Read about another entry on the list.Play It as It Lays, by Joan Didion
With her trademark intensity, Didion delves into the story of Maria Wyeth, a failed actress who suffers a nervous breakdown. She admires strong personalities, but can’t seem to forge one within herself, and drifts in and around Los Angeles looking for an identity. It’s the classic story of the wasted Hollywood starlet who sinks under the weight of her own dreams, told with Didion’s unwavering brevity. Yup, it’s pretty tragic; but you won’t be sorry you read it.
Play It As It Lays also appears on Janelle Brown's list of five great California novels and Janet Fitch's book list.
--Marshal Zeringue
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