Down the Rabbit Hole

Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny

By: Holly Madison

Narrated by: Holly Madison

Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

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 number-one girlfriend and star of The Girls Next Door.

A spontaneous decision at age 21 transformed small-town Oregon girl Holly Sue Cullen into Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner's number-one girlfriend. But like Alice's journey into Wonderland, after Holly plunged down the rabbit hole, what seemed like a fairy tale life inside the Playboy Mansion - including A-list celebrity parties and her own number-one-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.

©2015 Holly Madison (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers

The other side of Girls Next Door

Like many fans that read this book.. I was a hardcore fan of the Girls Next Door. I always appreciated Holly in the show but found her somewhat cold and distant. Just as I hoped this book tells why. Things aren't always what they appear. I appreciate her honesty & willingness to open herself up to again more criticism. It was nice to actually hear her tell her story & im sure it was the final stage of letting go. I'm proud of her & really didn't want the story to end. Good job Holly!

Loved Holly's book!

This story is everything I wanted to be and suspected regarding what went on behind the scenes of The Girls Next Door. So glad she had the courage to tell her story. As a fan of her shows, I loved that Holly herself voiced the audiobook, it was just like hearing from an old friend. Inspiring yet sad and uplifting at the same time. Very eloquent and well written, looking to pick up a hardcover as well. Congrats, Holly! p.s. Audiobook is definitely worth a listen as I was super tickled by her (I think it's her!) British accent between chapters, that almost makes it worth missing out on the pictures!

What happens in the mansion does not stay in the mansion!

I liked the book. Good read. Holly does not hold back, which I like. I am amazed by how 'bad' the mansion's environment was/ may still be. Sure, it was too good to be true, but this just shows how manipulating the camera and reality TV ( so not reality) by Hugh Hefner and E! create a completely fake persona. I am walking away from this book thinking that Playboy is pure trash. Sure, Holly trashes others, but after what she has been put through, I can't blame her! She does a good job explaining why she stayed despite such a negative environment. I do recommend this book! Also very well narrated!

I absolutely loved this on so many levels

Thank you very much, Holly, for the beautiful lessons and takeaways from your life story.

Holly Madison is Missed

What did you love best about Down the Rabbit Hole?

I was an AVID follower of the Girls Next Door. I felt such an empty spot when it was cancelled. Living vicariously though the girls was so much fun. Even after hearing the book and its contents I'm still thankful that we were allowed to see inside the mystery mansion. I think Hef was a generous man and he did love the girls. I'm glad to see that the final three girls formed a bond eventually. The book was very interesting and even if it was only a small sliver of the events that happened, I'm forever glad we had another look inside the mansion. Thank you Holly for taking the time to put it out there and still miss seeing you all, please don't be a stranger.

A true page turner...

Since stumbling into the EDM community, I fell in love with Pasquale Rotella and Holly Madison. They are by far one of my favorite couples and the love between them is real. This was a great read, learning about her story and what she went through at the mansion and in Vegas. Her ability to reinvent herself is truly astonishing.

Loved every second of this book

I actually loved every second! I couldn't stop listening. I was shocked to hear that the mansion life wasn't rainbows and unicorns. I applaud Holly for being brave and writing this tell all.

I would definitely recommend this to my friends.

Love!

I honestly had a hard time not wanting to listen to this book. I was up till 3 am on two separate occasions because I kept wanting to hear more. Will be reading again :).

Bravo

I loved this book, she was so honest and I loved that made me relate with her. She's strong and I love that she shared this. Thank you for such a wonderful book. A++

Very interesting story

Holly did a great job writing and narrating this book. I appreciated her honesty and story. Great listen!