Reviews - Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny

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Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I'm in a reading rut there's nothing like a good celebrity autobiography HAHA. Holly Madison, for those who don't know, is best known for having been the "girlfriend" of Hugh Hefner and starred on the reality TV show "Girls Next Door." This implies a certain character, either of low moral or intellect, but Madison quickly proved herself in writing this book to be more than meets the eye. Though the majority of the book is just the series of events that played out in her life Madison brings interesting commentary, reflection, and, yes, TEA. I enjoyed the roasts of various celebrities and the refreshing honesty in which Madison admits to her bad decisions.

Though Madison does not go into this point to excessive detail the vibe I got from the book was a need to re-examine how Madison and other woman in "gold digger" relationships are treated. Many people, myself to a certain degree, less so after reading this book, put an emphasis of judgement on the woman in the relationship because she's in the the relationship "for the money" or "don't respect themselves enough." But why isn't the emphasis put on the man for using whatever power and financial resources he has (in Hugh Hefner's case, a significant amount of both) to truly empower the woman instead of reducing her worth to a transactional relationship of intimacy for money. In Madison's case she admits that for YEARS she felt manipulated, used, and even emotionally and verbally abused in a cycle that left her feeling like she had no reasonable choice other than staying with Hefner because of emotional and financial dependence. I hope moving forward, and I can only speak definitely for myself, that we should view this "type" of relationship with the perspective of asking, who is empowered here? Who is vulnerable? and judging accordingly. Obviously, yes, all adults are accountable for their own actions but that not make one deserving of a scarlet letter.

Enjoyable read.

readwithpitties's review against another edition

4.0

I've been wanting to read this book sense it came out last year and I'm so glad I finally did! I was one of those girls who idolized her and play boy, and love every bit of there life and I can't believe how wrong I was about it all

romcm's review against another edition

5.0

Exceeded expectations.

elbowglitter's review against another edition

3.0

I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed this book. I liked the girls on Girls Next Door and thought the whole life was crazy and interesting. So I enjoyed the behind the scenes look.