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  • Just Kids

  • By: Patti Smith
  • Narrated by: Patti Smith
  • Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (327 ratings)

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Just Kids

By: Patti Smith
Narrated by: Patti Smith
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Publisher's Summary

Winner of the 2010 Non-Fiction National Book Award

Patti Smith's definitive memoir is an evocative, honest and moving coming-of-age story of her extraordinary relationship with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe

‘Sharp, elegiac and finely crafted' Sunday Times

‘Terrifically evocative ... The most spellbinding and diverting portrait of funky-but-chic New York in the late '60s and '70s that any alumnus has committed to print' New York Times

‘Render, harrowing, often hilarious' Vogue

In 1967, a chance meeting between two young people led to a romance and a lifelong friendship that would carry each to international success never dreamed of. The backdrop is Brooklyn, Chelsea Hotel, Max's Kansas City, Scribner's Bookstore, Coney Island, Warhol's Factory and the whole city resplendent. Among their friends, literary lights, musicians and artists such as Harry Smith, Bobby Neuwirth, Allen Ginsberg, Sandy Daley, Sam Shepherd, William Burroughs, etc. It was a heightened time politically and culturally; the art and music worlds exploding and colliding. In the midst of all this two kids made a pact to always care for one another. Scrappy, romantic, committed to making art, they prodded and provided each other with faith and confidence during the hungry years--the days of cous-cous and lettuce soup.

Just Kids begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. Beautifully written, this is a profound portrait of two young artists, often hungry, sated only by art and experience. And an unforgettable portrait of New York, her rich and poor, hustlers and hellions, those who made it and those whose memory lingers near.

©2010 Patti Smith (P)2011 Patti Smith

What listeners say about Just Kids

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Really really good

A very moving story with very emotive narration by the author. Definitely worth listening to!

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transported me to another world

I was so sad when it ended. I felt transported into their world. loved Patti reading it. I had started reading the book but hearing patti really brought it to life

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Highly recommend

I really loved this book. What a beautiful love they had for one another. True soulmates. Loved that it was narrated by Patti as well. I highly recommend this book.

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Beautiful

Just Kids is the beautiful and unique story of two artists sharing a true bond and friendship.

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Momentously, evidently; and above all, brilliant.

The story of patti and Robert inspired me so much, I could not possibly think of a better book to read. I could not possibly think of a better story to tell. I could not think of a better journey of love to express. 10/10. Absolutely beautiful.

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Just so very beautiful.

Highly recommended.

Patti Smith does talk like a truck driver, but who cares. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else reading this intimate story. Just outstanding.

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So much more than Just Kids

As Robert said Patti is the only one who could tell this story and do it any kind of justice. To hear Patti tell me the story of her and Roberts love and life together, in her own words & voice is a privilege.

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Beautiful

This is a beautiful story between two people making each other better. I have only heard of Patti Smith. I know of her by the photos of her but I could not name you any of her work. I was drawn to this book mainly because of the artist inspiration that one could draw from it. I stayed for the true friendship and love between her and Robert. A beautiful story told.

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An enjoyable read

I really enjoyed this book, it took me back to the era. It was very insightful into the life of both Patti Smith and Robert Maplethorpe.

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brilliant and moving

brilliant and moving . wonderful to hear it read by Patti Smith herself. It will stay with you

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