Grand Central Publishing Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself

Finished in 5 days. I definitely enjoyed the read.

I've seen every episode of The Girls Next Door. I've gone down the rabbit hole (pun intended) of reading about what life was like at the mansion, whether as a Bunny, a Playmate, or Hugh Hefner himself. I've watched documentaries, listened to podcasts, and read many an interview. I've heard stories of the Playboy world from so many different perspectives. But the one perspective that was always missing was this one. The minute I heard that Crystal Hefner was writing a memoir, I knew I had to read it. For a year, I anxiously awaited its release. And it was definitely worth the wait. I cannot tell you the last time I read a book within 24 hours (I think it was probably when I was 10 and read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at summer camp) but I truly could not put this book down. It consumed my thoughts and I was deeply absorbed right from the first page. ONLY GOOD THINGS gives us a look into the mysterious fantasyland of the Playboy mansion and what life was really like living within those gothic stone walls (hint: it's not all glitz and glamour). Crystal Hefner takes us on a behind the scenes tour of the movie nights, the star-studded parties (and what happens after the party is over), and the infamous scrapbook room. She shares the story of her childhood and teenage years, and how she went from being a guest at a Halloween party to becoming a girlfriend, a runaway bride, a wife, and finally... a widow. She also gives us a look at the man behind the curtain, Hugh Hefner. But most importantly, Crystal provides us with a tale of love, loss, grief, and incredible growth. Crystal, thank you for sharing your story with us so beautifully 💖 It made me feel happy, sad, angry, and just about every other emotion on the spectrum. Thank you for saying not only the good things, but the bad things too. I can't wait to see what you do next ✨

Good easy read

I started off having great sympathy with Crystal and almost went along with the 'victim' scenario. However, having 'run away' and then returned to the Mansion and Hugh Crystal loses some credibility and in some ways shows elements of narcissism in her own behaviour, by only seeing things from her own perspective. It was a really good read though and gave insight into a world of excess on all levels and how people get drawn to glitz and glamour and wealthy trappings, but there is always a payback, 'their soul'

What. A. Story. I did not want to put it down and I was even sad when it was over, I could have kept reading. Crystal shares a raw, honest, at times heartbreaking story of love, loss, grief, finding herself and her voice. It’s been a long time since I was so moved by a book. The parts outlining the pain of having her worth wrapped up in her appearance, resonated and shook me to core. I finished this book with tears in my eyes and a new perspective on self worth, self love, and overcoming it all. Aside from that, she illustrated the complexity of mansion life and living with Hugh Hefner. There’s a story Crystal tells about the lovebirds kept at the mansion, and if it isn’t a metaphor for life there, the women, how disposable and replaceable to Hef they were- I don’t know what is. My heart broke for Crystal many times throughout this book, but seeing the woman she has become, her self awareness, her honesty, her empathy and vulnerability; you can’t help but root for her, her healing journey and her future success.

Written very very well