Just Kids

By: Patti Smith

Narrated by: Patti Smith

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

National Book Award, Nonfiction, 2010

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 42nd 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 60s and 70s 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.

©2010 Patti Smith (P)2011 Patti Smith

Critic reviews

“Smith’s beautifully crafted love letter to her friend Robert Mapplethorpe functions as a memento mori of a relationship fueled by passion for art and writing. Her elegant eulogy lays bare the chaos and the creativity so embedded in that earlier time and in Mapplethorpe’s life and work.” ( Publishers Weekly, Top Ten Books of the Year)

“The most enchantingly evocative memoir of funky-but-chic New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s that any alumnus has yet committed to print.” (Janet Maslin's top 10 books of 2010, New York Times)

“Reading rocker Smith’s account of her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, it’s hard not to believe in fate. How else to explain the chance encounter that threw them together, allowing both to blossom? Quirky and spellbinding.” ( People, Top 10 Books of 2010)

Moved to tears

A gorgeous narrative brought to life with warmth and humanity. Deeply moved by this audio book.

What a storyteller.

Not a big Smith fan, but glad I decided to give it a listen. I could picture myself in New York during the time period she was describing. A touching tribute to a special friendship.

A look into a unique friendship

I was blown away by the story of Patti and Robert. The relationship between the two artists brought me to tears. Thank you for giving us a look into your story Patti.

Best Non-fiction piece of literature

Everything about this book is absolutely perfect. Patti Smith’s voice is calming and tells the story in such a way that you can feel every word spoken. It is a perfect book, in my opinion.

Takes You There

A New York, much already gone by the 1990’s, is where you are as she reads. Starving artists, sharing one sandwich, never letting go of their art. Best friends and soulmates, never really parted, even in death. I cried necessary tears at the end, slowly turning to a smile, grateful for being taken there by Patti.

A beautiful story is an understatement

Patti Smith is an incredible narrator and tells one of the most beautiful stories of I’ve ever heard. As Patti guides you through her and Robert’s path together, she will have you amused, bewitched, devastated and inspired.

What took me so long?

I lived in the same neighborhood New York City in the early 80s. I’m sure we crossed paths but I probably didn’t know who I was standing next to in the bookstore. I wish I could say that I was into punk music at that time, but I was not. Can’t imagine how many times I walked by CBGB’s and did not go in. Lower East Side Manhattan will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m not a big reader so most of her references were somewhat meaningless to me but I felt like this was the best palate cleanser for my brain following the Johnny Depp trial . I love audible especially when the author is reading it themselves but to have a poet read her own poetry, I’m a new fan. Rest in peace Robert Mapplethorpe and all the beautiful young men and women who were taken by HIV-AIDS. That same year 1989, I personally lost 25 friends.

A Good Read/Listen

I had read the hard copy version of this book when it first came out and now, years later, wanted to listen to the audio version to see if might give me perspective on the events. I recommend either of these. I've given the book as a graduation present because to me the theme is, "Get yourself out there, meet the right people, put yourself in the right place at the right time. " This is what Patti Smith did and it sure worked for her. I had lived at the Hotel Chelsea in 1992, so that chapter was the most meaningful to me, though everyone mentioned in the book was long gone by the time I got there. It might be wise to brush up on the mid-1970's NYC punk rock scene before reading the book, so you will get the references. I'd sure the first time I read the book I had no idea who Danny Fields was. Now, since I got into The Ramones, I know.

Genius love that is inspiring

From their writing to performance, this is a gem of a book, recommended to any who have had a friend in human or not. I leave Patti’s reading with a wanting to write and reach out, and I aspire to be as witty as they are. 10/5. Beautiful lecture.

Amazing!

This was so well.written, and to hearing it in Patties' own words and inflections brought the story to life.