The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

It's no secret that I love Star Wars. When Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) passed away in December, I was distraught. Shortly before her passing she had released a new book, The Princess Diarist (in fact, she was on the press tour for this book when she had the heart attack that ultimately killed her). I put it on my to-read list right after it came out, but due to her death it was sold out virtually everywhere. I FINALLY managed to get my hands on a copy, and devoured it immediately. 

The book details Carrie's experiences filming the first Star Wars movie, her naivete in Hollywood, and of course, her affair with Harrison Ford *swoon*. In addition to her modern narrative, it also includes excerpts from the diaries she kept while filming-everything from self-loathing entries to romantic poetry. It closes with what it personally meant to her to be Princess Leia, which was in my opinion the most touching part of the book. Interspersed throughout the book are also black and white images from Carrie's golden years, including snaps with her Star Wars costars and with Warren Beatty on the set of her first film, Shampoo. 

This was a quick, enjoyable, and sadly nostalgic read. I feel like Carrie was the perfect combination of brutally honest, sarcastic, and witty, and that came through so well in this book. My only complaint would be that I wish the diary entries were more scattered throughout the book rather than all shoved smack dab in the middle.

Thanks, Carrie, for giving us one of the most badass female characters of all time. Rest in peace, Princess, and may the Force be with you.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars