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Devotion
Devotion | Patti Smith
From the renowned artist and author Patti Smith, an inspired exploration of the nature of creative invention A work of creative brilliance may seem like magic--its source a mystery, its impact unexpectedly stirring. How does an artist accomplish such an achievement, connecting deeply with an audience never met? In this groundbreaking book, one of our culture's beloved artists offers a detailed account of her own creative process, inspirations, and unexpected connections. Patti Smith first presents an original and beautifully crafted tale of obsession--a young skater who lives for her art, a possessive collector who ruthlessly seeks his prize, a relationship forged of need both craven and exalted. She then takes us on a second journey, exploring the sources of her story. We travel through the South of France to Camus's house, and visit the garden of the great publisher Gallimard where the ghosts of Mishima, Nabokov, and Genet mingle. Smith tracks down Simone Weil's grave in a lonely cemetery, hours from London, and winds through the nameless Paris streets of Patrick Modiano's novels. Whether writing in a caf? or a train, Smith generously opens her notebooks and lets us glimpse the alchemy of her art and craft in this arresting and original book on writing. The Why I Write series is based on the Windham-Campbell Lectures, delivered annually to commemorate the awarding of the Donald Windham-Sandy M. Campbell Literature Prizes at Yale University.
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Sydneypaige
Devotion | Patti Smith
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I never really know what I‘m looking for when I read books about writing. As are many books on the topic, it‘s part memoir, so it‘s not unworth reading - as peoples stories are interesting to me. I‘m always surprised by the stories and structures writers tell about their writing, making books about the topic never exactly what I think I‘m getting into. Short and the audiobook is read by Patti Smith herself so that‘s lovely.

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rather_be_reading
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Book 1

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MrsMalaprop
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Pickpick

All I have to do is mention an interest in a musician & my husband rushes out to buy me any book he can about/by them 😂. I read and loved Just Kids a few years back & shortly thereafter this one appeared 🙏.
Whilst evocative, the short story sandwiched between some autobiographical elements, made me uncomfortable. Lolita comes to mind 😳. A quick, interesting little read.

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MrsMalaprop
Devotion | Patti Smith
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AkashaVampie Haha love it 2y
Suet624 Hahaha 2y
Freespirit 😂🤣🤣 2y
See All 7 Comments
LeahBergen Oh, sad but true. 🤣 2y
BiblioLitten 😂😂 2y
Reggie Lolol 2y
Jeg Funny but true. Sadly. 😏 2y
37 likes7 comments
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MrsMalaprop
Devotion | Patti Smith
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I think we can all relate to this pain (when we actually flew anywhere 😏).

AmyG Agreed. Why I always have an emergency book in my phone. 2y
Freespirit I never go anywhere without a book😊👍🏼 2y
LeahBergen So true! 2y
kspenmoll Very true! Always a book! 2y
Jeg Have to have a book. 2y
42 likes5 comments
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MrsMalaprop
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Why not move straight onto another book about the writing process? ✍️ #currentlyreading

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RobinGustafson
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Weekend reading #currentlyreading

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RobinGustafson
Devotion | Patti Smith
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The absolute joy when finding a book on your shelves you forgot you owned #bibliophile #nonfictionnovember

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Bookwomble
Devotion | Patti Smith
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I ❤ Patti Smith, and this rendition of 'People Have the Power', by a 200-person 'flash choir' led by Patti is just fantastic!

"And the people have the power
To redeem the work of fools
From the meek the graces shower
It's decreed the people rule
People have the power"

https://youtu.be/y6Wz3i_BYUc

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decembersveryown
Devotion | Patti Smith
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I‘ve always wanted to read a Patti Smith book, whether it was M Train or Just Kids and I always assumed it was going to be one of those two so you can imagine my delight when I found this hidden gem at Housing Works Bookstore! It was too good to pass! I love a small book and appreciate its concise use of words and space. I just know I‘m in for a treat :)

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cachoo
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Like those little coincidences. Reading about the first day of spring on the first day of spring.

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JenniferJarrell
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Same.

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WanderingBookaneer
Devotion | Patti Smith
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BooksandBrie
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Hearing the legendary Patti Smith talk about her new book tonight.

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Thndrstd
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Pickpick

A long short story clearly inspired by Chekhov sandwiched between thoughts and travels about the creative process. I found the musings on either end stronger than the story, but it is interesting to see the final product of the process she discusses. Smith is a strong writer with a clear voice and sense of self. The book is partly based on her lecture for the Donald Windham-Sandy M. Campbell Literature Prizes at Yale University.

