Just Kids, Patti Smith

I am in awe of Patti Smith and had been looking forward to reading this for a while. It didn't disappoint and I couldn't have anticipated just how inspiring the book would be; the drive to make and think and read and be aware of culture past and present, is contagious.

I learnt of Patti Smith through her music and Robert Mapplethorpe through his photographs, and it was fascinating to read about both of them before they had started doing what they are so known for. It is certainly accessible to someone who has never heard of either of them, it is a compelling look at life, art making and a relationship which is/was undefinable; the boxes of friend, boyfriend, partner are all too small and sterile to describe Patti and Robert.