Just Kids Book Review And Discussion

Reading Just Kids opened a window into my soul I didn't realize was there. Or rather, I realized it was there, I simply just forgot about it. This memoir by Patti Smith is haunting, poetic and captivating. She truly has a gift for the written word.

It starts with painting the scene of her childhood and moves along to how she met Robert Mapplethorpe, her undeniable soul mate. They truly were just kids who found one another in the harsh world and reality that is New York City. Together they starved, scrimped and nursed one another back to health—physically, intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.

I guess what I love about this book so much is that she doesn't sugarcoat the horrifically low points (such as trench mouth and being homeless), but somehow they flow out of her with the softness of whipped cream. Her heart and soul are in the ink and words on each and every page.

Below I have gathered some discussion and review questions from around the web, and I am taking the liberty of answering them myself this time around. Just promise me you will read this book if memoirs and the 60s are your cup of tea, alright? And mark your calendars for the release of her second memoir, M Train. I cannot wait.

1. Were you somewhat familiar with Patti and Robert before reading this book? Have you heard her songs/seen his artwork/photography? If so, how did this book change your idea of them?

I was briefly familiar with Patti's music, but I had no idea who Robert was before reading this book. Finding new artists always excites me, especially from this era, and it truly was a treat to research the pieces and put a face with a name. Somehow it brought the story of their love and relationship to life on a more realistic level.

2. This is a love story, but Robert is bisexual. How is this a traditional relationship? How is it a very unusual one? Did Patti sacrifice her happiness for Robert?

Bottom line, they loved each other for who they were. This wasn't about sexual orientation and stupid labels. Their love was about two souls finding one another and connecting in a way that only true love can. Sure, it was unusual and unhealthy at times when they weren't openly communicating their honest feelings. However, every relationship has those pitfalls. And no, I don't think Patti sacrificed her happiness for Robert. She lived her life and found her passions together and apart from Robert.

3. Both Patti and Robert became extremely successful in their lives. What drove them to their success? Was luck involved? Is it unusual for people so young to be so driven and confident?

Honestly, I think a lot of it was opportunity. They happened to be in the right place at the right time, and they knew the right people. Perhaps you could call that luck, but I think it is more fate than anything. We are all dealt a certain hand of cards in this life and you need to know how to play them. Patti and Robert knew what they had and went all in. Of course it wouldn't have happened without the hard work and confidence, but they had it all going for them.

What I noticed was that Robert was the one with the confidence. He wasn't afraid of networking and tirelessly self-promoting, which is essential to success. Patti was the more quiet reserved type, but she was smart and had a good work ethic. They were a great team in that regard, and I think the innocence and naivety of their youth worked in their favor. I wonder what their success would be like now if they were living in this day of social media. It's always interesting to me to read the stories of how young people achieve success.

4. How did a lack of money and resources play into their lives? Would having money at a young age (perhaps getting it from their parents, etc.) have ultimately robbed them of the experiences that shaped who they became? Does being handed things dissuade creativity and drive? What does this say about today’s youth?

Their poverty was an essential marker on their path to fame. If they had money they would have never landed at the Chelsea Hotel, which in my opinion was when they hit the jackpot. They struck gold living there. This is the time when Robert had trench mouth from being so malnourished and having a lack of proper hygiene, along with other diseases. The Chelsea was their one and only option really. If they had the money to bankroll their carefree youth, this story would have played out more like an Edie Sedgwick situation—too much partying without any real responsibilities to hold them accountable, leading to exacerbated mental illness and ultimately suicide or an overdose. Okay, maybe that's a bit of a melodramatic generalization, but you get the point.

I wouldn't necessarily say being handed everything can dissuade creativity or drive either, though. A lot of youth who have money are the ones who are "creatives" and "artists" living in ridiculously priced lofts in Brooklyn and San Francisco. And many of them become successful in their trade because of their talent in addition to the money and connections. But, I think a lot has to do with the parents and how much of an example or expectation they give to their kids about developing a good work ethic. Today's youth I would say are generally spoiled and we live in an era of immediate gratification. But, there are still innovators and thinkers, and they are the ones who will build the future, not the lazy, entitled bums.

5. Some readers might feel Mapplethorpe ‘took’ too much from Smith emotionally—that he leaned on her, perhaps even ‘used’ her at times—and that the relationship was unequal. Smith doesn’t seem to feel that way herself in this memoir. Why do you think she doesn’t?

As I mentioned above, I think she was completely aware of the situation and liked being needed. But she wasn't stupid and realized when it was time to move on. And she had plenty of moments where she leaned on him for emotional support. Robert was simply the moody artist. It has been shown in studies that "creative" types have a harder time closing off the flood-gates of stimuli coming into the brain and experience more mood and mental disorders. So, of course there is going to be a lot of stress and undulating emotions. Not to mention being hangry all the time. Hanger is real, people. Sheds some new light on the term "starving artist" doesn't it? Maybe all they need is a sandwich.

