Imagine spending 24 hours inside the head of a dreamer, caught between ambition and reality. That’s precisely what Peter McDade gifts us in King Cal, his third novel, which unfolds over a single pivotal day in the life of Calvin (“Cal”)—a fast-food drive-thru worker by day, songwriter by heart. Given that my husband was a musician for the first twenty years of our married life, this was a no-brainer book for me to choose toread. Given that my husband was a musician for the first twenty years of our married life, this was a no-brainer book for me to choose to read. I must also note that being a musician was his side job, he was a teacher by day.
Beat of the Story
Cal is on the cusp of a breaking point: in just hours, he loses his girlfriend, his band, and his best friend. Suddenly, all the plans he’s poured his life into seem to crumble. Yet through it all, the rhythms of songwriting pulse in his head, as he balances rent, romance, friendship, and an unwavering devotion to music.
I am particularly drawn to his recollections of being in middle school, moving to a new school, and forming friendships. These friendships are vital and many last years after formal schooling is complete. I am in love with how the author recognized and included it in his work.
I love that the novel's chapter headings are the times within the day when Calvin's life is falling apart. It helps keep the sequence of events clear and shows you that minute by minute, your life can turn on you quickly. It's a theme that runs throughout the book and is quick to catch on to. I'm not good at finding themes, but this one really resonated with me.
Why King Cal Hits the Right Notes
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Authentic Voice
Amazon McDade draws on his own 15 years as a touring drummer to bring Cal’s musical passion tolife. The story hums with raw honesty. In every writing class I have taken over the last 40 years, I have been told to write what you know about, and in this novel, this is key. -
Compelling Structure
The story’s day-long timeline—marked by time-stamped chapters—gives it a cinematic feel, incorporating flashbacks that deepen Cal’s backstory. -
Emotional Core
At its heart, it’s about sacrifice and the grit behind artistry. Cal’s balancing acts between love, friendship, and survival resonate deeply with most readers. I have watched my husband navigate his career with bands and seen how difficult conversations have to take place to do what is best for the band. In each case, I believe that these conversations were deep and, in the end, satisfying because they allowed us to speak about "the band."
About the Author
Peter McDade is no stranger to life on the road—he played drums with the rock bands Uncle Green and 3 Lb. Thrill before turning to teaching and writing. His earlier works include The Weight of Sound and Songs by Honeybird. King Cal marks his triumphant next step in blending music with literary storytelling.
Peter McDade spent fifteen years traveling the highways of America as the drummer in the rock bands Uncle Green and 3 lb. Thrill, releasing a half-dozen albums on various major and independent labels. Raised in New Jersey, he now lives with his family in Atlanta, where he teaches at Clark Atlanta University.
King Cal (coming in April 2025) is his third novel, following The Weight of Sound (2017) and Songs By Honeybird (2022).
Final Verdict
Whether you’re a music-lover, a fan of intimate character studies, or you just love a day-in-the-life novel done right, King Cal delivers. It’s raw yet lyrical, and ultimately uplifting—a love letter to the daily hustle of chasing creative dreams. All music lovers should read this book for insight into the creative process and how music can be a driving force in life.
Grab your copy (available in paperback and ebook formats), keep up with the times, and let Calvin’s day turn over your own soundtrack. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a beat that feels… achingly real.
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