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Random Lucidity
When Reggie Hatcher decided to chase his dreams by launching his own literary agency, he expected to spend his days wooing prospective clients and his nights wooing the lovely Meghan James. His chance encounter with a troubled, yet brilliant, writer in the park appears to offer a golden opportunity for the struggling agent. Reggie quickly realizes that the spiral-bound notebooks of Jerry Travers, far from being the scribbling of a madman, contain the plot of a riveting murder mystery.
Anxious to make a name for himself and his agency, he signs a contract with Jerry and Jerry’s violently unstable caretaker, Rita Miserly. As Reggie struggles to convert Jerry’s rambling thoughts into a coherent novel, he also must juggle Rita’s increasing demands and outbursts – and the strain these challenges place on his floundering relationship with Meghan.
Events in his professional and personal life continue to spiral out of control, confronting Reggie with a series of decisions with no good choices…until a pivotal night when he is forced to choose between his past and his future, his dreams and his love.
Anxious to make a name for himself and his agency, he signs a contract with Jerry and Jerry’s violently unstable caretaker, Rita Miserly. As Reggie struggles to convert Jerry’s rambling thoughts into a coherent novel, he also must juggle Rita’s increasing demands and outbursts – and the strain these challenges place on his floundering relationship with Meghan.
Events in his professional and personal life continue to spiral out of control, confronting Reggie with a series of decisions with no good choices…until a pivotal night when he is forced to choose between his past and his future, his dreams and his love.
- GenresHumor
255 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
50 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Dave Adair
7 books19 followersDave lives an amazing life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His family and career have taken him many remarkable places. When he's not with his family, working, or writing, Dave can be found playing adult league ice hockey (full face mask, of course) or playing his guitar as loud as his ears can handle. Join the conversation with Dave at facebook.com/daveadairbooks at Twitter @daveadairbooks, or at his website http://daveadair.net.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 20, 2015
An exceptionally well told story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the opening three word paragraph to the finely crafted ending. It didn’t take long to get lost in the story of Reggie’s planned opening of his own literary agency, his last bid at living his dream – or is it his dream? The plot is driven by Adair’s fine writing style, along with his engaging, well drawn characters: Reggie’s father, girlfriend and a seemingly mentally challenged man, Jerry, who scribbles stories in notebooks with uncanny literary skill. And of course, Rita, Jerry’s caretaker, an antagonist of the highest order. It is these characters who will duck and weave throughout the novel, at odds or allies, presenting Reggie with a world of complication as he pursues his dream. In all, I thought this novel an intelligent, thought provoking read. I give it a high recommendation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the opening three word paragraph to the finely crafted ending. It didn’t take long to get lost in the story of Reggie’s planned opening of his own literary agency, his last bid at living his dream – or is it his dream? The plot is driven by Adair’s fine writing style, along with his engaging, well drawn characters: Reggie’s father, girlfriend and a seemingly mentally challenged man, Jerry, who scribbles stories in notebooks with uncanny literary skill. And of course, Rita, Jerry’s caretaker, an antagonist of the highest order. It is these characters who will duck and weave throughout the novel, at odds or allies, presenting Reggie with a world of complication as he pursues his dream. In all, I thought this novel an intelligent, thought provoking read. I give it a high recommendation.
April 11, 2015
A bitter-sweet urban fable
Reggie is one of those anti-heroes who bumbles his way through the disasters that he has come to expect from life and yet he had me rooting for him from the start. Dave Adair finely balances the comedy potential of failure (as in Reggie’s pick-up lines with the beautiful Meghan in a bar) with the heroism of fighting fear and doing it anyway (not only getting a date with Meghan but also quitting paid work to make his dream come true).
