Susan’s Book Talk: Jacqueline E. Luckett

It was a couple of years ago now that I picked up Jacqueline E. Luckett’s Searching for Tina Turner. The main character’s seeming obsession with Tina Turner was my motivation, but this turned out to be not a true work of Rock Fiction. Still, I included it in my list because “it’s all about Tina, baby, and the lessons our main character, Lena, learns from the rock icon. These pages vibrate with Tina’s music — her lyrics, in particular.” (Read my whole review!)

So while doing research for a freelance gig, I came across a book written by Jacqueline E. Luckett, Passing Love. I squinted at it — I’m using the laptop in a dark room, with the Penguins playing on the big-screen TV behind the laptop screen. And I wonder why I get migraines? — and tried to place the author’s name. I clicked. It clicked.

What struck me most about this new book of Luckett’s is the number of similarities. No, not more Tina Turner. But divorce, Paris, lovers. There’s also a musician character.

I liked Searching for Tina Turner. It’s a book I still think about, as my own life unfolds. I’ll definitely be looking to get my hands on a copy of this one.

**A whiny note from Susan: Due to changes in Pennsylvania law, Powell’s had to fire me as an affiliate. Not that I was cleaning up with it, but it’s sort of sad. I liked supporting an independent bookstore in this current bookselling economy. I’m looking for a new affiliate, one that’s not part of a big chain or world domination. Stay tuned. When I find one, I’ll start including links. In the meantime, feel free to have Mary Ann or Kate at Penguin Bookshop order and ship books to you. Tell them I sent you.