6. When do you think Robert became aware of his sexuality?   

I think he always knew about his sexuality. Robert was raised in a very strict Catholic household, which frowns upon homosexuality, so I think he tried to push it away as much as possible until he finally felt free to be himself. Fleeing to New York was the independence he needed to truly find his identity (or try a few on for size until he felt comfortable in who he was).

7. Is New York responsible for their success in a way? Imagine if they had met and lived in St. Louis, for example?

This book would not exist if they had never landed in New York. As mentioned above, they fell into the right circle of artists and piggy-backed on the Warhol movement. The Chelsea Hotel was their goldmine and allowed them to become a part of that fold. We are talking Andy Warhol, Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Loulou de la Falaise, etc. Any influential artist of the 60s and 70s you can think of they most likely knew, and ran in the same crowd.

8. Amongst readers and reviewers there seems to be a difference of opinion regarding Smith’s name-dropping. Some find her mentions of famous artists of the day pointless. Some admire that she kept the name-dropping to a minimum given the social scene she was a part of. Did you recognize most of the artists she mentions? Would you have liked Smith to delve into more detail about those scene-makers?

I keep a small moleskin notebook to jot down names of people, works of literature and passages that stick out to me in the books I read. I literally filled over three pages just from all of the references Patti Smith made to poets, writers, musicians and artists. Sure, I guess she name dropped a little, but that was her life and her experience. I think it's wonderful she shared it. It illustrates the scene for us in an understandable way.

9. How did knowing that Robert dies of AIDS at an early age shape your reading experience? Was there a tragic vein that ran throug the story knowing that he would die young?

Tragedy makes for great storytelling. And Patti is indeed a gifted storyteller, so I think it was an essential part of her memoir. Their love had a classical element to it, in that it was heart-wrenching, beautiful, and profoundly humanizing.

P.S. This month's book selection is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I've already finished it and it is a life changer, as in you must read it.

Discussion questions from here and here. Photos via here and here.

The Bookseller Review And Discussion

We've been stuck inside for three days now with some gnarly colds and stomach bugs, so reading is one of my two ways to escape my cabin fever. (Netflix is the other one.)

Last month's reading selection was The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson, and it is high time I get to sharing my review and the discussion! Did you read it? Are you planning to? Here are my overall thoughts...

It was a pretty good book. On a five star scale, I would give it a three and a half. It was a fairly quick read, contained plot twists, a little bit of romance, and covered some serious themes. Kitty, the main character, is a single woman who owns a book shop and finds herself living in a very realistic world within her dreams, where she goes by Katharyn and is a wife and mother to three children. It gets to the point where she isn't sure which one is real anymore.

I liked the idea of this plot. Like I said when I announced this book, it kind of has an Inception vibe to it, but in the world of motherhood. It kept me wondering and guessing until the very end which realm was in fact reality. I also love to talk about dreams and their meanings and all of that mumbo jumbo.

The themes in this books are ripe for long and philosophical discussion, the kind that keep you on the phone for hours or chatting until the the sun comes up. Here are a few of my favorite:

1. Of what significance is it that the novel is set in the 1960s? That Kitty lives in the city, and Katharyn in a suburban neighborhood?

2. Examine what the society of the time expects from, allows, or forbids women. In what ways do various characters push against such definition? What empowers them to do so?

3. At one point in Katharyn’s struggle to understand her predicament she says her mind is playing tricks on her, is “using [her] body as a clever prop.” How do the mind and body work with or against each other in times of distress?

4. Why do we dream? What might be the value of dreaming while asleep? What do powerful dreams have in common with reality?

5. What complexities are introduced with Michael, Katharyn and Lars’s third child? What effects do the 1960s medical theories about the nature and causes of autism have on Katharyn?

6. In a time of great frustration Kitty concedes that, “there is no such thing as a perfect life.” Why is this? How close can we get? What’s most important in our attempt?

7. Kitty’s initial interaction with Lars suggests that very different lives might result for a person simply because of timing, even a matter of seconds. To what extent and in what ways has timing played a role in your life?

8. Of what value is the imagination, that “remarkably clever and hardworking creature”? In what ways might an active imagination become problematic or even unhealthy?

So many great questions to ponder!