A modern Everyman, Reggie is bullied by ghetto low-life and given impossible choices, which he faces at first with cowardice intact. My favourite line is ‘There was not a scratch on him’, which, in context says so much about Reggie’s highly developed survival instincts to (not) get involved. If he wasn’t so afraid, his courage would mean nothing as he dives into dangerous situations in dogged pursuit of a book he wants to publish and into an impassioned attempt to keep his beloved Meghan, his polar opposite. By the end of the novel he has earned his many scars and I like him for that
The double narrative is well-structured and intriguing, intertwining the story of a serial killer (from the notebooks) with the story of Reggie’s life. I half-guessed one ending but both had twists that surprised me and worked within the story. I did not like the notebook-story ending (I didn’t believe it) but can’t deny it was a clever turn of events that was possible. I did like the ending to Reggie’s story. And I loved the character of Reggie’s father; a man who regretted playing safe all his life and put that right by running away from his retirement home, stealing a car and heading for Vegas. The parallels between father and son were nicely drawn.
Wry observations, an underlying black comedy and lively dialogue made the novel very entertaining. Occasionally there was some awkwardness in the language. The tense sometimes shifted into the present from the past, mid-sentence and at the start of the novel some of the vocabulary, especially adverbs, struck a false note, but the intriguing story kept me interested and reading on. I didn’t regret doing so – well worth reading!
Reggie is one of those anti-heroes who bumbles his way through the disasters that he has come to expect from life and yet he had me rooting for him from the start. Dave Adair finely balances the comedy potential of failure (as in Reggie’s pick-up lines with the beautiful Meghan in a bar) with the heroism of fighting fear and doing it anyway (not only getting a date with Meghan but also quitting paid work to make his dream come true).
A modern Everyman, Reggie is bullied by ghetto low-life and given impossible choices, which he faces at first with cowardice intact. My favourite line is ‘There was not a scratch on him’, which, in context says so much about Reggie’s highly developed survival instincts to (not) get involved. If he wasn’t so afraid, his courage would mean nothing as he dives into dangerous situations in dogged pursuit of a book he wants to publish and into an impassioned attempt to keep his beloved Meghan, his polar opposite. By the end of the novel he has earned his many scars and I like him for that
The double narrative is well-structured and intriguing, intertwining the story of a serial killer (from the notebooks) with the story of Reggie’s life. I half-guessed one ending but both had twists that surprised me and worked within the story. I did not like the notebook-story ending (I didn’t believe it) but can’t deny it was a clever turn of events that was possible. I did like the ending to Reggie’s story. And I loved the character of Reggie’s father; a man who regretted playing safe all his life and put that right by running away from his retirement home, stealing a car and heading for Vegas. The parallels between father and son were nicely drawn.
Wry observations, an underlying black comedy and lively dialogue made the novel very entertaining. Occasionally there was some awkwardness in the language. The tense sometimes shifted into the present from the past, mid-sentence and at the start of the novel some of the vocabulary, especially adverbs, struck a false note, but the intriguing story kept me interested and reading on. I didn’t regret doing so – well worth reading!
March 20, 2015
"Random Lucidity" is unlike any other book I've ever read, and that's a wonderful thing. Cleary author Dave Adair is a student of the human condition as his insights of his characters, both their mannerisms and actions, are very insightful. However, he doesn't waste time on overwrought descriptions of these characters, rather their persona form as the story builds--and boy, does it build! I found I really cared about the self-driven Reggie, entertained by the adventurous Ronnie, loathed the demented Rita, was wary of off-kilter Jerry and adored bright Meghan. The magic of the book was the authentic way the characters interacted with one another, which added to the sense of building tension.
Clearly Adair's primary object is to entertain the reader, and this he does very well, but there's also an underlying message that should resonate well with those that are receptive. An added bonus was an interesting insight into the machinations of the book publishing industry and the tormented angst of the creative process. I found that this author is dedicated to his craft, is respectful of his reader, is thoughtful in his presentation, and is fascinated by the challenges of the creative process. Fittingly this novel is lucid in execution, yet takes delight in the twist at the tail of the story. Count me in as an Adair fan; I'm so looking forward to his next book!
