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Fascinating time capsule of the 60s. I enjoyed the lens on Sacramento. (view spoiler)[

Summary

ÌýSome Dreamers of the olden DreamÌý- interesting start. Housewife post murder of her husband. Didion ponders the nature of the role of women at that time. The essay never established innocence or guilt, it pondered what must of have gone on in her head, while examining the predetermined role of a wealthy wife/socialite in the 60s.

ÌýJohn Wayne: A Love SongÌý- Didion laments the manliness and masculinity of John Wayne as he struggles w/ a cancer diagnosis. It's almost as if she expected he would be passing away soon...he lived for another decade after this essay was written. Knowing what I know about John Wayne, this one had me wondering about Didion. Really fawning essay. The times I guess.

ÌýWhere the Kissing Never StopsÌý- This was an essay about Joan Baez. It's kind of my favorite so far because it indirectly points out the pretentiousness of Baez as she endeavors to give back the people via a school that has no curriculum or charter. There is an obviousness to the pretense. Acts like she's just like everybody else, ignoring the numerous resources, wealth and power that she has. Great to put your energy into a school, however what is taught in order to receive praise. Curious how Didion fawns all over Wayne for literal doing nothing but acting, but undermines Baez in her own way (no matter how self serving) who seems to be trying to contribute to society.

ÌýÌýComrade Laski, C.P.U.S.A. (M.-L.)Ìý- a brief exploration of the communist party via a young man that appears to suffer from depression (and paranoid delusions). Another time capsule where Didion finds a person whose dedication to his idea of communisms bears little resemblance to textbook definitions of communism. Another case of trying to undermine an idea by taking an extreme example and applying the quirks of the individual across the board. Lopsided. Corporate masters dictated the contents of this I suspect.

Ìý7000 Romaine, Los Angeles 38Ìý- A short article about name dropping in a lower middle class address that is peripheral to the film industry. Lots of people try to wear the prestige of the film industry while living in substandard accommodations surrounding the film studios.

ÌýCalifornia DreamingÌý- Didion explores a political organization that caters to famous people. It's a setup that allows celebrities to buy access to politicians. The trade off is that the political organization gets to publicly associate w/ the celebs (who apparently have the intellectual heft towards governance /sarcasm). Hmm so strange. That could never happen now...

"Marrying AbsurdÌý- Didion looks at the marketing of marriage in Vegas. Fascinating because these essays were written in the 60s. A time capsule. BTW, it hasn't changed.

Slouching Toward BethlehemÌý- A realisic look at the drug culture in San Francisco masquerading as hippy counter culture. A bunch of drugged kids. Pretty depressing.

On Keeping A NotebookÌý- short essay about how Didion has always kept a notebook and how that allows her to stay in touch with the person she used to be. Self reflective.

ÌýÌýOn Self RespectÌý-Ìý"Nonetheless, character—the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life—is the source from which self-respect springs."

ÌýI Can't Get that Monster Out of My MindÌý- Didion ponders Hollywood after the loss of the studio system. Meh.

On MoralityÌý- Didion ponders morality. A very short, surface level essay. Not especially memorable."

ÌýOn Going HomeÌý- Didion as an adult w/ a daughter goes home for a visit without her immediate family. Familiar.

ÌýNotes from a Native DaughterÌý- Love letter to the City of Sacramento in the 60s. As someone who lives in the area now, I recognize much of what she is talking about and also recognize how much has changed. For me this one is a standout...for obvious reasons (I live here). Loved it!!

Letter from Paradise 21 degree by 19'N. 157 degrees by 52' WÌý- Didion looks at Hawaii w/ the same eye she looks at Sacramento. Very interesting essay that showcased the "paradise" vs reality of military and oligarchical capitalist competence. Another good one. Timeless.

ÌýRock of AgesÌý- a look at Alcatraz after it was closed as a prison but before it was a State park. Interesting.

ÌýThe Seacoast of DespairÌý- tribute to the vaccuousness of the vanity of vast wealth. Didion muses on the very ugly houses on ridiculously expensive real estate that populate Newport Beach over the breakers. The breakers where many poor people have lost children to the sea. But mostly it's about the tackiness associated with such vast wealth not just in architecture but also in deeds.

ÌýGuaymus, SonoraÌý- Bored and tired Didion and her husband take a short jaunt to a sleepy town in Mexico where after a week long stay they decided to do something, they found there wasn't much to do so they went home.

ÌýLos Angeles NotebookÌý- a look at the pretensious atmosphere of LA. Putrescence is the word of the essay...

Goodbye to All ThatÌý- Didion looks back nostalgically about NYC. How she fell in love with it and how it's gotten tiresome after 8 year. Keep in mind that this is nostalgia from a 30ish yr old woman. I think she returned to NYC later in her life. (hide spoiler)]

While I can appreciate the excellent and interesting writing of Didion, perhaps this is one to read in small doses instead of straight through. Some of the rhythms and pacing of the essays began to feel similar even when the subjects were not. In the end, this was good but not as good as I had anticipated. I still recommend it, just read a few essays at a time.

3.5 Stars rounded up

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