Joan Didion is an American novelist, memoir writer, and literary journalist who rose to prominence in the 1960s after winning a Vogue magazine essay contest. Her sociologically themed pieces, which examine the unraveling of American society and morals, are her most well-known works.
Known for her extensive observations of different American subcultures, and her explicit writing on issues surrounding the disintegration of American morals and cultural chaos, award-winning journalist and writer Joan Didion has left an indelible mark on literary journalism as she was revered for her unique ability to capture American life.
Her work has received extensive recognition over the years, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2015, the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation in 2007, and the National Medal of Arts from the United States government, among many others.
Which Joan Didion book should I start with?
Joan Didion has written several books. To enjoy her writing style and the kind of books she writes, it is good to start with her first book.
Slouching Towards Bethlehem is the first non-fiction book written by Joan Didion. It features a collection of essays about the writer’s experiences in California during the 1960s. Some of these experiences include meeting a 5-year-old girl whose mother always gave LSD and a neglected young boy who nearly sets his house on fire.