Customer Reviews

Suburban Hustler: Stories of a Hi-Tech Callboy

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

In this collection of essays Aaron Lawrence, one of the more infamous online hustlers writes about various encounters he has had in his line of work. I found the book interesting, however I am not sure who exactly it is aimed at. One would think someone writing their biography should be in posession of deep (or at least some...) personal insight. Mr Lawrence however presents a picture of a rather insecure, yet hopelessly narcissistic and selfish individual. He 'charmingly' devalues his relationship with his supportive yet unhappy boyfriend. He also goes into detail about how he 'fools' his customers with outward words and looks while revealing to the reader what he really thinks of his cutomers (usually derogatory). Mr Lawrence relates one encounter where he is left in tears when a client confronts him about why he prostitutes himself, and admits maybe he thinks he is psychologically disturbed. At other times Mr Lawrence claims to be prefectly at peace with his profession...even proud of his choices. I don't object to Mr Lawrences choices...but if you are going to write an autobiography shouldn't you at least be somewhat consistent, or at least be able to make a reasonable story of your internal dilemmas? Mr Lawrence just presents the picture of a confused and lonely person. I cannot imagine why anyone after reading his unkind thoughts on 90% of his customers would even consider hiring him. Parts of the stories seem to be trying to be semi-erotic, yet this is not a book of erotic tales and anyone buying it as such will be disappointed. In any case any eroticism is usually destroyed by Mr Lawrences reveries right in the middle of the encounter about how much money he is making and how much he dislikes this client.

In summary - it's not erotic, so don't buy it if you want that; It's not terribly insightful, so don't buy it for that; It's not politically savy about sexual rights, so don't buy it for that; It won't tell you either how to be or how to hire an escort, so don't buy it for that (try instead Mr Lawrences other book for this purpose). I found 40% of it boring, self- aggrandizing, navel-staring. However, the remaining 60% is interesting. There aren't a lot of books out there that do cover this subject, and seeing inside the mind of a hustler is in itself a valid purpose for the book.

Obviously this book appeals to many people; however, having read numerous accounts of male prostitution, I was highly disappointed in this one. This book is not really about the sex trade, it's about Lawrence's quest to gain self-esteem by being paid for sex. Sadly, there is no discussion of the social and political issues surrounding sex work; Lawrence seems unaware of any of the interesting issues related to the criminalization and stigmatization of prostitution/hustling. Lawrence comes across as shallow and insecure, bragging, in nearly every chapter, about the size of his penis and how hard it was for him to find a partner who could accommodate him (he charmingly mentions, more than once, that even his boyfriend is inadequate). I don't agree with another reviewer that he's a sex addict, nor that hustling will leave him permanently scarred. It's just that his account of hustling is more navel-gazing and ego-stroking than introspection and insider commentary.

Surburban Hustler by Aaron Lawrence is an interesting read if I must say so myself. This book brought out a lot of different emotions for myself. From an anxious feeling for his first times at escorting to an angry feeling for the relationship between boyfriends. I learned a lot about him through his book. I can honestly say that he is a guy with a big heart as well as a big you know what.(Yep..I admit it..I am a size queen) I definately recommend this quirky yet intriguing read that has an interest in the business of escorting or just an interest in Aaron.

Aaron Lawrence has written an entertaining and informative look at how a young, not particularly hunky or attractive college student without defined career aims, drifted into the male escort business and made himself into a truly hot commodity, to judge by his own stories and the ratings of his performances on various internet sites. While the writing is occasionally awkward (he could have used a top editor, but a top publishing house was unlikely to touch this material), the authorial voice is clearly focused and everything sounds quite realistic. He's not afraid to include material critical of himself, including the fascinating story of a federal law enforcement official who "hired" him to try to persuade him to quit escorting, and the doubts that encounter raised in Aaron's mind. One feels for him, sympathizes, and -- if gay -- wants to meet him in the sack.

I loved this book! As a fellow sex worker, I found Aaron to be a wonderful story teller. I saw myself in so many of his stories, going through the same emotions and experiences. I really admire his honesty and forthrightness in discussing his sex work. I think this book is honest and courageous and helps to break down the myths and negative stereotypes people have about male sex workers. I highly recommend it!

With this book, Aaron Lawrence manages to turn a sizzling subject into something as yawn-inducingly dull as...his nom de plume. In "Suburban Hustler," the emphasis is decidedly on "suburban." Anyone hoping for anything edgy, weird, outrageous or even vaguely original will be sorely disappointed. If male prostitution were available in a New Jersey strip mall store called "Hustlers 'n Stuff," it would be this book.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me a very good insight of what a gay escort do for a living. I highly recommend this book.

I found this book to be sexy, humorous and interesting. Aaron shares much about his life and adventures in being a male escort. He is brutally honest about his experiences and you learn about the business and his customers. He is honest without being mean or negative about his customers. I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it

Well, I am interested in all aspects of the male escort profession. I am especially interested in learning how men start to hustle. I find it fascinating. This book answers that question. The author describes how he got started and the situations leading to using the profession as his main income job.

Hmm, well I always am interested in reading this sort of thing, never knowing what to expect. I wasn't disappointed but reading a book like this just makes me wonder why people are the way they are. And of course I never usually get any kind of answer. What a rough life it is. How in the world could he have a boyfriend and still do this? His boyfriend must have very low esteem. Who would put up with all that? I couldn't be one having to take whomever calls you. I would think it would be a very ungratifying life but he never thinks so.