The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: Loving & Leaving by Jack Lucci

Book Details:

Author: Jack Lucci
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 92 pages
Publisher: Koehler Books
Blurb:
The first installment of Jack Lucci’s living memoir, Loving & Leaving spans five years, touching on themes of gratefulness and regret and stories of love for people, places, narcotics, and the effort it takes to sustain that love. Far from stable and rather turbulent, Lucci chronicles his life as he oscillates between hero and anti-hero, sharing lessons learned in the Italian countryside, mistakes made in America’s Second City, the angst and constriction of southeastern Washington, and observations on the miserable Oregon coast. Whether you find yourself rooting for or against him, Loving & Leaving is the result of bleeding over the keyboard.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Jack Lucci’s “Loving & Leaving” is a raw and candid reflection on a life lived at the extremes. This first installment of Lucci’s living memoir takes readers on a tumultuous journey through love, regret, and self-discovery. Lucci’s narrative is as captivating as it is unsettling, chronicling his experiences with unflinching honesty and a profound sense of introspection.

The memoir spans five eventful years of Lucci’s life, touching on themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. His stories of love – for people, places, and even narcotics – are told with a visceral intensity that draws the reader into his world. Lucci has a unique ability to capture the essence of his experiences, whether they’re set in the rustic Italian countryside, the bustling streets of Chicago, the oppressive atmosphere of southeastern Washington, or the bleakness of the Oregon coast.

What makes “Loving & Leaving” stand out is Lucci’s portrayal of himself as both the hero and anti-hero of his story. His journey is riddled with contradictions and conflicts, making him a complex and relatable character. The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, from moments of deep gratefulness to intense regret. Lucci’s writing style is engaging, his prose bleeding with emotion, making it feel as though every word is a piece of his soul laid bare on the page.

In essence, “Loving & Leaving” is not just a memoir; it’s an exploration of the human condition. Lucci’s ability to share his life lessons and mistakes in such a raw and honest manner is both brave and commendable. This book is a compelling read, sure to evoke a range of emotions in its readers. Whether you end up rooting for Lucci or not, one thing is certain – his story will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

You can also read this review on:

Goodreads


Amazon


I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
December 2023
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: Requiem (Tales Of The Five Realms #1) by Rachel V. Knox

    Book Details: Author: Rachel V. Knox Release Date: 13th October 2021Genre: Young Adult, New Adult, FantasySeries: Tales Of The Five Realms (Book #1)Format: E-book Pages: 394 pagesPublisher: Blurb:In a world where light and shade battle for hearts and minds, young rebel,…

  • Author Interview: A.M. Grotticelli

    Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome author A.M. Grotticelli, from Atmosphere Press, for an author interview with The Reading Bud. About The Author A.M. Grotticelli A.M. Grotticelli is a veteran technology trade journalist who resides in…

  • Book Review: A Soldier’s Quartet by Colin Baldwin

    Book Details: Author: Colin Baldwin Release Date: 2nd September 2021Genre: New Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, War FictionSeries: Format: E-book Pages: 227 pagesPublisher: Shawline Publishing Group Pty LtdBlurb:CONRAD BENTLEY ENJOYS HIS RETIREMENT.By chance, he comes across a letter from WWI — a…

  • Graphic Novel Review: Chelsea’s Forever Garden by Laura Lamb

    Book Details: Author: Laura LambRelease Date: 9th October 2021Genre: Children’s Fiction, Middle Grade FictionSeries: Format: E-book Pages: 32 pagesPublisher: Blurb:Imagine being given a gift beyond your wildest dreams! Chelsea is beyond excited to now possess her own plot of land…

  • Book Review: Playtime in Vella Dera by Benzon Ray Barbin

    Book Details: Author: Benzon Ray BarbinRelease Date: 27th October 2021Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Short StorySeries: Format: E-book Pages: 54 pagesPublisher: Blurb:What are the consequences of denying one’s true self?A traveler named Enauria has returned home for the first time…