Chicken. Self portrait of a young man for rent

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The narrative unfolds along Hollywood Boulevard, where the vibrant chaos of tourists, aspiring starlets, and eclectic characters creates a surreal atmosphere. The author, a naïve young man from 1970s suburbia, embarks on a journey that leads him into the shadowy world of servicing lonely women in Hollywood. This tale, rich with inventiveness and honesty, explores the precarious balance between innocence and temptation. The protagonist, known as Chicken—a term for a young male prostitute—navigates a year filled with danger and allure, reflecting on his troubled upbringing in a dysfunctional family. As he encounters a cast of Felliniesque figures amidst the backdrop of post-sixties sexual liberation, the story oscillates between his youthful experiences and the darker realities of his new life. Ultimately, his decision to step back from this tumultuous profession leaves a lasting impression on both him and the readers, capturing the complexities of desire and the impact of choices made in the pursuit of acceptance and identity.