Friday, December 9, 2011

Joan Didion Notes / 24:

Life, 2011

When I saw Joan Didion in conversation with Vendela Vida I was listening so intently I only made a few notes.

November 15, 2011

Joan Didion

24 - Her mother told her it was her favorite year.

24 - She reads a passage she has written about being a little girl and describing what her life will be like when she is 24. She is wearing a sable coat and dark sunglasses. She will be on the front steps of a South American public building. She will be getting a divorce.

24 - After her husband died she no longer felt 24 because he was the last person who'd known her when she was 24.

24 comments:

  1. I just read Blue Nights. The only Joan Didion book I've ever read.

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  2. Tracy, Did you like it? I'm reading The Year of Magical Thinking, but it's going so slow because each time I pick it up I get too emotional and need to put it down. It's wonderful writing, but sad.

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  3. I was JUST at the bookstore the other day, in the biographical section and saw the 'The Year of Magical Thinking'... was tempted to get it, but did not. i am going to go back now and get it.

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  4. amelia, I think you'll like it, but you might want to wear dark glasses while reading. This way you will be able to shed a few tears in private.

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  5. Sometimes it's hard for me to gear up to read something I know will be inevitably sad. But I must say, Joan's words are worth the journey. I love your notes.

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  6. Brave Joan Didion, or not so brave but forced to be. True material such as the Year and Nights is hard to read, and makes me wonder whether I am voyeuristic, or whether it is a matter of understanding the human condition.

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  7. I haven't read any Joan Didion, and I'm hearing so much talk about her lately. Do you have any recommendations for a good "starter Didion"?

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  8. I re-read it recently in the heat of grief and found the spare intensity and almost bitter honesty as true as I did first time.

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  9. The Year of Magical Thinking was so emotional, I'm not sure I would get through Blue Nights. But I have been thinking about it. Something always draws me back to Joan Didion.

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  10. Denise, Blue Nights was lonely, depressing, sad...cryptic at times. I ended up feeling very sorry and sad for Joan. Trapped inside thoughts. So much loss. Heartbreaking.

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  11. I don't know this author/ writing. I will do some exploring.

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  12. I don't know Joan Didion but she sounds intersting. Ah, how I love the book propped open and the plate in your photo.

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  13. Interesting to think of our mortality, of memories linked to people and when they're gone, so go the memories. It makes me sad.

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  14. I've heard lots of NPR interviews with JD though have never read her books. I'm intrigued and feel I'd connect with her yet I find myself putting it off because of the emotional content. I can be too empathetic... overly melancholy... so I'm just waiting for the right time... someday.

    Magical 24 connections in her life.

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  15. After many hours I realize I made up a new word...(Empathic) x

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  16. Listening so intently...the most perfect compliment.

    The Year of Magical Thinking...onto the reading list with dark glasses just in case.

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  17. That last sentence is so beautiful and sad at the same time.

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  18. I have read all of Joan Didion's books and have loved her for so long for being a writer who gets under your skin and into your soul. I so enjoyed this short and poignant story.

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  19. wonderful notes. and what a gorgeous photograph.

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  20. So interesting! I read The Year of Magical Thinking - powerful, but so hard to read. Don't know if I can pick up her newest book.

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  21. Joan Didion is new for me too... the last phrase is beautiful.

    It reminds me of my grand uncle D. He used to tell so many stories about his uncles and aunts... only light prints of his stories and memories stays within me, and when I'm no longer here, hes aunts and his uncles will never be either...

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  22. I love Joan Didion. The Year of Magical Thinking is so heartbreakingly beautiful.

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  23. Samantha, I've only read Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking, so I don't think I'll be a big help in recommending a "starter Didion", but I'd love to know what you choose and what you think of it once it is read.

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