TODAY: Join the Marko Book Club!

And don't worry if you haven't finished "Just Kids" yet...

Hello friend,

Just a quick reminder that you are invited to join our LIVE Zoom call this afternoon to discuss the August 2022 Marko Book Club pick, “Just Kids” by author, poet, and punk-rock icon Patti Smith.

If you haven’t finished the book (or even started it) don’t worry. This is not a high school English class and you won’t be tested on reading retention.

This call is for anyone who wants to join a discussion about the path of the artist, the journey of love, and how we can apply the lessons from this memoir to our own lives.

You’ll find the Zoom information below - check the time zone! - as well as the discussion questions we’ll use as a loose guide for the discussion. And if you haven’t already, check it out on Amazon or pick it up at your local bookshop.

Bring a book, your beverage of choice, and an open mind.

À bientôt!

Marko

PS: I’ll be taking feedback on next month’s book club pick, so don’t miss the chance to take part in the decision with us. Next month’s pick will be announced this Thursday.

PPS: For those in Mexico City, come to Haab in Condesa this Friday to take part in Cuéntame, my monthly live storytelling event. The theme is “I quit!” RSVP here.

Zoom Details

• What: "Just Kids" by Patti Smith + sneak peek of September’s book club pick

• When: Monday, Aug 29, 2022 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

• Where:

  • Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84472426977

  • Meeting ID: 844 7242 6977

  • Or dial by your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcpVvVtail

Discussion Questions

Here are some questions to ponder over the next week:

• Did you like the book or not? If so, why or why not? Share your favorite scenes or quotes from the book.

• How familiar were you with Patti Smith or Robert Mapplethorpe’s work prior to reading Just Kids? How did reading the book change your perception of them?

• Why did Patti title the book Just Kids? How does this title convey the theme?

• What does it mean to be an artist? What sacrifices does the artistic path require? Would you be willing to make the same sacrifices they did?

• What role does morality play in this story? How do Patti and Robert embody light and dark? And how does each character move between sin and holiness?

• Patti and Robert don’t pick up the instruments that brought them fame until nearly the end of the book. Why did Patti choose to frame the story like this?

• What do you think of Patti and Robert’s relationship? How have society’s views on sex, sexuality, and relationships changed since 1969?

• The characters cross paths with (and actively pursue) famous people. What does this book say about fame? And why did Patti and Robert become famous?