This autobiographical book focuses on her life and times with Robert Mapplethorpe, the brilliant photographer who died far too early. Beautifully written, Just Kids draws the reader into a (now gone) New York City milieu. Artists, poets, musicians,various hipsters and transgressors of The Norm populate the pages. Patti Smith soaks it up like a sponge and follows her own path while acutely observing the people, places and events around her. No celebrity posturing here. Patti Smith’s down to earth and her writing, always poetic, is direct, honest and a joy to read. Rating: 10/10