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Thndrstd
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Love this ❤️

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HardcoverHearts
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Just finished my 3rd book for the @24in48 readathon and it was fantastic! (See the previous post) Now I am wavering between Patti Smith's Devotion and a southern thriller. Meanwhile, Baby Cat is guarding the TBR pile, ensuring it won't topple. Happy reading for everyone participating in the challenge!

rubyslippersreads 😻😻😻 6y
34 likes1 comment
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Eugeniavb
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Pickpick

This is a very interesting little book that can be read in a single day. The first part is the ideas, chances and inspiration that led her write part two, which is a short story. And then part three is a reflection on the reasons for writing. The short story for me was ok, but the first and third part were outstanding. I can see why she‘s so revered for her non-fiction. I also loved the whole idea for the book.

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Eugeniavb
Devotion | Patti Smith
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“Somehow, searchingly for something else, I stumbled upon a trailer of a film called Risttuules, translated as In the Crosswind. It is Martii Helde‘s requiem for thousands of Estonians who suffered mass deportation to Siberian collective farms in the spring of 1941, when Stalin‘s troops rounded them up, separated families, and hearded them into cattle cars. Death and exile, their fate reassigned.” #firstlines

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VioletBramble
Devotion | Patti Smith
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I have been inspired by the music and poetry of Patti Smith for 40 years. I loved reading her two memoirs, Just Kids, and M Train. I look forward to reading this new book about why and how she writes.
#devotion #ReadingResolutions
@Jess7

TheBookstorePodcast I just got M Train in the mail. Just Kids is far and away the best memoir I‘ve ever read. We love Patti Smith and we‘re trying to brainstorm an idea for an entire episode about her. 6y
DivineDiana @TheBookstorePodcast Multi talented! And she is narrating an audio book that I am reading now. (edited) 6y
TheKidUpstairs Just saw this article today, have you read it? : http://hhhhappy.com/recommended-reading-these-are-patti-smiths-40-favourite-book... Patti Smith's 40 favourite books (the list was compiled a number of years ago, so it's not entirely up to date) 6y
VioletBramble @TheBookstorePodcast I have never listened to a podcast. If you do an entire Patti Smith episode I will figure out how podcasts work so I can listen. 6y
VioletBramble @TheKidUpstairs yes, I saw that article on Facebook. I even followed the link to David Bowie's 40 Favorite Books. There was a number of books that I'd never heard of on his list. 6y
36 likes5 comments
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Bookalong
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Pickpick

"Why do we write? Because we simply cannot live."
I love Patti's writing. Her style, how it makes me feel reading her work again....like putting on an old comfy sweater. So I was excited to read her latest book. Though small it packs a punch!
A well crafted short story, along with her travel narratives and thought processes. She pays homage to the process and dedication of the craft of writing and why we write.
#bookreview #bookish #goodread

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Bookalong
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Pickpick

💕Patti
Love how she writes! Just Kids is still my favorite by her but really love everything she writes. This is a beautifully crafted look at writing and why we write.
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Have you read any of her work?📚
#pattismith #pattismithdevotion #bookish #bookworm #booklover

TheAnitaAlvarez There‘s a new Patti Smith? How didn‘t I hear about it till now? I‘ve read Just Kids (LOVE IT) and M Train (also wonderful), can‘t wait to read this one too! 6y
SkeletonKey I have rest Just Kids and M Train, absolutely love them both. I'm going to have to get this one now. 6y
Bookalong @TheAnitaAlvarez Enjoy!! Love Her writing so much 💕 6y
Bookalong @SkeletonKey She's amazing right?! Enjoy when you get it. 6y
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Eugeniavb
Devotion | Patti Smith
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My mom just got me an autographed copy of this! Woohoo!

HiddenGemBooks Now that‘s a gift!☺️👍 6y
AmyG Does your Mom need another child? 🤚🏻 i volunteer! Best gift ever. 6y
Eugeniavb LOL! @AmyG I‘m sure she would take you in 6y
17 likes3 comments
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kspenmoll
Devotion | Patti Smith
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#duenorth #Odysseybookstore #bookhaul
Drove north today, leaf peeping. Northampton, S. Hadley area slightly more reds,but mostly rather lackluster greens, browns, rusts, like CT. But our annual apples, apple cider donuts & gourd haul was successful.🎃🍎 75 degrees and sunny. Final stop was the Odyssey Bookstore located in midst of Mt Holyoke College where my older sister & niece went to college. Memories! I lucked out in their used book section!

mrozzz Sounds like a good day 😊 6y
ValerieAndBooks Nice haul...and apple cider donuts....yum!! 6y
kspenmoll @mrozzz @ValerieAndBooks Much needed, sensory get away day! Having cider donuts & coffee right now on this Sunday morning! 6y
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mrozzz
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Pickpick

It's appropriate that I pair this little book with the notebook I took with me to London & Paris this summer, following a similar journey as Patti Smith.

