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Regular Guy Syndrome
Regular Guy Syndrome mixes romance, pop culture, sex, self-discovery, and political philosophy into the provocative tale of a young man’s journey to find himself and win the heart of the woman he loves.
Chip Goodwin was born into a comfortable life he had always taken for granted. Money, career, and women were all there for the taking. But when his idyllic world is turned upside down, he’s forced to take a hard look at the shortsighted decisions he’s been making his entire life.
Thought provoking, decadent, and fun, Regular Guy Syndrome will take you on a whirlwind ride full of memorable characters, serendipitous twists, and guilty pleasures.
Chip Goodwin was born into a comfortable life he had always taken for granted. Money, career, and women were all there for the taking. But when his idyllic world is turned upside down, he’s forced to take a hard look at the shortsighted decisions he’s been making his entire life.
Thought provoking, decadent, and fun, Regular Guy Syndrome will take you on a whirlwind ride full of memorable characters, serendipitous twists, and guilty pleasures.
501 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 14, 2014
Regular Guy was a very satisfying read. My reviews tend to get a bit critical so let me be clear, I liked this book. Similar stories have been told but this one combines self discovery, adventure, romance and politics in a new and interesting way. The protagonist is a young man who is relatable to many men his age and those of us who once were. His world view is focused on his own career and desire to have a family. Political discourse seems uninteresting and not particularly relevant to his own life. When he chooses to take a path to become his own man and not just his father’s son, his adventure and his education begins.
While drug use and open sexuality are frequently illustrated in the plot, it is always within the framework of personal responsibility and mutual consent. It is this theme that is the backbone of the novel. The virtues of conservatism are nicely displayed in a way that is neither preachy or gratuitous. It is easy to get caught up in the story without being beaten by the message.
I happily recommend this to all adult readers regardless of political leanings. It’s entertaining and perhaps you will learn something about yourself.
If I were to be critical I might say something about the Chip/Robert thing being a bit confusing at times. Long detailed descriptions of landscapes also tend to bore me. The author might appeal to a wider audience with a change in the title and cover art. While they are relevant to the story they may not draw women and center-left readers. Fortunately I’m not being critical so I won’t mention those things. Congratulations to John Spencer Dale on a job well done.
While drug use and open sexuality are frequently illustrated in the plot, it is always within the framework of personal responsibility and mutual consent. It is this theme that is the backbone of the novel. The virtues of conservatism are nicely displayed in a way that is neither preachy or gratuitous. It is easy to get caught up in the story without being beaten by the message.
I happily recommend this to all adult readers regardless of political leanings. It’s entertaining and perhaps you will learn something about yourself.
If I were to be critical I might say something about the Chip/Robert thing being a bit confusing at times. Long detailed descriptions of landscapes also tend to bore me. The author might appeal to a wider audience with a change in the title and cover art. While they are relevant to the story they may not draw women and center-left readers. Fortunately I’m not being critical so I won’t mention those things. Congratulations to John Spencer Dale on a job well done.
April 6, 2013
The purpose of reviews is, first and foremost, to try to steer readers towards the works they will enjoy and away from those they won't. To that end, I will start with some warnings. First, this book has serious adult content. Second, it has an unabashedly conservative bend. Third, if you strip away all the unusual elements, at its heart, this is a good old-fashioned romance story.
Still reading? Good. Here we go...
F. Scott Fitzgerald has famously said, "The rich are different from you and me." Although easy is to accept on the surface, this premise is entirely wrong. As the book's protagonist Robert "Chip" Goodwin finds out the hard way, being born into wealth is neither a guarantee of success nor protection from heartbreak. In fact, the comfortable life he has led until now has allowed him to make major mistakes, and the events have conspired to make him pay for every one of them. It is a testament to the skill of the author that a character who would not normally be relatable (rich, handsome, great with women) is in fact so sympathetic and easy to understand. And so we follow Chip on his journey to fix his life and win back the woman he loves. Along the way, we see him meet new people, make friends, have sex (OK, LOTS of sex), and yes, even think through his political views. It's all part of the process of an over-grown boy becoming a man, figuring out what's important and becoming independently worthy of both love and success.
Regular Guy Syndrome is a very ambitious book, more so for being the first novel from this author. There were times when I was doubtful of the story ever holding together, with the seemingly incompatible elements of racy sex scenes, serious political discussions and underlying romantic story all competing for space and attention. In the end, every piece falls into place with an elegance of a Tom Clancy novel, making for a thoroughly satisfying experience. All you need for full enjoyment is a little patience and an open mind.
Still reading? Good. Here we go...