[Review by [author:Mark Fine|5761910]The Zebra Affaire
Clearly Adair's primary object is to entertain the reader, and this he does very well, but there's also an underlying message that should resonate well with those that are receptive. An added bonus was an interesting insight into the machinations of the book publishing industry and the tormented angst of the creative process. I found that this author is dedicated to his craft, is respectful of his reader, is thoughtful in his presentation, and is fascinated by the challenges of the creative process. Fittingly this novel is lucid in execution, yet takes delight in the twist at the tail of the story. Count me in as an Adair fan; I'm so looking forward to his next book!
[Review by [author:Mark Fine|5761910]The Zebra Affaire
February 7, 2015
Sometimes you come across a book that makes you sit up and take notice from the very beginning. Random Lucidity by Dave Adair is one of those books. The title grabbed my attention right away. Then I was introduced to characters so true to life I felt as if I knew them personally. Reggie Hatcher is young and idealistic; an aspiring literary agent, in love with Meghan, and devoted son of Ronnie. When he meets the strange Jerry Travers and his sociopathic “caretaker” Rita Miserly he thinks he has found the golden goose. Jerry, the idiot savant with the writing skills of Stephen King, comes into Reggie’s life at the most opportune moment. Thus begins the story within a story that knocked me off my feet. The transitions between Reggie’s life and Jerry’s story are handled so smoothly you feel as though you are living it. As Reggie deals with the various crises that erupt around him you see him developing as a person. His moments of clarity are like a bright shining light that made me want to cheer for him. A gripping thriller with enough twists and turns to keep you turning pages, the story builds to an unexpected climax. If you only read one book this year, this is the one you should choose.
May 8, 2015
It is difficult to put into words just how much I enjoyed Random Lucidity and, days after finishing it, I found myself missing the main characters and their stories. It is a great read and I found the author's style of writing drew me in quickly to the plot. It was refreshing to meet a number of characters during the early stages of the story rather than slowly throughout the course of the book and I was particularly fascinated by Ronnie. Without revealing anything, Random Lucidity is worth reading for Ronnie's adventures alone. What a wonderful character that had me laughing out loud and often!
The complexity of the novel was such that it is essentially 'two stories within one book' and that approach is unique and very enjoyable as a reader. I was torn between both stories constantly and found myself horrified, amused, concerned and emotionally attached to both stories as they unfolded. The author shares each character with depth and they come to life through his vivid and rich descriptions of their appearances and personalities. That elicits a strong emotional response, which is a rare gift indeed.
I recommend this book to...well...everyone. It really is that good and I look forward to more books by Dave Adair in the years to come.
The complexity of the novel was such that it is essentially 'two stories within one book' and that approach is unique and very enjoyable as a reader. I was torn between both stories constantly and found myself horrified, amused, concerned and emotionally attached to both stories as they unfolded. The author shares each character with depth and they come to life through his vivid and rich descriptions of their appearances and personalities. That elicits a strong emotional response, which is a rare gift indeed.
I recommend this book to...well...everyone. It really is that good and I look forward to more books by Dave Adair in the years to come.
April 16, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This story began a little slow for me, with the scene of the father and son conversing in the assisted living home; but that plot came full circle smoothly toward the end. I connected with several of the main characters, except for one--Meghan. Typically, I find myself empathizing and sympathizing with female characters--girl power! However, I wasn't particularly fond of this one. She seemed flaky and cold; but perhaps that's how the author intended to portray her. I personally thought Reggie, the main male character, could do much better.
I was thoroughly impressed (and admittedly a little creeped-out) by the interior subplot about the character, Johnson Rambling. It was unnerving at first how deeply this author was able to get into the head of a serial killer and his knowledge about the specific methods of plotting and carrying out such heinous acts. It was well-written,though, and had a surprising end, which lightened some of the malicious vibe I sensed in the beginning. And the final few chapters blew my mind! Worth the price of the book.
This was an intriguing read for me and I definitely look forward to more from this author.
