I could write pages on my love/hate relationship with Star Wars. For the sake of this post, I will just say that I am extremely well versed in all things Star Wars (it was forced upon me for different reasons) but I was brought up as a “Trekkie” (my father recorded almost every episode of the William Shatner/Leonard Nimoy series).
To me, Carrie Fisher was the woman who played the iconic Princess Leia and the daughter of Debbie Reynolds. Upon her death not too long ago (December 27, 2016) I learned that Carrie was more than Leia. Amongst so many other roles, she was also a writer. I decided as part of my Goodreads Challenge, I would read some of Carrie’s works. I have to say that I was not disappointed.
Book 10/100 – The Princess Diarist
This is the last book Ms. Fisher wrote before she passed and a must-read for any Star Wars fan who wanted to know what really happened between Leia and Hans Solo when they were off the set. Carrie reflects on that time of her life and intersperse her memories with snippets from a diary that she kept. It was interesting to read Carrie switch between her more mature mindset and her teenage views. (Makes me shudder to ever consider publishing my teenage journals.)
Carrie also writes about how the role of the rebel princess affected her life. From the “lap dances” (convention signings) to fans stopping her at the grocery store, it is a little bittersweet to read about her life while knowing she is no longer with us.
Book 16/100 – Wishful Drinking
I listened to the audio book which was read by the author. Carrie’s humor about her upbringing, personal life and subsequent battle with addiction allows her to tackle tough topics with a smile. She breaks down the story of her parents “an older version of Brad and Angelina” how she entered show business and other anecdotes that can only be given by the offspring of celebrities prior to the digital age. Some memorable moments is the love she had for her mother and daughter. Not many people can bring about having such an amazing daughter while discussing her idolization for her at times eccentric mother all in the same breath.
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Reading these books made me feel a little sad. I feel like I just discovered the hidden life of someone who is no longer with us. If I had the chance to meet Carrie months ago, I would not have much to say to her outside of Star Wars. Having read her work, I would ask her many questions about her books and her writing. She writes with such honesty and tells tales without fear. It is as if she was telling the world, “here I am whether you like it or not.” She was Princess Leia but most importantly she was Carrie.
PhoebeJaneWrites 