Year of the Monkey: The New York Times bestseller

Third in her autobiographical series, 'Year of the Monkey' is the lived account of Patti Smith negotiating her life in 2016, building up to Trump's win. Written in her distinct voice, one that melds dream-like visions into fact, fiction, and anecdotes, it was perhaps the saddest of her memoirs. Age and life were catching up to those around her, and this book covers the loss of two of her closest friends."The grains pour and I find myself missing the dead more than usual. I notice that I cry more when watching television, triggered by romance, a retiring detective shot in the back while staring into the sea, a weary father lifting his infant from the crib. I notice that my own tears burn my eyes, that I am no longer a fast runner and that my sense of time seems to be accelerating."Dreams, and dreaming were a prominent motif. As someone who dreams daily but remembers little of it, I am amazed how vividly Patti can recall her dreams and weave it into an autobiographical narrative in a bohemian, mystic way where it elevates itself from the status of a nightly occurrence to a strange cosmic communication channel where friends and family speak across time and mortality.Her endearing obsession with black coffee made its comeback from M Train. I will concede that Just Kids and M Train were better books but it's always a joy to explore the inner working of an artist's mind, even if it's occupied for dozens of pages with the mystery of discarded chocolate wrappers across different beaches.

I could read this again to feel the feelings once more. Patti Smith never disappoints

Beautiful binding. The pages are wonderful.

One time read!

Went all over the place. No story. No connection to characters. Just a memoir of thoughts during a timer in her life.

Curious would be a good word to use. Not too sure what this book is about but I enjoyed reading it. It is much like Smith's other writings - full of clues and names that one can follow up on. She seems happy wandering with her boots and her polaroid, meeting odd people and drinking coffee in search of meaning. I love how the little things she encounters take on significance. In our lives, that is what we all need. This little book is full of small things that can take us to some bigger picture. We can all embrace the coffee and our dreams.....

I’ve read all of Patti Smith’s books. This one is the most dreamlike; flowing like lava or a slow stream toward beautiful memories and experiences.

Dreamlike,troubling,shady with shards of diamond light.Short though but Smith's writing always leaves one wishing for more.I look forward to the next book.

Love Patti Smith's books she takes you some were else,with her wonderful words. I would recommend this book and all her books for a different read

How does an artist make sense of the world and what do they actually do every day? Patti Smith gives you an insightI admit I am biased in all this in admiring her music and poetry but if you have never heard Horses no matter since this is the authentic voice of a great artist