The highly-praised memoir of life among the cutting edge artists in 1970s NYC by the punk rock icon.

What a fantastic memoir. It's clear that most of Patti's interest is in discussing her determination to become a creative artist, and to connect deeply with the other artists and musicians that were shaping her world. She has the monomania that a self-taught artist needs (e.g. endless drawing, determination to understand Arthur Rimbaud), along with a generous love of the people around her, and especially her first love, Robert Mapplethorpe, of course. Her book is also a terrific biography of his life and (at second hand) his loves. Highly recommended, especially for young people who will be amazed at how much danger young people risked in leaving home 40 years ago, that they would never ever consider attempting today (based on the young people I know.) But maybe those daredevils like Bob and Patti have always been rare.

given to a friend.