Thanks for a great overview and succinct analysis. So far I've only read "Slouching" but found it brilliant. Your discussion of these books has prompted me to read some of Didion's other non-fiction.
I agree! I loved hearing what she had to say about her own life and career. And I laughed out loud when Harrison Ford showed up as her former carpenter 😂 Thanks so much for watching :)
Yep, I definitely need to read Joan Didion. She got a big mention in a 1960s American history class I took in college and how she was an important figure in redefining journalism & cultural writing. I loved what you said about the disjointed nature of The White Album and how it is indicative of the late 1960s/early 1970s America. Definitely will get to her in the new year!
She's really great! I'll be curious to hear what you think since you said you're not a huge fan of essay collections (at least I think you said that in a comment at some point? I might be misremembering) ... but yeah, even if you don't love her writing (some people find her a bit cold/distant, and she definitely is part of the "coastal cultural elite" and drops names not infrequently, lol) it's really interesting to read her work and understand the role she played in New Journalism. And I think her memoirs really reveal a more intimate side to her that is really human and heartbreaking.
Ugh yes Joan is so good, Blue Nights is the last one I need to read out of her nonfiction. I love Joan's sense of detachment, especially even in her interviews, have you read any of them? It's like there's a Joan Didion constructed persona by the public and then Joan Didion herself, it's rather mystical.
Yes, Joan can be so detached, especially in her essays, which I always find so interesting, but it makes the moments when she shows little cracks of vulnerability really wonderful. Blue Nights, in particular, was very raw and more open, I think, than some of her earlier books. I haven't read any interviews, but I've watched some of the taped ones, and yes, she has definitely crafted a persona (but without seeming too crafty and calculated about it, I think!).
if i wasn't already subscribed I'd subscribe just for that thumbnail! I hadn't quite picked up on that Didion's arc changed from a journalistic type chronicler to a personal memoirist, thinking of as the latter. Now I want to read some of her earlier stuff. Great video! It must've been a lot of work, but I wouldn't object to more like this ...
Hahaha, I did ask myself "Is this too much?" so I'm glad you appreciated it ;) Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a great place to start with her earlier stuff if you haven't read it already - the first half wasn't quite what I expected, but the title essay is really excellent, and the more personal essays are my favorite. And thank you for the feedback! I find these kinds of videos the most rewarding to make, so I will definitely have more in this vein in the future :)
I have just recently started taking on her works. So far I’ve read TYOMT, Blue Nights, and Slouching Towards Bethlehem. Great review! I agree with many of your thoughts and points.
Really enjoyed this! I've read Slouching towards Bethlehem and The Year of Magical Thinking, but my favourite Didion so far is probably her novel, Play it as it Lays. The detached coolness in her writing works better for me in her fiction than perhaps in her non-fiction... although Year of Magical Thinking is a devastating read. That part about the shoes- SO SAD! Not sure which of her books I'll pick up next, but you've given me more context for the books I haven't read, so thanks :)
That is so interesting! I was a little worried to dive into her fiction because I think I assume people who write great nonfiction probably aren't good fiction writers (I don't know why I think that, it makes no sense), so I'm glad to hear that you really like Play It As It Lays...I definitely want to check it out. And yeah, she is kind of detached (especially in her earlier work), but I think it's interesting to see the change in her writing over time and how much more vulnerable she allows herself to be in The Year of Magical Thinking and Blue Nights.
I just started reading The White Album today, and how you describe it is definitely true. I really like her idea about narratives, but it's certainly very disjointed and feels a little pointless individually although the entirety might paint a true picture of the time. I'm not American so I feel I don't have the ability to relate to the time or experiences she chronicles, aside from the idea itself of narratives and trying to make sense of the world through story telling. I will keep going with the White Album for now, but definitely giving her memoirs a try in the future.
Yes, I definitely think the sum of Joan Didion's work is more powerful than the individual parts (at least in her earlier essay collections)...which I why I think I only appreciated The White Album because I had already read a lot of her books. And her writing is definitely specific to that era in America (and, in a lot of cases, to California or New York specifically), so I can understand why it doesn't resonate with everyone.
I am loving all of your videos Claire! This was a great overview of Didion, I've heard a lot about The Year of Magical Thinking but didn't know anything about the rest, thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for this. I read The Year of Magical Thinking and Blue Nights. I've wanted to read more Joan Didion, but I didn't know where to start. I also had no idea about the documentary about her. I'll check it out.
This was really interesting! I didn't know much about Joan Didion. I think I would like to read a couple of these at some point. The Year of Magical Thinking sounds so poignant.
Blip, blip, blip, talking too fast and chopped up every few seconds. Jd slow down, stop the choppy video and try to present this important author’s work! Sorry just can’t follow your video. Too bad!
Thanks for a great overview and succinct analysis. So far I've only read "Slouching" but found it brilliant. Your discussion of these books has prompted me to read some of Didion's other non-fiction.
Thanks so much! I'm so glad you are a fan of Slouching Towards Bethlehem, and I hope you enjoy her other books, too! :)
The Netflix documentary was wonderful. I enjoy Joan Didion's works, also. Great video.
I agree! I loved hearing what she had to say about her own life and career. And I laughed out loud when Harrison Ford showed up as her former carpenter 😂 Thanks so much for watching :)
Love your thumbnail pic.....you have a twin!🕶
Haha, thanks, Peg! :D
Thank You for sharing your knowledge about Joan Didion! it is really clear and understandable!
