What Is the Book of Joan? Understanding the Dual Literary Legacies

The term The Book of Joan primarily refers to two distinct and highly influential literary works: a 2017 dystopian science fiction novel by Lidia Yuknavitch and a 2015 memoir by Melissa Rivers about her mother, the legendary comedian Joan Rivers. While they share a title, they occupy vastly different genres, ranging from experimental eco-feminist fiction to biographical humor and tribute.

To understand "what is the book of joan," one must first distinguish between these two titles. The Yuknavitch novel is a visceral reimagining of the Joan of Arc myth set in a post-apocalyptic future, while the Rivers memoir is a deeply personal, often hilarious exploration of the life and legacy of a comedy icon. As of 2026, both books remain staple recommendations in their respective niches—speculative fiction and celebrity biography—owing to their unique voices and lasting cultural impact.

The Book of Joan by Lidia Yuknavitch (2017)

Lidia Yuknavitch’s The Book of Joan is a work of speculative fiction that garnered significant critical acclaim upon its release in 2017. It is often categorized alongside radical feminist texts and "new weird" cinema or literature. It is not a traditional retelling of history but rather a subversion of the martyr narrative, transposed onto a dying Earth.

The Dystopian Setting: Earth and CIEL

The narrative is set in the near future, specifically the mid-21st century, where the Earth has been ravaged by perpetual warfare and environmental collapse. The planet is a "white world" of radioactive ash and GEO-wars. The remnants of the wealthy elite have fled to CIEL, a suborbital space station that floats above the ruined globe.

On CIEL, humanity has devolved. The inhabitants have become sexless, hairless, and translucent beings. Because they can no longer reproduce or feel physical sensation in traditional ways, they turn to skingraving—an elaborate and painful process of scarring their bodies to record stories and histories. This process serves as the primary form of art and memory in a world where physical resources are nonexistent.

Plot and Protagonists

The story follows two primary threads that eventually converge:

1. Christine Pity: A 49-year-old skingraver on CIEL who is nearing the age of "ascent" (a polite term for state-mandated euthanasia). Christine is a rebel at heart, using her skin-grafting talents to preserve the story of Joan, a legendary figure from Earth’s final wars.
2. Joan: A girl with extraordinary, almost supernatural powers over the elements. In this version of the myth, Joan is a radical eco-terrorist or savior who fought against the billionaire dictator Jean de Men, the man who now rules CIEL with an iron fist.

The novel tracks Christine’s efforts to subvert Jean de Men’s totalitarian rule by using the power of Joan's story, eventually leading to a visceral confrontation that challenges the very nature of what it means to be human and "living."

Core Themes: Eco-feminism and the Body

Yuknavitch is known for her "corporeal writing," a style that focuses intensely on the physical sensations and the biology of her characters. In The Book of Joan, the body is the central battlefield.

• Environmental Devastation: The book serves as a stark warning about the Anthropocene. The destruction of Earth is not just a background setting; it is a character in itself, representing the consequence of patriarchal and capitalist greed.
• Gender and Identity: By making the citizens of CIEL genderless and sterile, Yuknavitch explores what remains of identity when the traditional markers of sex and reproduction are stripped away.
• The Power of Narrative: The act of "skingraving" suggests that stories are literally etched into our being. The book argues that whoever controls the narrative controls the future.

The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers (2015)

In stark contrast to Yuknavitch’s dark sci-fi, The Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief, and Manipulation is a non-fiction memoir released by Melissa Rivers in 2015. This book was published shortly after the death of her mother, Joan Rivers, in September 2014. It serves as both a tribute and a candid look at the complex relationship between the two women.

A Tribute to a Comedy Pioneer

Melissa Rivers wrote the book to humanize a woman whom the world knew primarily as a sharp-tongued, fearless comedian. While Joan Rivers was famous for her "Fashion Police" critiques and her "Can we talk?" catchphrase, The Book of Joan focuses on the private woman—the mother, the grandmother, and the disciplined professional.

The book is structured as a series of anecdotes and "laws" that Joan lived by. It covers:

• Joan’s Work Ethic: Her relentless drive to stay relevant in an industry that often tried to discard older women.
• Domestic Life: The chaotic, high-energy, and often demanding environment of the Rivers household.
• Legacy: How Joan paved the way for generations of female comedians.

Tone and Style

The tone of Melissa Rivers’ book is exactly what fans would expect: irreverent, fast-paced, and unsentimental. Melissa does not shy away from the "manipulation" mentioned in the title—the ways her mother would guilt-trip, demand excellence, or interfere in her life, all under the guise of love and "mirth."

By 2026, the memoir continues to be cited as an essential read for those studying the history of American comedy and the specific brand of "insult comedy" that Joan Rivers perfected. It remains a poignant example of how humor can be used to navigate the grieving process.

Comparing the Two "Books of Joan"

Because these two titles are frequently searched, it is helpful to compare their technical and thematic specifications side-by-side.

Historical Context: Why "Joan"?

The title "The Book of Joan" is evocative because of the historical weight of the name. Both authors tap into the archetype of Joan of Arc—the Maid of Orleans—though in very different ways.

