Right off the bat, I must say, I just didn't buy Michael as the hooker with a heart of gold. Professional, sex worker, gigolo, escort, prostitute, ho - whatever label is given to Michael, he still has sex for money.
Even when we learn why he does what he does, it that supposed to make it alright, excuse his choice in a job? I understand that this story teaches us to get past judgement, and be accepting of how people earn their money, once we know their back story. But I wonder if the roles were reversed, if "Michelle" was the pro and "Stuart" the client, would people feel the same? Perhaps because Hoang created a male prostitute turned hero, this is equal opportunity?
A nephew of mine has Asperger's, so I was most curious to see how Stella's Asperger's would be handled. I was pleased to discover Helen Hoang's description of Asperger's is done with sensitivity and accuracy.
Michael is leery of clients becoming obsessive, and that's Stella's weakness, a trait of Asperger's, she obsesses with things. Something she discovered the very first night with him.
I wondered how it will work, how will she rein in her desire for him?
It was well written, I thought, Michael's reaction to her lessons, and how he explained to her that they don't need to get around her problems, but through them. He creates intimacy with her which is necessary to be a good lover. Intimacy, after all, doesn't start in the bedroom.
These Asperger's traits that Michael observed were right on: Stella had trouble with eye contact, rarely spoke unless asked a direct question, and gave short, direct answers. She listened intently, and frowned with concentration.
Kudos to Hoang for writing contemporary dialogue. It's a fast, effortless, fun read.
The Kiss Quotient is the type of fairytale that many go ga-go for. In a world of so much harsh reality, it is nice to have fairy tales.
I received The Kiss Quotient in a GoodReads giveaway.
Until next time,
Kara
