Patti Smith's Memoir 'Bread of Angels' a Wild Ride Through Punk, Love and Art
At 78 years old, Patti Smith has proven that she can write about anything with vitality. Her latest memoir "Bread of Angels" is part coming-of-age story, part unconventional autobiography, and it's hard to say which medium suits her better - literature or music.
The book starts with a Proustian invocation, jumping between the present and past, as Smith confesses her outsider desire to disguise her inner self. She introduces her "rebel hump" metaphor, a flaw she comes to accept, harness, and ride throughout her life. This narrative voice is a wild ride in itself, at times formal, archaic, and unrestrained.
Smith's childhood was marked by hardship, with her family moving 12 times before settling into government housing. She was a sickly child diagnosed with TB, but found solace in music and writing. Her vivid diaries and imaginative playtimes with sister Linda are an escape from the uncertain future that loomed over them.
As Smith navigates her teenage years, she becomes a rebellious teenager refusing to salute the American flag due to Jehovah's Witness teachings. She finds inspiration in art, literature, and film, including Picasso, Modigliani, and Lost Horizon. Her choices lead her to clash with church elders, but she stands firm in her convictions.
The turning point comes when Smith announces her pregnancy and gives up her child for adoption. This decision marks a shift towards New York City and the life chronicled in Just Kids. We see glimpses of her romance with Robert Mapplethorpe, her debut at St Mark's Church, and her touchstone CBGB residency.
Smith also shares intimate details about her marriage to Fred Smith, including their bohemian love story, their struggles, and his eventual passing from heart failure in 1994. This loss triggers a creative rebirth, with new friendships and collaborations emerging.
Throughout the book, Smith's writing style is often eccentric but not self-indulgent. She writes about her own DNA, saying "she sang herself into being." The narrative slows down as she reflects on her lineage and her remarkable life.
Ultimately, "Bread of Angels" confirms that Patti Smith has written - is still writing - her own story. Her memoir is a wild ride through punk, love, art, and self-discovery. It's a testament to the power of writing and the enduring legacy of this iconic poet.
At 78 years old, Patti Smith has proven that she can write about anything with vitality. Her latest memoir "Bread of Angels" is part coming-of-age story, part unconventional autobiography, and it's hard to say which medium suits her better - literature or music.
The book starts with a Proustian invocation, jumping between the present and past, as Smith confesses her outsider desire to disguise her inner self. She introduces her "rebel hump" metaphor, a flaw she comes to accept, harness, and ride throughout her life. This narrative voice is a wild ride in itself, at times formal, archaic, and unrestrained.
Smith's childhood was marked by hardship, with her family moving 12 times before settling into government housing. She was a sickly child diagnosed with TB, but found solace in music and writing. Her vivid diaries and imaginative playtimes with sister Linda are an escape from the uncertain future that loomed over them.
As Smith navigates her teenage years, she becomes a rebellious teenager refusing to salute the American flag due to Jehovah's Witness teachings. She finds inspiration in art, literature, and film, including Picasso, Modigliani, and Lost Horizon. Her choices lead her to clash with church elders, but she stands firm in her convictions.
The turning point comes when Smith announces her pregnancy and gives up her child for adoption. This decision marks a shift towards New York City and the life chronicled in Just Kids. We see glimpses of her romance with Robert Mapplethorpe, her debut at St Mark's Church, and her touchstone CBGB residency.
Smith also shares intimate details about her marriage to Fred Smith, including their bohemian love story, their struggles, and his eventual passing from heart failure in 1994. This loss triggers a creative rebirth, with new friendships and collaborations emerging.
Throughout the book, Smith's writing style is often eccentric but not self-indulgent. She writes about her own DNA, saying "she sang herself into being." The narrative slows down as she reflects on her lineage and her remarkable life.
Ultimately, "Bread of Angels" confirms that Patti Smith has written - is still writing - her own story. Her memoir is a wild ride through punk, love, art, and self-discovery. It's a testament to the power of writing and the enduring legacy of this iconic poet.
she's like a total boss at 78 yrs old still killing the game and inspiring us all with her story its not just about her life but also about the world around her, you can feel the energy of the 70s punk scene and art movements through every page i love how she dives into her past and explores what makes her tick - it's like a wild ride for yourself too! 
i'm all about that creative expression and Smith is the ultimate example of living life on your own terms & still pushing boundaries with each new work can't wait to dive in more 
She's like a punk rock version of The Devil Wears Prada but instead of being all about fashion, she's got soul 
. Her writing is so vivid and raw, it feels like you're right there with her on that wild ride through life. I mean, who wouldn't want to read about a girl who grew up in poverty, was diagnosed with TB as a kid, and still managed to become a rock legend? 
She's literally the ultimate rebel chick. And can we talk about how brave she is for sharing all those intimate details about her life, including giving up her child for adoption? It's like she's saying "I sang myself into being" and I am HERE. FOR. IT 
but seriously what i love most about this book is the way it shows pattys growth and evolution as an artist and a person it's like she's still writing herself into being 
I mean, 78 and still going strong? Patti Smith's latest memoir "Bread of Angels" sounds like a real page-turner...for those who enjoy reading about someone else's wild ride. 
It's impressive she can jump between present and past like that - maybe she's been practicing her time-traveling skills or something 
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. Her story is a reminder that you don't have to fit into the mold of what society expects from you, and that embracing your quirks can lead to an amazing life 
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. Her honesty is inspiring, and I love how she says "she sang herself into being" - what a message of self-love 
. I mean, I can appreciate the literary flair, but at times it feels like she's trying too hard to be poetic 
, but that's a minor quibble.
. Patti Smith is still writing her own story, and it's one we're all lucky to get a glimpse into 
patti smith is like the ultimate legend, you know? she's been through so much and still has that fire in her belly. but then again, 78 years old is old, even for someone as iconic as pattsi... 
At 78, she's still got so much depth and wisdom to share, it's amazing. I mean, who else can make memoir writing look like a punk rock concert – all chaotic, yet somehow, totally cohesive? 
I'm literally blown away by Patti Smith's new memoir "Bread of Angels"!!! 
. Her writing style is so unique and raw, it's like you're getting a backstage pass to her mind 
. The way she weaves together her life story with poetry and philosophy is just genius 
. And can we talk about the candidness about her experiences with adoption and loss? So powerful 
. I'm already on a Patti Smith binge and I don't regret it 
but also super inspiring.
- but that's also part of its charm. Patti Smith's writing style is so unique and unapologetic, it's like she's speaking straight from her heart 
.
Overall, I'd say "Bread of Angels" is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt like they don't quite fit in 
. It's a testament to the power of writing and self-expression.
. Can't we have a thread dedicated to Patti Smith or something? 
. That's some heavy stuff right there.
. Can't we have a discussion without it feeling like a glorified fan club? 
and can i just say her writing style is everything - sometimes formal, archaic, and unrestrained 
that takes courage, girl! And wow, her childhood was super tough but music and writing became her escape. I love how she writes about finding inspiration in art and literature too - it's like she's spreading this beautiful message of creativity being a superpower 
but at the same time, it sounds like it was a major turning point for her. And that romance with Robert Mapplethorpe is just so fascinating... I'm shipping them hard 
As for Fred, I'm glad she's sharing his story too - it's clear how much they meant to each other