A book cover with a woman in blue.

Blue Nights, Joan Didion, 2011

A moving book about the death of her 39-year-old daughter, Quintana Roo.  Few details about the illness or death are given; rather, the author looks back lovingly on her daughter’s early years, their relationship, and specific memories. Didion explores adoption, aging, aloneness, and the loss of one’s confidence and strength as the years and losses accumulate. A powerfully written book about loss, time, passing, change, and sadness.