Here is a fascinating short story in between 2 shorter essays on her creative process during a trip abroad. Her writing is spectacular. She's so contemplative. If you have a book slump or writer's block this is a perfect palate cleanser.

Natasha.C.Barnes Yay! Glad to hear it. 7y
Crystalblu I'm reading it right now! 7y
mrozzz @Crystalblu what do you think?? 7y
mrozzz @Natasha.C.Barnes it's so lovely 😊 7y
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moarbookspleaze
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Why do we write? A chorus erupts. Because we cannot simply live.

mrozzz She's amazing. 7y
8leagueboot Devotions from Mary Oliver AND Patti Smith in the same season? I am the luckiest lady. 7y
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moarbookspleaze
Devotion | Patti Smith
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Pickpick

I wish this was longer.

mrozzz Hope for one more from Patti! 7y
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moarbookspleaze
Devotion | Patti Smith
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I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately so the arrival of this little book by one of my favorites is so welcomed.

8leagueboot Patti Smith is one of those writers to make you feel held and noticed in the great, cold universe. 7y
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mrozzz
Devotion | Patti Smith
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SO THIS HAPPENED!!! ? I can check off "see Patti Smith perform" from my bucket list. Wow she's a crazy cool woman. ?? I'm floored.

She was there in a church stuffed FULL of her fans to promote her latest "tiny book" (her words) as part of the Brooklyn Book Festival. Flawlessly self-deprecating, witty and humble... in between excerpts she turned to song. For the final she asked us to sing along. It was overwhelming. So glad I was there. ??

hermyknee 😍 7y
kspenmoll 👏👏 I only saw her perform a few songs at a dedication for opening of The American Museum for Tort Law, whose creation was spearheaded by her long time friend Ralph Nader. That short set was amazing! Lucky you!!! (edited) 7y
LittleWonder Amazing!!!! 7y
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merelybookish That's awesome! 7y
Billypar Wow- so cool. I love the Brooklyn Book Festival- they always put together a great lineup. 7y
AmyG Amazing. I am so in awe of her. 7y
mrozzz @hermyknee @LittleWonder @merelybookish omg I KNOW. I don't think I'll ever get over seeing her! 💜🙌🏻💜🤘🏻💜 7y
mrozzz @kspenmoll then you know! SO COOL. I'm a puddle of my former self. Lol. 7y
mrozzz @Billypar yes! Are you going to the festival this week? 7y
mrozzz @AmyG YES. So hard not to be. The way she can casually pull back from her personal history and stories about other great artists (Mapplethorpe and Sam Shepherd, etc.) 😎 7y
2BR02B I'm so envious! 💚 I'd love to see her perform. 7y
Billypar @mrozzz I want to, but plans on Friday and tentative ones on Sunday...ugh..hoping they could fall through 😒 I need to block this week out in advance next time! 7y
mrozzz @2BR02B keep an eye out if she travels near you! She's so cool. 7y
mrozzz @Billypar I feel ya. I'm still on the fence about whether or not I can fit it in. 7y
AmandaL That is awesome! 7y
mrozzz @AmandaL it really was!!! 😄 7y
90 likes16 comments
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mrozzz
Devotion | Patti Smith
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I did a thing!!! 🤘🏻

Couldn't be more excited to finally see Patti Smith in person! I'm a big fan of both her books and her music.

For any other NYC Littens, tickets were reasonable and the event was put together by Emma Straub's bookstore in Brooklyn. They have a lot of events going on in September which I'm also planning on attending, but more on that later...

Crystalblu I am a huge Patti fan myself! Enjoy! 7y
mrozzz @Crystalblu thanks!!! I'm gonna fangirl all day that day in anticipation 😁 7y
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HardcoverHearts
Devotion | Patti Smith
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It's the opening day of the book store I invested in- East Bay Book Sellers! At 5pm, my husband & I braved the heat to walk down to the store. The East Bay isn't used to this weather- it's 103. I am happy to have purchased these little books, and my husband chose the mystery that sounds great! So happy for another great indie bookstore in the neighborhood. Now for some dinner out so we don't have to heat up our kitchen. Happy weekend, all