Bought by Anna David
Emma is stuck in a dead-end job that doesn’t really pay her bills – collecting quotes from B-listers at Hollywood parties was never really her idea of a dream job. What Emma really wants is to be a real journalist, someone doing serious work. A handsome, powerful, and wealthy boyfriend would be so bad either, perhaps someone like her ex, Matt.
Emma’s world begins to be turned upside down when she spots Matt at a party with a gorgeous girl on his arm – a gorgeous girl who she learns is a sort of kept woman/prostitute hybrid. Jessica is smart and sexy, and trades sex for things like her credit card bills or rent being paid, but never directly for money. This, Emma realizes, could be her big break, the story that will make her from a party reporter into a journalist. Getting a story from Jessica without getting sucked into her world may not be so easy, however.
This was an interesting book. All of the characters were horribly flawed, but also very human and vulnerable. Emma is clearly working through some serious issues – some of which, surprisingly, Jessica can help her with. Jessica and the other girls in her set often exude confidence and happiness, but they obviously have huge issues as well. “Bought” definitely gets you thinking about where exactly the line is drawn between using sexuality or femininity and prostitution. Once you get to a certain point is it a slippery slope from there, or can you stay firmly on one side or the other? Can you be, or have you been, bought?
Note: I was happily surprised to find that there really wasn’t much sex in the book, even though it was about these women who are basically prostitutes, but Jessica does have a fairly foul and sexual mouth, so you if you sensitive to things like that, you should be forewarned.
Buy this book from:
Powells.
A local independent bookseller via Indiebound.
Amazon.
Interesting questions! I wonder if my library has this one.
Beth F’s last blog post..Review: Starfinder by John Marco
Sounds very intriguing. I do think the line can be very slippery in that area.
rhapsodyinbooks’s last blog post..Review of “Star Gazing” by Linda Gillard
When I was working, I learned what it meant to be bought. It meant selling your soul to the devil, and I didn’t like it! Thus is why I am now at home with my babies!
Sandy’s last blog post..Sticky Business
Sounds like it was a good read. I haven’t seen this one around but now I’ll know what it’s about if I do chance upon it.
Staci’s last blog post..YA Review: Undercover by Beth Kephart
That’s an interesting story/plot line, it’s amazing what people will do to either avoid working nine to five or to “advance” their career.
Very interesting book. I personally prefer fantasy or thriller books rather than books like “bought”. But it’s a pretty interesting topic and I’d never want a girlfriend like Jessica!!
David LEO’s last blog post..Let’s fight against 24000 daily deaths – campaign against hunger
I’ve heard about this book but was unsure about whether I wanted to read it or not. After reading your review, I think I will give it a chance! Thanks!
S. Krishna’s last blog post..Death By Cashmere – Sally Goldenbaum [TSS]
I’m guessing Anna is actually Emma? I mean a typo. :S This ounds okay, I like the theme of it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous!
Yes, thank you. It got a bit confusing with the author and the main character being Anna and Emma, I’m off to fix it.
Now you’ve got me interested, I don’t spend a lot of time reading these days as I am mostly busy online but I should/will take more time to relax and read a good book.
Might just pick this one up and read it while on the houseboat this weekend. Glass of red to hand, relaxing. Don’t know how I’ll get back to work.