F. Scott Fitzgerald has famously said, "The rich are different from you and me." Although easy is to accept on the surface, this premise is entirely wrong. As the book's protagonist Robert "Chip" Goodwin finds out the hard way, being born into wealth is neither a guarantee of success nor protection from heartbreak. In fact, the comfortable life he has led until now has allowed him to make major mistakes, and the events have conspired to make him pay for every one of them. It is a testament to the skill of the author that a character who would not normally be relatable (rich, handsome, great with women) is in fact so sympathetic and easy to understand. And so we follow Chip on his journey to fix his life and win back the woman he loves. Along the way, we see him meet new people, make friends, have sex (OK, LOTS of sex), and yes, even think through his political views. It's all part of the process of an over-grown boy becoming a man, figuring out what's important and becoming independently worthy of both love and success.
Regular Guy Syndrome is a very ambitious book, more so for being the first novel from this author. There were times when I was doubtful of the story ever holding together, with the seemingly incompatible elements of racy sex scenes, serious political discussions and underlying romantic story all competing for space and attention. In the end, every piece falls into place with an elegance of a Tom Clancy novel, making for a thoroughly satisfying experience. All you need for full enjoyment is a little patience and an open mind.
February 10, 2014
“Regular Guy Syndrome mixes romance, pop culture commentary, racy sex, self-discovery, and political discussion into the compelling story of a young man’s journey…” reads the back cover. And indeed it does. There is plenty of racy sex and self-discovery, for sure, and plenty of pot smoking, too. The sex and partying is so rampant at times that I almost lost track of the point. But although it’s a long and titillating trip, there is definitely a point to Regular Guy Syndrome.
Chip Goodwin is a very fortunate young man. His father built up a prosperous life from scratch and Chip received all the advantages of being raised with money. He also possesses many natural gifts, including a knack for success and a positive, productive attitude. He is engaged to Suzannes Gaines, an efficient, successful, and stunning CPA. Life is good.
The first 100 pages of the book chronicle Chip’s decline and fall. He had been so busy taking his great life for granted that he made some shortsighted decisions over the years so that when his secure position dries up, he is left high and dry. None of it was a surprise, either. Chip’s lackadaisical attitude towards life turned out to be a poor course of action. And so Chip learns his first lesson.
Chip’s fiancée still loves him but she wants a good provider for a husband and she isn’t sure he can still pull it off. In fact, Chip isn’t sure himself. So they agree to call off the wedding while Chip sorts himself out. This is where the trip of self-discovery — and plenty o’ decadent behavior — begins.
Chip wisely leaves the town where he has always lived and where everyone knows him and his family, granting himself the freedom to become whoever he should be. I admired him for this decision. It was courageous to throw off all the advantages and expectations he had always had and strike out for himself. As he drives cross-country to California, his charmed life continues. This is one of the things I liked about the book; in spite of Chip’s many poor choices, the story is still a very positive one. No heavy-duty, miserable consequences drag anyone to suicidal depths. There was only one point where Chip was wallowing in self-pity and I admit I skimmed through it. Glad I did because, darn it, even when you screw up, life is still awesome and this is still a great country, full of opportunity and magic. Kudos to Mr. Dale for the positive attitude. I am so sick of horrific, contrived, overdramatized tragedy or violence in fiction. Regular Guy Syndrome is gleefully free of such misery.
SPOILER ALERT: As for the self-discovery part of the journey, well, let’s just say that I’m long past that phase of my life and in quite a different one. I shuddered my way through the many, many pages of debauchery, waiting for STDs, jealousy, ODs, unplanned pregnancies, or some of the other things that happen in real life to happen. They didn’t. Chip continues to take full advantage of his charmed life, making friends and contacts, opening eyes, mentoring and finding mentors, and improving businesses along the way. This part of the book went on a little long for me but it does serve a purpose. In a way, it resembled Shakespearean romantic comedy; many characters aren’t living their right lives, so they all go into the woods, there is a merry, trippy muddle, and everything is sorted out properly at the end. Chip happily figures himself out, finally becomes true to his heart, and finds a perfect place for himself in the world. It’s great to see a positive book about a happy person who makes the most of his natural gifts and learns to appreciate his blessings.
Chip Goodwin is a very fortunate young man. His father built up a prosperous life from scratch and Chip received all the advantages of being raised with money. He also possesses many natural gifts, including a knack for success and a positive, productive attitude. He is engaged to Suzannes Gaines, an efficient, successful, and stunning CPA. Life is good.
The first 100 pages of the book chronicle Chip’s decline and fall. He had been so busy taking his great life for granted that he made some shortsighted decisions over the years so that when his secure position dries up, he is left high and dry. None of it was a surprise, either. Chip’s lackadaisical attitude towards life turned out to be a poor course of action. And so Chip learns his first lesson.
