Just Kids

by Patti Smith

4.5(10,482 ratings)

11 min read

Brief overview

This book tells the story of two young dreamers forging an artistic life in late-1960s New York City. It follows their shared hunger for expression, their struggles for survival, and the magnetic bond that propels them toward creative discovery. It’s ultimately a poignant meditation on love, friendship, and becoming the artists they always felt destined to be.

Introduction

Sometimes, two souls cross paths at the perfect moment. In this story, a determined young poet and a fiercely dedicated artist find each other in the bustle of 1960s New York. They’re jobless, nearly penniless, and guided mostly by faith in their art.

At first, it’s a simple bond based on shared uncertainties and big dreams. He sketches strange collages, she devours books and writes poetry. Both cling to the hope that creating something meaningful will justify their struggles. Their friendship becomes as vital as oxygen, helping them endure the city’s hardships.

In these pages, you’ll watch them navigate run-down apartments, discover the magic of the Chelsea Hotel, and ultimately blossom into prolific forces within music and visual art. This introduction sets the stage for an unforgettable journey of survival, synergy, and faith in the transformative power of self-expression.

Early Fascinations

Both grew up nurturing vivid imaginations. She was from a humble background and found solace in library books, forging entire worlds in her mind before she’d even stepped far from home. He was a curious boy, often lost in the details of coloring books and the gleam of church ornamentation.

From restless childhood days, they each held an unspoken certainty: there was more to the world than ordinary routines. That sense of “something greater” propelled them into corners of art—poetry, painting, design—anything that felt like a unique form of expression. They became, in essence, artists in waiting.

"I was completely smitten by the book. I longed to read them all, and the things I read of produced new yearnings."

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What is Just Kids about?

“Just Kids” by Patti Smith is a candid account of youthful determination and boundless creativity in late-1960s New York City. It follows the vivid experiences of Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, two emerging artists forging a path through uncertainty, poverty, and restless ambition. Their bond—rooted in unwavering support—illuminates how genuine friendship can spark both personal growth and shared success.

Within these pages, readers witness the fierce devotion that helps them overcome obstacles, from sleeping on bare floors to navigating New York’s art scene. Smith’s evocative storytelling reveals more than a historical snapshot; it embodies the transformative power of loyalty, artistic experimentation, and discovering new ways to express the human spirit. This memoir invites us to reflect on the extraordinary outcomes that emerge when perseverance meets heartfelt connection.

More than a simple reflection on youth, “Just Kids” stands as a testament to how everyday struggles can reveal remarkable strength. It’s a unique portrait of a legendary partnership—and a celebration of the creativity born from enduring collaborations, ephemeral encounters, and unwavering faith in each other’s dreams.

Review of Just Kids

One of the most striking qualities of “Just Kids” is its unfiltered glimpse into the gritty yet invigorating world of 1970s bohemia. Patti Smith writes with a disarming honesty that turns personal anecdotes into universal lessons on resilience, passion, and creative synergy. This authenticity is felt in every anecdote—whether describing her early bookstore jobs, the shared excitement of Mapplethorpe’s photographs, or the electric pulse of the Chelsea Hotel. Readers can draw real insights about the impact of supportive friendships and the significance of taking creative risks, even with limited resources.

Smith’s prose blends poetic reflections with clear, accessible language, ensuring that seasoned literature buffs and casual memoir fans alike will find it approachable. The book’s appeal extends to aspiring artists, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how personal authenticity can blossom into internationally acclaimed work. In the end, “Just Kids” earns a solid recommendation for its heartfelt portrayal of an era, its lessons on self-discovery, and its enduring affirmation that true connection can change the course of a life.

Who should read Just Kids?

Aspiring photographers and visual artists seeking insight into the creative process
Music fans fascinated by the punk rock and bohemian scenes of 1970s New York
Memoir lovers who enjoy honest accounts of friendship and coming-of-age
Readers interested in how collaboration and unwavering support fuel artistic achievements

About the author

Patti Smith is a renowned American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist. Born on December 30, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, she is best known for her influential work in the New York City punk rock scene and her extensive literary achievements. Smith has won numerous awards, including the 2010 National Book Award for her memoir "Just Kids," which chronicles her deep friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. She has also received the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award in 2020 and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from Columbia University in 2022.