles you're going to get a kick out of this audiobook.

What other book might you compare Memoir of a Writing Porn Star to and why?

I don't really know any other books to compare this to- very unique. Because it's fiction I don't want to compare it with memoirs of individuals who are actually trans (although the narrator is a trans man himself). The sarcastic humor and sometimes analytical, sometimes political wit of the writing will put you in mind of a Jane Austen level insult with all the class to boot.

What does Peter Stewart bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It's nice to see a transman working in this role. It definately adds something to the experience. Without giving too much away, there is a portion of the book where the narration comes from a college age trans man. This is where Peter Stewart really shines. The pain in his voice, as well as his confidence, gives a heft and depth to the character you wouldn't get coming off the page.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

You will laugh out loud with this book. You can almost feel the narrator staring you down and smugly, if not cheekishly grinning along with his own jokes. Before long he begins to feel like an old friend who can always be counted on for a quick jab and a snarky comment.

Any additional comments?

Don't be intimidated by the price- there is a lot in this book.