Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Wishful Drinking

Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher

61 reviews

terror_dactyl's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

A good read.
Better read to you by the author herself. What a loss.

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withemilyrose's review

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dark funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.25

A must listen (as compared to a must read) as Carrie Fisher’s delivery is absolutely iconic. It makes total sense that this book was originally a stage performance. I wasn’t expecting to hear such a wholesome description of mother/daughter relationships- the way she describes her mother is genuinely moving. I appreciated that the contempt she has for her father is shown, not told, and she does a great job describing the wild cast of characters in her life with heart and humor. Just wish it was longer!

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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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libraryduchess's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

4.25

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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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