The Currency of Love: A Courageous Journey to Finding the Love Within

This well-written memoir transplants you to another time and place—one that most Westerners don't even know exists. The story is filled with exotic, shocking, and disturbing details about life in the international fast lane experienced first-hand by former international model Jill Dodd. A great read....I couldn't put it down!

I found this book grabbed me (in part bc the author and I overlapped in Paris, so I recognize the city at that time) and I eagerly anticipated getting more of the story. We definitely see the growth and strength Dodd experiences, although she gives us a mostly surface level glimpse. And then, all of a sudden, not THAT far ahead, we're at the epilogue some 30 years later. What? Yes, it sounds extreme to say one was in a harem, but the author gives us nothing of how she left that behind and her path after. Just, yup, I have kids and I've been married 3 times, it's great. Would have liked to experience more of the journey and growth. But I did enjoy the book.

Jill Dodd describes how she escaped an abusive childhood home to become a successful Paris model. But this isn't just a rags-to-riches story: her success came at a price as she traded one difficult situation for another. She's young, gorgeous, and desperate; the men she encounters are rich, powerful, and corrupt. Sexual abuse is disturbingly commonplace, but friendship and grace exist here too. Ms. Dodd explores how her inner strength and spirituality helped her navigate her career and relationships. Rather than providing The Answer she writes about the journey. Although most Americans won't face the extreme circumstances the author did, her writing will resonate with anyone searching for fulfillment.

The Currency of Love by Jill Dodd is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in late May. As a new model, Dodd takes in the hellish beauty and dregs of Paris (less than spartan living quarters, being sent on seedy go-see's) before collecting a crew of friends, travelling the world, and meeting a Saudi prince, Adnan Khashoggi (a giant fan of speedboats, hiiiiigh fashion, cocaine, multiple female companions, glamorous backdrops, and the best accommodations possible). However, she later comes to terms with her life's priorities and the true meaning of wealth.

This has been such a lovely book to read the author is truly a strong brave woman. Very good read

Jill moves from California to Paris to model. Along the way, she meets a Saudi billionaire, and becomes one of his pleasure wives. Her life is an exercise in contrasts - she is a broke model during the week and during the weekends hangs with the richest people in the world. This was a quick and fast read. Jill certainly led an interesting life in her early twenties. I would of liked to have read more about her career after college and how she transferred herself from a meek shy person to an independent business woman. Overall, not a bad read.

A story of self discovery that evokes the early 80s perfectly! It has the rare combination of a binge read that has substance and inspiration - very contemporary in light of the Weinstein scandals. Great message and amazing story. Loved it.

Certainly an interesting life. I expected a well written autobiography based on the interview with Jill Dodd. But the book was very simple and extremely vulgar. She had a difficult childhood experience and she gave us a glimpse of what it's truly like to be a model, but it could have been put into more eloquent words. I hoped to be able to let my daughter read the book, but that is not the case.

Interessante il retroscena del mondo e sottomondo della moda. Molto ben scritto e coinvolgente il viaggio di crescita autobiografica

Perfecto

An ok read. Very simply written.

Money can everything, even true love, a famous Brazilian writer once say. This story proves it, in a touching, beautiful way. Thank you Jill Dodd for the compelling narrative.

As a former model myself I was interested to read Jill's story. I was amazed at her honesty and the raw power of her narrative. Most young girls make mistakes and get swept into situations they could not have foreseen. In the fashion industry, as a model, these choices can be pretty life changing. Jill owns all her decisions and yet you can see how forces were at work behind the scenes, pushing her forward. The book is riveting and gives a great glimpse into a world few see or understand. And in this day of #metoo, Jill's story has lessons to share. Happy I bought the book and will be rereading it. Thank you for sharing your story Jill.