Charisma

Barbara Hall

I loved the TV series Joan of Arcadia, so when I read that this novel by the Emmy nominated writer and producer was on sale for $1.99, I decided to take a chance. Was I ever glad. A most excellen writer and storyteller, Ms Hall gives us the tale of Sarah Lange, a young women suffering from PTSD, who has voluntarily signed herself into a psychiatric facility. She hears ‘guides,’ voices which tell to kill herself and come ‘home.’ We learn her story through her interactions with her psychiatrist and also his own story is gradually revealed.

Altogether a most satisfying book.

Wishful Drinking

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher in person was a force to be reckoned with. Now at least, we have her memoir to enjoy. I saw her one-woman show in person in Berkeley before she took it to Hollywood, and it was a hoot. Out of her pain and suffering, she crafted a light-hearted account of growing up the daughter of Debbie Reynolds, which enough to make anyone crazy. Add  in all the dysfunction of her life, and it is a wonder she was able to cope at all.

Underneath all the laughter, there is a serious tale of substance abuse and mental illness. Through it all, it was her own innate honesty that made it possible for Carrie to  hold it together.