“In 1991, I was twenty-three and had just moved out to Los Angeles from Miami. I worked different part-time jobs as I was still young and didn’t have a clear idea what I wanted to do with my life.”
– Steven St. Croix
The most relatable book that I’ve read all year was written by a porn star.
Although by no means a great book, I found Porn Star-Everything You Want To Know And Are Embarrassed To Ask
Here are just a few of the important lessons I took away from Porn Star:
- Opportunity still requires action.
Croix didn’t get into the porn industry by chance, he had to seek out an entrance. Starting with a sales job for an adult film company, Croix worked his way into a position doing various off-screen tasks on the set of porn films. While he did get a lot of lucky breaks along the way, it still took initiative for him to achieve an acting position.
- Work is work.
Even a “dream job” that most guys would kill for can still be unpleasant. Between insane work hours, harsh conditions, and hasty preparation; being an adult actor is a stressful. I’ve never filmed a porn, but I have done a few student films and can attest to the frantic atmosphere that accompanies movie making.
- Porn sex is impractical.
While I was somewhat aware of this before, Croix does a great job explaining the ridiculous sexual positions that porn stars must endure. From having sex while standing on tip-toes, to shooting scenes in extreme climates and uncomfortable locations; most of the sexual encounters are physically exerting.
- Not every male actor has to do gay porn.
Until reading this book I’d always been under the impression that all male actors had to start their careers with titles like Two Guys One Dude. I was wrong. Male actors can choose which types of films they want to be in. While some of them do claim to be “gay for pay,” it’s their own decision.
- Be careful what you wish for.
My mentor once told me about an old Chinese curse that reads “May you receive everything you ask for.” In Porn Star‘s
“We think of ourselves abstractly. We see ourselves as having, or doing, or being something. But that vision is based on the premise that we will get what we deserve. When you’re young, you don’t think about mortality. But the truth is: what we do now has repercussions further on with family, friends, lovers, employment, and social opportunities.”
If you’re looking for a good summer read, or have an interest in the pornographic film industry, I highly recommend checking out Porn Star.