This National Book Award winner offers a snapshot of the 1960s and 70s punk rock scene in New York City and the Chelsea Hotel. Singer-songwriter and poet Smith focuses on her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, fulfilling a promise she made to him. Many people describe this as a lyrical memoir; I haven’t read it yet but hope to remedy that soon: Will says he thinks I’ll like it.

Journey through Smith’s creative life with this ethereal, magical work. Less handbook, more personal journal, Smith takes us from a fictional tale of artistic obsession to a sweeping account of her own writing process. An amazing storyteller, Smith’s awe-inspiring look at the mysterious yet beautiful nature of art is sure to inspire your own writing practice. Divided in three parts, this unusual genre-defying work is a must-read for any creative.