Summary
In Carrie Fisher's candid and hilarious memoir, Wishful Drinking, she navigates the complexities of her extraordinary life with wit and self-awareness. Born into Hollywood royalty as the daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Carrie's childhood was anything but ordinary. She recounts her parents' tumultuous relationship, marked by public scandals and multiple marriages, and reflects on the challenges of growing up in the spotlight. Carrie also opens up about her own struggles, including her battles with addiction, bipolar disorder, and the complexities of love and loss. With refreshing honesty, she shares her experiences with electroshock therapy and the impact it had on her memory. She recounts her time filming Star Wars, revealing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and the lasting impact of playing Princess Leia. Throughout the memoir, Carrie's humor shines through, transforming potentially tragic events into laugh-out-loud moments. She reflects on her romantic relationships, including her marriage to Paul Simon, and the unique challenges of dating in Hollywood. Wishful Drinking is a deeply personal and entertaining journey through Carrie Fisher's life, offering a glimpse into the mind of a remarkably resilient and witty woman.
Wishful Drinking begins with a darkly comedic anecdote about a friend's untimely death in Carrie's bed, setting the tone for a memoir that doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. She describes the tragic and shocking aspects of her life, but always with a humorous slant. Carrie delves into her family history, sharing stories about her parents' infamous scandals and her own experiences growing up in the public eye. She describes the challenges of being a child of Hollywood royalty, the pressures of fame, and the impact of her parents' multiple marriages. Carrie's relationship with her mother, Debbie Reynolds, is a recurring theme, highlighting both the love and the complexities of their bond.
Carrie also discusses her romantic relationships, including her on-again, off-again relationship with Paul Simon. She shares intimate details about their courtship, marriage, and eventual divorce, revealing the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the midst of fame and personal struggles. She speaks candidly about her experience with addiction, describing her journey to sobriety and the ongoing challenges of maintaining recovery. She doesn't shy away from discussing the more difficult aspects of her mental health, including her experiences with electroshock therapy and the impact it had on her memory. Carrie also shares her perspective on being Princess Leia, the challenges of being typecast, and the lasting legacy of Star Wars.
Throughout Wishful Drinking, Carrie's humor is a constant source of strength and resilience. She transforms potentially tragic events into comedic anecdotes, offering a refreshing perspective on life's ups and downs. She shares her unique insights on fame, family, and the human condition, offering a glimpse into the mind of a remarkably witty and insightful woman. Carrie's willingness to be vulnerable and honest makes Wishful Drinking a deeply personal and relatable memoir. She shares her struggles with mental health, addiction, and the complexities of love and loss, offering a message of hope and resilience. In the end, Wishful Drinking is a celebration of life's imperfections and the power of humor to overcome adversity.