Some Girls

My Life in a Harem

By: Jillian Lauren

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

A jaw-dropping story of how a girl from the suburbs ends up in a prince's harem, and emerges from the secret Xanadu both richer and wiser.

At 18, Jillian Lauren was an NYU theater school dropout with a tip about an upcoming audition. The "casting director" told her that a rich businessman in Singapore would pay pretty American girls $20,000 if they stayed for two weeks to spice up his parties.

Soon, Jillian was on a plane to Borneo, where she would spend the next 18 months in the harem of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, youngest brother of the Sultan of Brunei, leaving behind her gritty East Village apartment for a palace with rugs laced with gold and trading her band of artist friends for a coterie of backstabbing beauties.

More than just a sexy read set in an exotic land, Some Girls is also the story of how a rebellious teen found herself - and the courage to meet her birth mother and eventually adopt a baby boy.

©2010 Jillian Lauren (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Lauren... is a deft storyteller, imparting equal parts poignant reflection and wisdom into her enlightening book. A gritty, melancholy memoir leavened by the author's amiable, engrossing narrative tenor." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"While the surprising and exotic subject matter is sure to pique interest, Lauren’s graceful, introspective prose lifts her unusual memoir far above the level of mere titillation." ( Booklist)

So much potential

First, I really wish the author would have read the story herself. The narrator's voice didn't seem to match the main character. Frankly, the narrator's annunciation drove me nuts. It was way too precise and took me away from the story at times. I heard the author speak on a podcast and she seemed much more down to earth and had a sense of humor.

Most people picking up this book probably want to hear all about the harem, as did I. But it would have been nice to hear more about WHY the author got into sex work. She glosses over details that would have helped readers understand and empathize with the path she chose. Would have made for a much more engaging story.

But overall, the story was good and at times, exciting. Good summer read.

very enjoyable thanks for sharing your story!

good read, I'll definitely recommend the download. I got lost a couple times on the transition maybe smooth that out the only criticism I have. all in all, liked it.

A great listen

Not classic literature, but a very engaging story, well narrated. I hated it when the story ended!

GREAT!

I really enjoyed listening to this book! It was interesting the entire time and the woman that narrated. I feel narrated perfectly! Good read/listen. I definitely recommend!! 👍🏻

Not what you think

This is a masterpiece in disguise. A great listen and well worth the time. You go through the emotions with the narrator and feel the rollercoaster ride along with the characters.