Review by relf - Play It as It Lays

relf 's review for:

Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion

3.0

challenging dark sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I'm at a loss to rate this book. It's brilliantly written, but it's just too dark and full of self-destruction for me at this stage in my life. I might have appreciated it fully when I was in my 20s and loving the writings of William S. Burroughs and Hunter S. Thompson, but I just don't want all that sad dissipation in my reading anymore. I'm not looking for heartwarming affirmations, but this book is a perfect storm of things that manage to depress me: a gorgeous and smart young woman--an actress and model--spiraling downward into a mental health crisis; "friends" who are mostly powerful but shallow men who exploit her professionally and sexually; late-1960s southern California--especially Hollywood--and Las Vegas culture; drugs, alcohol, pool parties . . . This was particularly not what I needed during the 2024 U.S. election, but at least it was a quick read. So: all the stars in the world for Joan Didion's writing + negative stars for its effect on me = 3 stars, I guess.

Content Warnings