In Patti Smith’s novel Just Kids, the song artist and novelist recalls a stunning memoir of her life with her first love Robert, and how he influenced her over the years as they learned and grew together. As they face the hardships of finding themselves in the 70s, an age of war, art, and sexuality on the uprising, they always hold onto their love for each other and for art, and always make it through.

I am not often one to read memoirs, but this one is a game-changer. Smith grabs readers by their hearts on the first page and draws you into her world of love, pain, confusion, joy, and wonder. The way she perfectly captures the essence of adolescence and raw emotions is a work of art in itself.

While not following the traditional plot-climax book form, Patti and Robert’s lives take many shocking twists that enhance the story and give readers a deeper understanding of the characters themselves. You find yourself rooting for both characters and praying that they find their way.

This book may not be for everyone due to its heavy topics and hard concepts, but I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone wandering through their life looking for direction, or even anyone who has a deep appreciation of art. This book stole my heart and made art out of a simple human life. I would give this book a 10/10.