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High On Arrival
High On Arrival
Author: Mackenzie Phillips
Not long before her fiftieth birthday,Mackenzie Phillips walked into Los Angeles International Airport. She was on her way to a reunion for One Day at a Time, the hugely popular 70s sitcom on which she once starred as the lovable rebel Julie Cooper. Within minutes of entering the security checkpoint, Mackenzie was in handcuffs, arrested f...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781439153857
ISBN-10: 143915385X
Publication Date: 9/23/2009
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 72

3.9 stars, based on 72 ratings
Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed High On Arrival on + 234 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
I thought the book flowed well and was an easy read, not withstanding some of the serious subject matter. Several friends and I discussed prior to reading her book whether her incest statements against her father were accurate or just a ploy to sell the book. We seemed to be split in the middle. If she was honest in her memoirs, Mackenzie was brutally forthright and humble in her mistakes. She appears to be very forgiving of those who have wronged her in some manner or who have avoided her because of her lifestyle. It is a miracle she is still alive, and it is also sad that she continues to fight the demons that have cut her career short. I truly hope by reaching out to so many, that people can truly learn from her mistakes. I hope also that Mackenzie, for the rest of her days, continues to work hard as a parent and as a woman who needs sobriety to just stay alive.
SuzanneB avatar reviewed High On Arrival on
Helpful Score: 7
It is quite astonishing that Phillips lived through such heavy drug abuse to write this shocking memoir. If some of her recollections are a bit hazy, it is not surprising. I am sure this was a difficult process, trying to explain how things got so messed up, especially with her father. Read it straight through. Plenty of famous names in this one, and some really disgusting references, but I was totally engrossed in the story.
reviewed High On Arrival on + 204 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I thought this book was very frank and open! I admire MP for her ability to even attempt this kind of thing! She is just as intelligent as her father and probably just as charismatic! I couldnt put it down and almost read it in one sitting!
Cant imagine living like that and thank god I was spared addiction in my life!
laurenh37 avatar reviewed High On Arrival on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Amazing candid book depicting Machenzie Phillip's life with her dad and her career. After all she did and went through, I am amazed she is still an intelligent women. I am happy she put this book out there for people to realize this type of thing happens more than we think. She is courageous in writing this book and revealing the truth.
reviewed High On Arrival on
Helpful Score: 3
After all the sensational hype that surrounded this book at the time of its release regarding the incest disclosure, I was surprised to find this to be an engaging, honest, well-written and decidedly UNSENSATIONAL account of Mackenzie's life as an addict. She comes across as likable, decent, strong and smart -- a true survivor. If you grew up in L.A. in the seventies, or loved the Mamas and the Papas or watched "One Day At a Time," the book will provide some some interesting backstory. But mostly it's an inspiring survivor's tale. I heard recently that Mackenzie Phillips is becoming a licensed drug counselor. I think she will make a very good one. This book is a testament to her honesty, ability to forgive and take responsibility for her choices. Those are good things to model to recovering addicts.
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andi89 avatar reviewed High On Arrival on + 98 more book reviews
Interesting to read about Mackenzie Phillips. A good look into why she has had a drug problem all these years. I hope that she is able to put all her demons behind her to remain drug free. Fast read.
kuligowskiandrewt avatar reviewed High On Arrival on + 569 more book reviews
Mackenzie Phillips writes a cautionary tale as to the effect of fame and fortune (and an absentee father, and lots of drugs, and ) that some of todays young stars would do well to read (or, in the case of the audio book version I had, listen to narrated by the author, who actually lived it).

Hang out with Daddys rock friends, where parties and drugs were plentiful and easy to come by. Get a small part in what turned out to be a major film. Get a couple of more films, and a successful TV series. Lose yourself in drugs. Hang out with the wrong guys lose your job due to drug use, get busted need I continue? Or should I toss in the go out on tour with Dads rock band and sleep with the most really wrong guy you could portions?

Im not telling anything in the above summary that couldnt be obtained from a few back-issues of People magazine, and in much greater detail. That, in a nutshell, was my biggest disappointment Id already read virtually everything mentioned in the book by the time I actually got my copy. Well, that, and Miss Phillips is so intent on not glamorizing her life choices that I often found it hard to root for her, despite my wanting to. How can you write your memoirs and NOT be the most sympathetic character in them?? (OK, her son fills that role; there is a poetic justice in that choice.)

RATING: 3 ½ stars, rounded up to 4 stars. (Giving bonus points for the decision to have the author read her own works on the audio who better to tell the story?)


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