Our Song: A Memoir of Love and Race

Lynda and JT's chemistry was irresistible, but their schools were hours apart, so they reached out to each other in letters. Songs and prose revealed a longing that neither had felt before, but their connection was fragile due to racist parents, a jealous friend, and a prior lover. Now, four decades later, they may have another chance to take it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: She Writes Press

The year was 1972, and the place was rural Pennsylvania. The nation was in social upheaval due to civil rights, the Vietnam War, and counterculture youth who were defying their traditional parents. Lynda was a white, anxious but earnest free spirit studying poetry, peyote, and peaceful protest at her small university. JT was a talented athlete recruited from the inner city to win basketball games for Lynda's hometown college. Their chemistry was irresistible, but their schools were hours apart, so they reached out to each other in the only way possible: letters. Songs and prose penned late into the night revealed a longing that neither had felt before. JT used music to show Lynda his sensitive side and deep desire for true love. Lynda strove to leave her conservative upbringing behind, to see truths beyond skin color and the pressure - for women, especially - to conform. But their connection, though deep, was also fragile. Racist parents, a jealous friend, and a prior lover who came back to claim Lynda ultimately unraveled the delicate fabric woven by their words. Now, four decades later, Lynda and JT may have another chance. Can they take it? This sensual memoir by human sexuality professor Lynda Smith Hoggan lays bare the raw contradictions between social expectations and the heart's desires and leaves readers pondering what love might look like in a world where we are truly free.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647423896