Chip’s fiancée still loves him but she wants a good provider for a husband and she isn’t sure he can still pull it off. In fact, Chip isn’t sure himself. So they agree to call off the wedding while Chip sorts himself out. This is where the trip of self-discovery — and plenty o’ decadent behavior — begins.
Chip wisely leaves the town where he has always lived and where everyone knows him and his family, granting himself the freedom to become whoever he should be. I admired him for this decision. It was courageous to throw off all the advantages and expectations he had always had and strike out for himself. As he drives cross-country to California, his charmed life continues. This is one of the things I liked about the book; in spite of Chip’s many poor choices, the story is still a very positive one. No heavy-duty, miserable consequences drag anyone to suicidal depths. There was only one point where Chip was wallowing in self-pity and I admit I skimmed through it. Glad I did because, darn it, even when you screw up, life is still awesome and this is still a great country, full of opportunity and magic. Kudos to Mr. Dale for the positive attitude. I am so sick of horrific, contrived, overdramatized tragedy or violence in fiction. Regular Guy Syndrome is gleefully free of such misery.
SPOILER ALERT: As for the self-discovery part of the journey, well, let’s just say that I’m long past that phase of my life and in quite a different one. I shuddered my way through the many, many pages of debauchery, waiting for STDs, jealousy, ODs, unplanned pregnancies, or some of the other things that happen in real life to happen. They didn’t. Chip continues to take full advantage of his charmed life, making friends and contacts, opening eyes, mentoring and finding mentors, and improving businesses along the way. This part of the book went on a little long for me but it does serve a purpose. In a way, it resembled Shakespearean romantic comedy; many characters aren’t living their right lives, so they all go into the woods, there is a merry, trippy muddle, and everything is sorted out properly at the end. Chip happily figures himself out, finally becomes true to his heart, and finds a perfect place for himself in the world. It’s great to see a positive book about a happy person who makes the most of his natural gifts and learns to appreciate his blessings.
December 25, 2013
I loved this novel so much I hated for it to end & days after finishing, can't stop thinking about the characters, the brain stimulating political explorations, and where the story goes next.
Making a character like Chip relatable & sympathetic is an incredible challenge the author excelled at. Personally I did not like or trust Suzanne (she was too materialistic, cold & single minded & abandoned Chip too easily), nor could I understand what others in the story liked about her so I hope her character gets developed for better or worse in a future novel.
As everyone has said, it's impossible not to want MORE & while this book wraps everything up satisfyingly (seemed so unlikely 100 pages before the conclusion) better than a majority of books I've read, I want to travel back to this world & these people again. Paul is a fascinating man who played a large role, yet had a small footprint that I'd love to read a novel about in future (hint hint!).
As to the sex, nothing is explicit especially in the 1st 75% of the story. There's a natural & very gradual build-up that is almost frustrating after the expected "freaky" sex descriptions. I've read romance novels with much more explicit sex than this novel contains, so I'm not sure why some consider this a shocking level of sexuality? Perhaps because of the mix with politics & conservativism? The last part of the story is much more titillatingly direct (events are shown rather than hinted at), with multiple partner casual sex outdoors as the most "extreme" activities which aren't too detailed & don't distract from the story movement itself.
As for political content, 75% of the book fairly ignores politics as Chip avoids same, but thanks to Paul & Chip's stint as dishwasher in a uniquely inspiring atmosphere, the last quarter of the novel slowly leads Chip, & the reader, toward an exploration of beliefs, a defining of self that allows Chip to mature & grow as a man. Whether the reader agrees with the politics isn't an issue, this will expand one's mind & stimulate thinking well beyond finishing the novel. The reader is not beat over the head, so to speak, or turned off by any author agenda; it's more an invitation to explore one's beliefs along with the characters.
This was an easy 5 star rating, but a hard novel to review for me, I highly recommend this book & hope for more from this author SOONER rather than later :)
Making a character like Chip relatable & sympathetic is an incredible challenge the author excelled at. Personally I did not like or trust Suzanne (she was too materialistic, cold & single minded & abandoned Chip too easily), nor could I understand what others in the story liked about her so I hope her character gets developed for better or worse in a future novel.
As everyone has said, it's impossible not to want MORE & while this book wraps everything up satisfyingly (seemed so unlikely 100 pages before the conclusion) better than a majority of books I've read, I want to travel back to this world & these people again. Paul is a fascinating man who played a large role, yet had a small footprint that I'd love to read a novel about in future (hint hint!).
As to the sex, nothing is explicit especially in the 1st 75% of the story. There's a natural & very gradual build-up that is almost frustrating after the expected "freaky" sex descriptions. I've read romance novels with much more explicit sex than this novel contains, so I'm not sure why some consider this a shocking level of sexuality? Perhaps because of the mix with politics & conservativism? The last part of the story is much more titillatingly direct (events are shown rather than hinted at), with multiple partner casual sex outdoors as the most "extreme" activities which aren't too detailed & don't distract from the story movement itself.
