Just Kids Audiobook

" Great account of rock and roll and the bohemian art scene in New York City in the 1970's and 1980's. Smith was a burgeoning rock singer/ poet and her roommate, Robert Mapplethorpe, was a controversial artist and photographer, whose work was banned due to it's depiction of nudity and homosexuality. The changing morals of the time were affected by the changing art scene. Big fan of Patti's music and poetry and this is well-written and informative. "

" What a fantastic human Patti Smith is. I dare anyone to read this and not wish they had lived in New York in the 70s. "

" I think I missed a lot here. There were so many names and people who I think I was suppose to recognize that, well, I didn't. It made the story sound more like a series of name dropping references with the inevitable, and then we did this, and then this happened, and then we did that of an autobiographical piece. Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendricks, Andy Warhol all played cameo roles. For someone so deeply artistic I thought I would come away from the book with a sense of who Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe were. It felt shroud in gauze. Her transition from poet to singer seemed glossed over. The love and shared artistic connection comes through. At the end, when Patti Smith articulates how she came to write this book - that it was written as a promise to Robert as he lay dying, that I understood. This book is Patti's reluctant telling of a love story that has a very solemn ending. That aching sadness and confusion of 'how did we get here?" meaning become famous artists illuminates and uncovers the story finally. "

" I really enjoyed Patti Smith's account of her and Mapplethorpe's rise as artists, especially the portrait of their relationship. I also really appreciated that she often sits down to work and nothing comes out! "

" Interesting autobiography by Patti Smith about her relationship with Robert Maplethorpe. Mostly about two struggling artists in NYC in the 60s. Enjoyed the section on when they lived in the Chelsea Hotel. Significant name dropping by the end as she broke into music. "

" Loved the book. It was cool hearing about places that I go to in NY- and the difference in generations and what Washington Sq. park was like now and then "

" Didn't expect to enjoy this memoir as much as I did. Her experiences in NYC during the 60's and 70's, the artists and her extraordinary love and relationship with Robert Mapplethorp were thoroughly interesting and her writing style flowing. "

" I loved this book. It was well written and full of emotion. I love Patti Smith! "

" Loved it! I now listen to Patti Smith's music differently because it gave me insight into how she wrote her songs. Loved the connections between the different celebrities she and Robert came across. Great book! "

" The best memoir I have read by an artist I've loved for years. "

" Beautifully written autobiography of Patti Smith and her friend Robert Mapplethorpe. Their years in 1960s and 70s New York, poverty, all the famous people they meet and their own growing fame. Amazing work. "

" Patty Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe --a memoir beautifully written by Patty Smith. "

" Emotionless chronicle; primary purpose seems to be to catalog all the famous or quasi-famous people she has met over the years. "

" Wrapped in a veritable Who's Who of New York Hipness is a beautifully written, poetic love letter to a time, a place, and the special relationship between Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe. "

" I know I always say this, but this is probably my favorite book. For real this time. "

" Was amazing. The way Patti Smith write is as though she is sitting down with you for a cup of coffee telling you how it is. A very good read for anyone, especially young creatives looking for their stride. "

" A little dull at times, but, overall, a great read for anyone interested in life as an artist. "

" What a beautifully poetic love story. How wonderful it is, at 51, to still discover one of my favorite books of all time. "

" Well written, but slow-paced. Not an era I know much about, in fact I had no idea who Patti Smith or Robert Maplethorpe were. Some of the stories were interesting, but overall not a subject matter that I normally enjoy. "

" I love reading about people who have no idea what they are going to do with their lives, but follow their loves instead...and in this case, so many types of loves. Artistic, friendship, music, etc. A good read for a glimpse into a subset of life in NY in the '60's & '70's. "

" If you think the book will disappoint after all the hype, as I did, jump in and read it anyway. The beautiful parts are beautiful, and the unnecessary ones are short. "

" Poignant story of the relationship between Robert Mapplethorp and Patti Smith in the 60's and 70's art, music, drug and anything goes scene in New York City--and in particular as centered at the Chelsea Hotel. "

" I love the way Patti Smith writes. "

" Who knew Patti Smith could write (or remember) so well. Fascinating view of their lives, the times. "

" I loved my twenties, but I wish I lived in NY. "

" I finished this in 2 days. Just an absolutely riveting book and so thoughtfully written. I haven't been so moved by a book in a long time. "

" Oh what a beauty. Oh Patti... "

" Patti Smith's and Robert Maplethrope. I didn't finish the book because I know how it ends. "

" What a touching and fascinating insight into the life and passion of artists. And of course to learn about the creative hotbed of New York in the late 60's and 70's is a real treat. I loved this book! "