Beautiful book. Patti's writing is wonderful and "Just Kids" won a National Book Award (USA) and I can see why. I know it's going to get very sad in a few pages. Robert Mapplethorpe ( legendary B/W photographer) and Patti's art careers take off, they find different partners and then, Robert - even closer than a best friend dies of AIDS. I love Patti Smith. A true artist and always real. I thought it was interesting how she was at first excited to sit at the table with the Warhol gang, but then found it an empty experience - everyone trying to "outcool" each other. Patti also kept away from heavy drug/alcohol use. Always a clear head, which is why her observations are so keen.