Patti Smith Announces New Memoir 'Bread of Angels', Honoring Lost Loved Ones
April 9, 2025
This memoir reflects on Smith's life, including her childhood in working-class Philadelphia and South Jersey, her marriage to guitarist Fred 'Sonic' Smith, and her grief over his death in 1994.
'Bread of Angels' is Smith's third memoir, following her acclaimed works 'Just Kids' and 'M Train', both of which focused on significant periods of her life.
Her previous memoir, 'Just Kids', won the National Book Award in 2010 and explored her early years in New York City and her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
Smith's literary contributions have been complemented by her musical career, with notable acclaim for her album 'Horses' and its cultural impact.
Patti Smith is set to release her new memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' on November 4, 2025, which is described as her most intimate and visionary work yet.
The release date holds personal significance, coinciding with the birthday of her late friend Robert Mapplethorpe and the anniversary of her husband Fred Smith's death.
In addition to her writing, Smith is recognized for her contributions to visual art and photography, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Recently, Smith was honored at a tribute event at Carnegie Hall, attended by notable figures like Bruce Springsteen and Scarlett Johansson, celebrating her influence in music and literature.
The tribute event, titled 'People Have The Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith', donated 100% of net proceeds to support youth music and writing education programs.
Despite a recent health scare where she collapsed on stage in Brazil due to post-migraine dizziness, Smith remains active in her career and plans to tour in celebration of the 50th anniversary of her debut album.
Alexis Kirschbaum, head of Bloomsbury Trade, praised Smith as a 'living legend', highlighting her influence as a writer and musician over the last 50 years.
Smith's narrative in 'Bread of Angels' begins in her early years, capturing the essence of her upbringing in a working-class environment during the post-World War II era.
Summary based on 14 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Apr 9, 2025
Patti Smith to publish ‘intimate’ new memoir, Bread of Angels
AP News • Apr 9, 2025
Patti Smith will take another look back in a new memoir, 'Bread of Angels'
Rolling Stone • Apr 9, 2025
Patti Smith Says New Memoir ‘Bread of Angels’ Is a ‘Bright and Dark Dance of Life’