Joan Didion has inspired generations about the value of writing for the sake of writing. Her books and essays transcend the rules of tradition and make for a great yet simplistic read about the times that she lived in.  Let Me Tell You What I Mean (Penguin Random House, 2021) includes a collection of 12 essays from the writer that span from 1968 to 2000. There are no unifying factors among these essays except the stylistic glue of Didion’s writing. Her crisp writing style and dry delivery of punchlines make for an interesting read. 

The essays like Alicia and the Underground Press, Didion talks about the failure of mainstream newspapers to get through to the American public. She highlights the interest shown in smaller underground newspapers for their worth. Her points in this essay ring true even today, possibly more than ever before. Her trademark farsightedness shines through as she speaks on various topics that stood out during these periods. Her signature voice is what makes this seemingly disjointed collection of essays make sense.