Just KidsRecommendations

Author:

Patti Smith

About the book

"Just Kids" by Patti Smith is a captivating memoir that takes readers on an intimate journey through the formative years of the iconic artist's life. With her poetic prose, Smith recounts her deep friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, exploring themes of love, creativity, and the vibrant art scene of New York City in the 1960s and 70s. This book is not just for fans of Smith's music but for anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling and the exploration of artistic identity. The way she weaves together her experiences with a sense of nostalgia and raw honesty makes "Just Kids" a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of friendship and the pursuit of one's passion.The book comes highly recommended by a diverse group of influential individuals, including activists, actors, authors, and educators. This eclectic mix reflects a broad appreciation for Smith's work, showcasing her impact across various fields. Notably, several prominent figures from the realms of literature, film, and social advocacy have championed this memoir, indicating its resonance not just as a personal narrative but as an influential piece of cultural commentary. The endorsements from such a varied group suggest that "Just Kids" speaks to the heart of those who value creativity and the human experience, making it a compelling read for a wide audience.

It was the summer Coltrane died, the summer of love and riots, and the summer when a chance encounter in Brooklyn led two young people on a path of art, devotion, and initiation.

Patti Smith would evolve as a poet and performer, and Robert Mapplethorpe would direct his highly provocative style toward photography. Bound in innocence and enthusiasm, they traversed the city from Coney Island to Forty-Second Street, and eventually to the celebrated round table of Max’s Kansas City, where the Andy Warhol contingent held court. In 1969, the pair set up camp at the Hotel Chelsea and soon entered a community of the famous and infamous, the influential artists of the day and the colorful fringe. It was a time of heightened awareness, when the worlds of poetry, rock and roll, art, and sexual politics were colliding and exploding. In this milieu, two kids made a pact to take care of each other. Scrappy, romantic, committed to create, and fueled by their mutual dreams and drives, they would prod and provide for one another during the hungry years.

Just Kids begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. It serves as a salute to New York City during the late sixties and seventies and to its rich and poor, its hustlers and hellions. A true fable, it is a portrait of two young artists’ ascent, a prelude to fame.