Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 52 votes)
5 stars
14(27%)
4 stars
15(29%)
3 stars
23(44%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
52 reviews
July 15,2025
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I originally had this memoir rated at 4 stars. However, after further consideration, I decided to drop it down to three.

It was indeed a very well-written piece. The author's use of language was engaging, and it was filled with humorous anecdotes that had me laughing out loud at times.

But as I continued reading, it started to feel a bit labored. The story seemed to drag on, and I found my attention waning. If it had managed to hold my interest throughout, it would have easily kept its fourth star.

As it stands, I found myself simply wanting to be done with it. Maybe this is just because of my addiction to reading and my eagerness to move on to the next book. But there you have it.

Overall, it was a good memoir, but it just didn't quite live up to my initial expectations.
July 15,2025
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Stoddard's arrival as a sex writer with Nerve.com is presented in a straightforward and chronological memoir.

For me, it's interesting because he is a Brit who has always felt a stronger affinity for the US than his home country. I can fully understand his attitude towards the UK and how he is treated by the fellow Brits he encounters here.

The prose is matter-of-fact and self-deprecating, and in some places, it's very funny. However, I can't help but feel that the kind of things he engages in ultimately leave him unsatisfied, lonely, and sad.

This is probably what he intended, and if so, he succeeds extremely well. Frankly, it doesn't sound like a lifestyle worth aspiring to.

Overall, the memoir offers an honest and sometimes humorous look at Stoddard's experiences as a sex writer and his complex relationship with both the US and the UK.
July 15,2025
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This book isn't terribly well written.

He has a tendency to wander from his main subject a little too frequently, and unfortunately fails to effectively tie all these digressions into any sort of coherent overall narrative or journey.

However, despite these flaws, this book still has its redeeming qualities. It is actually quite fun and definitely worth picking up.

The author has a great sense of humor, and when he delves into the topic of his fish out of water sexcapades, it becomes truly excellent.

His descriptions are vivid and engaging, making it a thoroughly entertaining read in those particular sections.

Overall, while the book may not be a literary masterpiece in terms of its structure and organization, it does manage to provide an enjoyable and often hilarious experience for the reader.

July 15,2025
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Wonderful and Odd


Life is filled with a plethora of experiences that can be both wonderful and odd. We encounter moments that leave us in awe, amazed by the beauty and grandeur of the world around us. These wonderful moments could be witnessing a breathtaking sunset, hearing a beautiful piece of music, or experiencing the joy of a loving relationship.


On the other hand, there are also those odd moments that catch us off guard. They might be a strange dream that we have trouble explaining, an unexpected encounter with a stranger, or a situation that seems completely out of the ordinary. These odd moments can sometimes make us question our perception of reality and leave us with a sense of confusion or curiosity.


Despite their differences, both the wonderful and the odd moments add to the richness and complexity of our lives. They make us who we are and shape our perspectives. We should embrace both the wonderful and the odd, for they are all part of the unique tapestry that is our existence.

July 15,2025
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It's amusing enough, but nothing phenomenal.

The strange sex situations, as per the author's intent, gradually become passe. And the whole thing ultimately ends up as a memoir chronicling the author's journey from being a virgin to a pervert.

At times, it's a bit difficult to truly care about the details. However, at other moments, it呈现出一种扭曲而又有趣的特质.

I would recommend it as a light read.

Yet, it does seem to get overdrawn towards the end, perhaps losing some of its initial charm and appeal.

Nonetheless, it still offers a certain degree of entertainment and a unique perspective on the author's experiences.

Overall, it's an okay read that can provide some diversion during spare time.
July 15,2025
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As I was perusing through my Goodreads list,

I was suddenly struck by the thought, "Hey! I already read this!"

The realization that it had taken me months to remember that I'd read it is, in my opinion, quite revealing.

It wasn't a book that was aggressively bad, but at the same time, it wasn't overly gripping either.

It sort of just blended into the background of all the other books I've read.

Maybe it lacked that certain something that would make it stand out in my memory.

Or perhaps I was just in the wrong frame of mind when I read it.

Either way, it's a bit of a disappointment that I couldn't recall it more vividly.

But then again, there are so many books out there, and it's impossible to remember every single one of them in great detail.

Still, it makes me wonder if I should go back and give it another read to see if I missed something the first time around.
July 15,2025
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Definitely a unique read!

