“I believe that I am loved beyond measure by a magnificent, complex, amused God who has given me power over practically nothing.”

“Writing gave me the thing that meditation promised, but I could never have it happen in meditation until very recently where time stops or changes, and I’m here but not here.”

“What if I’m not on duty all the time? What i

grandiose but subtle

liberation begins in the imagination

Love is as love does

Soul to squeeze

If you're going to try,
go all the way.

There is no other feeling like that.

You will be alone with the gods,
and the nights will flame with fire.

You will ride life straight to perfect laughter.

It's the only good fight there is.

— Charles Bukowski, Factotum

### Joan Didion

- Best Known Work:

- Slouching Towards Bethlehem (1968) – A seminal collection of essays capturing the spirit of the 1960s, particularly in California.

- The Year of Magical Thinking (2005) – A powerful memoir about grief and the death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne.

- Underrated/Underdiscovered Work:

- Play It As It Lays (1970) – A