Reviews

Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion

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m_elisabth's review against another edition

1.0

i didn’t understand what the plot other than maria is depression. i found didions writing style very odd which was disappointing because i thought i would love this book and the blurb sounded great

mangokiin's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

kimberlyf's review against another edition

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5.0

I went in to this book relatively blind so everything was a surprise and all I have to say right now is… my god. It was like a drug that I couldn’t stop taking. I couldn’t put it down. I love it so much. It is beautiful, poignant, perplexing, and complex.

In a very literal sense, there is a lot of blank space within the book. Many open spaces, white pages, and short chapters. In doing this, Didion leaves room in her writing for readers to look between the lines. Although minimalistic in its approach of style and format, there is nothing basic or simple about the story itself.

For the time being, I am at a true loss for words and will have to return to this review (and this book) again at a later time.

paigeyprincess's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

"Tell me what you want."

"Nothing."

"I want to help you. Tell me what you feel."

She looked at the hand he held out to her. "Nothing," she said.

Books about hot women spiraling are right up my alley, so I knew I'd enjoy this. In terms of literary quality, it's one of the best books I've ever read. It has a unique flow to it; I like how you have to read between the lines instead of being spoonfed the plot. It's depressing right from the jump and gets increasingly more depressing as you go along, so you really feel like you're in Maria's energy with her. Joan Didion is so effortlessly smart and cool, I love the way she writes. A lot of very smart authors inevitably come across as pretentious, but not her. Looking forward to reading her other stuff.