Nobody, and I mean nobody, captured the essence of the sixties on paper as well as Joan Didion.  And it's not just the topic material that makes the book worthwhile.  Didion is, in my opinion, THE best American essayist to come along since she started publishing.

For the most part, this book was written while Didion lived in California (she currently resides in NYC).  The subjects of the essays -- from domestic crime in San Bernardino, CA to the not-of-this-earth San Francisco scene of the late sixties -- are interesting in and of themselves.  Taken as a whole, the book opens windows looking out on the character of the times and the peculiar, unreal characteristics of California in general.  In other words it goes a long way towards explaining why I, and many other Los Angelenos, think the place is just plain weird.

Highest possible recommendation.  If you get bored reading these essays, medical attention is your only hope.