Misfit: The Unravelling of Samantha X (Amanda Goff, Echo)

Amanda Goff was a successful journalist in London and Sydney before leaving her corporate career at 38 to become Samantha X, an escort. She later founded her own escort agency and wrote two bestselling memoirs, Hooked and Back on Top, as the mysterious Samantha X, before revealing her identity on national television. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and getting sober, she retired at 49, stepping away from the adult industry and becoming Amanda again. The only problem was, she had no idea who she was anymore. Perhaps surprisingly to some readers, Amanda looks back on her escort days with fondness. She believes that the Samantha persona ‘saved’ her, with the sex work giving her confidence, freedom and financial security. Her reflections on the decency of her escort clients, as well as her candid thoughts on addiction, bipolar disorder and societal prejudices against the sex work industry, are raw and thought-provoking. Misfit: The Unravelling of Samantha X is a chaotic and confronting read, discussing complex themes surrounding anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide. However, the heaviness is balanced by Amanda’s authentic voice and dry self-awareness. Misfit sometimes reads like a teen diary with a self-help twist, but Amanda’s genuine desire to inspire change is endearing. She dedicates the book to ‘everyone who is starting again’, offering motivation and comfort to those facing similar struggles. For fans of candid memoirs, or for anyone wanting to reinvent themselves, Misfit is sure to encourage and captivate.

If you or someone you know needs support, Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling and suicide prevention services on 13 11 14, via text on 0477 13 11 14 or through online chat. Suicide Call Back Service provides 24-hour support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal on 1300 659 467.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Michelle Atkins is a communications professional and published educational author. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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