Just Kids: A Story of Deep Friendship

(Book cover of Just Kids)

Patti Smith is an American singer, songwriter, poet, painter, author, and photographer. She is known as an influential member of the New York City punk rock movement. Just Kids is her memoir where her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe is the main topic. She documents their life in New York City and the Chelsea Hotel in the late sixties and seventies.

I usually am not one to read memoirs, but I picked this one up because it was the book of the month in Laufey’s book club, and it seemed interesting. After reading it, I had some mixed feelings. I went from enjoying the beginning to forcing myself to get through the middle, and then reading nonstop at the end. The beginning of this memoir is about Patti’s childhood and her leaving home to pursue art. I found this part to be really relatable. She came from a working-class family and loved books and art. I saw myself in her. I was amazed by how she left home to go live all the way in New York City (no job and no home) so that she could pursue art fully. I kinda got lost in the middle of it. When Patti was in the Chelsea Hotel, she was surrounded by so much art and artists. While reading, it really felt like a bunch of name drops. We were constantly getting introduced to new people, and it was so hard to remember them and figure out who was important to the story and who wasn't. Nothing I read in the middle section stuck, and it’s a shame because being in the center of art sounds so cool, and it sucks that that part wasn’t written well.

I really enjoyed reading how her relationship with Robert changed and evolved. I was constantly jealous of their connection. I was jealous when they had a tight romantic relationship, and then I was jealous when they were able to keep their deep connection as friends when they broke up. Robert and Patti basically grew up together. Together they learned about the world and themselves. When they were apart from each other to explore, they always found their way back to each other, even after they stopped sharing a bed. It truly felt like they were soulmates. I hope one day I’ll meet someone who will understand me like how Robert understood Patti. Their relationship was so beautifully written, I couldn’t help but feel envious.

Just Kids is definitely on the shorter side and a quick read. While there are some aspects about this book that I didn’t like, the deep friendship Patti had was the highlight and unforgettable. This week’s blog is a bit short since I didn’t want to say too much in case you wanted to pick up this book. I definitely recommend this memoir to people who love poetry, art, and the 70s.