Patti Smith is releasing a new memoir, 'Bread of Angels'

Apnews - Apr 9th, 2025
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Patti Smith, renowned poet, writer, and musician, is set to release a new memoir titled 'Bread of Angels' on November 4, as announced by Random House. The book explores Smith's childhood in working-class Philadelphia and South Jersey, her marriage to Fred 'Sonic' Smith, and her life in Michigan following her husband's passing in 1994. The release date holds personal significance, aligning with Robert Mapplethorpe’s birthday and the anniversary of Fred Smith's death. Smith's previous memoir, 'Just Kids', which won the National Book Award in 2010, detailed her early years in New York City and her relationship with Mapplethorpe. Smith hopes this new memoir, a decade in the making, will resonate with readers on a personal level.

At 78, Smith continues to engage with her audience, despite a recent health scare in Brazil where she collapsed on stage. The release of her memoir coincides with a planned tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her debut album 'Horses', which she plans to perform in its entirety. Smith's contributions to literature and music were recently honored at Carnegie Hall with a star-studded tribute, highlighting her enduring influence and the anticipation surrounding her latest work. Her upcoming memoir promises to provide deeper insights into the life of an iconic artist who continues to inspire across generations.

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RATING

8.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and accurate overview of Patti Smith's upcoming memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' and her career achievements. It excels in accuracy, source quality, and timeliness, with reliable information supported by credible sources such as Random House and Smith's public statements. The article is highly readable, with clear language and a logical structure that enhances comprehension.

While the story maintains a fair balance in its portrayal of Smith, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to provide a more comprehensive view. The article's impact is somewhat limited by its focus on a specific individual, but it effectively engages readers interested in the arts and Patti Smith's work.

Overall, the article is a strong piece of journalism that effectively communicates the significance of Patti Smith's new memoir and her ongoing influence in the literary and music worlds. Its strengths in accuracy and readability make it a reliable source of information for readers seeking to learn more about Patti Smith's contributions to contemporary culture.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The news story is highly accurate, with most of its claims verifiable through reliable sources. The publication date of Patti Smith's memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' is correctly stated as November 4, and Random House is confirmed as the publisher. The story accurately references Smith's previous works, including 'Just Kids,' which won the National Book Award in 2010. Additionally, the details about the memoir's content, covering Smith's childhood, marriage, and personal losses, align with the publisher's descriptions.

The article mentions the release date coinciding with Robert Mapplethorpe's birthday, which is a verifiable fact. Smith's health incident in Brazil and her plans for a tour to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her album 'Horses' are accurately reported, supported by her public statements. The story also correctly notes her recent honor at Carnegie Hall, with notable attendees such as Bruce Springsteen and Michael Stipe.

Overall, the article maintains a high level of factual accuracy, with minor areas that could benefit from additional verification, such as the exact significance of the release date and detailed insights into the memoir's writing process.

8
Balance

The article provides a balanced view, focusing on Patti Smith's professional achievements and personal reflections without showing favoritism or bias. It covers both her literary and musical accomplishments, offering a comprehensive overview of her career.

While the article highlights Smith's success and contributions to the arts, it does not delve into any potential controversies or criticisms, which could provide a more rounded perspective. However, given the nature of the story, which is primarily an announcement of a new memoir, the focus on her achievements is appropriate.

The inclusion of her personal health struggles and future plans adds depth to the narrative, presenting Smith as a multifaceted individual. Overall, the article maintains a fair balance in its portrayal of Smith, though it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear and concise language that effectively communicates the main points about Patti Smith's new memoir and her career achievements. The structure is logical, beginning with the announcement of the memoir and then providing context about Smith's previous works and personal life.

The tone is neutral and informative, which is appropriate for a news story. The inclusion of specific details, such as the memoir's content and Smith's health incident, aids in comprehension and keeps the reader engaged.

However, the article could improve clarity by providing more explicit transitions between different sections, such as Smith's professional achievements and personal experiences. This would enhance the flow of information and ensure that readers can easily follow the narrative.

9
Source quality

The article is based on information from credible sources, such as Random House, Patti Smith's publisher, which lends authority to the claims about her new memoir. The mention of her previous works and awards is also supported by verifiable records, enhancing the reliability of the content.

The article references Smith's public statements and her social media posts regarding her health, providing direct sources for these claims. The inclusion of well-known figures like Bruce Springsteen and Michael Stipe as attendees at her Carnegie Hall honor further adds to the credibility, as these are public events that can be easily confirmed.

While the article relies heavily on information from Random House and Smith's public statements, the quality of these sources is high, ensuring the reliability of the information presented.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of facts, clearly attributing information to relevant sources such as Random House and Patti Smith's public statements. It provides sufficient context about Smith's previous works and her upcoming memoir, allowing readers to understand the significance of the announcement.

However, the article could improve transparency by offering more detailed insights into the methodology behind the memoir's creation, such as the decade-long writing process mentioned by Smith. This would provide readers with a better understanding of the challenges and motivations behind the book.

Overall, while the article is transparent in its source attribution and context provision, it could benefit from additional details that would enhance reader understanding of the underlying processes.

Sources

  1. https://wtop.com/entertainment/2025/04/patti-smith-will-take-another-look-back-in-a-new-memoir-bread-of-angels/
  2. https://substack.com/home/post/p-160857850
  3. https://halifax.citynews.ca/2025/04/09/patti-smith-will-take-another-look-back-in-a-new-memoir-bread-of-angels/
  4. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/249084/untitled-5484-by-knopf/9780345815484
  5. http://www.imwan.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=38&p=3220175