Bread of Angels: A Beautiful Story from Patti Smith
Hey! If you like books about real people who love music, poetry, and dreaming big, you’ll enjoy Bread of Angels. It’s a memoir by Patti Smith, the famous punk rock singer and writer. She wrote other cool books like Just Kids, which won a big award. This one came out in November 2025 and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Lots of grown-ups say it’s one of the best books of the year!
A Kid with Big Imagination
First, Patti tells about her childhood. She grew up in a simple house in New Jersey after World War II. Life wasn’t always easy – her family didn’t have much money. But Patti had a huge imagination. She was like the boss of her brothers and sisters. They played adventures together. She fought bullies, talked to a big tortoise she called the king, and hunted for special silver pennies. Next, she shares funny and thoughtful stories. Patti asked lots of questions about God, angels, and heaven. Her mom tried to teach her from the Bible, but Patti loved making up her own ideas. These early days show how she started loving art and words.
Finding Art and Love
Then, the book moves to her teenage years. This is when Patti first felt sparks of creativity. She discovered poets like Arthur Rimbaud. Reading his words felt magical, like angels bringing her new ideas. She also had her first crushes and romances. It wasn’t all happy – there were tough times, like feeling different or sick sometimes.
Later, Patti talks about moving to New York City. She met artists, musicians, and friends like Robert Mapplethorpe. They dreamed together. Patti became a singer with her famous album Horses. But the book also covers sad parts, like losing people she loved.
Family, Loss, and Kindness
Moreover, Patti opens up about her marriage to Fred “Sonic” Smith, a guitarist. They had kids and lived a quieter life for a while. She shares sweet stories about being a mom and wife. Sadly, Fred died young. Patti writes about her grief, but also about hope.The title “Bread of Angels” comes from little acts of kindness that helped her, like food from heaven in the Bible. Patti says these moments – from strangers or friends – kept her going. It’s her way of thanking everyone who supported her dreams.
Why This Book is Special
Overall, Bread of Angels feels like Patti is sitting with you, telling stories. Her words are poetic and easy to understand. Sentences are short sometimes, long other times – like real talking. There are happy parts, sad parts, and inspiring ones.I like it because it shows anyone can chase dreams, even if starting small. Patti worked hard, stayed kind, and turned pain into art. If you’re 12 and into music or writing, or just true stories, this is great. It might make you think about your own life adventures.Read it! You’ll feel inspired and a bit dreamy.
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