Just Kids

BOOK: Just Kids
AUTHOR: Patti Smith

GRADE: A+

Stunningly beautiful and heart-wrenching.

The New York Times Bestseller “Just Kids” is poet and performer Patti Smith’s moving memoir of her relationship with Robert Maplethorp. A dual tale of Smith’s love affair with both Maplethorp and New York City; “Just Kids” describes in wondrous detail the thriving artistic culture of NYC in the 1970’s and the curious and invigorating relationships born of that time period.

Part of what makes “Just Kids” such a fascinating read is the introductions we’re given to those who are now household names such as Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix: all of whom were fighting the same fight for fame as Patti and Robert. Watching as these famed musicians take up the throne was exciting and unexpected. Equally engrossing, yet disturbing, was witnessing the drug culture and AIDS epidemic prematurely take the lives of great men and women. Particularly saddening was Maplethorp’s descent into drugs and eventual defeat by the AIDS virus. However, that set the stage for Smith’s eulogy for her lover and friend – which was without a doubt the most powerful portion of this memoir. Something not to be missed.

As a writer, it was simply impossible to walk away uninspired by Smith’s journey and success. As a lover of music and art, it was impossible to avoid rapture. Patti Smith uses her immense talent to bring us into the heart of her story and leave us changed by the end of the story. “Just Kids” gets my whole-hearted recommendation for all.

The Rise of Enlightened Sexism

BOOK: The Rise of Enlightened Sexism: How Pop Culture Took Up from Girl Power to Girls Gone Wild

AUTHOR: Susan J. Douglas

GRADE: A

Anyone who has spent even a half hour watching the brain cell sucking cultural phenomenon called the Jersey Shore can surely relate to the disappointment over the sad state of affairs on television: particularly in its’ depiction of women. The fact that the likes of Snookie, JWow and Sammi Sweetheart have become household names for doing little more than falling over drunk and cat fighting like their lives depend on it is a testament to the unbelievably low standards this country has in terms of creating celebs. This is essentially the premise of Douglas’s exploration into the demise of feminism.

The 1960’s and 70’s saw the rise of feminism in this country. We watched as women held bra burning protests over the lack of female power. Women everywhere identified and embraced the idea of feminism proudly. Since then, especially in the last decade, we have seen feminism become a dirty word. Women no longer proudly claim the title. Feminists are seen as old fashioned, prude and rigid. Today, rather, we have a new movement affectionately called “girl power;” which sounds lovely right? Douglas explores the hidden sexism behind this funhouse mirror by exposing today’s images of women as mere fantasies of female power, assuring us that the battle for equality has been won, so there’s nothing wrong with resurrecting sexist stereotypes – all in the name of fun of course. She explores how by proclaiming our rights to be and do whatever we want, we have turned women's rights into wet t-shirt contests and brainless reality shows and the damage that does to our young women.

What takes this book from an interesting expose into a fascinating page turner is the wit and humor employed by Douglas. “The Rise of Enlighten Sexism” is, at times, laugh out loud funny. Through the use of humor, Douglas allows up to open up to her ideas without growing defensive or oppositional. What could have been an academic text (and I believe it still would qualify as such) becomes a bestseller because of its reliability. I believe this should be required reading for all women today.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest

BOOK: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest
AUTHOR: Stieg Larsson

GRADE: B

I should start off by saying that, unlike the trilogy’s second installment, I had some trouble getting into the story. I found “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest” slow going all the way up to the last two hundred pages or so. In a completely uncharacteristic move on my part, I actually gave serious consideration to abandoning ship about half-way through. However, friends convinced me to see it through till the end. Overall, I am pleased that I pushed through and watched it conclude the series. The ending made the struggle worth it.

The thing that always gets me about the series in the sheer genius of Lisbeth Salander. Time after time, we watch her get into situations where escape seems absolutely inconceivable; only to watch in awe as she meticulously calculates freedom. This installment is where we see Lisbeth start joining the human race in terms of emotions and affections for other people. I rooted for her as she slowly sheds the icy barrier between her and the world and finds use and pleasure in friendships and camaraderie. Lisbeth’s arduous journey towards trusting others is inspiring – and realistic at the same time.

Larsson ties up the remaining loose ends with a series of fabulous and unpredictable twists. Just when I figured out what was going to happen next, he steers the plot line in an entirely different (and far more satisfying) direction. I walked away a grateful customer.

My recommendation would be to plow through the slow going beginning to experience the beauty of the ending. I highly doubt you will regret it.