As for April's book club selection, it is Just Kids by Patti Smith. I announced it on Instagram a few weeks ago, and I will be sharing my review and discussion on it in May. FYI, I have already finished it and do have to say that it is one of my favorite books I have ever read. Truly. I mean it in every sense of the word. Patti Smith is a genius with words, a true poet, and she lived in a world which I find incredibly fascinating, frightening and inspiring. For me it is a book I will be returning to time and time again, wearing in the pages and marking up the margins. Do me a favor and read it. But, don't read it if 60s culture isn't your thing. Or do because maybe there is something in there from which you will benefit or be enlightened. Either way, I love it, I love it, I love it and recommend it! Be prepared for a to read my novella of thoughts on it! ;)

The Paris Wife Book Club Discussion

I am a fan of Ernest Hemingway. I think his writing is sharp, crisp and can transport you without your knowledge. It's like the aftershock of a bomb. You don't see it coming but it hits you and will change the way you feel and think—oftentimes pulling up emotions you've kept hoarded and buried back in the recesses of your mind and heart.

That being said, could you imagine being his wife? That pressure would be both smothering and isolating, electrifying and sorrowful.

The Paris Wife is a wonderful historical fiction novel about Hadley Richardson, his first wife. My thoughts on the book? Loved it. Obviously. I felt like Paula McClain wrote their story in a beautiful and relatable way. It was exciting to get a peek into that passionate generation of artists. It was also heart-wrenching to read how that environment could be volatile to relationships, like it was for Hadley and Ernest. I found myself identifying with a lot of shortcomings and strengths in both Hadley and Ernest—I admired Hadley's loyalty to Ernest, and could relate to her depression she endured. She was much stronger than she seemed to give herself credit for. As for Ernest? He could absolutely be a bit of a hot-head, but I was inspired by his love and fire for his craft. He just knew in his bones that writing was his calling in this life and didn't stop at anything to get it. However, I feel sad that he compromised the things in life that truly matter to achieve his success.



So many feelings, guys! (And there is a picture of the real young Hadley and Ernest! And baby Bumby below!)

Here are the discussion questions provided by the publisher if you read it and would like to weigh in! To discuss, include the number of the question to which you are discussing in your comments below. Thanks for joining in my book club with me!

1. In many ways, Hadley's girlhood in St. Louis was a difficult and repressive experience. How do her early years prepare her to meet and fall in love with Ernest? What does life with Ernest offer her that she hasn't encountered before? What are the risks?

2. Hadley and Ernest don't get a lot of encouragement from their friends and family when they decided to marry. What seems to draw the two together? What are some of the strengths of their initial attraction and partnership? The challenges?

3. The Ernest Hemingway we meet in The Paris Wife—through Hadley's eyes—is in many ways different from the ways we imagine him when faced with the largeness of his later persona. What do you see as his character strengths? Can you see what Hadley saw in him?

4. Throughout the book, Hadley refers to herself as "Victorian" as opposed to "modern." What are some of the ways she doesn't feel like she fits into life in bohemian Paris? How does this impact her relationship with Ernest? Her self-esteem? What are some of the ways Hadley's "old-fashioned" quality can be seen as a strength and not a weakness?

5. What was the role of literary spouses in 1920's Paris? How is Hadley challenged and restricted by her gender? Would those restrictions have changed if she had been an artist and not merely a "wife"?

6. At one point, Ezra Pound warns Hadley that it would be a dire mistake to let parenthood change Ernest. Is there a nugget of truth behind his concern? What are some of the ways Ernest is changed by Bumby's birth? What about Hadley? What does motherhood bring to her life, for better or worse?

7. What was the nature of the relationship between Hadley and Pauline Pfeiffer? Were they legitimately friends? How do you see Pauline taking advantage of her intimate position in the Hemingway's life? Do you think Hadley is naive for not suspecting Pauline of having designs on Ernest earlier? Why or why not?

8. In many ways, Hadley is a very different person at the end of the novel than the girl who encounters Ernest by chance at a party. How do you understand her trajectory and transformation? Are there any ways she essentially doesn't change?

9. Ernest Hemingway spent the last months of his life tenderly reliving his first marriage in the pages his memoir, A Moveable Feast. In fact, it was the last thing he wrote before his death. Do you think he realized what he'd truly lost with Hadley?

Image source one, two and three

March Book Club Selection: The Bookseller

This month's book club selection is The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson. It is a brand spankin' new release this month, which will be available March 3. I am liking that it is hot off the press. I have never pre-ordered a book, so this should be a thrilling first!

Its reviews on Goodreads thus far are promising, and the plot sounds awesome. Think Inception, but a novel with a bookworm heroine, Kitty, that is set in the 1960s. Fun, right? I am definitely one who obsesses over my dreams and the whole, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?! mentality. I have a feeling I might be able to relate to Kitty.

You can purchase the book here, or at most major retailers (based on my Google search for it).

Also, the discussion for our February pick, The Paris Wife, is this Wednesday, March 4!

Happy reading!

