Joan Didion's memoir, "The Year of Magical Thinking," lays bare the heart-wrenching journey of the author following the sudden death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne. This poignant and introspective work explores grief, loss, and the complexities of mourning. Didion's writing style is both tender and precise, as she weaves together personal anecdotes, reflections, and memories to create a vivid portrait of her grief-stricken state of mind. Throughout the book, Didion grapples with the concept of "magical thinking" – the irrational belief that one can prevent or control tragic events through thoughts or actions. This theme permeates the narrative as she navigates the aftermath of her husband's passing, desperately seeking ways to bring him back or undo the reality of his death. Didion chronicles her struggle with this irrational thinking, allowing readers to intimately share her mental and emotional journey.
After learning a horrifying secret about her ex-best friend and pageant rival, Sasha Welton, Loretta Dalma starts to seek answers about the celebrities of Salt Lake Village.
Franz s first thoughts gravitate toward human sacrifice, but what s been depicted on-panel for modern black magic does not go anywhere near that far. End result Serlia summons a Lovecraftian horror that which can not be named , after which the manga pulls away to the outside of the duel arena, tentacles swarming out over the rim, and by the time the camera comes back to the scene, all the obnoxious students are on the ground, in various states of undress, and there s slimy liquid everywhere.
Didion chronicles her struggle with this irrational thinking, allowing readers to intimately share her mental and emotional journey. Additionally, Didion delves into the complexities of grief and mourning, exposing the contradictory nature of these experiences. She finds herself oscillating between moments of despair, where she is overwhelmed by the reality of her loss, and moments of hope, where her magical thinking takes over in an attempt to avoid the pain.
Manga / The Perks of Working in the Black Magic Industry
"You see, black magic revolves around the concept of sacrifice. Black magic is the type of magic that's accompanied by pain. A black mage that's indifferent to this pain will surely meet their ruin. At the same time, companies that ignore the suffering of their employees will surely be crushed. Without a doubt they will perish."
— President CercerFranz is a young mage graduating magic school. He is a prodigy, combining natural talent with a drive to excel, good study habits, and diligent practice. Unfortunately, he immediately seizes up around people, so he flunks every job interview and is passed over dozens of times in favor of less talented applicants. Not a single white magic company will take him.
He has no choice but to turn to black magic, the dangerous and disgusting other side of the magic world. However, the first company he applies to turns out to be surprisingly respectful—black magic has such a terrible reputation that they can't afford to be exclusionary and exploitative like the white magic companies. Not only do they quickly see past his poor interview skills to the genius within, but he starts with a generous salary, training, and benefits. He is treated as a human being with a valued skillset, rather than another cog in the machine.
Also, he summons a succubus to be his familiar/girlfriend, so that's nice.
The Perks of Working in the Black Magic Industry is a calm, relaxed story about corporate culture and workers' rights, which just so happens to take place in a fantasy world where magic is a standardized industry. The manga is written by Kisetsu Morita and illustrated by Kouki Izumi, and it began serialization in Manga Up! in 2017. Its full title in Japanese is Wakamono no Kuro Mahoubanare ga Shinkoku desu ga, Shuushoku shite Mitara Taiguu Iishi, Shachou mo Tsukaima mo Kawaikute Saikou desu!, which translates to "Though Young People Recoil from Entering the Black Magic Industry, I Found Its Treatment of Employees Quite Good When I Entered It, and the President and Familiar are Cute too so Everything is Awesome!"
This emotional rollercoaster is beautifully captured in her writing, offering readers a window into the challenging and unpredictable terrain of grief. One of the most powerful aspects of "The Year of Magical Thinking" is Didion's unflinching examination of the impact of loss on her own identity and relationships. She reflects on the shifting dynamics with family and friends, the isolating nature of grief, and the solace she finds in everyday rituals and objects. By sharing these intensely personal details, Didion invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with loss and how it shapes their lives. In summary, "The Year of Magical Thinking" encapsulates the universal experience of grief and loss. Through her raw and honest prose, Joan Didion creates an unforgettable memoir that resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level. The book serves as a testament to the power of language and storytelling, providing solace and understanding for those grappling with their own journeys of mourning..
Reviews for "Examining the Relationship Between Magical Thinking and Luck"
1. Emily - 1/5 stars: I found "The Year of Magical Thinking" to be an incredibly tedious and self-indulgent read. Joan Didion's constant rumination on her own grief and attempts to make connections between her personal experiences and larger universal truths felt forced and pretentious. I couldn't relate to her detached and clinical approach to her emotions, which made it difficult for me to empathize with her loss. Overall, I was disappointed and frustrated by this book, as I was hoping for a more heartfelt and genuine exploration of grief.
2. Mike - 2/5 stars: While I understand the acclaim "The Year of Magical Thinking" has received, I personally didn't connect with Joan Didion's writing style. The book felt disjointed and lacked a strong narrative thread, with Didion jumping from one memory or thought to another without clear transitions. Her introspective and analytical approach to grief made it difficult for me to truly feel her emotions or become invested in her journey. I appreciate the honesty of her expression, but it just wasn't for me.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars: I struggled to get through "The Year of Magical Thinking." Joan Didion's excessive use of repetition, metaphors, and abstract thinking left me feeling disconnected from the story. While I understand that grief can be disorienting, her writing style mirrored that disorientation a bit too much for my taste. The lack of a clear narrative structure made it difficult for me to fully engage with the book, and I often found myself losing interest in her musings. I can see how some readers appreciate her introspective approach, but it simply didn't resonate with me.