This statement immediately piques one's interest. What could this unique read be? It could be a book that takes the reader on an extraordinary adventure through uncharted territories. Or perhaps it's an article that presents a revolutionary perspective on a well-known topic. Maybe it's a poem that uses words in a way that has never been seen before. The possibilities are endless.

A unique read has the power to captivate the reader's attention from the very first sentence. It draws them in and keeps them engaged until the very end. It makes them think, feel, and question. It leaves a lasting impression on their minds and hearts. Whether it's a work of fiction or non-fiction, a unique read is something that should not be missed. So, if you're looking for something new and exciting to read, look no further than this unique offering. You won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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If you're in search of an excellent and quick holiday read, then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Grant Stoddart's extremely funny book.

Grant's narrative about accidentally landing the job of a'sex scientist' for nerve.com is brimming with clever and humorous anecdotes.

As someone who has been an active member of nerve for a certain period of time, I was able to recognize many of the characters within the story.

This added an extra layer of enjoyment for me as I could relate to the experiences and personalities described.

The book is not only entertaining but also offers unique insights into the world of online media and the adventures that can unfold in such a context.

Whether you're a fan of Grant Stoddart's work or simply looking for a lighthearted and engaging read during your holiday, this book is definitely worth checking out.
July 15,2025
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Grant Stoddard's claim to a modicum of interest lies solely in his former occupation of writing for Nerve. He is well aware of this, which is why the book commences and concludes with his rather unusual and perhaps metaphorical final assignment. Regrettably, he is unable to pen about his job, as he is/was embroiled in a dispute with his former employer regarding the ownership of those experiences.


In the intervening pages, Grant regales us with tales of his loser status. First, it's about being a high school loser who desires to score but fails. Then, it's the same story in college. Subsequently, he meets an American girl who, for reasons unbeknownst to me (perhaps she was delusional), sees through his loser façade to someone worthy of shagging. He follows her home, only to discover that many American girls find accents charming, and he promptly loses interest in the original girl. There are visa issues, but disappointingly, a distinct dearth of interesting hijinks.


Grant then evolves into a loser who can occasionally score and secures a job at Nerve. From what I've been informed, his column was somewhat engaging.


However, from what I perused in his memoir, Grant comes across as a self-obsessed loser. His unwavering focus on his loserdom ultimately compelled me to wholeheartedly believe it, and he never manages to redeem himself in any way. By the conclusion of the book, I couldn't care less about him. May I instead recommend Candy Girl?
July 15,2025
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The situation is not bad. However, there is a significant emphasis on the guy's endeavors to become a U.S. resident rather than on his alluring job as Nerve.com's guinea pig.

After all, the latter was supposed to be the main point.

It seems that the focus has shifted, and perhaps more details about his role at Nerve.com could have been included.

This would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the story and kept the attention on the aspect that was initially intended to be the highlight.

Nevertheless, it's not a complete loss, as the information about his attempts to gain residency is also relevant, but it does overshadow the more interesting aspect of his job.

Maybe in a future rewrite, a better balance could be achieved to give equal importance to both elements.

July 15,2025
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I didn't like this book as much as I had hoped.

It initially sounded like a fascinating concept, following the adventures of a man who is paid to report on wild sex acts. However, there is an overabundance of his daily hardships and not enough focus on the crazy aspects.

The setup is promising: an inexperienced British man relocates to the US and miraculously lands a job at Nerve, which involves meeting people for various sexual activities. And the things he is willing to do for the sake of his job span from a touch of kink to outright insanity.

But in between the accounts of his near-homelessness, poverty, and immigration issues, quite frankly, it makes the overall tone rather depressing.

By the end, you get the impression that he didn't engage in any of this because he was truly interested; it was all just a means to earn a paycheck.

It would have been far better if the author had been more involved in what was happening and actually seemed to enjoy some of it.

(On a technical note, I'm hesitant to believe that the author actually wrote the majority of this book or didn't receive a significant amount of editing assistance and rewrites. He repeatedly mentions the fact that he's not a writer and hadn't written anything before getting the job.)
July 15,2025
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It's really hard to describe this book accurately.

I was attempting to explain the plot to a co-worker in an instant message, but unfortunately, I only managed to make the book sound like a wild sexcapade.

To be honest, I did feel that the book was lacking something. Even though I'm not a person who is easily squeamish, some of the main character's antics truly made me feel uncomfortable and squirm.

At this point, I have absolutely no inclination or desire whatsoever to find out what he is doing now.

The story just didn't have that certain charm or depth that would have kept me engaged and curious about the character's future actions.

Maybe it's just not the right book for me, but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed.

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