R.J. Gould – Dream Cafe

‘Dream Cafe’ is the second book I have read by R.J. Gould. Being invited to this books tour I was looking forward to seeing if this one was as enjoyable as his previous book.

We meet a man called Dave whose wife has not long since left him and their two children for his ex-best friend, with who she was having an affair. He goes to his school reunion and while he may wonder why he is actually there, he sees Bridget and that’s makes everything worthwhile. His list for his new life consists of a relationship with Bridget first and foremost. The other is to open an arts café.

The mid-life crisis he finds himself in is even harder with two teens, a job in which he doesn’t like his boss and the new domestic side of life. He struggles to deal with the domestic side, never mind everything else. The question is can he navigate everything while realising his dream of the café?

As I found with R.J Gould’s previous book the characters are instantly recognisable and relatable. They remind you of someone you could know in real life. I was urging poor David on as he hit every barrier known to man almost. A witty and insightful story that has you caring for him and really feeling it everything something else happens. It does make you wonder if he would ever get to where he wanted. The fact that this author always seem to capture real life and put it into words is a fantastic skill. He has brought some serious issues and dealt with them very appropriately. Divorce, lone parenting, a man’s role within the family home. These are a few of the many in the story and I liked the fact that that we do have comedy in the book as well as emotion and it is dealt with sensitively and there are times when it is poignant too.

If you want a book that is not without the funny moments while reflecting real life at the same time, then this is the book to read.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and R.J Gould for my invitation to join this tour and for my gifted copy of the book.