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A review by cherublungs
Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-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

I spent the first half of the book having almost no idea what was going on. I took it almost as an insult at first, thinking Didion had written this in a perhaps holier, or in this case, smarter than thou way. She did not. Through its vagueness and straight to the point ways, Didion perfectly throws you off guard as a reader. By the second half of the book you are just as disillusioned and lost as our main character, which serves to drag you into the same emotional despair she faces. You, just like Maria are left having trouble finding the words for what is wrong, and are left with a pit of dread in your stomach. Absolutely genius and devastating. P.S. if you have ever watched yourself fuck up time and time again without knowing why you continue to do so, this book will feel like a mirror. 
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