The View From My Knees

There was a time when the public believed that women entered the world of adult films as a result of abuse, coersion, and addiction. But over the past two decades women like Jenna Jameson have taken the image of the poor, pathetic porn star and squashed it with their 8-inch platform heels. A new generation of powerful women have taken the reigns of their sexuality and their careers. As one of the most successful adult film actresses to date and frontwoman of her own production company, Teravision, Tera Patrick has certainly embraced the image of the empowered porn mistress. But a peek between the covers of her new book, Sinner Takes All: A Memoir of Love and Porn, shows a more vulnerable girl beneath the surface that falls somewhere between the meager women of yesteryear and the Girl Power proponents of today.

Amidst the pages of black and white and full color photographs of the beautiful star, the reader learns about Tera’s early estrangement from her mother, the disappointing and disturbing loss of her virginity, and her spiral into pot and valium addiction as she attempted to make it as a model overseas. But her entry into the world of adult modeling and films marks the beginning of her road to empowerment and, eventually, to love. In fact, the entire second half of the book reads more as a love story than a porn memoir. While there are titillating descriptions of weekend-long rough sex marathons with husband Evan Seinfeld that prompt worried neighbors to call the police, the sex in this book isn’t as graphic as Tera’s fans may expect (or hope for). What they get instead is a touching tale of how love pulled her through some difficult times and helped her become the strong woman we know and lust today.

If you’re looking for an erotic read, you won’t find it here. The sex in this book is downplayed by the love, heartbreak, and true human element. However, if you’re a fan of Tera Patrick or the porn industry in general, I think you’ll really enjoy getting under the surface through this page-turning account of the star’s life and career.

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Did you read this book for the Naughty Book Club? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you haven’t read this book and would like a chance to win my copy, leave a comment with a suggestion for the next Naughty Book Club selection. The best suggestion will receive Tera’s book and valuable Babeland.com coupons!

Hi my names Bryn im 28 and I just moved to _____. Prior to living here I live in _____ for 5 years then spent the past 4 years working out of the country. I have never been married and no kids, unless you count my dog deepak. I like to spend my free time boating, traveling, and taking my dog to the park. Here is my picture. Would you ever be interested in chatting sometime, or meeting for coffee?

Since Bryn didn’t mention my ad or profile at all I suspect he wrote up the same message to send to every girl he responded to. I have no idea, based on this message, what he likes about me and why we would be a good match. His description of himself is pretty generic and has very little personality sprinkled in with the basic stats.

You all did very well on your last assignment. Some of those stories you emailed me were incredibly hot. I only wish some of you had been bold enough to let me share them with the rest of my readers. Oh well, there’s always the next assignment…

In this assignment, you’re going to leave a naughty message in an unexpected place. Before your lover gets up in the morning, sneak into the bathroom and write an invitation for something wet and steamy in soap or lipstick. If you didn’t get to the bathroom in time, just write it in the steamed up mirror and wait naked in the bedroom to see if he or she accepts your invitation.

Then, send me an email at TheGirl@herknees.com or leave a comment on this post to tell me and my readers all about it. Those of you that have your own blog can even post about it there and leave the link here. The best story will get a free adult DVD and discount coupons for Babeland.com!

Do you suck at online dating? Don’t feel bad, most people do. How would you like to get a little better at it? And, more to the point, how would you like to get some action? Do I have your attention yet?

As research for my upcoming book on online dating I am working with several people to improve their results through profile updates, advice on sending and responding to email, and placing personal ads. And now, because I’m a greedy, greedy girl, I would like to extend this research to include you, my dear readers. If you’d like me to help you improve your results in online dating please email TheGirl@herknees.com so that we can work together to get you laid. Or at least to get you that first date. I will be making notes about our progress and using the results in my book, however your identity and personal details will never be revealed. Heck, you don’t even have to reveal them to me. You would certainly be welcome, even encouraged, to contribute personal stories, anecdotes, or statements that could end up in the book, though.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started, babydoll!

Hi, my name is Zephan . I was looking at your ad on Craigslist and thought I would send you a message. I like your profile and decided to write to you.

I’m a single who is fun that enjoys movies, music and a whole lot more. I moved up here to the Seattle area from Las Vegas after living there most of my life.It would be fun to meet you and see if we have things in common. The nice weather is coming and would like to go out and do some fun things.

I will leave it up to you to tell me a bit more about yourself and maybe we can take the step and talk on the phone and meet for coffee or a drink, write back and we can exchange pictures, have a good day, Zephan

Poor Stephan doesn’t appear to know the difference between an ad and a profile, and therefore has claimed to have seen both. Or did he create this message for one medium and end up using it on another without removing the telltale references? Either way, this is sloppy and an immediate turnoff.

The body of his email would have been okay if he’d paid closer attention to basic grammar. His ending, however, needs a lot of work. As a woman who has posted a personal ad or profile I have already done my part. Saying he will leave it up to me to tell him more about myself puts the burden back onto me, completely removing him from the conversation. Does he want another several paragraphs of me rambling about things he may or may not care about? Why doesn’t he ask specific questions to prompt a meaningful exchange of interests? There is no conversation killer like the old “tell me about yourself” line, whether it’s in an email or on a date. While it’s true that you may not know to ask your date about the time she and her girlfriend crashed an Elvis wedding in Vegas, it’s sure to come up while you’re discussing favorite vacation spots or stories of drunken antics.