Sometimes maddeningly detailed, often obscure, usually surprising and always skillful, Joan Didion could light up the minds of readers. Her courage, versatility and obscurity are amazing. Prepare to “light up” with some of Didion’s prominent works including parts of The White Album, Salvador and The Year of Magical Thinking. The course will cover background, themes, style and the “so what” of Didion’s work. Students are urged to share opinions. Suggested reading shown below—read all other Didion works if you have time. NOTE: This is a hybrid course and will be offered simultaneously online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent in advance of the first session to all students.
Suggested Reading: The White Album, Pocket Books; Salvador, Pocket Books; The Year of Magical Thinking, Vintage Books; Play it as it Lays, Farrar, Straus & Giroux - all by Joan Didion.