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

  • ARC Review: Kai’s Healing Smiles by Vivi Anne Hunt

    Book Details: Author: Vivi Anne HuntRelease Date: 13th September 2022Series:Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+Format: E-book Pages: 201 pagesPublisher: –Blurb:Silas is mourning the loss of his wife. Every day, he is going through the motions and barely managing to keep the…

  • Guest Post: Cocktail Parties by Nick Gray

    Welcome to TRB Lounge! Today, we are featuring Nick Gray, author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party to share a guest post. About The Author Nick Gray Nick Gray is an entrepreneur and author living in Austin,…

  • ARC Review: Before Dawn by Laura F. Murphy

    Book Details: Author: Laura F. Murphy Release Date: 5th September 2022Series:Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s FictionFormat: E-book Pages: 271 pagesPublisher: –Blurb:Igor Fenenko, a former research scientist, is a scary, scary man. Not only is he a massive bodybuilder with a spider…

  • ARC Review: The Cannibal’s Guide to Fasting by Dana Hammer

    Book Details: Author: Dana HammerRelease Date: 6th September 2022Series: The Resistance RisesGenre: Dystopian Fiction, Speculative Fiction, SuspenseFormat: E-book Pages: 321 pagesPublisher: Cinnabar Moth Publishing LLC Blurb:Igor Fenenko, a former research scientist, is a scary, scary man. Not only is he…

  • Book Review: The Trial Show: The Resistance Rises by Konstantina P.

    Book Details: Author: Konstantina P.Release Date: 12nd March 2022Series: The Resistance RisesGenre: Dystopian Fiction, Speculative Fiction, SuspenceFormat: E-book Pages: 287 pagesPublisher: –Blurb:Forced into the shadows while waging war on an oppressive regime intent on controlling those born with unnatural…