Devotion | 
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.
pickAll 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.
I think we can all relate to this pain (when we actually flew anywhere 😏).
Why not move straight onto another book about the writing process? ✍️ #currentlyreading
The absolute joy when finding a book on your shelves you forgot you owned #bibliophile #nonfictionnovember
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
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 :)
pickA 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.
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!
pickThis 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.
“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
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
pick"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
pick💕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
#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!
pickIt'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.
Why do we write? A chorus erupts. Because we cannot simply live.
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.
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. ??
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...
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
