Paid For

My Journey Through Prostitution

By: Rachel Moran

Narrated by: Heather Wilds

Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins

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)

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.

Prepare to be informed and depressed.

This book intends to educate the reader about the awful reality of prostitution. It more than accomplishes that mission. What it really needs is a joke. Although very informative, I couldn't start my day with this sunshine killer. With that said, if you want to understand the life of a prostitute, this book is for you.

Remarkable insights and perspectives from the inside out

A rare, true book I had difficulty not finishing the day I started it. The growth of this teen into a woman, with her direct analysis of so many issues she dealt with, was jaw- dropping. So open with her point of view. So articulate processing emotions, fears, situations most of us have never considered. Her ability to intertwine her life with accurate legal considerations was amazing. A book everyone, male and female, should read….contemplate….share and discuss with others.

honest truth

I have never read a memoir as honest and truthful as this. I've never related to another human like I have with Rachel. This is the truth about the profession of a sex worker any sex worker and honestly all should know what she tells. Eloquent so well described so accurately stated. She says she hopes someone can write a book that would offer women who have left the profession healing. A professional. But only someone who lived it knows and this book healed me so much. It's very hard leaving the industry and recoiling. Not knowing how you could relate to anyone or anyone could relate to you ever again the burden the Secret and the trauma. It's very difficult dealing with the PTSD and the regret alone. Not only did this book heal but it made me feel connected. That took me out of my isolation of blame and hate. A godsendt book.

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.

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.

Brutally honest.

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

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.

Must read for every man and woman

Rachel Moran recounts every aspect of her life during her seven years In prostitution. This book will open your eyes, open your mind, and open your heart in new ways.

Very strong opinions

A clear message from the author to end the prostitution and other very strong opinions of her as a journalist, feminist, and activist.