Lights, Camera, Sex! by Christy Canyon
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Book Reviews of Lights, Camera, Sex!
Book Review: .....personal reflection on Christy's book......
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me just say that I enjoyed the book tremendously. It was very well written, and above all it was very sincere. That last part tends to be very uncommon among biographies, but you were not afraid to admit things that were hurtful as well as things that were probably very foolish. And whether you personally regret them or not, you were not shy about it.
I was able to personally relate to the book, and that's probably why I liked it the most. My life early life happened to be very similar to yours even though I grew up on the other side of the Atlantic. All of a sudden I realized that what was true there was true here. I was able to relate to certain emotions displayed in your book, especially as a kid. Being split between parents, and dealing with their spouses was not always an easy task. I think striving for attention, and doing really foolish and stupid things. At the time I felt very bad. I was thinking I was the only person in the world it was happening to. And I was doing very bad things, and I felt I was never going to be anybody in life. At least my immediate surrounding made me feel like that. I think I was able to spot that in your book too. I found that to be very in common. I was thinking that if I knew you in school we probably would become friends. Of course if we knew about all of these things that we find in common. I think at the time I needed to know someone who felt this way. Just to know how to take it all inside, how to deal with it. I wonder if you felt the same way growing up? When I read your book I felt that I wasn't all alone in this. That along the lines many people were facing similar traumas, and not really knowing how to relate to it. I remember once I met a girl who also went through similar ordeal. I remember talking with her late night after work (haha-we worked at Kmart) I remember her telling me how she felt about her religion class as a child. They tell you how everything should be, rosy and all, and then you come home and it's the complete opposite. Did you ever feel like that? I really liked that girl at the time and hearing these things from her was like a revelation to me. It was like I'm not alone..etc. I think similar emotions came over me when reading your book. I felt your sadness, but I also felt your happiness.
After reading this book I just feel like I know you more on the personal level. I know what went inside your head, and observed your thinking patterns. You're no longer a girl with beautiful body I happened to see as a late teenager. I think there is a lot of beauty inside you as well. I wonder to myself how I would react if I saw any of your movies now?
On the other hand, I enjoyed your descriptions of the industry, most of it was really revealed to me for the first time. The fact that you've enjoyed your career was very positive. At least you didn't feel miserable like you did as a child. What an intense way to rebel. I've done quite a few rebelling acts myself. Most of which I'm not proud of, and probably should be left unspoken. In doing so, you are probably considered a legend, but you didn't loose your human factor. I really like that aspect about you. You're still approachable. I mean, even when you responded to my e-mail, that says a lot. When I read the book, I wish I could've written additional questions that popped in my head regarding some of the events. If you were to answer them all it probably could turn into an interview book.
I found quite few things being very funny, and I did laugh a lot. Especially some dealing with men that you described were hilarious. Being a man myself I wondered how I would react in such situation because you can't help to think that. But, I can't help to see the difference in styles. You know like you read something, and just say that's not me, or the opposite as well. Well, life situations tend to be awkward and funny, that is why Seinfeld was so authentic and funny. You've quite a few of such moments. I think the funniest was the incident with the picture some guy sent it to you, and you gave it to that crazy woman on the street. I had a real laugh at that, very creative on your part, and unpredictable too.
One thing which for sure is great is when you look back at you life, and consider how many things have happened. That's absolutely outstanding. You were able to make it into a book. And probably still have enough memories for a follow up or two. Being able to capture it in a fair, and not overly critical light''that's art.
Book Review: Who'd behind the lace ?
Summary: 5 Stars
I've never written a review for a book before in my life, and it'll no doubt show, but bear with me. I felt like this book was worth an attempt!
I didn't buy this book for the sex. A strange statement, perhaps, but it's true. I bought it because I love a good, interesting story. Often, books dealing with time in the adult industry make for uncomfortable reading. "Ordeal" by Linda Lovelace being one example. So I kind of began reading this with one eye shut and in a state of uneasiness. However, upon completing it 48 hours later, I'd have to say that this is not the book I expected it to be.
One of the effects of porn may be that it traps individuals in the roles they play. So that after the dvd or the vhs tape is ejected they remain forever in the memory wearing stockings and suspenders, insatiable (and unnaturally flexible!). It's often hard to think of those stars as people with family problems, having trouble finding stable relationships, who make these bold statements of sexual liberation and then have to deal with the social stigma that can accompany it when they go back to the world. But these are the things that are laid out in honest, forthright detail by Christy over the course of the book.
