Just Kids

Synopsis

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.

Summary

Chapter 1: Milk

Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe meet in 1967 at a party in New York City. They are both struggling artists, but they are drawn to each other's raw talent and mutual desire for freedom. They begin a close friendship that will shape their lives for decades to come.

Real Example:
"I remember the first night we met. I was so nervous. I had never been to a party like that before. But Robert was so kind and welcoming. He made me feel like I belonged." - Patti Smith

Chapter 2: The Chelsea Hotel

Patti and Robert move into the Chelsea Hotel, a bohemian haven for artists and musicians. They share a small, rundown room, but it is filled with their creativity and dreams. They spend their nights writing poetry, taking photographs, and talking about art.

Real Example:
"The Chelsea Hotel was like our home. It was a place where we could be ourselves and create anything we wanted. It was magical." - Robert Mapplethorpe

Chapter 3: Max's Kansas City

Patti and Robert become regulars at Max's Kansas City, a legendary music venue in New York City. They are inspired by the music of Jimi Hendrix, the Velvet Underground, and Sam Shepard. They begin to perform their own music, and they quickly gain a following.

Real Example:
"Playing at Max's was like a dream come true. We could hear our music and feel the energy of the crowd. It was the best feeling in the world." - Patti Smith

Chapter 4: The Factory

Patti and Robert meet Andy Warhol at The Factory, his famous studio. They are fascinated by Warhol's art and his celebrity entourage. They become part of Warhol's circle, and they are inspired by his avant-garde approach to art.

Real Example:
"The Factory was a crazy place, but it was also a very creative environment. We met so many interesting people there, and we learned so much about art." - Patti Smith

Chapter 5: The Road

Patti and Robert embark on a road trip across the United States. They visit friends, play music, and explore the country's landscape. The road trip is a transformative experience for them both, and it strengthens their bond.

Real Example:
"The road trip was an amazing adventure. We saw so much of the country and met so many different people. It was a great way to learn about ourselves and our relationship." - Patti Smith

Chapter 6: The End

Patti and Robert's relationship begins to fall apart in the early 1970s. They are both struggling with their careers and their personal lives. They eventually decide to go their separate ways, but they remain close friends until Robert's death in 1989.

Real Example:
"It was hard to say goodbye to Robert, but I knew it was the right thing to do. We had both grown so much, and we needed to go our separate ways. But I will always cherish the memories we made together." - Patti Smith