JOAN DIDION’S SINGULAR VOICE
The late writer knew that stories sustain us—until they don’t. By David L. Ulin
A JOAN DIDION PRIMER
Seven essential books by the author. By David L. Ulin
JOAN DIDION’S CALIFORNIA
Mapping some key spots that informed the author’s oeuvre. By Ava Liversidge and Eleanor Veitch
TRANCAS 1975
Childhood Sundays in Malibu—with a literary power couple as hosts—set a young writer on his path. By Karl Taro Greenfeld
Personal History: Doug Aitken
Joan Didion’s work spanned one artist’s personal and professional history. By Doug Aitken
Seven Minutes for Joan
Didion’s nephew, Griffin Dunne, remembers the gift of directing the acclaimed documentary Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold. By Griffin Dunne
Personal History: Ane Crabtree
The Hollywood costume designer finds inspiration in Joan Didion’s packing list. By Ane Crabtree
The Pervasive Loneliness of Play It As It Lays
The 1972 film, much like the novel on which it is based, connects themes of longing and despair with our need to endure. By Lisa Kennedy
Personal History: Bret Easton Ellis
The American Psycho author remembers discovering Joan Didion. By Bret Easton Ellis
Planting a Tree is Not a Way of Life
Joan Didion’s profound and prescient commencement address to the UC Riverside class of 1975, which was found in the school archives in January. By Joan Didion
Personal History: Janelle Brown
Joan Didion’s work inspires the next generation of California writers. By Janella Brown
Joan Didion Explored the Undercurrents of Life with Clear-Eyed Honesty
Artist Anita Kunz honors the late author with words and a portrait. By Anita Kunz
Personal History: Lars Jan
A theater director explores the empathy in Joan Didion’s The White Album. By Lars Jan
