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Mamadala's Lair

by: MomOf2YoungPadawan

date posted: May 28, 2009 11:12 AM | updated: May 28, 2009 11:23 AM

Wishful Drinking

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~

http://blogs.starwars.com/MomOf2_SSW/46

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ewanandhaydenfan5
I Have You Now!

date Posted: May 28, 2009 11:52 AM

I read it, and I loved it. Carrie is brave to put her personal life out there (as are other people who write memoirs). I love how she said that "George Lucas ruined (her) life". I also love the illustration on the cover.

There's such a stigma on mental illness, it's really unfair. On the radio this morning, I heard an interview with Joe Pantoliano (Guido the killer pimp from Risky Business, Joey Pants from The Sopranos). He's suffered from depression and founded an organization called No Kidding, Me Too!
(cont'd)

ewanandhaydenfan5
I Have You Now!

date Posted: May 28, 2009 11:53 AM

It "is an organization whose purpose is to remove the stigma attached to brain dis-ease through education and the breaking down of societal barriers. Our goal is to empower those with brain dis-ease to admit their illness, seek treatment, and become even greater members of society."
Its advisory board is chock full of celebrities, including Harrison Ford!

How funny that I first heard of this organization today, and you wrote this blog today! Nothing happens by accident.

	leia19886 Someone get this big walking carpet out of my way ...
date Posted: May 28, 2009 1:52 PM I've not read the book. Sounds like I should check it out. Depression is no easy thing to crall out of. I know, I've had to do it. At this point in life it matters not why I was depressed, only that I survived it keep smiling

anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field

date Posted: May 28, 2009 4:12 PM

When you were talking about her writing style I could totally hear Carrie's voice in my head as she was speaking during CIV - it's like I could hear the parentheses.

I think it's great that she was so open about her struggles with mental illness. So many people and families deal with that. I heard a quote the other day that goes with that:

"Be kind. Everyone you meet has a very big problem."

	anakinside1 Echoes from the Asteroid Field
date Posted: May 28, 2009 4:13 PM Don't I look said all in black with no avatar!? I'm going to have to do something about that!

	Master Ki-Aaron-Mundi I was a Teenage Jedi
date Posted: May 28, 2009 4:47 PM Thanks for the review! I might have to pick this one up sometime. I remember seeing Ms. Fisher interviewed on The Today Show when this book was coming out--she has a great sense of humor, and it was great to see that after so many obstacles, she seems to have landed on her feet. Quite the inspiration.

amidalooine
The Emotional Galaxy

date Posted: May 28, 2009 8:12 PM

Another blog!!! YAY!! Why didn't you TELL me??!!

I'm glad you read your copy...I haven't read mine yet!! I agree with anakinside1, though...wait...ANAKINSIDE1???!!

.....

When you were talking about her writing style I could totally hear Carrie's voice in my head as she was speaking during CIV - it's like I could hear the parentheses.

Amen.

I'm going to have to do something about that!

Ummmm..yeah!

MO2YP...You make anyone want to read this book with your blog!

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: May 29, 2009 7:56 AM

Nothing happens by accident.

Indeed, that is so true!!

I checked out that website you linked - I also bookmarked it for my class next year. We cover depression, etc. to an extent in one of my classes, so thanks for the resource!

At this point in life it matters not why I was depressed, only that I survived it Good for you, Leia!! Kudos for sharing

I could totally hear Carrie's voice in my head as she was speaking during CIV That's how I envisioned her as I was reading, too! I also wondered how she felt about being there at CIV...the lines, the autographs, the "conversation" she did...!

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: May 29, 2009 7:57 AM

Don't I look said all in black with no avatar!? I'm going to have to do something about that! Yes, yes!! Come back to the light side of the blogs!!!

"Be kind. Everyone you meet has a very big problem" Yes. Too bad more people didn't heed that advice....

..and it was great to see that after so many obstacles, she seems to have landed on her feet. Quite the inspiration So true. Good to see you, Ki-Aaron!

Why didn't you TELL me??!! You mean, you didn't hear my thoughts? Hmmm...we're gonna have to work on that connection. Can you hear me now?!

You make anyone want to read this book with your blog you're too kind...and good for my ego...as always!

	FAN4YRS A Rebel's Ramblings
date Posted: May 29, 2009 3:02 PM That's a book I've been thinking about reading. I really enjoyed her novel, DELUSIONS OF GRANDMA. She writes very well.

	JawaJoey Return of the Jawa
date Posted: May 29, 2009 4:46 PM I picked it up and read a lot while I was at someone else's house. It was great. Very very interesting read. It takes guts to pour your heart out like that, and she did it so entertainingly (holy crap, entertainingly is actually a word??)

	Willie Makeit
date Posted: May 29, 2009 6:57 PM She's very witty, and yeah, it takes guts to talk about personal things. But she can probably help someone and that makes it worth it. I think it's great she's kept such a great sense of humor throughout it all.

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: May 30, 2009 11:37 AM

I really enjoyed her novel, DELUSIONS OF GRANDMA. That's another one I need to pick up sometime - thanks for reminding me!

It takes guts to pour your heart out like that, and she did it so entertainingly It does take guts, indeed!

(holy crap, entertainingly is actually a word??) Hey, if Kelly Ripa can get a word in Webster's Dictionary (hers was gigundous), why can't Jawa Joey?!

But she can probably help someone and that makes it worth it. Absolutely!! Well said!

JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.

date Posted: May 30, 2009 9:41 PM

she has a lot of things in parentheses

I understand this all too well. My sidesteps can go on for pages before I get back to the main idea.

I like to think of it as part of my charm.

Postcards From the Edge

Excellent book! I read it after seeing the movie. It was well worth the read.

this is my third blog entry in a week!

I have been so out of it, mo2yp! I have some backpedaling to do!!!

(feast or famine, eh?

)

It is sooooo good to see you back here.

MTFBWY

	Willie Makeit
date Posted: May 31, 2009 8:16 PM At this point in life it matters not why I was depressed, only that I survived it Depression is an illness, it's physical. There doesn't have to be a reason to be depressed. Some people with depression ahve everything to live for, and yet don't want to. Good that you culd survive it!

	MomOf2YoungPadawan Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Jun 01, 2009 6:14 AM I like to think of it as part of my charm Absolutely! It is sooooo good to see you back here Feels good to be back! There doesn't have to be a reason to be depressed. So true...most people don't get that. Thanks for pointing that out!

	The Stooge Star Wars Joke-A-Day
date Posted: Jun 02, 2009 5:13 AM I have GOT to get that book.

	Sarlacc-Pitt Slowly Digested Over A Thousand Blogs
date Posted: Jun 02, 2009 9:49 PM Hey! I also read Wishful Drinking... and I really loved it! Excellent review! BTW... have you checked out her website and blog? I have it bookmarked, and check it out often. It's really cool!

	MomOf2YoungPadawan Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Jun 03, 2009 5:25 AM I have GOT to get that book. yes, read it, you should! have you checked out her website and blog? No, but I will today! Thanks so much for the link! Good to see you, Pitt!!

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