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anniefwrites's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this. Didion was such a keen observer; she was a master of place and choosing the most particular and effective words to describe it. This essay collection painted a vivid picture of 1960s America, especially California and the West Coast. Even at over 50 years old, this book has so many observations about Didion and the culture that surrounded her that are relatable and thought-provoking. Very glad I read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Car accident
Moderate: Racism and Drug use
Minor: Alcohol
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Rating: 4/5 stars (rounded up from the average of my individual ratings, which was 3.85—see “Didion” highlight on my page for mini reviews and individual ratings of each piece)
Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a collection of essays—predominantly, though not entirely, set in California—ranging from case studies of specific people to reflections on society, youth, and politics to examinations of wealth, power, memory, and coming-of-age.
This was my first Joan Didion book, and I intentionally went through it very slowly, spreading my read out for most of March so I could fully digest each of these pieces and give them the reflection they were owed. Unsurprisingly, the highlight of all of the essays is Didion herself, whose writing is incisive, insightful, and whip-smart on almost every page, and who offers brilliant quotes and turns of phrase even in the middle of seemingly mundane passages. There were definitely a few essays that fell a bit flat, particularly towards the end—not because they were badly written but because they simply didn’t click for me—but on the whole I found something to love in the majority of the pieces, and enjoyed the way the collection worked as a cohesive whole, with consistent themes and ideas, even while broken into smaller parts.
Most notable essays: SOME DREAMERS OF THE GOLDEN DREAM; 7000 ROMAINE, LOS ANGELES 38; and GOODBYE TO ALL THAT, with the last of these being my absolute favorite.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: insightful-but-witty commentary; poignant reflections; thought-provoking essays.
CW: Death; drug use/abuse.
Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a collection of essays—predominantly, though not entirely, set in California—ranging from case studies of specific people to reflections on society, youth, and politics to examinations of wealth, power, memory, and coming-of-age.
This was my first Joan Didion book, and I intentionally went through it very slowly, spreading my read out for most of March so I could fully digest each of these pieces and give them the reflection they were owed. Unsurprisingly, the highlight of all of the essays is Didion herself, whose writing is incisive, insightful, and whip-smart on almost every page, and who offers brilliant quotes and turns of phrase even in the middle of seemingly mundane passages. There were definitely a few essays that fell a bit flat, particularly towards the end—not because they were badly written but because they simply didn’t click for me—but on the whole I found something to love in the majority of the pieces, and enjoyed the way the collection worked as a cohesive whole, with consistent themes and ideas, even while broken into smaller parts.
Most notable essays: SOME DREAMERS OF THE GOLDEN DREAM; 7000 ROMAINE, LOS ANGELES 38; and GOODBYE TO ALL THAT, with the last of these being my absolute favorite.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: insightful-but-witty commentary; poignant reflections; thought-provoking essays.
CW: Death; drug use/abuse.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Death, Violence, Drug abuse, and Drug use
ju1iet's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, and Drug abuse
Minor: Car accident and Murder
homewithyou's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
"I could tell you that I came back because I had promises to keep, but maybe it was because nobody asked me to stay."
I absolutely adore Joan Didion's writing style. I bought this while waiting for my order of Play It as it Lays to ship, which is part of my reading list for one of my classes in the fall, and I'm so glad that I did. I'm also planning on reading White Album soon, which I'm really excited about.
I absolutely adore Joan Didion's writing style. I bought this while waiting for my order of Play It as it Lays to ship, which is part of my reading list for one of my classes in the fall, and I'm so glad that I did. I'm also planning on reading White Album soon, which I'm really excited about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Minor: Death, Murder, and Car accident
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