Reviews tagging 'Drug abuse'

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher

68 reviews

mranger98's review against another edition

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emotional funny fast-paced

3.75

This was a pretty interesting and entertaining book that I read in one sitting. I enjoy the original Star Wars, and other movies Carrie Fisher was in, and I’ve heard good things about her writing, so I decided to check it out. This is definitely something I’d recommend to break a reading slump. 

The book uses a stream of consciousness writing style at times which may not be for everyone, but I personally enjoy. It can make the book feel like it’s addressed to you directly. 

A lot of the book centers around heavy topics like alcohol and drug abuse and mental illness, but they are discussed in a light hearted and humorous way, as if you were having a conversation with a friend. 

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deathmetalheron's review against another edition

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funny reflective fast-paced

3.0

I've never had a booked I simultaneously loved/hated at the same time. The rating does not stand for "meh," it stands for the fact that I think some of this book is hilarious, insightful, and interesting and other parts are eyeroll inducing, repetitive, or padding. 
It's very extreme book in its mood, not necessarily the content. Fisher will make a Boomer-tier joke that's like "I'm Princess Tater, my ex is Darth Tater, and daughter is Rehabili-tater" and then she'll say something like "and that's why my dad got all the good p*ssy!" 

Yes, it's unbelievably unhinged in some regards in a way you wouldn't really expect a celebrity memoir to be. It's very crass and some of the stories are delivered with such brutal honesty. As refreshing it is, the looming feeling that Fisher's brand and personae is simply this image haunts the text. It's every celebrity memoir book, asking for genuine insight from someone who puts on a mask at all times is a big ask, and I don't fault her for leaning into that mask. If anything, the mask itself is just refreshing to have someone like Fisher talk about her issues in an honest light. For all the public images she could have presented, this one is at least focused on destigmatizing mental illness and not being afraid to discuss issues that affect everyone but are more uncouth to speak about. 

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jessicafaithh's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

4.5

Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking is a refreshingly fast-paced memoir that delves into the darker corners of her life without ever letting the mood drag. Fisher’s signature wit and dark humor shine through, making this a uniquely engaging read that feels less like a structured autobiography and more like a candid, unfiltered conversation.

The writing style is sharp and conversational, creating a sense of intimacy as though Fisher is sitting across from you, sharing her life’s highs and lows. Her humor, often biting and dark, adds levity to heavy subjects like addiction, mental health struggles, and family dynamics. It’s a tone that some readers will adore—especially those who appreciate raw honesty—but it might not suit everyone.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the memoir is the insight into how Fisher’s family handled her addiction issues. The balance of love, exasperation, and resilience in these relationships is both touching and revealing. Her relationship with her mother, Debbie Reynolds, is particularly memorable. Through her anecdotes, it’s clear how much Fisher admired and revered her, even as they navigated the complexities of their familial bond.

Beyond the humor and family stories, Wishful Drinking also offers a poignant perspective on mental health. Fisher’s reflections on her experiences with bipolar disorder are deeply personal, shedding light on the realities of living with mental illness in the public eye.

This memoir isn’t a traditional, linear life story. Instead, it’s a patchwork of memories, reflections, and tangents that might feel scattered to some but perfectly encapsulates Fisher’s chaotic brilliance. It’s a book that’s best suited for readers who are ready to embrace her unconventional style and can handle the emotional weight of topics like addiction, mental illness, and loss.

Trigger warnings are a must for potential readers, as Fisher doesn’t shy away from discussing heavy, potentially upsetting themes. But for those who connect with her humor and storytelling, Wishful Drinking offers an unforgettable glimpse into the mind of a cultural icon.

Highly recommended, but with the caveat that this is Carrie Fisher in her rawest, most unfiltered form—and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.

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hallstigerts's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny informative reflective sad medium-paced

3.0


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etbishop's review

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emotional funny fast-paced

4.0


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sadiebugreads's review

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emotional funny medium-paced

3.5


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ninahuynh's review

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dark funny relaxing fast-paced

5.0

Carrie Fisher is hilarious! Her wit and comedic writing makes her story easily digestible and engaging. The content itself is a different story. It is nice to hear about her life through her voice, literally, as we can only know so much from the media and internet. I didn't know much about her other than that she played Princess Leia and was the daughter of celebrities. The way she discuss the "hollywood inbreeding" was both funny and informative. One of the be celebrity memoirs I have read/listened to. Highly suggest listening to it, as it is read by Fisher herself.

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jessw17's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.5


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weyrdkat's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.75

Outrageously funny and intimate look at growing and learning about herself and dealing with the things that come with fame, drug use, alcohol, and pointent family drama. 

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blizzardinsummer's review

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced
unrated ⭐️

still can’t believe she’s gone. we really lost her way too soon. 💔

this short memoir/transcript of her one woman show was hilarious. if you’re looking at reviews wondering if you should read this, my answer is yes but pick up the audiobook. hearing carrie read it herself i feel definitely improved my experience and it was a fun time overall.

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