A great book for anyone who loves California or a Californian. Didion somehow weaves together flourishes from Lincoln Steffens, Jack London, and her own eighth grade graduation speech to paint a portrait of a state that constantly contradicts itself. I'm not quite sure if this book is a memoir, essay, or an extended poem. But I do know that I like it.
This is a sophisticated book, for deep thinkers. More a book, I think, like a writer's book for writers. Writers will like it a lot. Didion writes about the way American consciousness arises from our geneology, history, past and present experience. Anyone who may want to understand the way many American's think will want to read this. It's entertaining, but mostly insightful and educational. if you're a thinker, try this. If you want a thriller, go elsewhere.
