"The Year of Magical Thinking" is a renowned memoir written by Joan Didion. It offers an intimate account of the author's journey through grief and bereavement following the sudden death of her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne. The memoir was published in 2005 and received widespread acclaim for its honest and introspective portrayal of the grieving process. It delves deep into Didion's personal experiences, emotions, and thoughts during the year following her husband's passing. The audio version of "The Year of Magical Thinking" adds another layer of depth to this already powerful narrative. It allows listeners to hear Didion's words in her own voice, bringing her raw and heartfelt emotions to life.
It allows listeners to hear Didion's words in her own voice, bringing her raw and heartfelt emotions to life. Her narration conveys the pain, confusion, and disbelief she experienced with a haunting authenticity. The audio format also enhances the impact of Didion's exceptional writing style.
The year of mgical thinking audio
Wow. nothing lighthearted or uplifting here. But Joan Didion emerses you in her very private journey through a grief-filled year. I was in a bit of a meloncholic state after finishing the book, but in strange way, felt better off having read it.
Book RatingNicole S.
As a writer-turned-editor, this book has inspired me to write again. Didion's use of repetition is masterful. And the reader (I have to remember to look up who that was) was a perfect match. I've debated whether to recommend people read the book or listen to the audiotape. I was clearly moved by the audio experience. but I just went out and bought the book so I can experience it in that way, and go back and refer to especially poignant passages. To the person on this site who said it was too impersonal. she clearly was doing the laundry or something while listening and wasn't paying attention. You don't have to read someone's resume to know who they are. In Didion's writing, she reveals personalities through stories, through memories. images of John reading the paper, his lists, their travels, gardenia trapped in the pool filter. This book is amazing.
Book RatingWarren Boroson
A masterpiece. A novelist details the events during the awful year that her husband and her daughter died. So harrowing, I had to turn off the CD occasionally. But the book did what good books should do: Make you feel that you yourself lived through the experience and learned from it. This is a book that will be read by people far into the future.
Book RatingDF
This is a good chronicle of grief, mixed in this case with the trauma of watching a daughter come very close to death. The loss of her husband and near loss of her daughter at the same time gave Didion a lot of material about which to write. In her usual form, however, it is all about the author, who takes herself very, very seriously.
Book Ratingmoviegal
While I found this book to be sad, it resonated with me since I recently lost a young niece. I often wonder how her mother is handling the loss because she hides her feelings. This memoir seemed open and honest; I enjoyed it.
Book RatingKristin
This was an incredibly difficult book to listen to, but well worth sticking it out through the most difficult parts. The things that make life meaningful - love, partnership, family, children - are also the things that when lost, make life not worth living. I really respect Ms. Didion for writing this book, and I greatly admire her ability to really engage the reader in her very private experience without making it self-indulgent.
Book RatingLaura
This is a very well written story. It was very insightful to hear what Joan Didion went through when her life was taken over by events beyond her control. I have never read anyone else who allowed us such intimate passage into their experiences involving the death of a loved one.
Book RatingMel Davis
I really regret listening to this audiobook. I should have READ this book. It is too intimate and personal to experience it in this passive way. Reading it, I would have been more actively engaged in the story and it is how Didion intended for us to experience it.Listening to the story somehow seems. disrespectful. I have heard Didion speak before and this narrator, although I'm sure tried to do a good job, was more annoying than effective, inserting emotion wherever she wanted. Offering up "matter of facts" and coy humor, in her intonations when I felt it was not needed or called for. And the music! Very bad taste.
Book RatingAnonymous
I really loved the narrator, but the story was really boring and kind of depressing. I was glad when it ended. I always listen all the way through just in case I might miss a great story, but this one wasn't worth the time.
Book RatingDeborah Martinson
This is an excellent book; it is more musing than straight-forward, more philosophy than memoir. Yet the memories of a life shared through Didion's writing educate, teach, and touch the reader.
I really regret listening to this audiobook. I should have READ this book. It is too intimate and personal to experience it in this passive way. Reading it, I would have been more actively engaged in the story and it is how Didion intended for us to experience it.Listening to the story somehow seems. disrespectful. I have heard Didion speak before and this narrator, although I'm sure tried to do a good job, was more annoying than effective, inserting emotion wherever she wanted. Offering up "matter of facts" and coy humor, in her intonations when I felt it was not needed or called for. And the music! Very bad taste.
Her concise and precise prose is enhanced by her measured and deliberate delivery. Listeners can fully appreciate the beauty and power of her writing, as well as the skillful way she organizes her thoughts and feelings. Moreover, the audio version allows listeners to engage with the memoir in a different way. Hearing Didion's voice adds a personal touch that creates a stronger connection between the author and the audience. It invites a more immersive experience, allowing listeners to feel like they are witnessing Didion's mourning process firsthand. Overall, "The Year of Magical Thinking" audio is a compelling and poignant adaptation of the memoir. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with Didion's powerful story on a deeper level. Whether through the printed page or the spoken word, this memoir remains a profound exploration of grief, resilience, and the human spirit..
Reviews for "The Year of Magical Thinking and the Art of Manifesting Happiness"
- John Doe - ★★☆☆☆
I was quite disappointed by "The Year of Magical Thinking" audio. While I understand the emotional and personal nature of the story, the narration by the author, Joan Didion, fell flat for me. Her monotone voice lacked any kind of depth or emotion, making it hard to connect with the material. I found myself drifting off and losing interest in what should have been a powerful and gripping narrative. Unfortunately, this audio version failed to capture the essence of the book for me.
- Jane Smith - ★★☆☆☆
"The Year of Magical Thinking" audio was a miss for me. I had high hopes for this highly acclaimed memoir, but the narration by Joan Didion left much to be desired. Her voice came across as detached and disinterested, making it difficult to fully engage with the story. Additionally, the pacing felt off, with long periods of narration that dragged on. I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability in Didion's writing, but the audio version left me wanting more in terms of vocal performance and energy.
- Michael Johnson - ★☆☆☆☆
I couldn't get into "The Year of Magical Thinking" audio at all. Joan Didion's narration, with its slow and monotonous delivery, failed to hold my attention. The lack of variation in her voice made it hard to stay engaged and invested in the story. I found myself frequently skipping ahead, hoping for some change in tone or tempo, but it never came. While I understand the emotional weight of the subject matter, this audio version did not do justice to the depth and complexity of the book.