Which Joan Didion book should I read first?

I've never read Joan Didion, but recently decided I'd like to read much/most of what she's written. I usually try to read an author's works in written/publication order, but sometimes their first work isn't the best introduction to that author. I'm wondering two things: who on LT has read a lot of Didion, and 2) which book do you suggest as my first Didion-read?

I would recommend Where I Was From, a semi-autbiographical overview of her early life in California. It gives context to many of her later essays.

I might suggest starting with Slouching Towards Bethlehem and The Year of Magical Thinking. Be sure you have a box of tissues nearby for the latter. She's had some tragedies in life. Then again, I suppose we all have.

I prefer her non-fiction.

I, too, recommend Slouching Towards Bethlehem; some of its essays will be especially entertaining if you're a boomer over 65 or so.