Sara Davidson (born October 8, 1943) is an American author, journalist, and television writer, best known for her nonfiction works that explore social and cultural changes in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Early life and education
Davidson was born in Santa Rosa, California. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Stanford University in 1965 and later pursued graduate studies in journalism.
Career
- Journalism: Early in her career, Davidson reported for The New York Times and contributed to The Washington Post, Life, Rolling Stone, and The Los Angeles Times. Her reporting often focused on political movements, the counterculture, and women's issues.
- Books:
- Loose Change: A Portrait of a Short‑Lived American Dream (1977) – a memoir of the 1960s counterculture, praised for its vivid first‑person perspective.
- The Family: The Story of Charles Manson's Dune Buggy Cult (1979) – a detailed account of the Manson Family, based on extensive interviews and research.
- Joni: The Story of a Singer (1992) – a biography of singer Joni Mitchell, co‑written with Mitchell.
- Television: In the 1990s, Davidson served as a writer and producer for the television series The Street (CBS) and contributed to other network dramas, adapting her narrative skills to screenwriting.
Recognition
Davidson's nonfiction work has been recognized for its blend of personal narrative and historical analysis. Loose Change was a finalist for the National Book Award, and The Family was selected by The New York Times as one of the notable books of the year.
Later activities
Beyond writing, Davidson has lectured at universities and participated in public discussions on journalism, gender studies, and American cultural history. She continues to contribute articles to magazines and online publications.
Selected bibliography
- Loose Change: A Portrait of a Short‑Lived American Dream (1977)
- The Family: The Story of Charles Manson's Dune Buggy Cult (1979)
- Joni: The Story of a Singer (1992) (co‑author)
Personal life
Davidson is married to musician Michael J. Woodard and resides in California.
