"Book of Love strutted into their brief moment of fame with the same laid-back attitude that colors their music. They were so naturally cool, so unabashedly themselves, that their brief moment as mid-1980s club superstars seemed like a happy accident."
"Despite leaving their hometown to attend different institutes in Philadelphia and New York City, they managed to start the band long-distance, recruiting Susan's classmate Jade Lee and Ted's classmate Lauren Johnson, both multi-instrumentalists."
"When they all finished school and moved to NYC, Book of Love managed to stand out from the 'playground of misfits' and 'eccentric characters' that populated the city's club scene."
"They didn't stress their queerness, nor their gender; neither aspect was worn as fashion or, really, marketed in any sort of way. It never had to be acknowledged; 'it was just understood.'"
Book of Love emerged in the mid-1980s as a new wave band characterized by their laid-back attitude and authenticity. They formed with a unique blend of members, including queer art-school students, and managed to stand out in New York City's vibrant club scene. Their success was marked by a strategy of simplicity, avoiding the loudness often associated with fame. Their queerness and gender identity were not overtly marketed, but rather understood within the context of their music and presence.
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