Susan Orlean‘s “Joyride“: A Candid Look at a Life in Stories
Susan Orlean’s new memoir,Joyride,isn’t just a recounting of events; it’s a captivating glimpse behind the curtain of a celebrated journalism career.It’s a collection of moments, both triumphant and challenging, that reveal the heart and mind of a writer dedicated to finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. This book offers readers a unique opportunity to understand the evolution of a distinctive voice in contemporary American letters.
A Career Defined by Curiosity
Orlean’s early work, spanning publications like The Voice, Boston Globe, Rolling Stone, Vogue, and The New Yorker, serves as a remarkable cultural record. Her assignments were wonderfully varied, ranging from the history of Lycra to profiles of figures like bon Jovi and artist Christo. She even undertook an inquiry into the folding methods at Benetton.
Budgets were often flexible, and expectations were…unique. For instance, when discussing a New Yorker piece about a Bronx cab driver crowned king of the Ashanti people in the US, editor Chip McGrath offered a famously enigmatic response regarding travel expenses to Ghana: “Sphinx-like,” she recalls, assuring her the budget would be “sufficient” if “necessary.” This illustrates a bygone era in magazine publishing, one Orlean acknowledges doesn’t exist today.
Beyond the Byline: Life in Full View
Joyride extends beyond professional anecdotes, offering intimate details of Orlean’s personal life. You’ll discover the “heady, fun, surreal” experience of witnessing Spike Jonze‘s adaptation of her book, The Orchid Thief, come to life on screen. She vividly recounts discovering herself as a character, brilliantly portrayed by Meryl Streep.
The memoir also doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. Orlean candidly shares experiences like a memorable (and rosé-fueled) Twitter thread that unexpectedly made her a “patron saint of pandemic drinking.” She also bravely addresses more difficult chapters, including her divorce, a cancer diagnosis, and the emotional toll of her mother’s move to a nursing home.
The Writing Life: A Constant Reinvention
Orlean views the writing life as a continuous process of creative adaptation. She aptly describes it as a profession where “you never build equity.” Her father, a businessman who harbored his own writing aspirations, even suggested law school after The Orchid Thief‘s success. Fortunately, she resisted.
Ultimately, Orlean felt a powerful calling. She wanted to describe everyday life in a way that revealed its inherent complexity and beauty. She aimed to demonstrate the joy of remaining open, curious, and receptive to the world’s surprises.
Why Joyride Matters
Joyride isn’t simply a memoir; it’s a masterclass in observation, storytelling, and resilience. It’s a testament to the power of curiosity and the enduring value of a life lived in pursuit of a good story. If you appreciate insightful writing and a candid exploration of the human experience, this book is a must-read.
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