This story began a little slow for me, with the scene of the father and son conversing in the assisted living home; but that plot came full circle smoothly toward the end. I connected with several of the main characters, except for one--Meghan. Typically, I find myself empathizing and sympathizing with female characters--girl power! However, I wasn't particularly fond of this one. She seemed flaky and cold; but perhaps that's how the author intended to portray her. I personally thought Reggie, the main male character, could do much better.
I was thoroughly impressed (and admittedly a little creeped-out) by the interior subplot about the character, Johnson Rambling. It was unnerving at first how deeply this author was able to get into the head of a serial killer and his knowledge about the specific methods of plotting and carrying out such heinous acts. It was well-written,though, and had a surprising end, which lightened some of the malicious vibe I sensed in the beginning. And the final few chapters blew my mind! Worth the price of the book.
This was an intriguing read for me and I definitely look forward to more from this author.
May 11, 2015
I found myself thinking about the characters after I’d finished this book. Adair has skilfully crafted a story that expertly weaves around an ‘inner’ story. It’s not confusing but endearing, both plots equally intriguing and quickly get under your skin.
Reggie’s character is expertly revealed through his dealings with colourful characters; his journey makes you question, and analyse your own goals and morals.
Taking risks, seeing possibilities and juggling a personal and business crises Reggie is a character that you grow to love and cheer for.
I didn’t see the twist coming, and it was smartly done. I didn’t feel cheated, just pleasantly surprised at the unexpected. With neat characters, ‘side-issues’, and sub-plots that keeps your interest levels at full peak – I highly recommend Random Lucidity.
Reggie’s character is expertly revealed through his dealings with colourful characters; his journey makes you question, and analyse your own goals and morals.
Taking risks, seeing possibilities and juggling a personal and business crises Reggie is a character that you grow to love and cheer for.
I didn’t see the twist coming, and it was smartly done. I didn’t feel cheated, just pleasantly surprised at the unexpected. With neat characters, ‘side-issues’, and sub-plots that keeps your interest levels at full peak – I highly recommend Random Lucidity.
September 2, 2015
Emotional and spiritual story.
Parts of Reggie character is in all of us, challenges we face. Narratives full of light bulb moment, some parts did go back to read it again. Unpredictable ending, but glad for the second chance.
Parts of Reggie character is in all of us, challenges we face. Narratives full of light bulb moment, some parts did go back to read it again. Unpredictable ending, but glad for the second chance.
August 25, 2015
Random Lucidity was a wonderfully emotional read, with a twist that I didn't see coming, making the this the second novel I finished this week that took me by surprise. As a writer that is saying something, because I can usually figure out where a story is going.
This novel is about a man who suddenly decides to changes careers. He doesn't necessarily switch to the one he wants, as he doesn't feel confident enough to do it, but he puts himself into the field and on the path toward his dream. In doing so, his life takes some drastic twists and turns.
I related to Reggie is so many ways. He and I think a like, worry and obsess over things the same way, and our luck runs the same; we eventually get want we desire, but we suffer a great deal along the way. Whereas, I'm disappointed by certain aspects of the story, and at times felt the novel had too much real life and not enough fantasy, that is life. Things don't always work out the way we plan, and even though I didn't like those parts and felt they slowed the story a tiny bit, end the end, I was relieved to read a novel that doesn't give its characters a perfect, easy life, not even at the end.
I will say this, as much as I loved this story, I really want to read "Johnson Rambling: A Novel". Those sections of the novel were intense, shocking, and had me in a vice grip, but I'm slightly demented.
This is definitely a must read for aspiring authors, or well anyone at a crossroads in their life. Dave shows that even thought taking that leap of faith can be scary, it makes many things in your life uncertain, and you may lose people along the way, you also gain people, eventually find your footing, and move toward a happier future.
--Author Jennifer Reynolds
This novel is about a man who suddenly decides to changes careers. He doesn't necessarily switch to the one he wants, as he doesn't feel confident enough to do it, but he puts himself into the field and on the path toward his dream. In doing so, his life takes some drastic twists and turns.