The Archetype of the Martyr

In Lidia Yuknavitch's work, Joan is the literal reimagining of the martyr. The historical Joan of Arc was a peasant girl who led the French army to victory based on divine visions, only to be burned at the stake. Yuknavitch takes this figure of the "divine warrior" and strips away the religious dogma, replacing it with a connection to the Earth's life force. This Joan is still a martyr, but she is a martyr for the planet.

The Archetype of the Fearless Woman

In Melissa Rivers' memoir, the "Joan" in question is a modern-day warrior of a different sort. Joan Rivers was a woman who entered a male-dominated field (stand-up comedy) in the 1950s and 60s and fought for her place for over half a century. The title The Book of Joan here carries a biblical or authoritative weight, suggesting that Joan’s life provides a "gospel" or a set of rules for surviving and thriving in a harsh world.

Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

Yuknavitch's Critical Standing

Upon its release, Lidia Yuknavitch's novel was praised by outlets such as The New York Times and The Guardian for its linguistic bravery. Critics noted that Yuknavitch’s prose feels "charged" and "electric," breaking away from the standard conventions of young adult dystopian fiction to create something much more adult and philosophically rigorous. It has since become a staple in university courses focusing on contemporary feminist literature and environmental humanities.

The Rivers Memoir's Popularity

Melissa Rivers’ book became a New York Times bestseller. Its success was driven by the massive outpouring of grief and appreciation following Joan Rivers' sudden death during a medical procedure. The book succeeded because it didn't just eulogize her; it allowed her voice to live on through the stories Melissa told. It is frequently recommended for its balance of professional insight and personal vulnerability.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting for Readers

When looking for "The Book of Joan," readers often encounter confusion due to the shared title. Below are clarifications for the most common points of ambiguity.

Is there a religious "Book of Joan"?

No. There is no canonical "Book of Joan" in the Bible or traditional Christian scripture. The closest religious association would be historical biographies of Saint Joan of Arc or the transcripts of her trial (often called The Retrial of Joan of Arc). If you are looking for a religious text, you are likely looking for historical documents regarding the 15th-century saint.

Which book should I read first?

This depends entirely on your interests:

• Choose Lidia Yuknavitch if you enjoy challenging, high-concept fiction, experimental prose, and themes of social and environmental justice.
• Choose Melissa Rivers if you want a lighthearted but moving look at a comedy legend, enjoy celebrity culture, or are looking for a book about the mother-daughter bond.

Are there other "Books of Joan"?

While these two are the most prominent, the title has been used for smaller publications, including poetry chapbooks and local history books about various women named Joan. However, in major retail and library databases, the Yuknavitch and Rivers titles occupy the vast majority of the search intent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the summary of Lidia Yuknavitch's The Book of Joan?

The novel follows Christine Pity, a woman living on a sterile space station called CIEL in a future where Earth is ruined. Christine uses her body to "skingrave" the story of Joan, a legendary rebel leader who fought against the dictator Jean de Men. The book explores the eventual clash between the remnants of humanity in space and the primal, surviving forces of Earth.

Is The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers a sad book?

While it was written after Joan Rivers' death, it is not primarily a "sad" book. It is designed to be a celebration. It contains many of Joan’s jokes, her philosophies on life, and funny behind-the-scenes stories. While there are touching moments of reflection on loss, the overall tone is one of humor and resilience.

What is "skingraving" in the context of the sci-fi novel?

Skingraving is a fictional process in Lidia Yuknavitch’s novel where characters use lasers or chemicals to etch elaborate, 3D stories and images into their skin. Because the characters on CIEL have lost the ability to feel traditional touch or reproduce, these painful markings are their only way to experience sensation and preserve history.

Is The Book of Joan (2017) being made into a movie?

Since its release, there has been significant interest from production companies in adapting Yuknavitch's visceral world for the screen. However, as of 2026, while various options have been discussed in the industry, no major feature film has reached the release stage. The complex, non-linear, and graphic nature of the book makes it a challenging but highly sought-after project for "prestige" sci-fi directors.

Who is Jean de Men in the Yuknavitch novel?

Jean de Men is the primary antagonist of the novel. He is a billionaire who orchestrated the transition of the wealthy to CIEL. He is a cult-like figure who enforces strict rules on the space station, including the mandatory euthanasia of citizens once they reach a certain age. He represents the ultimate evolution of corporate and patriarchal power.

Next Actions for Readers

If you are interested in Lidia Yuknavitch’s The Book of Joan, your next step should be to check for it at your local independent bookstore or via major digital platforms. Given its status as a "cult classic" of feminist sci-fi, it is widely available in paperback and e-book formats.

If you are interested in the Melissa Rivers memoir, it is highly recommended to listen to the audiobook version, which is narrated by Melissa herself. Hearing her tell the stories of her mother adds a layer of emotional depth and comedic timing that is central to the experience.

For those conducting academic research on the name "Joan" in literature, cross-referencing these two works with the historical transcripts of the trial of Joan of Arc provides a fascinating look at how the archetype of the "rebel woman" has evolved from the 1400s to the 21st century.