Questions About The Year of Magical Thinking

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Year of Magical Thinking, please sign up.

Answered Questions (3)

I want to bring more JOY and Courage into my life--which has a lot of focus on chronic illness, the medical system and my own medical trauma. Is there anything uplifting and encouraging about this book?

Kathryn Hurn Linda, I just finished reading this book this morning. Didion writes her stream of consciousness about her loss when her husband dies and the equally …moreLinda, I just finished reading this book this morning. Didion writes her stream of consciousness about her loss when her husband dies and the equally lostness and helplessness of her daughter's sudden illness both of which she is powerless to control or alter. If you want to read her thoughts to help you feel not alone in what you are experiencing; that what you're feeling and thinking is what a lot of other people feel and think at such times, then I think it would be a good read. Didion and her husband, John, were together for a lot of years, so much of her thoughts are in fact a kind of remarkable about the kind of marriage they shared and the kind of close family and friends they cultivated. She remarks on subjects she and her husband touched on such as 'living more' like seeing Paris again and perhaps more spontaneity in every day life. Although you don't actually see Joan doing it, her book aims to give you permission to surrender fully to the sadness that's loss and grief, I found that refreshing to hear in a culture who wants to put death and loss to the side and wants you to 'get over it' so you can get back to the job and the focus on pleasure and having fun.

If you're looking for joy and courage, I'd recommend Marcus Aurelius' Meditations and letters from Seneca. Both deal with most of the eventualities of the human condition. Also Hildegard de Bingen's writing's, songs, etc deal with illness and suffering and the overcoming of such.
Happy reading!(less)

flag

Is this book appropriate for 13+?

Megg This is definitely a book about a mature woman losing her husband of many years and her daughter. I just really don't know why a teenager would be int…moreThis is definitely a book about a mature woman losing her husband of many years and her daughter. I just really don't know why a teenager would be interested. It's not inappropriate really, just not interesting to that audience.(less)

flag

What exactly is a 'party girl operation'?