This collection of essays about California’s history and mythology incorporates Didion’s own experiences growing up there into the romantic notions about the state. Part historical document and part memoir, the state’s relationship with water, transport, the concept of freedom are told through the stories of its famous and infamous citizens, along with the contributions of the common man. By comparing the state’s reputation to the real story, the perception of what California is all about comes into question in an interesting and personal way.

Didion was considered a pioneer of New Journalism and started her long career with Vogue before expanding into a wide variety of formats, including fiction. Her longtime home state of California plays a big role in a lot of her work.

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