Only Say Good Things

Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself

By: Crystal Hefner

Narrated by: Crystal Hefner

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

From a former Playboy Playmate, an unflinching look at the objectification and misogyny of the Playboy mansion, a woman’s stolen young adulthood, and her journey to self-acceptance–plus a rare look inside Hugh Hefner’s final days.

Crystal Harris’ life changed forever when she was just twenty-one and attended a party at the notorious Playboy mansion. Picked out of the crowd by Hugh Hefner, Crystal Harris became one of his infamous “girlfriends,” attending glamorous Hollywood parties and traveling the world. But being Hef’s number one girlfriend came at the cost of Crystal’s identity outside her role in the Playboy universe, and she grew increasingly restless to understand who she truly was away from what she saw as Playboy’s toxic culture. Hef controlled his girlfriends with strict rules regarding everything from their hair and makeup to their curfews, forcing them to compete with one another as part of a highly hierarchal system.

Only Say Good Things provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at a powerful cultural icon and brand, and an empowering perspective on hard-won lessons about who we allow to determine our value.

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A JANUARY 2024 APPLE BOOKS STAFF PICK AND AUDIBLE EDITORS SELECT
NAMED A BEST BOOK TO READ THIS JANUARY BY THE GLOSS

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Crystal Hefner (P)2024 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

“[Crystal] didn’t hold back — even when it came to describing her first night in the mansion — complete with three other women, pornographic videos, baby oil, and no condoms in sight — and has no regrets about spilling the X-rated details.” —New York Post

"[Hefner's] frank memoir scratches some of the glitter off Playboy’s notorious legacy of sexual freedom, luxury, and excess. An illuminating tell-all."—Kirkus Reviews

"[A] juicy debut memoir. . . This tell-all is surprisingly empowering."—Publishers Weekly

So Beautifully Written

When I first heard that Crystal was coming out with her version of life with Hef I was certain it would not be good. I'm a huge fan of Holly and Bridget's podcast and while they say very little about Crystal I just assumed that her part was insignificant. Wow was I wrong. It was so beatifully written and narrated. I found out SOOO much I did not know about her time at the mansion. In fact it seems like the first few years living with Hef paralled Holly's experience. Crystal's experience went further with the marriage and ultimately becoming a caregiver. I actually think that she and Holly would have so much love for each other having gone through what they went through. Maybe eventually they will become friends.
But in the meantime I am glad she told her story and I am glad she is finding the value in friendships with women that you can trust. I highly recommend this book.

omg.

Thank you for telling your story. Thank you for the transparency. Thank you I have struggled with weight issues due to my hypothyroidism. I too, enjoyed watching the TV show and constantly thought about what I could do in order to 'look beautiful. I truly had no clue about the real life of living in that mansion and living that life.

Crystal herself.

A stunning revelation of endurance and honesty. Crystal is a riveting writer and the story is beyond words.

Loved it

Beautifully written (excellent ghost writer) and compelling look at the underbelly of Playboy. Dishy and fun.

Shocking, raw, and honest

Thank you for sharing your truth Crystal. It’s very telling of what so many thought was such a seemingly glittering world. Women need to tell the world what it is really like and I think your story will help shed light that not all that glitters is gold and beauty, wealth and fame does not mean happiness. Wishing you peace and true love in your future.

Fantastic until the end of chapter 13

This is a fantastic listen up until the end of chapter 13. Crystal is open and honest and insightful about herself and the situation with Hefner at the mansion all the way until she makes her escape. Then at the end of chapter 13, after having escaped the mansion, she decided after a year to return? Her explanation in the book is missing something. It does not add up or make sense. As a listener she lost me. I felt the deep honesty I had from her in the first 13 chapters just vanished. I don't know if she went back because Hef offered to leave her a certain amount of money in his will? Whatever it was, she wasn't forthcoming. All of a sudden, she goes from being disgusted by this narcissistic man who treated her like less than human who had to beg for her allowance, who felt she needed to escape to get away, decides after a year to go back and then to marry him? She did not love him. I'm not judging her, I'm saying her story does not add up. The whole tone of the book after chapter 13 changes and I just felt like it was insincere.

Incredible testimony

Crystals story is such an important one for young girls caught up in finding their value in other people. Particularly, men and the images the media portrays women should or shouldn’t look like. She’s brave in the details she shares and vulnerable in sharing her most painful moments in life. Highly recommend.

Bold statement

Great book! Sad to hear Hef was an extremely controlling tyrant. But he had it his way or no way. I’d imagine when he was younger he was probably worse then. Compared to being much older. But still did his way. So sad for all the ladies he mentally and emotionally tore apart.

what a bizarre world that for decades was seen as the epitome of "having made it."

the story was heartbreaking. watching Crystal evolve was beautiful. truly an unforgettable story. the end.

Surprised how much I liked this

I’m not sure why I chose this book. I guess I remember The Girls Next Door and all the wedding drama, so I was curious. I really didn’t expect to like Crystal. I thought she was a very good storyteller, likeable, and honest in the things she shared. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book and recommended it to a friend to listen to as well.