Instagram photo from a lovely morning reading with Luke. You can follow along with our adventures on Instagram here! (@alongabbeyroad)

One Plus One Book Club Discussion

The January book club selection was One Plus One by Jojo Moyes. I can't believe how quickly the month passed by! Now it is time to talk amongst ourselves. (Sorry, I couldn't help myself with that gif.)

Before I list the discussion questions, I want to give my opinions about the book.

Overall, I thought the book was okay. On a scale of five stars, I would give it a three. I liked how relatable and real all of the characters were. Their quirks were funny, and their struggles made me empathetic. I am not sure how much I liked the relationship between Ed and Jess (or how much I really even liked Ed), or how Jess handled certain issues. But I guess she was just doing her best, right? I am not a single mother, and I can only imagine how terrifying and horrendously stressful it would be to solely provide the financial, emotional, and physical well-being for two children and myself.

Now, let's get to the discussion questions. I have included some that were provided by the publisher, and some of my own thoughts and questions as well. To discuss, include the number of the question to which you are discussing in your comments below. Thanks for joining in my book club with me!

Oh, and one more thing before we sound off! The book club selection for February is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. I've been itching to read this one for awhile, and think it is going to be just wonderful. I apologize for not posting it a few weeks ago so it would give you a good six weeks to read it, but I will be sure to do that from now on! We will discuss The Paris Wife on Wednesday, March 4. Also, please leave any books you think would be fun to read for this book club in the comments and I will be sure to go through all of them and add them to my ginormous list.

1. What are your overall thoughts about this book?

2. Even though Marty himself is reluctant, Jess opens her home to Nicky, Marty’s son by “a woman he’d dated briefly in his teens” (p. 9), after his birth mother essentially abandons him. If you were Jess, would you be willing to raise Nicky as your own child? Also, do you think she is less strict with him because he isn't her biological child? (Smoking marijuana, gaming all day, etc.)

3. Dishonesty and trust are major themes in the book. From Jess buying stolen items from Aileen Trent, to Marty lying about his whereabouts, it comes up a lot. One of the major acts of dishonesty is when Jess takes the money that Ed drunkenly drops in the taxi and decides to use it to pay Tanzie’s registration fees. Would she have made that choice if he hadn’t behaved rudely to her while she was cleaning his house? Does his treatment of her excuse her decision?

4. Is it more difficult for the poor to lead law-abiding lives? To what extent is morality a matter of character or circumstance?

5. Ed helps Nicky get revenge on Jason Fisher by showing him how to hack Jason’s Facebook page. Since Jason intimidated the witnesses to Nicky’s beating into not speaking out against him, is it a justifiable retaliation?

6. At what point in their journey does Ed begin to think less about himself and more about helping Tanzie and her family?

7. Does Ed’s ignorance mitigate the seriousness of his crime? Should he have spent time in prison, or do you feel he was given a fair sentence?

8. What was your reaction when you found out Marty had been living with a new girlfriend and her family, being completely financially supported, while he left his own children and Tess to struggle?

9. Jess’s mother “had been right about many things” (p. 166), but she never made her daughter feel loved. As a result, Jess makes it her priority as a mother to make Tanzie and Nicky feel loved. What is something that your parents did right? What is something they did wrong that you hope to rectify if you are or plan to become a parent yourself?

10. Do you support Jess’s decision to go into debt to pay for Norman’s hospital bills rather than put him to sleep?

11. Did Ed’s financial success go to his head, or was he self-centered before he was rich? What did he have to learn about himself in order to forgive Jess?

Welcome To Book Club!

One of my goals this year is to read more books, so I thought I'd throw the idea out there for an online book club. Looks like a lot of you were in the same boat as me and liked the idea, so here we are! Welcome to ze book club! (Should we give it a name? It needs to be something really shnazzy and fancy, so leave your ideas in the comments if you have a good one.)

I am wasting no time and would like to let you know what the first book club pick is for January! Drum roll, please...

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes! I have never read anything by Jojo Moyes, but all the reviews on her books say only good things, and this book has sparkling reviews. It's supposed to be funny, relatable and it's a love story! The perfect first book and a good one to discuss in February, right? We will be discussing it on Wednesday, February 4th. I would like to discuss each book on the first Wednesday of each month. Sound good? Also, I will announce the book for February in a couple of weeks so you can get a head start on that since it is a shorter month.

K, I'm excited about this. Thanks for your willingness to discuss the books I've been aching to read so I don't have to have a conversation with myself, or talk at Matt while he is trying to go to sleep. We all thank you for your participation! ;)

Happy reading!

(P.S. That pillow peeking out from behind me is from the wonderful Just Dawnelle shop and I highly recommend her throw pillows if you are looking to brighten up your bed or couch! She also makes serape scarves, which are equally as fabulous.)