Goodbye to All That
Eula Biss
Notes From No Man's Land

I read this version of  "Goodbye To All That" after Didions. I think this essay is the one I have connected with the most out of Biss's so far. I think this essay offers the clearest picture of her. The opening statement after the initial story-- "That is not how it really happened. That is how I learned to tell the story of my life in New York"--sums up all creative nonfiction for me. As authors we learn to mold our experiences in a way that will appeal to those not present in our mind.That is what story telling is, shaping the internal for the external. I think Biss's ability to break that down and keep the reader engaged was testament to her power as a writer.
I was also able to connect with her statements on being young. She understands and is able to articulate the desire to be part of reality. Several quotes that express this are " and I learned every detail of the story just as I discovered its falsehood," and " I didn't just want to live there I wanted to be made real myself." Biss in this piece shows her capacity to explain the understandings and premonitions that society and individuals hold.

Why did you choose to live in New York?
Would your general statements have external validity? Are your points able to be extended to all large romanticized cities?