Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women

by Alexa Albert

Book Overview

What began as a public-health project by a Harvard medical student evolved into an intimate, ambitious, six-year study of the brothel ecosystem and a book that puts an unforgettable face on America's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375503315
• ISBN13: 9780375503313
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 271 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Well written and very informative

This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in the adult industry or Vegas. It was super insightful. The author was great at explaining her own experiences, opinions and interviews with people etc. While also providing factual information about the subject. Really interesting book and subject matter!

inside guide to legalized prostitution

Albert was given special permission to investigate the link between condom use and # of STDs among the professional women of the Mustang Ranch brothel for a graduate assignment. Albert not only presents this information, but also the reasons these women chose this career, the background of the famed Mustang Ranch in NV (and other brothels in NV), and a look at the day to day lives of these girls. Albert has a lot of respect for these women and staff so this book is no means insulting nor overtly filled with details of victimization or sexual misconduct (rape or abuse). Albert does a good job at showing the perks and the downfalls of being a prostitute and detailing the history of the institution.

thoughtful and sensitive study

This is an excellent book in a documentary style about the Mustang Ranch in Nevada and legal prostitution. While most of the book covers the sex workers, there is also a chapter on their customer's perspectives. It offers a very interesting view into legal prostitution. It also talks about whether sex is a right, and sex as therapy. I think it fairly portrays both the good and the bad sides of this profession.This book argues for legal prostitution, and I think that most objective people will be convinced by the ample evidence that is offered. At the same time, legality doesn't make it any more fun, nor does it remove the social stigma of prostitution.The topic is fascinating, but so is the writing. I finished this book in a single evening, reading it from cover to cover.

A thoughtful study

Alexa Albert's book ``Brothel: Mustang Ranch and its Women'' is a work that was nearly seven years in the making. The reader is the beneficiary of Albert's patience and persistence. What started out as a public health study while Albert was a medical student, has resulted in a compelling, thoughtful report on prostitution. It took Albert nearly three years to get her foot in the door at the country's most notorious brothel - the Mustang Ranch, just outside of Reno, Nev. Over the next four years, Albert would live at the brothel off and on. In that time, Albert was given a rare glimpse into the very private world of legalized prostitution. At the outset, Albert admits that she ``fundamentally believed prostitution was a dehumanizing, objectifying business that did women real damage.'' But by withholding judgement, Albert got to know the women and they were eager to confide in her. What she came to realize was ``knee-jerk moralists speak of prostitutes as flawed characters lacking in values. But no easy formula fit the women I met in Nevada's brothels.'' The stories Albert tell are fascinating. She also intersperses her discussions with the women with perspectives on the history of prostitution in Nevada and legendary brothel owner Joe Conforte. Albert's effort is hardly a clinical, overview of prostitution -- it is a thorough, thoughtful study.

Couldn't put it down

What an interesting and intriguing book. Perfectly told with great insight, clarity and reflection. I'd love to read more about what happened with some of the women and am ever more curious about the impact of legalizing the illicit. It clearly raises the question in my mind of what would be the benefits of legalizing prostitution in other states. And what of legal prostitution in other countries? Is the success the same or the parameters different? A great read - already recommended to many.

Fascinating subject, an easy read

This book is truly engrossing and is the closest thing to demystifying brothels that you will probably ever see. It is extremely well-written and portrays a unique look inside the world of legalized prostitution, showing both the psychology behind these women and the day-to-day activities. It succeeds at portraying all aspects of those who choose this life, whether they are prostitutes, cooks, cashiers or maids at the brothel. A fascinating read, highly recommended.