Carrie Fisher--A Life on the Edge

July 29, 2019
Actress and author Carrie Fisher (1956–2016) is celebrated for her wit and strength in this comprehensive biography by journalist Weller (The News Sorority). Fisher—daughter of actors Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher—got her break at 19 when she was cast as Princess Leia in Star Wars, a role that Weller says turned Fisher into a “feminist action hero.” The author does a fine job charting the light and dark aspects of Fisher’s story, which includes a career as a bestselling author and battles with drug addiction and bipolar disorder. Weller discusses Fisher’s cocaine use and her attempts to get sober; her marriage to singer Paul Simon; her codependent bond with her mother; and her creative process (“all of her books would be written by her sketching the words on a notepad while flopped on her bed, with editors often on the premises”). Along the way, Weller shares snippets of her interviews with Fisher’s friends, including Richard Dreyfuss and Salman Rushdie, who lament Fisher’s passing, and praises Fisher for her bold tongue, adding: “She died just before her brand of raunchily self-styled feminism, a candor she possessed all her life, swept over her town, her industry, America.” Weller insightfully illuminates the life of a powerful performer and wordsmith who was unafraid to share her struggles with the world.

September 15, 2019
An intimate and effusive tribute to Carrie Fisher (1956-2016). Between traditional biography and commemorative journalism lies a place where facts meet fandom, where both casual observers and devotees alike can bear witness to an extraordinary life. Weller (The News Sorority: Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric, Christiane Amanpour--and the (Ongoing, Imperfect, Complicated) Triumph of Women in TV News, 2014, etc.) could find those coordinates in her sleep. That's not to say she didn't work incredibly hard to pull together this endearing collection of stories about the late actor. The author is a seasoned veteran of panoramic storytelling; as a result, her narrative is occasionally almost as difficult to keep up with as Fisher herself. The book begins and ends with the fateful trans-Atlantic flight that signaled her impending death, but in between, readers have more than 300 pages to fall in love with the quirky, brilliant, outrageously witty woman who graced the silver screen as Princess Leia, among other roles. Weller interviewed scores of Fisher's friends, former lovers, colleagues, and family members to shape a mostly chronological, highly detailed rendering of her life. The author dives deep into her subject's childhood, films, books, marriages, friendships, and highly publicized battles with addiction and mental illness. The latter two elements provide some of the most poignant moments of the book, as readers get a revealing look at Fisher's eventual acceptance of--and fierce honesty about--living with drug addiction and bipolar disorder. Occasionally, the dizzying array of quotes and voluminous backstories of Fisher's friends and family get a bit taxing, and the book is brimming with gossipy tidbits. Regardless, Weller connects the dots in ways that create a vividly hued portrait. There is no monochrome here but rather an expansive look at a woman who lived large, loved deeply, and did a lot to destigmatize mental illness. Whether you were well-acquainted with Fisher or not, this book will make you miss her.

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October 1, 2019

Carrie Fisher (1956-2016) was forever identified with her heroic role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, but her career encompassed much more--appearances on television and in numerous films, recognition as a best-selling author, and advocacy for mental health awareness. Behind the public image, however, was an often troubled personal one, and here Weller (Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon-and the Journey of a Generation) presents an in-depth look at this talented and charismatic individual who also grappled with drug addiction and bipolar disorder. Fisher's world was filled with an extensive cast of celebrities--friends, romantic partners (singer Paul Simon, agent Bryan Lourd), and famed parents actors Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher--many of whom complicated her already unsettled life. Drawing from exhaustive research and interviews, Weller closely analyzes all of these interrelated facets of Fisher's story, from her countless accomplishments and vast social network to the disturbing side of her disorders. What emerges is a vivid and honest portrait of a brave, complex woman who had an impact on all who knew her. Extensive notes and a thoughtful introduction complement the absorbing narrative. VERDICT Well written and poignant, this is a must for Fisher's fans. [See Prepub Alert, 5/5/19.]--Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, NJ

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 15, 2019
This in-depth, insightful, and profoundly sympathetic biography is built around the premise that Carrie Fisher was simply "famous just for being herself." Readers might already be familiar with her legacy as a child of Hollywood icons who spent her Beverly Hills school days with fellow offspring of the rich and famous; as an actor, screenwriter, and best-selling author; and, perhaps less well known, as a person who struggled with bipolar disorder throughout her entire life. Journalist and author Weller (The News Sorority, 2014) spins an engaging chronological tale peppered with insider details, anecdotes, quotes, quips, and other liberal references taken from Fisher's own autobiographical musings. Weller explores Fisher's complicated relationship with her mother, Debbie Reynolds, cites multiple instances of Fisher's generosity and efforts on behalf of mental health initiatives, and plumbs the depths of Fisher's bleakest episodes: missed performances, losses of friendships and relationships, drug addiction and overdoses, legal troubles, a psychotic break, and hospitalizations. Above all, the thoroughly documented text reveals Fisher's willingness to examine and share the truth about every part of her life. This is a worthy tribute to a strong, intelligent woman, and readers will appreciate Weller's honest portrayal and thoughtful analysis.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)