It strikes me as being two very distinct parts; "less control" and "more control". The first part deals with all the personal circumstances leading to Christy becoming involved in the adult film industry. It seems, to me anyway, that Christy still hadn't yet fully gained control of her life at this stage. She details her struggles to make ends meet, her extremely close relationship with her sister Clair, and her tentative steps into modeling which brought her, gradually, into adult movies. This is the half which details the drug problems, the difficulties in maintaining relationships with her family, and the often unsavory business practices of some photographers. Yet it's at this point, having been on the receiving end of an improper advance from a photographer called "Ed" that the "less control" portion of the book ends, with Christy screaming "IT'S MY JOB! IT'S NOT WHO I AM!". It's almost like a switch is flicked and that's the final act of Christy working "for" the porn industry to the road which would lead to Christy making the porn industry work for her.
There is then a gap between leaving the adult business, working in her fathers office, and then making a comeback but it's the style of the return that intrigued me. From the decision to see a counseller to address the issues in her life that troubled her, to the way that rather than being at the behest of an agency she walks into the offices of Vivid and lays out what she requires before she'll work for them. In an industry which is accused of dis-empowering women, it's great to see someone so in command of their own life this way.
In closing, I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't know Christy but through reading about her life, I feel like she's emerged from a potentially destructive business with a level head and only a few scars to show. I hope that's the case, because what she went through to get where she is a testament to her determination to succeed on her own terms. Whatever your views on porn, you have to admire her spirit. I look forward to the next chapter.
Book Review: Fantastic book by and about a fascinating lady
Summary: 5 Stars
Whether friend, fan or curious stranger, read this! "Lights, Camera, Sex!" is a must for any fan of the legendary Christy Canyon, considered by those who know and care as one of the greatest adult stars of the twentieth century, if not the greatest. But it's more. It is an always interesting story of the adult video industry by a lady who not only survived but thrived. She intersperses industry behind the scenes stories with insights to the life and times of an intelligent and witty "valley girl" and the people and experiences that shaped her.
This book may be disappointing to those who like their adult stars stereotypically stupid sluts. But like other successful and enduring performers, Christy does not fit that clichéd pigeonhole. Ms. Canyon self-published this autobiography. If a mainline publishing house distributed her work and marketed it as a roman a clef by an exciting new author, people who never heard of Christy would have made this the best seller it deserves to be. Canyon refused to compromise, refused censorship, and succeeded her way.
The author, encouraged by her creative writing instructor, has written a lively narrative that will make you laugh and make you cry, while providing introspective on a remarkable life in an entertaining business. Her attention to detail, descriptive prose, prodigious memory, and well-researched vignettes coupled with fascinating flashbacks of the author's formative years make this much more compelling than just another star's life. It follows the author's brief but productive early career, her surprise departure from the adult business, and her first comeback. The author promises a follow-up about her life on the road dancing, but this deserves more than just one sequel. We look forward not only to her continuing story, but some advice books, some comedy, some romance novels and perhaps a screenplay. Turn on the reading lights, put down the camera, and focus on "Lights, Camera, Sex!"
Book Review: A great read from a wonderful woman!
Summary: 5 Stars
As soon as I received my copy of Lights, Camera, Sex, in the mail, I knew it would be good! I've read biographies from other pornstars but was anticipating this one because Christy is my favorite pornstar. As with everything else she has done in her career, the book was great! It was a real eye opener to hear her talk about her experiences in the field with such porn legends as Peter North, Ron Jeremy, and Tom Byron. The reader learns about what a certain underage porn star was really like behind and in front of the camera! It was also refreshing to hear Christy talk about life with her family, and how she coped working for her father when she decided to leave porn.
The book is an honest look at porn and Christy makes no excuses for choosing to work in the industry. By reading this book you can truly tell that this is a woman who is truly happy with herself and the choices she has made in her life! As for the nitpickers who are complaining about the typos, they are corrected in the second printing, which I am buying : ) I loved the cliffhanger ending and I eagerly await book 2.
Book Review: CHRISTY EXPOSED!
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone who believes that erotic movies should have their own category at the Oscars will enjoy this book. I have only read the first 124 pages, and I'm recommending it. You will recognize all the names of her fellow performers, and learn how the sex film industry works. (In case you didn't already know how it works.) Ms. Canyon also relates a meeting with Max Baer, who played Jethro on "The Beverly Hillbillies."One negative. The authoress has an annoying habit of employing "flashbacks," apparently in an attempt to show that she is not merely a fantastic sex object. She does not speak well about her father, but maybe, if we talked to him, we would get another side of the story. He may not be happy that his daughter is this type of actress.
Another thing. Wanting to sound like an authentic dumb porno girl, Ms. Canyon has cleverly placed misspellings and hilarious punctuation blunders throughout the book. Very effective!
It's a good read. It's entertaining, it's informative.
I look forward to the next book, Ms. Canyon.