Magic Gardens: The Memoirs of Viva Las Vegas [Paperback]

Viva Las Vegas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2009

A Midwest preacher's daughter with a fabulous academic pedigree, Viva could have chosen any career, but chose to become a stripper. This personalized tour of her milieu offers a unique perspective on a thriving industry that is largely condemned or ignored, while painting portraits of women who are passionate, smart, and entrepreneurial. With language that is at turns gritty and glorious, she preaches new paradigms regarding the sex industry and the women who work in it. Part coming-of-age story, part Portland (Oregon) love letter, Magic Gardens appeals to diverse audiences worldwide. It s a magical tale that makes a valiant case for following one's dreams, whatever they may be.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is pure Viva." --Gus Van Sant, filmmaker, MILK<br /><br />"Hers is the classic American tale of wanderlust, updated for the 21st Century.... In the sea of memoirs...Viva's story is an island." --Andrei Codrescu, author, Jealous Witness: New Poems<br /><br />Seeing life through this broad's eyes is a strange and beautiful blessing the likes of which words bring." --Nick Tosches, journalist & author, King of the Jews<br /><br />"Magic Gardens is no mere memoir--all snap, verve, and eloquence, it is the how-to manifesto of a Diva of the Demimonde, and a love song to life on the shady side." --Katherine Dunn, author, Geek Love --Provided by Dame Rocket Press

Hers is the classic American tale of wanderlust, updated for the 21st Century.... In the sea of memoirs...Viva s story is an island. --Andrei Codrescu, author, Jealous Witness: New Poems

Seeing life through this broad s eyes is a strange and beautiful blessing the likes of which words bring. --Nick Tosches, journalist & author, King of the Jews

About the Author

Viva Las Vegas has been a force in the arts for over a decade, performing on stage as a stripper and as a singer, appearing on several TV shows and in more than a dozen films, and writing and interviewing for publications both local and national. Born in the Midwest and educated at Williams College in Massachusetts, her unusual resume includes Paranoid Park and First Kiss (films by Gus Van Sant); The Auteur (a 2008 James Westby film); and articles in the New York Times, Village Voice, Portland Monthly, and Exotic Magazine. In addition, her Portland band, Coco Cobra and the Killers, has recorded two albums, and she is frequently interviewed as a spokesperson for strippers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Dame Rocket Press; 1 edition (August 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 098014194X
• ISBN-13: 978-0980141948
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #722,288 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars You have got to read it!!, November 10, 2010

By 

S. M. Ritchey (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Magic Gardens: The Memoirs of Viva Las Vegas (Paperback)

This is a book that from the minute you pick it up, you won't put it down till the end! So much deeper than a stripper memoir, its about life and choices and control of ones destiny. Well written with amazing insight and great humor. After I was done reading, I wanted more. I couldn't wait till her next book came out!

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Magic, August 6, 2010

By 

Simone Corday (San Francisco, California) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Magic Gardens: The Memoirs of Viva Las Vegas (Paperback)

Even if you've never been to Portland, "Magic Gardens" is filled with its unconventional allure. The book gives a charming, levelheaded and insightful view of the town and its casual bar scene, and Viva's life as an adventurous new grad, stripper, performance artist, and rock musician as anyone could wish for. Her quirky, unrepentant friends and bedrock family add balance. From the first page her impressions and scenes are so well-written and fun that I was hooked `til the end.

One of the best stripper memoirs--but much more than that. This memoir shows a young woman intent on exploring all her creative abilities.

Viva previously reported on music for the Village Voice, and also had a piece published in the New York Times "Modern Love" series in the Style Section under an alternate name.

--Simone Corday is the author of 9 1/2 Years Behind the Green Door: A Mitchell Brothers Stripper Remembers her Lover Artie Mitchell, Hunter S. Thompson, and the Killing that Rocked San Francisco

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drugs, Sex and Rock & Roll, January 2, 2010

By 

Eric Bowen "Scrappydog.com" (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Magic Gardens: The Memoirs of Viva Las Vegas (Paperback)

I couldn't put it down! Well written, insightful, raw, gritty, and humorous account of real life as a stripper and aspiring rock star!

Drips with the authenticity of someone who has actually been there. An engaging voyeuristic window into another world for those who's lives haven't strayed so far outside the lines of societal expectations.

A simultaneously inspirational and cautionary guide for those drawn to the roads less traveled.