In 'Let Me Tell You What I Mean,' Joan Didion presents a collection of twelve early essays that shine a revealing light on the elements that would come to define her iconic voice. This anthology, which spans the years from 1968 through 2000, draws from the nascent beginning of Didion's five-decade-long career. Readers will journey through a variety of topics, from dissections of the news media and political scenes to the private intricacies of self-doubt and the act of writing. Didion's sharp eye and distinctive precision capture the essence of subjects as varied as a Gamblers Anonymous meeting and the elusive allure of San Simeon. With a foreword by Hilton Als, the essays encompass encounters with figures like Nancy Reagan and Martha Stewart while embracing themes such as the role of women and the persistent truths in the American landscape. 'Let Me Tell You What I Mean' is an essential collection for understanding the evolution of Didion's literary mastery and a testament to her enduring role as a keen observer of society.