High on Arrival: A Memoir

Women like Mackenzie, Tatum, Valerie and Maureen I'd always wanted as friends, maybe because each have a single struggle tantamount in their lives I've struggled with all four of: drugs, weight issues, special needs, abandonment and parental issues. I'm not famous enough to do my own memoir, but came away with from each knowing that, if they hold hope for themselves, I can for me, too.

Mac's life didn't make me cry more so than it made me think of how my own family wouldn't talk about the taboos they know about, but won't discuss. Although I don't have holes in my memories like Mac does and have dark secrets like she divulges here--my dad was a bigot to whites and being born with albinism, talk about God slapping a does of reality upside his head with that idiocy of his--I'm glad she talked about it and opened herself to the dark side of it all. I think she did it for her son's welfare more so than for her own, and she desperately, imploringly didn't want him to travel the road she had to to get here. I think it's a disgrace her stepmoms Michelle and Genevieve think Mackenzie's lying to promote a book; no one makes up something like this for the sake of selling a book. And in her drug-soaked mind, who's to say these things didn't happen? And if they say it didn't happen, why are they the only two saying so? Where're the others? IOW, this is either a lie worthy of an Oscar-winning performance. . .or she's telling the truth.

Four stars b/c of the abridgment constraints, but overall, a solid read and backstory the E! True Hollywood Story doesn't fill in or give justice.

Just about finished but a little nauseating. I find most biographies that feature rampant drug use tedious and boring. This one is really no different.

One dimensional...very little about others.

Very good reader.

No.

Forget the controversy surrounding the tale's authenticity--it's irrelevant. This is a very powerful story containing great lessons about tragedy and redemption. Phillips has survived so many trials that would have incapacitated so many other people, and beat the odds to tell her story. I'm glad she found the words and the strength to give it voice.

I know---what did I expect? this is the most boring book I have ever read (heard.) Just an endless repetition of buying/using/buying/using/stealing/using/lost opptys/misery/buying/using/apallingbehavior/using/ etc.

No redeeming quality to this book. Although the author attempts to display a righteous tone, she inadvertently glorifies the decadent behavior that was rampant in her life. It wasn't helpful at all and came across as an egocentric attempt to tell others how priveleged and unique her life has been. Don't waste your money!

I have read a lot of memoirs. This was kind of a disappointment. Her story, which I cannot believe actually happened to anyone, was incredible. However, I was grossed out by a particular piece of information, which I thought was too much to share. I just couldn't rap my head around it. Then the end seemed to drag on. Not the best, would not recommend.

Mackenzie really lets you in to her world - her crazy, scary, unconventional life full of drugs, abuse, failure, self doubt and finally (and hopefully still) sobriety. I liked that she recorded her own book and her voice made it more of an honest listen. I am amazed that she is still standing and I am thankful for my boring upbringing - seeing that, as a young girl I would dream of living her life as a starlet in Hollywood. It is a bitter tale, melancholy and very sad at times but it illustrates what a strong, courageous will can do to rise above and move forward to live a happy life.

Mackenzie has written and shared with us a no nonsense, brutally honest account of some very disturbing and painful experiences. She doesn't waste time defending herself and just bares her soul completely. Throughout her life, she absorbs these shocking yet tragic events in the way that children who have grown used to abuse, learn to do. I have a great deal of respect for Mackenzie for telling the truth in spite of her critics and those within her own family who would attack her. I wish she had written this book while her father was still alive as I wish he had been held accountable for for causing so much suffering and pain.

I always liked Mackenzie on One Day at a Time. I had heard that she had difficulties in her life, but she is one lucky lady in that she is still ALIVE!! My hat goes off to her and I hope that her MONSTER will not raise its ugly head again in her life. The book is very sobering and is eye opening for those who have not been involved or around severe drug use. Her show's name is now her mantra.