Article by Suzanne Philips. Photo Copyright Simon & Schuster
Jennie Ketcham is not a name that is familiar to most people. Some would recognize her as her “alter-ego”, porn star Penny Flame. Very few people know the actual person behind the persona.
Growing up in a family rife with divorce and drug and alcohol abuse, Ketcham found herself in the world of adult entertainment – and deep into dependence on substances, sex and denial. After signing on for VH1’s “Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew”, she thought she was going to be able to coast through the process and gain some much-needed publicity for her new Webcam studio. What she found was recovery and the person that she had lost along the way.
The book is written in a very frank, no-hold-barred style. It’s very graphic in describing the behavior in all of her addictions (sex, drugs and alcohol) and offers a detailed glimpse into the thought processes of someone struggling with addiction.
While most of us might think that we would have nothing in common with someone who made their living in the porn industry, you might be surprised. Anyone who had a rough home life growing up will be able to identify with the emotions behind Jennie’s description of scenes from her childhood. And certainly anyone who has ever struggled with any kind of addiction will cringe when they hear her description of day long binges and memory loss.
With a great intro by Dr. Drew, “I Am Jennie” is a very honest book and an easy read. I think Ketchm’s story will help inspire people who might be struggling with their own demons to seek help.
The book is available now in bookstores and on Amazon.com in hardcover from Gallery Books.
