Ever wondered what Christmas at Michael Jackson's house would be like? Or how you'd feel if your stepmother (Elizabeth Taylor!) shoved you into the deep end at a poolside cocktail party? Carrie Fisher lets loose with her rebel Hollywood story, including her use of electroshock therapy (she's never heard of the Force?) to combat depression and anxiety. 

She's a real (storm)trooper our Carrie, but If having Meryl Streep play you in the movie version of your life doesn't cure your depression I don't know what will. Highly recommended (except on Alderaan.)

-Tim

Baltimore's quirkiest son dishes the dirt on his depraved and delightful idols including lesbian stripper Lady Zorro, outsider-porn chronicler Bobby Garcia and Manson-murderer Leslie Van Houten. His chapter on books and reading will kindle the heart of every bibliophile ("Being rich is the freedom to buy any book you want without looking at the price") while his essay on Cy Twombly is both gracious and wacky. 'Role Models' is like diving into a cesspool then emerging from a car wash: a disorienting but sparkling experience.
 
Tim