Book Review: Shockaholic by Carrie Fisher

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons!

In memory of an amazing woman who always spoke her mind. We will miss you, General

  When I decided to read Wishful Drinking this past May, I did so due to my admiration for Carrie Fisher's honest approach to relating her life's story. She is never shy to admit her mistakes, and even makes light of them with her hilarious writing. Her one-woman show by the same name ran for several years to packed audiences, and became one of HBO's most watched specials up until that time. After reading Wishful Drinking I felt the need to continue reading more of Carrie's memoirs. As we all deal with the fact that this amazing woman is no longer with us, we have her words (and voice on her audiobooks) to continue her message of hope, determination, and strength.

 

  Shockaholic is another entry into the life of a bold, honest, and brave woman. Written by Carrie Fisher and published by Simon and Schuster, Shockaholic continues Wishful Drinking's ability to never hold back. It relates often funny and sometimes sad stories of those who have been a part of Fisher's triumphs and disasters. This memoir takes the reader on a journey through many years of the actress' life, that include her introduction to super-stardom in 1977, with Star Wars. We also witness a face-off between Fisher and Ted Kennedy, the life of Michael Jackson through her eyes, and her complicated relation ship with Elizabeth Taylor (just do not stand by the edge of a swimming pool with Taylor behind you!). 

  Carrie Fisher's life is not just presented to those whom wish to read a Hollywood memoir, but also to those whom have struggled through addiction, and delivers a reoccurring message of strength. And even as a single mother, having to deal with the removal of her daughter, Billie, from her life, Fisher persevered to find a way out of her vices. Through scandals, marriages, and a galaxy far, far away, Carrie Fisher remained strong and determined. The fact that she took her life's story and turned it into a funny and moving (and educational, with Hollywood Inbreeding 101) one-woman production shows her strength. 

  But her journey was made easier (and problematic at times) with her relationship with her father, Eddie Fisher. Amidst his tabloid stories, multiple marriages, and drug abuse, Carrie's relationship with her father remained a loving one. At one point when she refers to her father's last days, she mentions voicemail messages that she had kept from calls she had received from her father. This was a comfort to her as the reality of his death settled in with her. She reminds us of her father's voice, that amazing tool used to not only solidify a life-long career, but the voice of a man who charmed many women. And regardless of his not being there for her all that often while growing up, she loved him and cared for him later in his life. A time that was filled with genuineness and a kindness that she not only wished for herself as a child, but gave back to her father when he was ill.  I was touched by this part of the book, and so will anyone else who has cared for a sick parent.

  Fisher's thoughts on Electroconvulsive Therapy, shock treatment (and therefore the reason for the book's title) are explored deeper in Shockaholic. This treatment has helped her in many ways. And even though her memory may be the price she pays for the therapy, she feels she is better having been introduced to it. When mental health plagues one, on top of addiction, there is a fine line that one walks. Through years of ups and downs, Fisher found solace in the currents of electricity.

  Shockaholic for me was more touching than comedic in its presentation. This memoir is filled with an honest and often poignant journey through Hollywood. Carrie Fisher still remains a strong role model for me. And I will always be grateful for her ability to wade through life's hardships to come out on top. 

  I gave Shockaholic five out of five stars.

  Have fun reading this week. Let me know in the comments below what comics you are reading.

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