[just-the-wrk]

After her quote about Christmas in Sacramento, I wanted to enjoy Joan so much. I discovered a scold instead. Her viewpoint is contempt, and its tiring (slouching). Sometimes its boring (a year of magical thinking). I found a guilty pleasure in her writing about Nancy Reagan, because I also despise Nancy Reagan.

The last time I tried to enjoy her was an essay criticizing the first carpool lanes in California.

I hope her work is lost to voices who see possibilities

[mturmon]

On the other hand, right when you think you have her pegged as contemptuous, or boring, this beautiful essay on accidental wonders and catastrophes:

https://loa-shared.s3.amazonaws.com/static/pdf/Didion_Malibu...

[46493168]

Fascinated that you found Magical Thinking a bore, it has come back to me in my grief and proved immensely valuable.

[larrywright]

I also loved magical thinking. Even though I haven’t experienced anything close to losing a spouse, it was a wonderful read.