Patti Smith, the poet, writer, and musician, is set to release a new memoir titled Bread of Angels on November 4. Despite having already published several memoirs, including the acclaimed Just Kids, Smith continues to share more about her life. Just Kids, which won the National Book Award in 2010, focused on her early years in New York City and her deep connection with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. In her upcoming book, Smith delves into her childhood in working-class Philadelphia and South Jersey, her marriage to guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith, and the life they built together in Michigan by Lake Saint Clair. She also reflects on the grief she felt after Fred’s death in 1994.
The release date of Bread of Angels is especially significant to Smith, as it aligns with Mapplethorpe’s birthday and the anniversary of her husband’s passing. Smith shared that it took her a decade to write the book, during which she explored the beauty and sorrow of her life. She hopes readers will find something meaningful in it.
Smith’s other works include M Train, Year of the Monkey, Woolgathering, and Devotion (Why I Write). At 78, she is also preparing for a tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her iconic debut album, Horses, which she plans to perform in its entirety. In January, Smith collapsed on stage in Brazil due to post-migraine dizziness but is now focused on her upcoming projects. Last month, she received an honor at Carnegie Hall, with notable guests including Bruce Springsteen, Michael Stipe, Scarlett Johansson, and Sean Penn.