South and West

Quick read. Vivid collection of Ms Didion's observations on her travels. Interesting in its insights. Will be up to the reader to decide for themselves the validity of her comments. Otherwise, a provocative study of the cultural American diversity.

It was a pleasant read, the way it was structured regarding California pretty much wasn’t there they could have left it off.

She did it again. Ms Didion's writing never gets old. This book took me on a journey, albeit one that wasn't always easy. Still, I felt as though I was there with her all the way, simply by reading her beautifully crafted words. What I would give to have thoughts flow from my pen as effortlessly as they seem to from hers. She can capture a moment in time like no other writer out there.

I had high expectations for this book, but was very disappointed. I have traveled extensively through Mississippi, Memphis, and the South. Her descriptions were empty and somewhat cliché to me. There is a lot more texture and depth to describe about the South, and she barely hit the tip of the iceberg. I certainly felt how vacant the journey was for her, and get that California is her place.

Didion’s sharp eyed / sharp eared observations are once again featured in this tome — that’s more notebook then finished piece. It takes Didion fans “behind the scenes” as it were, to where the sausage is made. Color, texture, commentary — her sharp wit is captured in the curation of the conversations she overhears in the South and West. Highly recommend. Great seller - book in wonderful condition.

My guess is that some of the negative reviews posted here are from readers who always expect "something to happen". The ironic part is, as with most of Didion's canon, a great deal in fact happens. Just not in the typical, overdramatic fashion of writers like Mailer or Tom Wolfe. These brief snippets of the South are haunting; I could almost feel the humidity and ennui of the citizens rising from the pages. And the California section answers a question I've asked most of my adult life. As a native New Yorker, I could never understand why the West, especially California, always had a sense of loss to it, as if a collective sense of guilt and not-belonging pervaded it. Joan gets this disconnect and gives it life in her spare, well-chosen sentences. Though not as comprehensive or definitive as SLOUCHING TOWARDS BETHLEHEM or THE WHITE ALBUM, it is a wonderful addition to the legacy of Didion. Reading her always seems like talking to an old friend you adore, but will never fully understand.

Joan Didion is my favorite author. Every one of her books is in my library. It's the way she puts words together, carefully and thoughtfully without pretense. She hits the nail on the head. Her last two books spoke of her husband's death and the death of her daughter. So I'm delighted to see her come out with a book that speaks from long ago (1970s) about life in the deep South and in California. She has moved on despite this story's having taken place long ago. The photo on the back cover also speaks to moving on--a young Joan is holding a young Quintana on her lap, playing with the child's hair. If she does not write again, we are left with a feeling she has completed the circle and is at peace. Best wishes from an appreciative reader in Juneau, Alaska.

Joan Didion has a voice unlike any other writer, reading her works is akin to listening classical music; multiple instruments delivering a moving single piece. I don't understand how classical music is created - similarly - I don't know how Joan Didion paints with words, yet, it happens. The most subtle events, conversations, visuals become vivid through her writings. This book will not disappoint Joan Didion admirers.

Bought as a gift - seems to enjoy the book!

Great writing but too off key for most people I would say. Didn’t really touch my soul. Would I recommend this? No.

Didion in topform. An enjoyable read.

Joan Didion cannot write anything mediocre, it is clear and this book is no exception. I am from the South and I learned much from her 50 year old observations. Bravo! Janet Griffin

Not quite vintage Didion, but satisfying enough.