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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I haven't read Didion's work before, although I will say this brief snippet was intriguing and a nice introduction. I appreciated her perspective on the south and west of the US, as I haven't traveled much in either area of the country. Despite the age of the stories (occurring in the 1970s as opposed to current day musings), the notes still offered a look into how different parts of this vast country are. She listed things that make the South and West unique, despite stereotypical descriptions at times. I must say that I especially liked the notes from California. Didion does well to acknowledge aspects of being White in America. She brings up her privilege, which I did not see coming but am glad she included in the narrative. Such thoughts are more commonplace now, thank goodness, but I'm glad to read that Didion was having these thoughts in the 70's as well.
quick read, i love the way she uses words.. all this does is make me want to pick up a pen
fast-paced
This was a pretty fast read for me.
I really enjoyed it, especially the more personal part towards the end where she talked about her childhood and growing up privileged. It made me want to read her books even more.
It was interesting to get an insight view of society in the Southern states back then and also of Didion’s writing process as you literally read through the notes she made during her trip.
I really enjoyed it, especially the more personal part towards the end where she talked about her childhood and growing up privileged. It made me want to read her books even more.
It was interesting to get an insight view of society in the Southern states back then and also of Didion’s writing process as you literally read through the notes she made during her trip.
reflective
fast-paced
"It occurred to me almost constantly in the South that had I lived there I would have been an eccentric and full of anger, and I wondered what form the anger would have taken. Would I have taken up causes, or would I simply knifed somebody?"
This was a very short read, so it will receive a very short review. South and West, a 126 page book by Joan Didion, is a compilation of travel notes from a monthlong trip to the southern states, followed by some notes on California from an incomplete writing assignment. It’s unlike the other Didion books I’ve read because it is so informal, so unfinished. I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at her mind. The reader is able to see the phrases that will become genius sentences, and the adjectives that will create beautiful observations. She notices signs, the ambience of rooms she enters, and pieces of dialogue that somehow perfectly capture the space she is in. It’s very inspiring. I want to see the world how she does, and take notice of what she takes notice of. Next, I want to read one of Didion’s novels. I’ve read her essays and her notes, but I really want to experience one of her full-fledged narratives. I’ll try to get my hands on one soon.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
funny
reflective
fast-paced
informative
slow-paced