francesmthompson's Reviews (976)

Previous glowing reviews and 5-star ratings kept this book on my radar for the last few years and finally decided to read it. While I fear the hype may have led to my own experience coming a little short, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and found Patti Smith to be an honest, heart-absolutely-in-the-right place narrator who took me on a special journey through 1960s and 1970s New York's music and arts scene. If you love poetry, art, literature, popular music, New York or honest love stories that are more about friendship than anything else, this is well worth reading.

This book is best used as a text book whereby you work through the exercises periodically during your pregnancy. I didn't read or use it like that so felt a bit like I wasn't benefitting from its full impact. Either way, it has definitely helped me to see labour and childbirth in a different, more positive, and yes, mindful light.

Like cuddling up with an old friend who has sweet, sensitive, observant stories to tell...

Hailed as essential reading for those seeking an introduction to short fiction, it's not difficult to see why it's earned this title.

Simple, heart-breaking, relatable and a highly consummable length and pace, The Gift of Magi embodies many of the key elements of popular short stories. There is also the twist at the end and the sense that you are left with a lesson learned.

A short story that has stood the test of time, if you Google the title you'll find it available for free EVERYWHERE, including as an audio recording.