Just Kids

“Has remained in my top 5 favorite books from the moment I read it (15 years ago).”

“The most beautiful and heartbreaking story of old New York that I've re-read again and again. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy if you haven't had a chance to.”

“This book was on my mom's nightstand when I was a kid and I thought the cover image was her and dad with my mom wearing a wig. Also extra fun for me because Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe's first apartment was down the street from where I grew up in Brooklyn! 160 Hall Street for 80 bucks a month.Beautiful book as expected from such a thoughtful and brilliant writer.”

“My go-to gift for anyone moving to nyc”

“This memoir is my favorite to date and I will always recommend it. There is something so captivating being immersed in a story so truly oneself. Patti has a unique style in fashion, poetry, and lyrically. It’s a slow burn but a beautiful one.”

“My favorite book”

“got this book after one of my auditions in toronto as a gift for myself - it was really a luxury since i never buy physical books anymore. bustling, indulgent, and youthful. very fitting for my current state of mind...”

“favorite book I’ve read so far this year”

“I just moved to New York, so I had to read a New York book. I chose Just Kids. The way she romanticizes stretching a dollar has inspired me to be cinematically frugal. Helpful, considering I chose to live in the most expensive place in the world barring Gstaad.”

“Such a gorgeous experience of a read. The presence of her writing lets you walk alongside her. Ultimately, Patti Smith is your friend. You’ve been through it all with her. Her two follow up memoirs are worthwhile too, but this one’s the masterpiece. Required reading.”

“A quick read and fascinating coming of age memoir by Patti Smith, and her touching life-long relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. It captures the essence of NYC in the 70s which was wild, dangerous, and full of iconic creatives on the come-up. Easily one of my favorite books I’ve ever read”

“One of my all-time favorites. Patti Smith’s journaling from her formative years living a wildly free and creative life in 1970s New York with her best friend Robert Mapplethorpe. The book archives their ascent into the art and music world and if you love stories where New York is one of the main characters this one is for you!”

“I loved the first half. A lost era.”

“a love letter to nyc, friendship, and finding yourself. i feel lucky to have read this.”

“Only my favorite book ever. It’s not only one of the greatest love stories of all time, but also a love letter to New York. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve read it and always get something new out of it.”

“If you ever think your life is wild, just KNOW IT'S NOT! Patti Smith's crazy youth slumming it in New York with gay-lover Mapplethorpe is a total gobsmacker lol. From living in the Chelsea Hotel with bugs and bruises, rubbing shoulders with the artistique elites, and making it through AIDS, this book is actually such a mad ride. Respect, Patti!!!! Also - look up Mapplethorpe's photography??? I'm new to this!”

“7/10 obligatory nyc basic btch read”