I related to Reggie is so many ways. He and I think a like, worry and obsess over things the same way, and our luck runs the same; we eventually get want we desire, but we suffer a great deal along the way. Whereas, I'm disappointed by certain aspects of the story, and at times felt the novel had too much real life and not enough fantasy, that is life. Things don't always work out the way we plan, and even though I didn't like those parts and felt they slowed the story a tiny bit, end the end, I was relieved to read a novel that doesn't give its characters a perfect, easy life, not even at the end.
I will say this, as much as I loved this story, I really want to read "Johnson Rambling: A Novel". Those sections of the novel were intense, shocking, and had me in a vice grip, but I'm slightly demented.
This is definitely a must read for aspiring authors, or well anyone at a crossroads in their life. Dave shows that even thought taking that leap of faith can be scary, it makes many things in your life uncertain, and you may lose people along the way, you also gain people, eventually find your footing, and move toward a happier future.
--Author Jennifer Reynolds
September 30, 2015
A lucid thriller, and primer on life!
All of us ambitions, whether we admit it or not. In our heart of hearts, we have goals. Some goals are unrealistic, and some ambitions we lack the courage to bring to fruition.
Dave Adair has written a well-crafted thriller, and I don’t often expect such books to deal with complex human emotions in a subtle manner. The author, though, surprises me. He keeps the reader spell-bound with the plentiful twists in his tale, but also explores the reasons people fall short of their goals.
The protagonist is ambitious, but fears being not good enough. As such, he makes compromises and abandons his main love: writing. He pursues a career which is closely related, though: that of agent seeking and promoting nascent literary geniuses.
Ever-present, though, is the lure of fame and fortune, which has brought countless humans to a sorry end.
Will he find such a writer? Will his career aspirations succeed? And what price will he pay along the way, in terms of human relationships? These questions kept me turning the pages.
This is a well-written book, which will grip you, surprise you, and still not play out as you expect. Life rarely does!
All of us ambitions, whether we admit it or not. In our heart of hearts, we have goals. Some goals are unrealistic, and some ambitions we lack the courage to bring to fruition.
Dave Adair has written a well-crafted thriller, and I don’t often expect such books to deal with complex human emotions in a subtle manner. The author, though, surprises me. He keeps the reader spell-bound with the plentiful twists in his tale, but also explores the reasons people fall short of their goals.
The protagonist is ambitious, but fears being not good enough. As such, he makes compromises and abandons his main love: writing. He pursues a career which is closely related, though: that of agent seeking and promoting nascent literary geniuses.
Ever-present, though, is the lure of fame and fortune, which has brought countless humans to a sorry end.
Will he find such a writer? Will his career aspirations succeed? And what price will he pay along the way, in terms of human relationships? These questions kept me turning the pages.
This is a well-written book, which will grip you, surprise you, and still not play out as you expect. Life rarely does!
May 13, 2015
This is a story that held my attention from start to finish. Each of its characters is believable and there are enough unexpected twists to keep the reader turning the pages.
I particularly enjoyed the author’s ability to draw you in to each relationship. A romance under pressure, a father and son and their roles as they are inevitably reversed when age takes its toll, a caregiver that is plagued by greed and vice and a writer of notes that is far from what you would expect.
There are several experiences and choices that are not only true to life but also thought provoking. The end came as a surprize and the plot is a credit to the author.
This is a book that would appeal to a wide cross section of readers – from romantic suspense fans to those seeking a mystery that is both clever and well written. I would highly recommend Random Lucidity and look forward to reading more from this author.
I particularly enjoyed the author’s ability to draw you in to each relationship. A romance under pressure, a father and son and their roles as they are inevitably reversed when age takes its toll, a caregiver that is plagued by greed and vice and a writer of notes that is far from what you would expect.
There are several experiences and choices that are not only true to life but also thought provoking. The end came as a surprize and the plot is a credit to the author.
