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3.5 stars really. The writing is beautiful, but I didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. The descriptions of New York and the beatnik scene were wonderful, but I couldn't quite relate to her or the starving artist lifestyle.
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This is a poignant memoir of Smith's decades-long love affair with Robert Mapplethorpe and art. Smith and Mapplethorpe were literally starving artists together in NYC in the 60's. They lived for art in a way that I don't think in this day and age of corporatization and commoditization exists much any more. Fortunately for them (and now us), they also lived at the heart of New York's artistic community of artists, poets, musicians, playwrights, etc. with the likes of William Burroughs, Sam Shepar
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Starving artist Smith no doubt suffered for her art, but what a payoff. She and Robert Mapplethorpe have a love for the ages, in the perfect place, at the perfect time, for their artistic passions to flourish. NYC in the 60s and 70s was brimming with talent and creativity. Smith finds her way into the scene while remaining true to herself and her art. Admirably, her book is just as open and honest. Amazing.
I really had no recollection of listening to or reading the poetry of Patti Smith. I just picked up this book because it has remained on the best seller list for a while. But I loved her writing style and I loved her story. I think I am a sucker for the story of famous people before they become famous. She had such a unique relationship with Mapplethorpe and ended up becoming more famous than him. I loved the idea of the Chelsea Hotel and all the writers and musicians who lived there together. A
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One of the better artist memoirs I've read. I think it helps that Patti Smith was a poet before becoming a musician. An extremely touching and inspirational account of life and love as an artist in 1970s NYC.
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Sep 15, 2011
Liz
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Dec 12, 2012
Anna
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Sep 22, 2015
Felicia follum
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Jan 02, 2023
Natasha
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Mar 25, 2023
Sharon
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Viviana Martinez
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