I’ve seen a lot of comments about this novel stating it was too short, too sparse on details, and the type and double spacing was a bit deceptive on the already short length. This is all true of Wishful Drinking, but I still liked this book a lot. First off since I was a little girl Princess Leia has been my go to for strong women. She’s a senator, a rebel leader, she survives torture without giving up secrets, even when she’s a damsel in distress she still shows the boys a thing or two, she rescues her love, and she marries Han Solo. All wins to me. To me Princess Leia and Carrie Fisher were one in the same. When I got older and could differentiate between a person and their role I began to appreciate Carrie Fisher the woman. I’ve been listening to, reading, and watching interviews with her for a few years now and she is extremely funny. She’s very well-spoken, witty, and I love that she didn’t shun the role that made her the name she is (unlike some costars). This is the first book I’ve read of hers. It reads like a long babble of her life, drug abuse, and bipolar disorder. It has some funny moments and is probably much better as a live show. It isn’t for everyone due to the rambling nature, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope one day she expands on her life. I really enjoyed this book. It’s a very light, easy read (I finished it in a couple of hours), but it has substance and significance.Why, some might ask, should we be interested in reading about Fisher’s family history and battle with manic depression and substance abuse?Well, if you’re not a fan of Carrie’s, if you haven’t seen Star Wars, I suspect you won’t be all that thrilled by this book.But there is still something of value here, something that goes beyond reading about the difficult life of one of your movie icons. The honesty and openness with which she writes about her mental illness is important because many people struggle similarly (not only with bipolar disorders, obviously, but also with a variety other psychological issues). Fisher notes in the acknowledgements section of her book: “One of the things that baffle me (and there are quite a few) is how there can be so much lingering stigma with regards to mental illness […]” For there is a lot of stigma when it comes to mental illness, and, I believe, the more people are open about it, the less alien it will seem to the rest of the world, and the more those that struggle with various mental issues will feel that they are accepted and “normal” (whatever that means).On a more superficial note, this little book was hilarious. I laughed out loud several times. I also really enjoy Fisher’s style of writing.I bought this book because I am, as most who read it, I assume, an avid Star Wars fan, and also because I had seen excerpts from Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” show. I figured it would be interesting to read more about her life. And it was. But she is also a capable writer, and she handles her language well and makes it her own; the book abounds in odd metaphors and quirky turns of phrase.Overall an enjoyable and interesting read.
What do You think about Wishful Drinking (2008)?
Loved it! This was a very quick read, but very enjoyable!!
—Angelus
Very funny. Easy Read. Read in one sitting.
—gelique
