Just Kids

By: Patti Smith

Narrated by: Patti Smith

In Just Kids, Patti Smith’s first book of prose, the legendary American artist offers a never-before-seen glimpse of her remarkable relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in the epochal days of New York City and the Chelsea Hotel in the late sixties and seventies. An honest and moving story of youth and friendship, Smith brings the same unique, lyrical quality to Just Kids as she has to the rest of her formidable body of work—from her influential 1975 album Horses to her visual art and poetry.

Extraordinary

I'd heard many kudos for this book and am adding mine to the long list. An eloquent, hypnotic and insightful read into a unique relationship between artists who knew their gifts long before they were discovered. A loving tribute by Ms. Smith to her lover, friend and co-conspirator, Mr. Mapplethorpe. Her voice, while calm and somewhat droll, enhances the poetry of her words.

A profound love story.

Anyone in the mood for a deeply sweet and inspiring love story between two young artists in 1960’s New York will be ecstatic about this book. If you love poetic language and vivid images, you’ll also get a lot here.

If you’re coping with grief, this is also a possible salve for you.

Patti Smith is a stunning performer, but I didn’t give her narration every star because she mispronounces a fair number of words, and it drives me insane. This is a deep-seated pet peeve of mine which the venerated Smith is not responsible for, but it’s a warning if you feel the same way I do.

Definitely recommended listening for artists!!

Drawlings is my new word for a drawing

Any review critical of Patti use of the term drawling doesn't get it. The tone of her reading is authentic. The name dropping which seems to be offensive to some is not that at all. It is the telling of a story of a world with a cast of characters who have since become household names. Mentioning their names is sparse storytelling because these characters are already defined in our popular culture consciousness.

This story confirms my perception of Patti Smith as a rare rock star who can turn a bar into the just-right context for the expression of high art ideals.

The Sweetness of Patti

Any additional comments?

I loved having Patti read this to us...she is tender and raw at the same time. Artists lead a particular kind of life and she lets us in on the early years of hers and Roberts. Her writing is not about the sensational ...but about all the things that made & make their art speak to us. An honest & beautifully written and read book.

Great tale

Very nice to have it read by patti makes a huge difference. The story is a snapshot of a time from someone who was there. Deeply felt

Good story

It was good to listen to Patti. The book shows her love and friendship with Robert, nothing extraordinary. description of NY in the 70s is great

Poignant, Moving

A beautiful story written with great love and poetic language. Just Kids captures the youthful exploration of life and art in the relationship between Patti Smith and Robert Mappelthorpe.

Spellbinding

Patti Smith paints a beautiful rich portrait of the rise of many of the artists who change popular culture in the 70s . If you love her work you will love this book!

Just kids...

What a lovely tribute to an enduring friendship. Patti smiths poetic bent comes through in her writing. This book made me watch the Mapplethorpe documentary on HBO to learn more.

Deeply touching.

Exquisitely written and wonderfully presented; I was touched and moved by this truly special story.