When we first meet the extraordinary young actress Suzanne Vale, she's feeling like "something on the bottom of someone's shoe, and not even someon...
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Dec 17, 2009
ok.
you know that moment, at the party-you-didn't-want-to-come-to, filled with the important-people-from-work-who-don't-really-like-you, standing in the corner-of-the apartment-marked-specifically-for-losers-and-the-apartment-cat (who is now drunk and stuffed on mini shrimp popper appetizers)? the moment where you realize that you didn't wear the right shoes, your dress is being worn as a shirt by the most beautiful woman in the room, and everyone in the entire WORLD is staring at yo More...
you know that moment, at the party-you-didn't-want-to-come-to, filled with the important-people-from-work-who-don't-really-like-you, standing in the corner-of-the apartment-marked-specifically-for-losers-and-the-apartment-cat (who is now drunk and stuffed on mini shrimp popper appetizers)? the moment where you realize that you didn't wear the right shoes, your dress is being worn as a shirt by the most beautiful woman in the room, and everyone in the entire WORLD is staring at yo More...
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Jun 17, 2011
Louize
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“Most people dream big, you dream small. It’s just whatever you haven’t got is what you want. It isn’t the life, it’s what you do with it. So, do something regular with your irregular life, rather than trying to get a regular one, ‘cause you’d just do something irregular with that.”
Driven by my fondness of the film adaptation, I grabbed this book from an on-sale bin from BookSale. I’m sure you’re all aware of the all-star cast movie; and of Meryl Streep and Shirley McLaine’s Golden Glob More...
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Jan 12, 2009
Faith
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Postcards from the Edge is a storey about the fairly successful Hollywood actress Suzanne Vale. It's drugs, food, boyfriends, carrier..., well all kinds of problems. It's true Hollywood. Not very glamorous actually. Hollywood is the edge of the world, and u can either fall or stay balancing on that edge...
The book is really entertaining and interesting. Carrie Fisher uses many different styles of story telling. At times it's loads of great and interesting dialogue, at times shifting More...
The book is really entertaining and interesting. Carrie Fisher uses many different styles of story telling. At times it's loads of great and interesting dialogue, at times shifting More...
May 12, 2010
Brittney
rated it:
I never knew he Carrie Fisher was until I did some research on Debbie Reynolds from Singin' in the Rain. I don't believe I have ever seen any of her movies, or perhaps, I never knew I was seeing one of her movies.
Nonetheless, her book is edgy (pardon the pun). It takes a no-bullshit zoom on Hollywood, drugs and fame. I often found myself reading a passage and thinking that sounds too much like me. I was frightened. I believe I found my wit double. I've always been told I have an off-puttin
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Sep 14, 2011
Jesika
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I can't believe that this book was written 20 plus years ago. Except for the absence of cell phones and the main character, Suzanne, wearing a leotard with snaps in the crotch as a shirt this could have been set in 2011. The story follows Suzanne, a C-list star, as she goes through addiction, rehab and the scary, sober time after rehab when she is trying to put her life and career together again.
All the characters are hyper aware of their personal problems (thanks to years or decade More...
All the characters are hyper aware of their personal problems (thanks to years or decade More...
Dec 25, 2008
Valerie
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It's hard to believe this book is over 20 years old and I had never read it before now. I liked it. The actress main character manages to make life-threatening, drug overdosing insecurities humorous with some occasional serious food for thought thrown in here and there. At first the average reader might think it impossible to relate to the whole Hollywood all-important image over substance quandary in which Suzanne constantly finds herself. After all, she certainly seems to "have it all"
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Aug 23, 2009
Greta
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Carrie Fisher is a trip, excuse the pun as it echoes of the first section of this novel, and I'm super glad that I've now read this and have experienced the easy, authentic, fiesty voice and the simultaneous criticality and sensitivity with which she, in and through her characters, sees and communicates the world.
two quotations that stood out to me in this series of postcards and snapshots of sorts...
regarding intimate relationships; something to consider:
" More...
two quotations that stood out to me in this series of postcards and snapshots of sorts...
regarding intimate relationships; something to consider:
" More...
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Oct 22, 2011
Ken
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This book is an extremely clever, witty, and hilarious look into the horrors of addiction. Loosely autobiographical, Carrie Fisher uses the fictional character of Susanne Vale to tell the tale. The book recounts the trials and tribulations of achieving movie stardom, managing a love life, and orchestrating and supporting a monumental addiction to pills, powders, and booze. In and out of various rehabs, Fisher recounts a grab-bag of off-beat insights and asides from a cavalcade of kooky friends a
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Oct 26, 2009
Emily
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This is the first (and so far only) book that I listed to "on tape". Actually because this was in 2003 I can almost guarantee that it was on "tape" and not "CD" or in some digital form. I was on a walking kick that summer and my "walkman" (you know you had one too) and I were making the rounds in the neighborhood.
This may sound dumb but I didn't realize until just now that this was written by Princess Leia. I picked it up amid the other " More...
