Bread of Angels: A Memoir

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 43 ratings

Price: 17.33

Last update: 11-29-2025


Top reviews from the United States

  • Well-written insights into a fascinating artist
    Patti Smith is one of the few modern artists whose life is worth reading about. She tells her story of an impoverished yet magical childhood and a life of both tragedy and success skillfully and without self-pity. I particularly enjoyed the first part of the book about her childhood and the section on her time as a wife and mother in Michigan. I skipped most of the section on her 1970s New York years as much of it seemed just a condensed version of material in "Just Kids." It's a worthy addition to her existing memoirs.
  • Fabulous
    Fabulous.
  • A Gift of Prose
    Patti's lyrical prose has such beauty and depth, even as she recounts the tough parts of her life, she takes us along on her journey. As a fan of not just Patti's books, but her music, I especially enjoyed the stories of the "craft," how she came up with certain lyrics, her bandmates, and so on. I had to force myself to read in smaller segments, rather than devour in one sitting. This book has a lot to relish. When I finished reading, I closed the book, kissed it, and held it to my heart for a while. As with all Patti's books, I will reprise. This book is a special gift to us.
  • Soulful
    Wonderful rich soulful earthy writing. Kind of like a dream. Loved this book!
  • Badly protected in shipping.
    The book, like all of Patti Smith's writing is wonderful. Sadly my copy arrived with a small smudge on the cover above the 'l' in angels. It would be nice is they properly wrapped and protected these books when they ship them.
  • If you are a fan, buy it!
    This is almost as good as Just Kids. Highly recommended!
  • Smithsonian
    I’ve been a Patti Smith fan since a friend took me to see her at a small bar on San Pablo Ave in Berkeley, probably 1975. Have wondered about those unseen years and Detroit life, and beyond. Really enjoyed her filling some blank spaces. However, hindsight not always 20/20. Doubt very much Fred and Patti’s Detroit to Miami flight stopped in Ft Lauderdale to refuel as MIA only 21 miles beyond FLL. Also, at Paramaribo they crossed the Paramaribo River and probably took a bus (ours was an old Bluebird school bus) for 3 hrs to the Maroni River to cross into French Guiana.
  • Missing the "it"
    The writing lacked clarity, which made it not a pleasant reading experience.
    The book has five proof readers!
    I wish it also had a development editor, or whatever the name is.

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