I hinted at this idea a while ago, and you’ve been sending me little notes about it ever since. You all don’t miss a thing! So here it is—finally!
From October 1 through October 31, I will be focusing my reading attention on one of my most favorite writers of all time - the one and only - Joan Didion. I have read several of her books already, I have read about her. By dedicating a full month (or maybe longer) to focus solely on her work, I hope to not only read more but also deepen my understanding of why she means so much to me. I want to uncover layers I've missed, connections I've overlooked.
AND… I would love for you to join me. You can spend the month reading, or you can choose a single title or a topic related to her life and work to explore in depth. Just commit to going deep, dissecting it, living with it for real. If you already have a Substack, please write about your experience and let me know when you do so that I can help share and amplify your writing. And, if you do not have a Substack, but you are a reader, please join too! After all, aren’t all readers, in some way, writers of their own understanding?
To make it easy for you to join in, I've created a simple Sign-Up Sheet where you can choose one of the following options:
Option 1: Focus on a Single Work—Choose one of Joan Didion’s books or essays and immerse yourself in it. Afterward, share your reflections in a post or essay.
Option 2: Explore a Theme or Collection—Delve into a recurring theme in Didion’s work or explore a collection of her writings. This approach allows for broader analysis and deeper connections
How It Works:
Sign Up: Add your name and Substack link (if you have one) to the sign-up sheet.
Engage: Choose your preferred option—whether focusing on a single work or exploring a theme.
Share & Connect: Each week, I’ll gather and share all the essays and reflections from participants. If you have any questions or need inspiration, there’s a section on the sign-up sheet where you can ask and interact with others.
There’s no required reading list because I want you to explore what resonates with you. The goal is to create a vibrant discussion that deepens our collective understanding of Didion’s work and its personal impact on so many of us. My dream is that at the end of this project, we'll all have learned so much that we will feel inspired to continue exploring further on our own.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—and don’t forget to help spread the word!
I am in the exact same boat! I just got one of her books Sunday from my friend Julie!!! I’m in!
Love these photos you used. I couldn’t find any that were in the public domain when I wrote my recent piece about her book Democracy. I need to know your secrets. And I’ll read all the essays people write!