Whores: An Oral Biography of Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction : Book Review

Whores is an incredible and captivating book that takes readers on a gritty journey into the punk rock subculture of 1970s Los Angeles. Written by Brendan Mullen, a prominent figure in the scene, this book provides a firsthand account of the rise and progression of punk music, focusing specifically on the notorious club, The Masque, and the influential bands that graced its stage. Mullen's writing style is refreshingly raw and authentic, effortlessly immersing readers in the chaotic and rebellious atmosphere of the time.

Through the pages of Whores, Mullen delves deep into the lives of various musicians and explores their struggles, unleashing their creativity, and the strong sense of camaraderie that existed within the punk community. His storytelling is vivid, painting a clear and vibrant picture of the underground punk scene and the colorful characters that inhabited it. Mullen's intimate knowledge of the era is evident as he shares fascinating anecdotes and interviews that shed light on the origins and evolution of punk in Los Angeles.

Going beyond just the music and history, Whores also tackles the darker aspects of the scene, including drug use and violence. Mullen fearlessly depicts the gritty reality of the time, offering an unfiltered narrative that is both mesmerizing and, at times, unsettling. Through his writing, he also explores the lasting impact of the punk movement on American culture and its profound influence on music and counterculture.

In conclusion, Whores is an absolute must-read for anyone with an interest in punk rock history or the cultural climate of 1970s Los Angeles. Mullen's writing style is captivating and immersive, making it easy to become lost within the pages of this book. With its firsthand accounts and unique perspective, Whores stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of punk and the vibrant subculture that emerged during this transformative period.

"Whores" by Brendan Mullen is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the world of sex workers, challenging societal stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective. Feedback for this book varies, with some readers applauding Mullen's honest and empathetic portrayal of the characters, while others express discomfort with the explicit content and language.

Many readers appreciate Mullen's ability to bring to light the complexities of sex work and humanize the characters. They commend his thorough research and attention to detail, which add credibility to the narrative. Readers become absorbed in the lives of the characters and value the author's efforts to shed light on a marginalized community. Mullen's compassionate exploration of the industry and the struggles faced by sex workers is seen as enlightening and empathetic.

However, other reviewers find the explicit content and language in "Whores" to be excessive and unnecessary. They feel that it distracts from the book's overall message and may alienate some readers. These reviewers suggest that Mullen could have told a similar story without relying so heavily on explicitness.

Opinions about the writing style in "Whores" are also varied. Some readers admire Mullen's raw and gritty prose, believing that it effectively captures the essence of the characters and their experiences. However, others find the writing to be disjointed and lacking coherence, making it difficult to fully engage with the story.

Overall, readers generally appreciate Brendan Mullen's attempt to shed light on the lives of sex workers in "Whores". While some may find the explicit content and language off-putting, others value the author's compassionate and humanizing portrayal of the characters. The book is considered to be a thought-provoking read for those interested in delving into the complexities of the sex industry.

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