"A compelling exploration of friendship, identity and the healing power of music." -- Christy Alexander Hallberg, author of “Searching for Jimmy Page,” host of "Rock Is Lit" podcast
A Cappella Books is delighted to welcome author Peter McDade for a special afternoon talk and book signing in honor of his novel, “King Cal.” He will appear in conversation with fellow Atlanta-based writer Jessica Handler, award-winning author of “The Magnetic Girl.”
This event is free and open to the public; copies of the book will be available for purchase.
About the Book
“King Cal,” a novel by Peter McDade, will be published by Trouser Press Books on April 16, 2025. Many novels set in the world of rock music depict stardom, debauchery, and deceit. “King Cal” instead focuses on the creative process, the devotion required to choose an uncertain life in music, the inspiration for songwriting, and the challenge of making the rent while making art.
In the course of one ordinary day, Atlanta fast food worker Calvin loses his girlfriend, his band, and his best friend. Suddenly, everything he had planned to spend the rest of his life doing seems to have flown away. Told with insight, sensitivity, and deep respect for what it really takes to make a life in music, “King Cal” is a coming-of-age novel about a determined young man who starts with little, aims to earn a little more, and has to decide whether success—or even clinging to his dream—is worth the sacrifice.
About the Author
As drummer for the rock band Uncle Green, Peter McDade spent fifteen years traveling the highways of America in a series of Ford vans. While the band searched for fame and a safe place to eat before a gig, he began writing short stories and novels. Uncle Green went into semi-retirement after four labels, seven records, and one name change; Peter went to Georgia State University and majored in History and English, eventually earning an MA in History. He teaches history to college undergrads, records with Paul Melançon and Eytan Mirsky, and lives in Atlanta with his family.
About the Conversation Partner
Jessica Handler is the acclaimed author of award-winning novels and celebrated nonfiction, with features on NPR, in Tin House, Electric Literature, The Bitter Southerner, The Washington Post, and elsewhere.
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