Year of the Monkey Hardcover – Deckle Edge, September 24, 2019

The name-dropping throughout the book was extremely off-putting. And it's on just about every page. I almost didn't finish the book for that reason. It's fine to bring in a reference to, from, or about someone, but in this book it almost never meant anything or gave the reader any information as to why or how it was important. It seemed like ostentatious decoration. The book also took on a dreamlike quality that was never really connected by anything but one sad coffee after another, noir-like observations and hints, and disconnected narratives and conversations where people weren't talking so much as portending. I really enjoy Smith's poetry and music, and will recommend her fine "Just Kids" memoir to everyone, especially to young people starting out, but I had to force my way through this one, and was very disappointed.

Every time I read a book by Patti Smith i never know what to expect. In her latest, The Year of The Monkey, Patti Smith has created a book that is much like a painting.The story must be contemplated and observed to fully appreciate the narrative. One never knows where Smith will lead the reader, but the journey is absolutely breathtaking, exploring topics like death, aging, food, coffee, dreaming, topography and even politics. The Year of the Monkey manages to cloak Smith in mystery while inviting the reader to share her innermost thoughts and wry observations. The Year of The Monkey is a haunting and sometimes humorous read that i will return to again and again. I am so grateful to have Patti Smith in my life. She is a National Treasure.

Ever read a book that is so good it makes you stop and cry ever few pages? This is that book. Smith has poured out her soul and her heart and spirit in this story about living through 2016, the year of the monkey. Life threw her, and us, a lot of curveballs, but she was able to write her way through each and paint such a vibrant canvas of life as it appeared to her. She is a true treasure.

I love reading Patti's writing however this book is probably my least favorite. It was fine, some lovely writing and memorable sections. As always, her reflective musings can whisk you away into that dreamland. Maybe it was not the right time for me but I just did not get fully absorbed as I usually do when reading her books. The narrative did not seem to hang together so easily, perhaps. Loved her remembrances of Sam and Sandy. I look forward to her next offering, thank you Patti.

I wasn't sure what to expect. I loved JUST KIDS, and I really liked M TRAIN. I was drawn into YEAR OF THE MONKEY from the get-go. I believed it. Did these things really happen? I have no reason to believe they didn't. I loved the quirky people she meets and the odd experiences she has. She approaches it all as if there is nothing unusual to any of it. Maybe there is nothing unusual to any of it. Maybe Smith sees this exquisite world that the rest of us miss.

I have always enjoyed Patti Smith, but this book was a miss. Frankly, just boring. On almost every page she talks about coffee and what she had for breakfast. And really? With all her money, did she really hitchhike the California coast and pay people "gas money" for giving her a lift? And did she really sleep in flophouse hotels? Or on a cot behind a sleazy restaurant? I just didn't buy it.

i've always loved how patti smith writes and moves through life. i had this on pre-order the moment i heard it was coming out. what is real and what is not real is all real when i read her words. there is another channel in this universe and her words help me tap into that channel. the only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that i prefer M Train and Just Kids over this book. but i also prefer this book over almost all other books/authors, so i struggled in how many stars to give this. i wish we all had ernests in our journeys. perhaps we do and we don't notice them the way that patti smith does. maybe i will go back and give this five stars after all.

A strange book, that mixes more down to earth, autobiographical, journal entry style observations, with dreams and flights of fancy, focused mostly on the events the author experienced or imagined throughout the year 2016 / the year of the monkey, a haunted year, the year when Patti Smith turned 70. Personally, I appreciated the more straight forward sections (talk about books, a lecture she gave about libraries, the stuff about visiting her friend in a coma and the memories of some of the time they spent together), but some of the more fuzzy dream sequences, and more obscure flights of prose poetics didn’t always capture my attention. I don't think it's the kind of book that anybody would pick as their absolute favorite, its thrust is maybe too obscure and personal, and sometimes forgettable. Yet, it's mostly a pleasure to ramble a bit (it's a pretty short read) in the musings of someone who has stayed true to their school for over seventy years.

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.....

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.

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.

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

Once again Patti Sith has stirred my imagination. This book will have you dreaming, while reading it I found meditation different because sat bolt upright I was dreaming awake. Thanks Patti.