I just finished reading Carrie Fisher's book Wishful Drinking. (Thanks, ami! ) I won't give away any specific spoilers here, so you can stay with me if you haven't read the book...and if you feel like reading...!

Wow.

I really take my hat off to Ms. Fisher - (can I call her Carrie..I think I will) - Carrie. I think it takes a lot for a person to admit to the things she did in her book - addiction, depression, mania, OCD...the list goes on. I know that its part of the healing/dealing process to be able to admit, but to be willing to put your life on a shelf for all to read...wow. Did she do it for publicity and book sales? Maybe, but I can't imagine she'd need the extra income.

It was also cool to read about Carrie's childhood with her famous parents, her upbringing and growth process. I've always been interested in the backstories of people, whether they are famous or not. It really gives insight to why a person "ticks" the way they do. We all have aspects of our upbringing that impact us in so many ways - obvious and subtle.

I also have a new respect and understanding for those who have to deal with psychological and social disorders, as well as addiction. I don't care how many books on psychology you read, or how many classes you take, it doesn't take the place of hearing it - or dealing with it - first-hand (kind of like parenting...people can boast all the child-rearing advice they want, but until you are a parent...well...!!!!) It's easy to say "Wow, that person is really screwed up! Can't they just snap out of it? They're just looking for attention." ...and on and on. The truth is, it goes sooooooo much deeper than that.

I had post-partum depression with my first Padawan, and let me tell you, it was an all-encompassing mind, spirit and body experience. I didn't even realize at the time what I was going through, and thank goodness I was able to spring back sans medication or therapy (once things leveled out for me personally). I can't even imagine what it's like to have that kind of situation all the time, let alone adding many others on top of it.

I also loved Carrie's writing style - it was not like reading a "normal" book...like she was speaking directly to the reader. You know, her thoughts jump around (and she has a lot of things in parentheses ) just like a conversation would progress. The book also makes me see Princess Leia and or beloved George in a new, enlightened way...'nuff said about that!

Has anyone else read the book? What did you think?

** Carrie, if you are reading this by some slim chance of 3,720 to one, I applaud you for this book. Now I need to go read Postcards From the Edge, too!!

(Holy crow, I just realized this is my third blog entry in a week! ! Does that count as spamming!? LOL!! )

MTFBWY,
~MO2YP~