• Paid For

  • My Journey Through Prostitution
  • By: Rachel Moran
  • Narrated by: Heather Wilds
  • Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (103 ratings)

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Paid For  By  cover art

Paid For

By: Rachel Moran
Narrated by: Heather Wilds
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Publisher's summary

Born to mentally unstable parents, Rachel Moran left home at the age of 14. Being homeless, she became a prostitute to survive. In Paid For, she describes, with intelligence and empathy, the fears that she and others had working on the streets and in brothels. She also speaks to the psychological damage that accompanies prostitution and the estrangement from one's body. At the age of 22, Moran escaped prostitution. She has since become a writer and an activist.

©2013 Rachel Moran (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Moran's thoughtful, highly readable, and provocative treatise shines a necessary light on a dark and underdiscussed topic." ( Kirkus)

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Genious Perception of Human Conditions

Brilliant perception of human conditions and potentials. This is her recounting of many paths she traveled, and people with her gifts of perception are capable of excelling everywhere they go. Keen insight is gifted sparingly. Master storytelling, almost prose. Certainly comparable to Victor Hugo. Inordinately literate. As a person with a very similar childhood, I marveled that the writer ever found her voice beneath such an experience. That "childhood identity" is still something I can not view or speak about. She does not deny it but gives it life and enormous meaning. She is kind to that child and holds it forth for you to see. Possibly because she had some good memories to keep in focus from that period. She overlooks the sadistic neglect and cruelty of others as "sickness". Her early exploitation for food (and probably other benefits) she viewed as a "trust". Such as being sent to the food bank. Sent to "care" for her hospitalized father. Her ability for mercy is supernatural. Her ability to trust you, with her truths is also supernatural. Be worthy of that trust. This is not a book you will forget you read.

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5 people found this helpful

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Brutally honest.

One of the most insightful and brutally honest book on the reality of human exploitation.

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Highly recommended!

This book is brutally honest and direct on the subject most of us rarely think about let alone fully understand. It is worth the time and energy to listen to this book and let its message sink into your soul.

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Very Depressing/ Depressed writer

I wanted to hear this as a way of understanding this part of life that has stayed in the margins yet has been a constant of our humanity. What makes this Audible so difficult for me as a listener is the downer that it is. There is no light in the writing and the speach of the Narrator. While this is a very dark period of this writers life and her wish to educate the world, I suggest taking this in small doses, simply because it is so deeply depressing. Read with an imaginary umbrella to protect your mind.

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Incredibly real picture of prostitution

Hands down one of the best, most realistic books on prostitution out there. Get this if you want the truth.

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Wait, it's all the John's fault?

Would you listen to Paid For again? Why?

Yes, but not right away. It's a well-written book about a heavy subject. I'd like to see if I understand the author's perspective a bit differently after I read it a 2nd time.

If you’ve listened to books by Rachel Moran before, how does this one compare?

This is the first I've listened to by Rachel Moran, so I have no comparison.

What about Heather Wilds’s performance did you like?

Her accent takes some getting used to, but overall I think she did an excellent job. She strikes a serious tone, which is consistent with the subject matter.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moment in the bath when she flashed back to what had been done to her body in the past was moving.

Any additional comments?

The author seems to take no responsibility for her actions - it's the fault of her parents, the government, the punters (johns), the drugs, etc. I think she loses a little credibility because of it. She is a very good writer and is convincing with some of her points though. If you're interested in the subject matter, it's worth a read. If you're simply looking for salacious details about the life of a prostitute, you'll find some, but not much here.

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3 people found this helpful

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  • E
  • 07-21-20

absolute must read

Women’s rights advocates, feminists, sex workers, supporters of the legalization of sex work, and those who use such services would all be benefited by the incredible insight provided in this book. The author has given us what is, I believe, by far the most honest, unflinching literary account of prostitution available today. This is TRUE feminist literature.

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Morality enhancer

She did so well getting her point across it took me over a year to read this book- because it hurt my soul so much I had to digest it in pieces. Thank you for your bravery in sharing this story

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Exceptional Work! Cuts to the Heart of the Issues

Excellent book that tells the truth behind the politics. Great book to share with men who use prostitutes so they can better understand the implications of their actions.

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    5 out of 5 stars

A MUST HAVE!

I've listened to the book numerous times. I really like the fact that one can re-listen to certain chapters to gain a fuller understanding. I've become convinced through the outstanding writing by Rachel Moran that no human being should ever be "Paid for."

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