Down the Rabbit Hole

Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny

De: Holly Madison

Narrado por: Holly Madison

The shocking, never-before-told story of the bizarre world inside the legendary Playboy Mansion—and, finally, the secret truth about the man who holds the key—from one of the few people who truly knows: Hef’s former #1 girlfriend and star of The Girls Next Door

A spontaneous decision at age twenty-one transformed small-town Oregon girl Holly Sue Cullen into Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner’s #1 girlfriend. But like Alice’s journey into Wonderland, after Holly plunged down the rabbit hole, what seemed like a fairytale life inside the Playboy Mansion—including A-list celebrity parties and her own #1-rated television show for four years—quickly devolved into an oppressive routine of strict rules, manipulation, and battles with ambitious, backstabbing bunnies. Life inside the notorious Mansion wasn’t a dream at all—and quickly became her nightmare. After losing her identity, her sense of self-worth, and her hope for the future, Holly found herself sitting alone in a bathtub contemplating suicide.

But instead of ending her life, Holly chose to take charge of it.

In this shockingly candid and surprisingly moving memoir, this thoughtful and introspective woman opens up about life inside the Mansion, the drugs, the sex, the abuse, the infamous parties, and her real behind-the-scenes life with Bridget, Kendra, and, of course, Mr. Playboy himself.

With great courage, Holly shares the details of her subsequent troubled relationship, landing her own successful television series, and the hard work of healing, including her turn on Dancing with the Stars. A cautionary tale and a celebration of personal empowerment, Down the Rabbit Hole reminds us of the importance of fighting for our dreams—and finding the life we deserve.

Not a fairytale

I hated the Alice in Wonderland quotes that preceded each chapter and were read in some bizarre British accent. I appreciate the honesty but was totally grossed out by the length of time she prostituted herself to a really disgusting lecherous senior citizen. I found it sad and I am glad she finally moved on in her life to live normally.

Total page turner

Holly pulls back the curtain and reveals what life was really like at the playboy mansion. It's also a truly inspiring story about having the courage to walk away from a bad situation and reinventing yourself. Thank you for sharing your story with us Holly!

Surprisingly Delightful

I began watching reruns of the Girls Next Door when my roommate put it on in our living room a few years ago. While finding the show funny, I had honestly ignored Holly's character (we all have a favorite and mine was Bridget). I had read Isabella St. James' novel last year and felt like it was catty and a vain attempt at publicity. I thought that this tell-all would be the same.

I don't normally read audio books but I have come to love ones that are read by the author, and Holly's was no exception. She's smart and independent and a joy to listen to. I listened to this 10 hour book in 3 days, which is now my new record.

It was not shocking but interesting to here all of the dirty details from inside the mansion walls. However, I was pleased to here all that had happened since then, as I don't pay much attention to the drama and scandals in the media.

Anyone who has found themselves in a bad situation, down on their luck, or on t.v. should listen to this book. It doesn't feel fake; it feels like a true reflection of trying to escape your pass without losing the experience you gained from it - the ultimate goal in life.

Holly's World

This book is an easy listen. While Holly paints a picture of her sadness living in the playboy mansion she's also quick to take some blows at the people around her. For anyone who got caught up in the girls next door years ago this is a fun behind the scenes look at what life was really like through the eyes of girlfriend number one. I'd recommend it to a friend if they had some free time on their hands, but it's no groundbreaking masterpiece.

Unexpected surprise.

Such a great book the author reading was perfect kept me coming back all day. Def not a cliche love her story