The Princess Diarist

"It's not what you say. It's the way that you say it." That's what gets results. This compliment goes out to Carrie Fisher and her caustic wit and delicious sense of humor. She proudly wears the badge of insecurity to realistic heights in her latest book, "The Princess Diarist."

Fisher's latest recollections go back to a galaxy far, far away... let's just say, 1976 in the U.S.A. and London. At that point in time, Fisher was the over-thinker, rattling the chains of observation and landing the role of "Princess Leia." A princess of Hollywood privilege, she has a brilliant way of coming to terms with the smooth and rough spots of her life and has always managed to find the absurd humor in serious situations, at hand.

Just nineteen and the daughter of longevity -- that being her mother and actress Debbie Reynolds -- her cheeky face and acting chops led her to starring in the very first "Star Wars" film. A film which could be considered a "cultural antique" that none the less had an energizing bunny effect, hopping from generation to generation.

Her telling of this time period is chock-full of Carrie's thoughts and memories. Then, something happened: As Fisher turned 20 years old, Harrison Ford showed his face and the two stars co-mingled, but not in outer space. It is here that Fisher spills the beans and plays "Operation Secret Love Affair."

The revelations of a young woman experiencing her first real love affair (and with a married man at that) are complicated. That's the understatement of the year. It is here that in "The Princess Diarist" her personal journey hits the slopes of high, low and the rocky road of love.

Carrie Fisher offers up an eclectic mix of musings, poetry and emotions. Just imagine the secrecy of it all and having to "save the galaxy" on set. Regardless of whether you're a princess or not, there are thoughts and feelings found in her book that ring true and that are both compelling and as difficult to maintain as the cinnamon roll buns of Leia's hairstyle.

She also explores the phenomenon of fandom. Fisher knows this dimension first hand. You can't wear a metal bikini without experiencing some sort of intergalactic reaction. The telling truths are simply fanatical in the chapter "Leia's Lap Dance." Yet, as she recounts, it is both invigorating, freaky and fanciful to be frozen like a TV dinner in time. Once again, for her seventh time as a writer of fact and fiction, her perspective and style of prose never ceases to acknowledge the creative mind of Carrie Fisher. That is something that "Princess Leia" might find hard to accomplish.

"The Princess Diarist"
by Carrie Fisher
$26.00
Blue Rider Press