This may sound dumb but I didn't realize until just now that this was written by Princess Leia. I picked it up amid the other " More...
Aug 16, 2010
Amanda
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This is a semi-autobiographical novel from Princess Leia. Suzanne Vale is an actress who is also a drug addict and begins the novel by ending up in the hospital having her stomach pumped from a drug overdose. She ends up in a drug rehab clinic and sends postcards to people that move along her story. The narrative changes or bounces around and listening to it in audio book form was really confusing. I got the gist of the book though: some people are horribly self absorbed and go on to try and des
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Dec 04, 2011
Rebecca
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i picked up this one because the movie adaptation is on the list of "my favorite movies" so naturally, i was interested in the book. i am a little surprised, but also glad, to discover that the movie really is a completely separate entity from this book. the characters are the same, but the movie develops relationships other than those explored in the book - and that doesn't bother me.
the book is full of carrie fisher's biting sarcasm, which i love. that's one of the mai More...
the book is full of carrie fisher's biting sarcasm, which i love. that's one of the mai More...
Feb 25, 2009
Charly
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I read this because I thought it might be somewhat enlightening when it comes to the people that I work with--meaning kids & adults with problems. Suzanne, the main character is a complete problem. I'm not really recommending this book to anyone with any moral character that would be offended, but there were some things about it that I could relate to. I understand the feeling of being an observer in your own life. And the last quote of the book? "That night in the ER, do you recall if
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Nov 21, 2008
Justin
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Carrie Fisher's first novel is a fun, quick read, full of the actress's trademark wit, charm and bluster. The story of Suzanne Vale, a thinly "veiled" (Valed?) version of Fisher herself, starts in a rehab facility, shortly after she's had her stomach pumped. Journal entries tell her tale, then share space with Alex's "running monologue in his head" -- a TV writer with a bad cocaine habit who finally goes over the edge one night doing coke, ecstasy AND heroin. His portion of t
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Dec 04, 2008
Caty
rated it:
Hilarious. That's what you can say for it. Otherwise, it describes a lifestyle I loathe & an ideology I can't identify with.
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Mar 24, 2011
Jill
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A semi-autobiographical novelization of Carrie Fisher's early struggles with addiction (before she was diagnosed as bi-polar). I read this book ages ago in the early 90s. And saw the movie. And somehow the two combined in my head because I kept expecting her mother to show up and she never does. She's referred to in a few sentences and I think there's a telephone conversation and... that's it.
It was interesting to see bits and pieces of her memoir Wishful Drinking (which I just More...
It was interesting to see bits and pieces of her memoir Wishful Drinking (which I just More...
Oct 23, 2010
Mike
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I read this book a long time ago and don't recall having re-read it. It probably deserved a re-read and may yet get one. Yes it is by a 'celebrity' and yes it is about the zany life that celebrities lead in LA-LA land, but it is very funny, well written and engaging. So, if you read for the sake of reading, then this book is going to amuse and please you.
When I began reading it, I had not expectation of it being a good book. I can happily report that I was pleasantly surprised by t More...
When I began reading it, I had not expectation of it being a good book. I can happily report that I was pleasantly surprised by t More...
Oct 14, 2011
Mary Alice
rated it:
This book was a departure from my usual fantasy and science fiction reading material. I could claim the Carrie Fisher/Star Wars connection, and there is some truth in that, since it was knowing that Fisher was in Star Wars that made me look at the book. I also have to admit that I didn't have really high expectations, but the book surprised me.
It is the story of Suzanne Vale, a young Hollywood actress, who details her life as a drug addicted Hollywood starlet trying to cope with the gl More...
It is the story of Suzanne Vale, a young Hollywood actress, who details her life as a drug addicted Hollywood starlet trying to cope with the gl More...
May 29, 2011
Kasia
rated it:
Carrie Fisher's debut novel is a hoot. The language is very fluid, seeping straight into my imagination with ease; the scenes are sometimes hilarious and other times scary but masterfully written, very impressive for a first book! For those who know anything about Carrie Fisher, they will see that the book is semi-autobiographical; sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. I loved the myriad of original analogies and wonderful sentences, the book might be small and a fast read but fun and meanin
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Mar 14, 2011
Elisabeth
rated it: 
This book only furthered my belief that Carrie Fisher is a genius. The book is NOTHING like the movie, except for a small part in the middle, but since Carrie also wrote the screenplay it is all good. A lot of what she says in this book rang oddly true to me which was a little confronting, but only made me love it more.
Negative parts? In the beginning when alex narrates the story, he was sooooo annoying, but then again, he was a cokehead and those are known for being annoying. So po More...
Negative parts? In the beginning when alex narrates the story, he was sooooo annoying, but then again, he was a cokehead and those are known for being annoying. So po More...
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Dec 11, 2010
Geraud
rated it:
Princess Leia can write !
This excelent novel tauoght me all needed to know about taking drugs. lol !
Frankly there are some truely great passages and carrie fisher can really morph her voice to show different characters. It's all about the mistakes you can make when you think you are stronger than the stuff, but we all know the stuff always win, don't we ? so it's also about coming to terms with ones mistakes. no preaching.
an unexpected excellent read.
This excelent novel tauoght me all needed to know about taking drugs. lol !
Frankly there are some truely great passages and carrie fisher can really morph her voice to show different characters. It's all about the mistakes you can make when you think you are stronger than the stuff, but we all know the stuff always win, don't we ? so it's also about coming to terms with ones mistakes. no preaching.
an unexpected excellent read.
Dec 08, 2009
MaryHelen
rated it:
Carrie Fisher is an extremely intelligent and very funny author. This book is made up of stream-of-consciousness type narratives, all about the same central character(s). It's an irreverent fictional voyage through sometimes almost unbelievable Hollywood-land, with lots of self-analysis and relationship issues spun through Fisher's witty eyes. She seems to "get it" that Hollywood is not the norm! I found it unusual and entertaining.
Apr 20, 2010
Megan
rated it:
If I remember rightly, the first half of this book was a lot better and more interesting than the second half. There were some memorable passages that struck a cord with me, and which I copied down quotations from in one of my writing notebooks.
A vivid picture of life in drug rehab.
However ... I wouldn't recommend it. Sorry, Carrie Fisher ... you mostly suck as a writer. (Except for those few redeeming lines I copied down.)
A vivid picture of life in drug rehab.
However ... I wouldn't recommend it. Sorry, Carrie Fisher ... you mostly suck as a writer. (Except for those few redeeming lines I copied down.)
Feb 04, 2012
Cari
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I nearly set this aside in part two- the main character Suzanne, was just too predictable in her "all about me" Hollywood mentality and conversations. Then, the following two parts were slightly more entertaining, though the overwhelming narcissism vein throughout the book was boring after 100 pages. The best part, in my opinion, was the description of drug addition and rehab in the initial section. Of course, it ended on a happy note, but who would expect anything different than a
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Jun 29, 2011
Maria
rated it:
Awesome; protagonist largely based on author. Had seen movie first. Not too much like the movie in that Shirley McLaine's character wasn't that central. I guess the screenplay was written as a vehicle for her & Meryl Streep. I can't wait to read Fisher's new one, "Wishful Drinking".
Awesome movie, awesome book. Thanks to the thoughtful individual who left it behind in my building's laundry room.
Awesome movie, awesome book. Thanks to the thoughtful individual who left it behind in my building's laundry room.
Jul 20, 2009
Jason
rated it:
Semi autobiographical novel about a movie star recovering from being a drug addict. Very witty and snappy. I have reread this many times and still laugh out loud every single time I read it. Also made into a fun movie. Once I started reading Wishful Drinking I realized just how much of her real life experiences went into the story. The sequel was good, but not as ama-za-zing as this one.
Jun 23, 2009
Shae
rated it:
Take away the drug addiction problem and I think I have never felt a character more relatable to how I feel. I actually started this book many months ago but after reading the second chapter of the book, A Banquet of Crumbs, I had to stop reading since it just too painfully reminded of my most recent long standing non-relationship. But then I got to the Dysphoria chapter and it made me smile cuz it reminded me of many of the long winded, pointless, repetitive, theraputic and silly conversations
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Jun 23, 2011
Sara
rated it:
The positive: FUNNY. So funny, and also insightful about people who, as Suzanne says, seem to be missing some tiny but incredibly important part of themselves, the part that other people have and are therefore able to act and think and feel like real people.
The negative: Some draggy moments, and no one is really all that likable.
The summary: Most of the time, stories like this annoy me more than entertain me. However, Carrie Fisher's writing voice made this an extremely funn More...
The negative: Some draggy moments, and no one is really all that likable.
The summary: Most of the time, stories like this annoy me more than entertain me. However, Carrie Fisher's writing voice made this an extremely funn More...
Jan 03, 2012
Laura
rated it:
Carrie Fisher is sassy and I love her humor! Good read and well written novel, based on Fisher's life, about living in rehab, getting out of rehab and putting her life back together one day at a time. Last chapter was a bit of a surprise, but I am a hopeless romantic so enjoyed her conclusion.
Aug 25, 2010
Tricia
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I discovered Carrie Fisher the other day when I came across an article mentioned on Jezebel.com. Though Carrie Fisher has always been well-known, I had little information or cared about her writing career. I should have been paying close attention all along. Though many of her books seem autobiographical, and I'm not so sure she has ever denied that, they are what her applauding critics say they are - witty, intelligent, astute. Her dark comedic talents, what her therapist calls an "aff
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Sep 23, 2009
Lauren
rated it:
I had very high hopes for this book since I loved The Best Awful; however, I have to admit that I was really disappointed. The book feels dated and relies heavily on Carrie Fisher's wit to push the book along. While that's sometimes good, it's not enough. I wonder if this is the case where I would enjoy the movie more... I'm willing to give that a shot.
