A review by ariellesbookreviews
Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself by Crystal Hefner

emotional reflective fast-paced

4.0

 

Reviewing a memoir is always difficult because this is someone’s story, essentially their truth. Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner is an interesting and honest story about Crystal’s life in the Playboy Mansion. There are a lot of vulnerable moments that I was surprised Crystal shared, and stories, when analyzed, don’t paint Crystal in the best light (although I don’t know if this was her intention). There are also aspects and people in Crystal’s life, particularly her childhood and teenage years, that are viewed through rose-colored glasses.  

When Crystal entered the Playboy Mansion, she arrived in an unhealthy environment that continued and seemed to be exacerbated by her. She tells stories about how Hef was controlling but also includes stories that have her in control of the mansion, often labeling these as “protecting” Hef. Both of these things can be true, but when she talks about Hef being controlling, it is often framed that she never had any power or made any decisions. This makes it feel like there is an unknowing contrast from Crystal. 

At the end of the book, Crystal writes she is often asked if she loved Hef and says that she loved in a way that you love elderly dying people. I will admit I’m not sure what that means. For the story she has laid out for the reader over the course of the memoir, I would say no. It seems that both she and Hef were using each other for different reasons. Hef for access to young women and grandeur, and Crystal for security and prosperity. I’m not judging Crystal for this. This is my interpretation of the information given to the reader. 

There are also repetitive aspects to the memoir. Crystal will often repeat lines or information about Playboy or people. Those moments tend to come across as her telling the reader, “Remember when I told you...". This can be seen when she talks about Mary or the Twins. Often continuously describing their attributes whenever they are mentioned. 

The book does have a good flow and is an easy read. Crystal does not include dates or years, so the reader is left in the dark about the specific timeline. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Crystal. It's clear and concise, and she has an excellent voice. There are parts where it sounds like she is laughing during the narration.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. As a fan of The Girls Next Door and some of the following shows, podcasts, and books, it was interesting to hear about the later years in the Playboy mansion.