 "Where I Was From" combines aspects of historical writing, journalism, and memoir to present a history of California as well as Didion's own experiences in that state.The book attempts to understand the differences between California's factual history and its perceived reputation.According to Didion, "This book represents an exploration into my own confusions about the place and the way in which I grew up ... misapprehensions and misunderstandings so much a part of who I became that I can still to this day confront them only obliquely."