If you could write non-fiction like anyone alive today, who would it be? Until somewhat recently, I would have said John McPhee, but he’s slipped a lot in recent years, so I’m going with Joan Didion. But that’s an off-the-cuff answer. I reserve the right to change my mind.
Ari Kelman
Chancellor’s Leadership Professor of History at the University of California, Davis
Here’s the Junod essay. That’s a relief.
So this was just a tease. Also found it here..
Yeah, the blue background is (somewhat) better, but having to click through is annoying with that one. I’m bummed that Junod’s blog seems to be dead.
Didion now, writing about grief, or Didion writing about politics and culture over the last 40 years? I am never sure if I like or hate her writing about California.
I actually haven’t read recent Didion, for fear that I won’t like her new stuff.
And perhaps because memoirs of having your spouse and only child die within a year or so of each don’t seem like enticing reading? (I did actually like both those books.)
That too. The subject matter didn’t appeal to the neurotic in me.
John Jeremiah Sullivan is good. Very good.