The Last Love Song: A Biography of Joan Didion

A truly excellent bookstore. I received some wonderful books.

Have some patience when starting this book. It really picks up when she marries John Dunne. This book is very detailed look at Joan Didion, her childhood, motherhood and marriage along with her professional life as an author. The author of this biography writes very clearly with good description and depth.

I think some of the reviews here are ad hominem critiques of the author, so I am a bit put off by some readers' comments. When I was reading this book, I realized that my (unconscious? preconscious?) desire was to read something like Didion--but this isn't like her writing at all. It is more or less factual, has some occasional errors, and in some places is overwritten. Nevertheless, I found the book interesting and a valid attempt to capture a writer's life, a woman who was/is on the edge most of the time, and who is fundamentally honest. When we evaluate this book, we should not be reading it in the shadow of Didion's writing.

Second time reading this and it was even better this time around. This made me want to reread my classic joan stuff and get to the stuff I haven’t read yet. 🙎🏼‍♀️

I haven't finished reading this, but so far I am disappointed. A biography (bio=life, graphia=writing) is supposed to be an account of someone's life--e.g a life story. This is more a literary review of Didion's works. All of the details about her "life" (at least in what I have read so far) are taken from quotes of her own writing. One would do better to read Didion's works in the order that they were published. While Daugherty's insights and analyses of her works are somewhat interesting, I feel a little jerked around that it is categorized as a biography.

A gem of American literature! Arrived quickly and at a good price!

Excellent way to learn about Joan Didion and the era and times she lived in and helped to shape. Her reaction to her environment as a journalistic writer and creative fiction writer is excellent. This book will take you places you've never, ever been. A must read in my opinion.

This is a reat biography of a fascinating woman. Although the beginning takes effort, it is worth it. Now I must read the rest of her novels.

I really loved this Biography. Its well researched and told in a way that keeps you engaged the whole time.

Biographie complète et très bien documentée, qui se lit presque comme un roman.

Excellent overview of her career and books. Despite the fact that Didion didn't talk to the author he gets a lot of personal info and treats it fairly. Good to be reminded of her superb writing.

molto soddisfatto. ricevuto in tempo e in perfetto stato. autrice straordinaria e non vedevo l'ora di leggerlo. una vita interessante

I enjoyed this book and found it well written and well researched. I would recommend it to anyone familiar with Joan Didion's work who's interested in knowing more about her life and times. The only downside to this biography is the refusal of its subject to participate at all in the book. The author, Tracy Daugherty, acknowledges the problem and talks about her decision to go ahead and write the book anyway. I respect that and admire Ms. Daugherty's decision to carry on. Honestly, considering Ms. Daugherty's obvious admiration for Didion's body of work, I think Joan Didion made a mistake in refusing to be interviewed and participate in the project. Still, the book is fascinating and informative so don't let that stop you from reading it. It will be time well spent.