This is a book that would appeal to a wide cross section of readers – from romantic suspense fans to those seeking a mystery that is both clever and well written. I would highly recommend Random Lucidity and look forward to reading more from this author.
September 13, 2015
A thoroughly unique book, one I had a difficult time putting down at night, one I could have read in one day if real life hadn't gotten in the way. I loved the characters, not stereotypical characters but most definitely realistic. The plot blew me away! I will definitely will read more of Mr. Adair's books.
April 11, 2017
Outstanding
Outstanding, one of the best books I have read in a long time. Only he should have ended up with the girl
Outstanding, one of the best books I have read in a long time. Only he should have ended up with the girl
July 30, 2019
Strange
A strange but truly well-written story about a man with exceedingly low self-esteem. He is unhappy with his job and is terrified his girlfriend will leave him. He quits his job as an editor and starts one as a literary agent. His purpose--to help new authors reach the largest audience they can. This is not a money oriented goal but a selfless one. In his journey to accomp!ish his dream, he meets Jerry. Jerry writes stories in various notebooks. Although Jerry acts feeble-minded for his caretaker, Rita, Reggie recognizes it as a ruse. As Reggie reads Jerry's journals, he recognizes the brilliance of his work.
An entertaining yet strange story about the pursuit of happiness.
A strange but truly well-written story about a man with exceedingly low self-esteem. He is unhappy with his job and is terrified his girlfriend will leave him. He quits his job as an editor and starts one as a literary agent. His purpose--to help new authors reach the largest audience they can. This is not a money oriented goal but a selfless one. In his journey to accomp!ish his dream, he meets Jerry. Jerry writes stories in various notebooks. Although Jerry acts feeble-minded for his caretaker, Rita, Reggie recognizes it as a ruse. As Reggie reads Jerry's journals, he recognizes the brilliance of his work.
An entertaining yet strange story about the pursuit of happiness.
January 1, 2018
Dave Adair writes really well and this novel is filled with finely wrought characters, each with their own set of problems. The book dragged a bit toward the middle but, ultimately, I'm very happy I stuck with it. The surprise twist at the end was something I never saw coming and brought the book to a nice end. I recommend this book for those who like a literary novel with more action and character development.
March 6, 2017
I thought of a lot of clever remarks I could make about this book, but in kindness to the author I'll keep it short and simple. Skip this one. It is easy to find a better written book with a more plausible plot and more realistic characters.
December 23, 2015
I found this book to be so so. I felt like the overall arc of the story never really goes anywhere, and I had a hard time liking the main character. He seems to make a lot of poor decisions and then whines and worries about them.
Looking now back at the glowing reviews for this book, I just don't get it.
More detail here:
Looking now back at the glowing reviews for this book, I just don't get it.
More detail here:
January 14, 2016
Random Lucidity is a meta tale about writing a novel.
Author Dave Adair tends to wordiness and not in a way which helps the story much. His style often reads as an attempt to meet a word quota versus an effort to provide texture or details.
The major plot development near the book’s finale seems more like a cop-out than a clever twist.
Come on. Who would such a needless con impress? Fans? Book critics? Viewers of those “punked” reality shows? I don’t know but I think Adair fails to lay the proper groundwork for the “hero” to suffer so harsh an outcome. Reggie is no Icarus.
The pointless cruelty of Random Lucidity’s denouement disgusted me and I have no interest in reading any of Adair's future work.
Author Dave Adair tends to wordiness and not in a way which helps the story much. His style often reads as an attempt to meet a word quota versus an effort to provide texture or details.
The major plot development near the book’s finale seems more like a cop-out than a clever twist.
Come on. Who would such a needless con impress? Fans? Book critics? Viewers of those “punked” reality shows? I don’t know but I think Adair fails to lay the proper groundwork for the “hero” to suffer so harsh an outcome. Reggie is no Icarus.
The pointless cruelty of Random Lucidity’s denouement disgusted me and I have no interest in reading any of Adair's future work.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews