A very New York story about how I obtained Patti Smith's // Just Kids #189

You'll notice that most of the people in the picture above have their heads down reading a book, nook, kindle or Ipad (except for the overly affectionate couple - disgusting). The subway is the underground public library of New York. Not going to lie, I too have become one of these book feasters. Before I tell you why this book is amazing let me share with you how it came in to my possession. 

If you follow my blog you will know that about 4 months ago I was living in the depths of Bed-Sty, Brooklyn. The neighborhood I was in was one of the most dangerous in New York. I found myself in a hostel/lofted apartment situation. I was sharing a room with a textile designer from England. She had amazing style and was extremely talented at what she did - having already worked on projects for the likes of Vera Wang. We would both frequently ask each other how the hell we ended up in such a place. We came to the conclusion that we had made last minute decisions that had bought us to this hell-on-earth. Our crazy landlord, who would scream and yell at everyone, actually punched one guy in the face. Not only did he do that, but he told the police that a girl staying there was using drugs because she was constantly itching, when really her room just had bed bugs. All due to his un-hygienic self. The shower was in the same room as the fridge and was really just a sawn off pipe re-routed to deposit water. It was not the prettiest of places, but it was a place nonetheless. 

Anyway this girl and I bonded over fashion, our love of New York and the fact that our landlord was quite obviously clinically insane. About 3 days before she left she gave me this book, Just Kids by Patti Smith, and said I HAD to read it. To be honest I didn't pick it up until about 4 days ago. And I'm glad I left it until now to read because I understand the significance of it. The book is about New York in the 70's and Patti's struggle to make it in the one city that seems to crush those with little motivation. She too lived in Bed-Sty in what was very much similar to the situation in which I found myself in. An apartment that was well past it's used by date and so far from the city you felt out-of-touch. The story follows Patti's struggle as an artist and her torchered relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe. It is as Johnny Depp put it "A prelude to fame". I highly recommend you read it if you're considering a career in the arts (or if you just like a great book). Patti provides a resource that showcases what it means to dedicate yourself to your art. Something many claim to do, but few actually do. 

Thank-you to my English friend for this book. I shall repay the favor one-day. 

☮ Morgs