Sean Dollete

Integrative Seminar: Fashion

Professor Eric Wilson

5 February 2016

On Keeping A Notebook by Joan Didion

Response

In Didion’s first chapter, she comprehends the contrast between remembering her memories and recollections and thinking about them. Didion ponders why she writes about her experiences and memories , when she penned about these recollections, and actually what about those experiences did she actually want to remember. She even admits that she exaggerates details and adds on to them to make her want to remember them. This brings up the topic of memory. When we recall an event that happened to us, do we say everything word for word as it happened? Do we add additional details that may or may not have happened? Do we fabricate those memories so that when they are brought up again, they become more interesting to remember? Didion even admits that it’s a chore writing about her day because she feels as though her daily life and routine are irrelevant and boring if they were read by someone.

Another thing that stood out to me while reading was Didion’s ability to convey her thoughts so effortlessly through her writing. Didion remarks that writing events in her notebook has become routine to her. “Why did I write it down? In order to remember of course, but exactly what was it that I was trying to remember?” (Didion 1).  A fascinating method she used was embedding questions and answers into her writing. This was fascinating for me because as I was reading those questions and answers, I found myself as the reader asking questions about her questions. Most of what I wrote down for annotations were questions, specifically, “Why?”. I found this method quite successful because it keeps the reader engaged and wondering.

All in all, I think Didion has a unique take on memory. In her final paragraph in the reading, she recalls a recipe for sauerkraut, and how in that moment, while making the sauerkraut, she felt safe. For Didion, she used that memory to recall that feeling of safety. In the end, she fails to do so when she talks about how when she tried to bring that memory back, she didn’t feel that same feeling of safety and comfort that she once felt. So why does she keep a notebook? Ultimately I believe the notebook is a tool. Specifically, a safety blanket, and a connection to her past. Didion admits that she is afraid of time, and throughout the reading, I felt that she felt like time was her enemy. She recognizes that time is not only intangible, but it is also limited.