Study Tools

Overview

The Year of Magical Thinking is a memoir by American author and journalist Joan Didion that was first published in 2005. The book is a reflection on the year following the sudden death of Didion’s husband and the onset of her daughter's severe illness. Through a blend of raw emotion and precise prose, she meditates on memory, love, and the disorienting effects of bereavement. The narrative captures the complex interplay between love and mourning, offering a profound exploration of the unpredictable journey through grief and the search for meaning in the face of devastating loss. In 2024, The Year of Magical Thinking was ranked 12th on the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century list by the New York Times.

Read the full book summary, an in-depth character description of Joan Didion, and explanations of important quotes from The Year of Magical Thinking.

Upgrade to PLUS and get instant access to all the study tools

Upgrade to PLUS and get instant access to all the study tools