I wanted to share this picture taken by Denton Taylor with you. When I first shared it in an article, it didn’t mean much to me because I wasn’t familiar with Patti Smith’s work. That changed when I recently read her book, Just Kids, and was completely captivated.
I actually listened to Just Kids on Audible, narrated by Patti herself, which made it even more impactful. The story is incredibly powerful. It not only paints a vivid picture of New York in the late ’60s and ’70s, which I appreciate more now that I know New York better but also celebrates art and the deep, meaningful friendships that can shape our lives.
The book delves into her friendship with Robert Mapplethorpe, who went on to become a renowned artist and photographer. Their mutual support helped them gain confidence in themselves and their art, despite starting with almost nothing. It’s fascinating to see how their journey unfolded.
You might enjoy a video where Patti shares some stories from the book and performs a couple of songs. Her style might be unconventional, but I admire how true she stays to herself, exuding confidence and complete self-acceptance.
Needless to say, I highly recommend Just Kids. It’s beautifully written and even won the National Book Award. Patti’s latest book, M Train, is a follow-up to her earlier work.
Have you read either of these books?
