"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Boom!

That was my head exploding.
Wow!


You know how I've been whining about books lately.  I have said I was tired of reading books I wouldn't finish or thought 'eh.' Then I found JUST KIDS, a National Book Award winner.

I said I wanted to read books that quicken the pulse; make my head explode.  Books that, well, don't take my advice as this is merely my own reaction to this tome.  I am certain it isn't for everyone.  What I'm not certain about is, whether or not you had to have lived it... the times, I guess.

I have heard of Patti Smith.  Rock goddess, poet, actor, songwriter, performance artist - but she's so much more.  My personal favorite song of hers is Because The Night. They don't make them like Patti Smith anymore: she has it all, the idiosyncratic talent of our age.

This is her story of her early years in NYC with her longtime love and muse, Robert Mapplethorpe.  I don't want it to end.


But it isn't going to yet.  I got M TRAIN at Barnes and Noble recently.  It is her newly released book.  I hope it's as good as JUST KIDS.  Hurry out to get a signed copy if you are so inclined, before they are all gone.  Patti performed in Paris as recently as October and you can watch it on Youtube.  I'm a big fan of hers now.
  


16 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

Isn't it wonderful when you find a book that is so enthralling. Glad you are enjoying it so much.

Elephant's Child said...

She is indeed a very talented woman - in so many spheres.
I will track down her memoirs. Thank you.

donna baker said...

It is Pat. I just got The Kashmir Shawl in that I think you recommended.

donna baker said...

Well, I hope you enjoy it Child. Being the bibliophile that you are, I think you will enjoy it. But, I am not the one to recommend literature by any stretch of the imagination.

elaine said...

Husband is buying me M Train for Christmas if I like it - which I think I will - I will definitely look into reading her other books - I love quirky people's observations.

La Table De Nana said...

I have to tell my friend Nancy..she read Just Kids and really liked it~
Now you too..must read then:)

donna baker said...

Elaine, it has it all.

donna baker said...

I think you'd like it Monique. Raw, but so interesting, at least to me. Another thing that Nancy and I have in common. I hope I like M TRAIN as much as JUST KIDS.

Frances said...

Donna, I also enjoyed reading Just Kids very much, not just because Patti gave me a copy. True.

It can be a small world, eh? xo

donna baker said...

OMG Frances. Take us on a walking tour of the Chelsea Hotel and the places they hung out. That is, if it all hasn't been torn down by now. Tell me more. I couldn't believe all the people that went in and out of her life. Wonder who is left besides Patti. Such interesting characters.

Frances said...

Donna, I am making a "mental" note to send you an email...might not be until the New Year, when time becomes more free. xo

donna baker said...

I'll remind you dear Frances.

Amanda Summer said...

I've been curious about this book for weeks but after reading your review I'm going to ask for it as a Christmas gift. Like you, my favorite Patti Smith song is Because the Night - a hauntingly beautiful classic.

donna baker said...

Haven't read M TRAIN yet, but hope it's as good as JUST KIDS. Better get both. JK has everybody who's anybody in the art world, music business, literature and on and on. That's why I said earlier in the post that I wasn't certain if you had to have lived it so you'd know who she was talking about other than the really famous names. Still wowed.

Val said...

Ooh! I read Just Kids last Christmas and loved it. The writing was just hauntingly beautiful, and the last few pages--oh goodness. One of my favorite reads from last year.

donna baker said...

I can't believe Patti has had such an interesting life and is such an interesting person. I have never even heard of Rimbaud and thought myself pretty knowledgeable.