Good Time Girl

Heather Gay's "Good Time Girl" is a testament to why millions tune into The Real Housewives franchises. While not groundbreaking, the book offers an intimate glimpse into the life of one of reality TV's most relatable stars. Like the show, it provides the perfect mix of escapism and authenticity that keeps viewers returning for more.

My husband and I watch Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC) because it offers a unique window into our world - Salt Lake City. As a gay couple with mixed religious backgrounds (Jewish and ex-Mormon), seeing the show's portrayal of changing social dynamics in Utah has been both validating and encouraging. Through Heather's honest discussions about leaving the Mormon church and embracing a new life, my husband has found moments of recognition and understanding that mirror his journey.

I particularly appreciate how the show balances authenticity with entertainment. Unlike other Housewives franchises that can feel utterly detached from reality, RHOSLC features women who still maintain some connection to everyday life (I say this with some reservations; we fly coach and have since college, and no, no anniversary trip has us trying on diamond jewelry worth millions; we have also never scammed the elderly and although we rent, it isn’t a Park City mansion). We often recognize local spots and add new restaurants and venues to our must-visit list, making the show part entertainment and part city guide for us.

The enduring appeal of The Real Housewives franchises is that they satisfy many of our needs. They provide escapism through voyeuristic entertainment, allowing us to peek into relatable and outrageous lives. The drama unfolds at a safe distance – we can judge, analyze, and engage without personal consequences. After each episode, there is a text chain to air our grievances or an Instagram account to check in on.

We also get to tap into our fundamental desire for social comparison. We measure our own lives, choices, and relationships against those of the housewives, often leading to a sense of validation or superiority. Despite their privileged positions, the cast members' struggles remind us that wealth and status don't exempt anyone from human problems. How many of us have argued with a friend and thought, “Man, this would make a great episode?” or “Wish the cameras were rolling on this one?” (we’ve all thought it, right?)

We also develop parasocial relationships with these people. We love or hate them. How many times have I heard, “I cannot believe she said that to her?” or “That wasn’t that mean!” We feel connected to these people even if they are one-sided emotional connections. We follow their personal growth, setbacks, and triumphs across seasons (I got teary when Mary was speaking with her son, Robert Jr., about his mental health). These relationships feel authentic despite their mediated nature, creating a powerful hook that keeps us invested.

And so, we need, or desire a memoir. Gay's book mirrors this dynamic, sharing just enough personal revelations (like her Los Angeles one-night stand and chronic bedwetting confession) to keep us invested while maintaining that careful distance that makes reality TV so addictive.

The final chapter, the book’s strongest section, comes at the end: "Receipts, Proof, Timeline". Gay addresses the Monica Garcia controversy that dominated 2024 (sorry, Moo Deng, you’re a close second). This chapter alone justifies the book's existence, offering the kind of behind-the-scenes insight we crave. It's the literary equivalent of those coveted "unseen footage" episodes that keep us glued to our screens. I was left wondering what, if anything, Monica has to say about what was revealed (spoiler: she is not painted in a flattering light) – perhaps a tell-all from Monica is on the horizon (based on what Heather has to say, she could use the money and attention).

Gay maintains her relatability throughout the text, particularly when discussing her journey beyond Mormonism and her evolution as a public figure. The writing effectively demonstrates how she's remained true to her core values while navigating fame and personal transformation.

However, the book suffers from a sense of formula that mirrors the reality TV world it springs from. Much like the later seasons of any Housewives franchise, there's a feeling of diminishing returns as the drama becomes more manufactured and less organic. The revelations, while interesting, rarely scratch beyond the surface level that fans have yet to see on television or social media. For example, her taking a high school road trip to Tijuana was about as exciting as watching paint dry. The details of a one-night stand were banal at best. But again, what will she reveal when she has to balance a public persona she has worked so hard to build?

While "Good Time Girl" may not reach the heights of Gay's debut memoir, it serves its purpose as a comfortable addition to the Real Housewives extended universe. And like any good episode of Real Housewives, it delivers enough tea to keep us tuned in.