Showing posts with label memoir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label memoir. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Book Review: Unsinkable by Debbie Reynolds #bookreview #debbiereynolds



Book Review: Unsinkable
Written by: Debbie Reynolds and Dorian Hanaaway
William Morrow Publishing/Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-221365-5

I read: the ebook

4.5 Stars

A warmhearted, engaging memoir

Debbie Reynolds tells her story in a very endearing manner with "Unsinkable." The book focuses on the latter part of her career and life. It starts with Debbie marrying her third husband, Richard Hamlett.

Debbie's kindhearted nature shines in this memoir. Her desire to create a museum to house her Hollywood memorabilia is genuine, but poor personal choices threaten to derail her. Debbie enjoys working and entertaining her fans. Throughout her challenges and disappointments, her children, Todd and Carrie, help to steady her.

The writing is easy to read and engaging. The chapters are well organized, and I enjoyed reading about the movies she made. What touched my heart was how Debbie dealt with hardship. Her third husband proves deplorable and bankrupts her. Debbie looks adversity right in the face and picks herself back up with class.  Nothing can sink Debbie's resolve to start new chapters in her life when she has to.


I was motivated to learn more about her story after hearing of her tragedic death. I discovered Debbie Reynolds was a gifted entertainer, funny, charming, and kind-hearted.  How she carried herself in the face of adversity is to be admired. I didn't want to put his book down. Even if you're not a fan of Debbie, her story is compelling and will touch your heart. She's truly "Unsinkable." I highly recommend this book.

Question for you: Have you seen a Debbie Reynolds movie?  Which one? 

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Book Review Tuesday: Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher #bookreview #carriefisher


Book Review for: Wishful Drinking
Written by: Carrie Fisher
Simon and Schuster Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4391-5380-2
I read: the ebook
 
4.5 Stars
 
Totally Entertaining!
 
Carrie Fisher pens an entertaining look at her life in Hollywood with “Wishful Drinking.” Filled with ups and downs, Carrie takes the reader on a journey through life heartfelt humor.
 
Fisher starts with a look at her parents and takes the reader though her journey of adolescence. She talks about the impact of Star Wars on her life, reoccurring themes in her life, her loves, her loses, drug use, and how her bipolar diagnosis has affected her life. 
 
Fisher reveals that she wrote “Wishful Drinking” to reclaim what was left of her former life. Her writing style is easy to read and sincere. The novel is filled with humor and honesty.  I felt like a welcomed friends as I read her memoir. 
 
Fisher shares pictures and tidbits of her life which is a true delight for the reader. 
 
“Wishful Drinking” is a heartfelt memoir, deserving of Carrie’s fans. I picked up the book when I heard Fisher had a cardiac episode and I’m so glad I got to her before she passed away.  This is Carrie Fisher, raw, honest, sincere, candid, and the princess of our hearts.  I highly recommend this book. 

Question for you: what is your favorite Carrie Fisher movie or book? 

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Book Review: Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher #carriefisher #bookreview



Book Review: The Princess Diarist
Written by: Carrie Fisher
Published by: Blue Rider Press
ISBN: 9780698188365

I read: the ebook

4 Stars

Honest and Bittersweet

Carrie Fisher talks about her affair with Harrison Ford while working on Stars Wars in 1976 .  Her antidotes prove candid, but the biggest surprise is that she had an affair with Harrison Ford while filming.

Carrie shares several pages taken from her diary that she kept at the time. Even back then, Carrie displays her wit with words. Her honesty shines in this memoir.

The novel is easy to read, sharp and revealing. Fisher, however, paints in broad strokes, so vivid, specific recollections are hard to come by. She captures emotions well, including confusion, uncertainty, and frustration. However, there are no insights about what it was like making the movie, working with George Lucas or any memories about her castmates.

I bought this book when I heard Fisher had a cardiac episode on a plane because I wanted to get to know her a little better, and I certainly learned a lot about the person she was while filming Star Wars.


"The Princess Diarist" is a heartfelt memoir. It strikes sad, poignant notes on the eve of Carrie's greatest success. Thank you for sharing, Carrie.