The White Album is the title of Joan Didion’s book of essays, published in 1979.
The first essay is titled the same as the book, or rather, Didion arranged the first essay to be the one who would take the book’s title. It covers the years 1968 to 1978, when Didion was working as a reporter.
Joan Didion wrote that she thought her life would be following a script. I too, thought along the same line.
Didion usually rented large houses with many rooms. She often hosted guests in her spare bedrooms. Sometimes, she cooked for them. She wrote that she cooked bouillabaisse for people who did not eat meat. (Didion, p. 41) Bouillabaisse is a stew or soup cooked with different types of fish. Fish is an alternate source of protein for non-meater eaters.
Small, whole fish maybe put into the pot, or sections of a large fish, or fish flesh that has been deboned. Other sea food can also be added. Spices are usually used to mask the smell and taste of strong fish odor.
If you make a purchase using this weblink, I may earn a small commission.
What is the one weird habit of J Didion that she never changed in her life?
Didion never wears a watch. Depending on where she was staying, she would use the telephone to call her husband, or her hotel reception, to ask for the time.
This was strange as she worked as a reporter and needed to be punctual for meetings, appointments, events and such.
What are the noteworthy historical events which Didion experienced as a reporter or in her personal capacity?
In this essay titled The White Album, these are the historical events:
She was in Hawaii when she saw Robert Kennedy’s funeral take place.
She covered the Manson (murders) Trial.
She read the court transcript of the murder trial for Ramon Novarro.
The Black Panthers.
For the events which Didion had personal knowledge of, she expressed her opinions, which differed from the majority.
If you buy from this weblink, I may earn a small commission.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply