Books Like...
Improbable as it may seem, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and rock icon Patti Smith were the closest of friends from the time they arrived in Manhattan in the late 1960s. This memoir is about their friendship, their artistic coming of age, and a very particular time and place, Manhattan in the late 60s and early 70s. Patti Smith's writing has a very poetic quality to it, unsurprisingly, being an incredible lyricist and poet. The book delves into the NYC art scene of the late 60's and early 70s, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural time of that era.
If you liked Just Kids, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Scar Tissue' by Anthony Kiedis is an autobiography that delves into the life of the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The book takes readers on a wild ride through Kiedis' rockstar upbringing, touching on themes of abuse, addiction, and self-discovery. The narrative is described as a powerful and emotional rollercoaster, offering a glimpse into Kiedis' struggles and triumphs.
The writing style of 'Scar Tissue' is praised for being captivating and engaging, with readers expressing how they were unable to put the book down once they started reading. Kiedis' storytelling is noted for painting a vivid picture of his life growing up, filled with sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, making it a compelling and unforgettable read for fans and non-fans alike.
I’d been shooting coke for three days straight with my Mexican drug dealer, Mario, when I remembered the Arizona show. By then, my band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, had one album out, and we were about... 'The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music' by Dave Grohl is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's life, from his childhood and foray into music to achieving success on his own terms. The book is described as engaging, rich in passion and dedication, and a great read for music lovers. Grohl's storytelling style is praised for being heartfelt, relatable, and humorous, providing insight into his experiences in bands like Nirvana and Foo Fighters.
The book is structured in five parts, covering various aspects of Grohl's life and career, showcasing his deep passion and unwavering dedication to music. Readers highlight the book's ability to capture the essence of living and breathing melodies and harmonies, making it a celebration of creation and the universal love for music. Grohl's writing style is commended for being engaging, captivating, and inspiring, offering a glimpse into the life of one of the biggest names in the music industry.
One humid summer afternoon, my mother and I decided to celebrate her birthday by taking in another weekly jazz workshop at the club. It had quickly become our “thing,” one that I still look back on to...'Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly' by Anthony Bourdain is a memoir that takes readers behind the scenes of the restaurant industry, revealing the gritty and chaotic world of professional kitchens. Bourdain's writing style is described as raw, humorous, and brutally honest, showcasing his experiences as a chef with a no-holds-barred attitude. The book delves into the dark side of the culinary world, touching on topics like drug use, kitchen culture, and the challenges faced by those working in the food industry.
Bourdain's narrative weaves together anecdotes, insights, and reflections on his time in the restaurant business, providing readers with a candid look at the realities of the culinary profession. Through vivid descriptions and colorful storytelling, Bourdain paints a vivid picture of the high-pressure environment of kitchens, offering a glimpse into a world that is often hidden from public view but essential to the dining experiences of many.
MY FIRST INDICATION THAT food was something other than a substance one stuffed in one’s face when hungry – like filling up at a gas station – came after fourth-grade elementary school. It was on a fam...- #4
'Life' by Keith Richards is a mesmerizing autobiography that takes readers on a journey through the life of the legendary rockstar. The book delves into Richards' long and tumultuous career with the Rolling Stones, providing intimate details of his experiences, struggles with addiction, relationships within the band, and his deep passion for music. Through a candid and honest narrative, Richards shares stories of his rock and roll lifestyle, songwriting process, and personal reflections, offering readers a unique insight into the life of a music icon.
Why did we stop at the 4-Dice Restaurant in Fordyce, Arkansas, for lunch on Independence Day weekend? On any day? Despite everything I knew from ten years of driving through the Bible Belt. Tiny town ... - #5
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama is a heartfelt autobiography that delves into the life of the former First Lady of the United States. The book narrates Michelle's journey from her humble beginnings in Chicago to meeting and marrying Barack Obama, and eventually becoming the First Lady. Through her own voice, Michelle shares personal anecdotes, insights into her family life, her struggles and triumphs, and her unwavering commitment to her values and heritage. The book also touches on important themes such as education, racism, American politics, and the impact of the Obamas on the world.
I spent much of my childhood listening to the sound of striving. It came in the form of bad music, or at least amateur music, coming up through the floorboards of my bedroom—the plink plink plink of s... - #6
'Crying in H Mart' by Michelle Zauner is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's journey through grief and self-discovery following her mother's battle with cancer. Through heartfelt storytelling and rich descriptions of food and Korean heritage, Zauner navigates the complexities of familial relationships, cultural identity, and the profound impact of loss. The book beautifully captures the author's emotional turmoil, personal growth, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter, making it a compelling and moving read for those seeking a deeper understanding of love, grief, and the power of memory.
H Mart is a supermarket chain that specializes in Asian food. The H stands for han ah reum, a Korean phrase that roughly translates to “one arm full of groceries.” H Mart is where parachute kids flock... Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.
Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop ...- #8
'Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body' by Roxane Gay is a raw and honest memoir that delves into the author's experiences with trauma, weight, self-image, and the impact of sexual assault. Gay bravely opens up about her struggles, from being gang raped at a young age to using her body as a shield against the world, exploring themes of control, trauma, and societal perceptions of body image. Through her candid narrative, she invites readers to empathize with her journey and challenges them to reconsider their own biases and privileges.
The story of my body is not a story of triumph. This is not a weight-loss memoir. There will be no picture of a thin version of me, my slender body emblazoned across this book’s cover, with me standin... - #9
'The Liars' Club' by Mary Karr is a powerful memoir that delves into the author's tumultuous childhood in Texas and Colorado. Through vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, Karr narrates the horrors and resilience of her upbringing, painting a raw and unflinching portrait of her dysfunctional family dynamics. The writing style captures the reader's attention by evoking all five senses, immersing them in the heat of East Texas, the stench of stale bars, and the emotional turmoil of a young child facing abuse and trauma.
Karr's memoir is a gripping tale that balances between howling misery and howling laughter, showcasing the author's ability to recount her childhood with humor, insight, and self-deprecation. The narrative follows Karr's journey as she navigates the chaos of her family life, revealing moments of bravery, strength, and love amidst the darkness. offers a poignant reflection on survival, familial bonds, and the impact of a challenging upbringing on one's identity and resilience.
My sharpest memory is of a single instant surrounded by dark. I was seven, and our family doctor knelt before me where I sat on a mattress on the bare floor. He wore a yellow golf shirt unbuttoned so ... - #10
West with the Night by Beryl Markham is a memoir that recounts the remarkable life of the author, who grew up in British East Africa and went on to become an aviator, racehorse trainer, and all-around adventurous woman. The book delves into her experiences flying solo across the Atlantic, her encounters with African wildlife, and her captivating storytelling style that paints vivid pictures of Africa and the era in which she lived.
The narrative in West with the Night seamlessly weaves together Markham's adventures as a bush pilot, her relationships with the local communities, and her daring escapades in the wild African landscape. The writing is described as lush, poetic, and evocative, capturing the essence of life in colonial Africa with vivid detail and eloquence that leaves readers spellbound and transported to a bygone era.
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE to bring order out of memory? I should like to begin at the beginning, patiently, like a weaver at his loom. I should like to say, ‘This is the place to start; there can be no other...