"A piercing examination of gender politics and a gritty insider's account of union organizing. Worley adroitly captures the devastating dichotomy of feminist power running headlong into the realities of work built around the whims of men. A vivid and erudite exploration of class struggle and gender identity." – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"I tore through this with a bedtime-be-damned voracity normally reserved for mysteries and thrillers, and though I already knew the broad-strokes version of the story, I was nonetheless completely enthralled by this firsthand account. Neon Girls chronicles Worley's journey from fledgling stripper to full-fledged labor activist; the creation of the Exotic Dancers Union; and the transformation of San Francisco's legendary Lusty Lady into a unionized, worker-owned co-op peep show. An inspiring, nostalgic, feminist, and unequivocally badass tale, with moments of solidarity that will trigger many happy tears, this book is a gem." – Powell's Books (Portland, Oregon) STAFF PICK
"Worley skillfully captures a slice of a San Francisco that no longer exists through a fiercely feminist lens. A fast-paced, engaging book that readers with an interest in feminist thought, memoirs, and labor activism will enjoy." – Library Journal (starred review)
"I could not put this book down. Worley is clear-eyed and whip smart. Neon Girls flipped my understanding of the sex industry and helped my brain and empathy evolve. I love this book and am recommending it to everyone I know–this is feminist storytelling at its finest." – Mira Ptacin, author of The In-Betweens
"Neon Girls is a fantastic in-depth peek into the peep show business. Worley's firsthand account offers a view inside a business rarely seen, exposing its inner workings from hiring practices to enforced stage etiquette. Undressing readers of their preconceptions about stripping and strippers, Worley reveals that in this female-centered workplace she could feel both free, safe, and powerful while also acknowledging the toll that comes from making oneself vulnerable and available daily to others as an object of desire and fantasy. [An] inspirational story of female solidarity and empowerment." – Alexa Albert, author of Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women