I'm about to read The White Album and now I can't wait. Subscribed and looking forward to watching more of your videos. ♥️
Yep, I definitely need to read Joan Didion. She got a big mention in a 1960s American history class I took in college and how she was an important figure in redefining journalism & cultural writing. I loved what you said about the disjointed nature of The White Album and how it is indicative of the late 1960s/early 1970s America. Definitely will get to her in the new year!
She's really great! I'll be curious to hear what you think since you said you're not a huge fan of essay collections (at least I think you said that in a comment at some point? I might be misremembering) ... but yeah, even if you don't love her writing (some people find her a bit cold/distant, and she definitely is part of the "coastal cultural elite" and drops names not infrequently, lol) it's really interesting to read her work and understand the role she played in New Journalism. And I think her memoirs really reveal a more intimate side to her that is really human and heartbreaking.
Thank you for this great summary of Didion’s work and life. Really enjoyed your video.
Best Christmas wishes from Madrid!
Ugh yes Joan is so good, Blue Nights is the last one I need to read out of her nonfiction. I love Joan's sense of detachment, especially even in her interviews, have you read any of them? It's like there's a Joan Didion constructed persona by the public and then Joan Didion herself, it's rather mystical.
Yes, Joan can be so detached, especially in her essays, which I always find so interesting, but it makes the moments when she shows little cracks of vulnerability really wonderful. Blue Nights, in particular, was very raw and more open, I think, than some of her earlier books. I haven't read any interviews, but I've watched some of the taped ones, and yes, she has definitely crafted a persona (but without seeming too crafty and calculated about it, I think!).
if i wasn't already subscribed I'd subscribe just for that thumbnail! I hadn't quite picked up on that Didion's arc changed from a journalistic type chronicler to a personal memoirist, thinking of as the latter. Now I want to read some of her earlier stuff. Great video! It must've been a lot of work, but I wouldn't object to more like this ...
Hahaha, I did ask myself "Is this too much?" so I'm glad you appreciated it ;) Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a great place to start with her earlier stuff if you haven't read it already - the first half wasn't quite what I expected, but the title essay is really excellent, and the more personal essays are my favorite. And thank you for the feedback! I find these kinds of videos the most rewarding to make, so I will definitely have more in this vein in the future :)
I have just recently started taking on her works. So far I’ve read TYOMT, Blue Nights, and Slouching Towards Bethlehem. Great review! I agree with many of your thoughts and points.
Thanks so much! I hope you're enjoying her stuff :)
Really enjoyed this! I've read Slouching towards Bethlehem and The Year of Magical Thinking, but my favourite Didion so far is probably her novel, Play it as it Lays. The detached coolness in her writing works better for me in her fiction than perhaps in her non-fiction... although Year of Magical Thinking is a devastating read. That part about the shoes- SO SAD! Not sure which of her books I'll pick up next, but you've given me more context for the books I haven't read, so thanks :)
That is so interesting! I was a little worried to dive into her fiction because I think I assume people who write great nonfiction probably aren't good fiction writers (I don't know why I think that, it makes no sense), so I'm glad to hear that you really like Play It As It Lays...I definitely want to check it out. And yeah, she is kind of detached (especially in her earlier work), but I think it's interesting to see the change in her writing over time and how much more vulnerable she allows herself to be in The Year of Magical Thinking and Blue Nights.
I just started reading The White Album today, and how you describe it is definitely true. I really like her idea about narratives, but it's certainly very disjointed and feels a little pointless individually although the entirety might paint a true picture of the time. I'm not American so I feel I don't have the ability to relate to the time or experiences she chronicles, aside from the idea itself of narratives and trying to make sense of the world through story telling. I will keep going with the White Album for now, but definitely giving her memoirs a try in the future.
Yes, I definitely think the sum of Joan Didion's work is more powerful than the individual parts (at least in her earlier essay collections)...which I why I think I only appreciated The White Album because I had already read a lot of her books. And her writing is definitely specific to that era in America (and, in a lot of cases, to California or New York specifically), so I can understand why it doesn't resonate with everyone.
I am loving all of your videos Claire! This was a great overview of Didion, I've heard a lot about The Year of Magical Thinking but didn't know anything about the rest, thank you for sharing!
This totally made my day! Thanks for watching and for this lovely comment :) And I'm glad you know a little more about Joan Didion now - she's great!
Thank you so much for this. I read The Year of Magical Thinking and Blue Nights. I've wanted to read more Joan Didion, but I didn't know where to start. I also had no idea about the documentary about her. I'll check it out.
The documentary is really fantastic! And Slouching Towards Bethlehem is also a great one to read if you want to explore some of her earlier work :)
I just got that one from the library. I requested it before I was even done watching your video.
This was really interesting! I didn't know much about Joan Didion. I think I would like to read a couple of these at some point. The Year of Magical Thinking sounds so poignant.
The Year of Magical Thinking is phenomenal! I think it appeals to a lot of people and is a good place to start with her if you’re interested :)
"On Going Home" check out my instrumental jazz ballad inspired by Diddion's piece.
Blake the flake here and merely for the glasses..
(Will delete comment someday)
Blip, blip, blip, talking too fast and chopped up every few seconds. Jd slow down, stop the choppy video and try to present this important author’s work! Sorry just can’t follow your video. Too bad!