As for political content, 75% of the book fairly ignores politics as Chip avoids same, but thanks to Paul & Chip's stint as dishwasher in a uniquely inspiring atmosphere, the last quarter of the novel slowly leads Chip, & the reader, toward an exploration of beliefs, a defining of self that allows Chip to mature & grow as a man. Whether the reader agrees with the politics isn't an issue, this will expand one's mind & stimulate thinking well beyond finishing the novel. The reader is not beat over the head, so to speak, or turned off by any author agenda; it's more an invitation to explore one's beliefs along with the characters.
This was an easy 5 star rating, but a hard novel to review for me, I highly recommend this book & hope for more from this author SOONER rather than later :)
December 22, 2013
Rating: 5 stars
Hard To Define Why It’s So Good
Chip Goodwin seems to have it all. At 31 he’s good looking, single, got great people skills, and is reasonably well off but expecting to come into some serious money very soon. We learn how he met the gorgeous and brilliant Suzanne and is planning to marry, have a family and live the dream. Then the inevitable setbacks occur, causing him to set out on a literal and metaphorical journey to figure out where he’s going in life.
Although I can’t describe this book as a page turner I couldn’t put down, I noticed quickly that when I HAD put it down I kept thinking about it and was anxious to pick it up again. Somehow Mr. Dale has created in Chip Goodwin a character I liked despite his flaws, occasional weaknesses, and some questionable decisions. In fact I liked him a lot! I wanted him to succeed. I got involved with him and his journey and found myself quietly cheering him on as he rallied from self-pity to self-confidence.
To avoid any spoilers I’ll just say this: I give the book 5 stars because 1) I enjoyed every chapter, 2) I was sorry when it came to an end, and 3) I’m hoping for a sequel. Yes, there’s an underlying message in the story, but don’t read the book for its message; read it for pleasure.
Good job, Mr. Dale. Keep writing, please.
Hard To Define Why It’s So Good
Chip Goodwin seems to have it all. At 31 he’s good looking, single, got great people skills, and is reasonably well off but expecting to come into some serious money very soon. We learn how he met the gorgeous and brilliant Suzanne and is planning to marry, have a family and live the dream. Then the inevitable setbacks occur, causing him to set out on a literal and metaphorical journey to figure out where he’s going in life.
Although I can’t describe this book as a page turner I couldn’t put down, I noticed quickly that when I HAD put it down I kept thinking about it and was anxious to pick it up again. Somehow Mr. Dale has created in Chip Goodwin a character I liked despite his flaws, occasional weaknesses, and some questionable decisions. In fact I liked him a lot! I wanted him to succeed. I got involved with him and his journey and found myself quietly cheering him on as he rallied from self-pity to self-confidence.
To avoid any spoilers I’ll just say this: I give the book 5 stars because 1) I enjoyed every chapter, 2) I was sorry when it came to an end, and 3) I’m hoping for a sequel. Yes, there’s an underlying message in the story, but don’t read the book for its message; read it for pleasure.
Good job, Mr. Dale. Keep writing, please.
November 8, 2013
This book is for adults only. That said, I must admit that I enjoyed the story about Chip, his fiance' and Chip's adventures in Vegas and California. I liked Paul and would love to read his story. I would like a sequel to Chip and Suzanne's story. This book was a great read for me because it combined two of my favorite things, romance and conservatism.
December 31, 2013
Well written with interesting characters, this story takes some time to get going, but stick with it. Chip Goodwin is rich, young, handsome and rather boring. But most of all, he is incredibly lucky. He will start discovering sex and socialism in due course, expanding his mind in the process.
I love genre-bending fiction. This one is a romance, a travelogue, and an exploration of recreational sex, all tied together with a conservative/libertarian theme.
An engaging first novel from Mr. Dale; I'm looking forward to a sequel where Chip and Suzanne conquer liberal Hollywood.
I love genre-bending fiction. This one is a romance, a travelogue, and an exploration of recreational sex, all tied together with a conservative/libertarian theme.
An engaging first novel from Mr. Dale; I'm looking forward to a sequel where Chip and Suzanne conquer liberal Hollywood.
January 17, 2014
I debated on whether or not to write this review. The book is well written, well paced and sound. It brought out viceral feelings in me for personal reasons. I was able to identify with the protagonist. However, the ride Mr. Dale takes us on is far from any regular guy I know. It is also tawdry enough to make a sailor blush, I know because I'm a sailor. The real reason I went ahead with this review is because the Author makes his point. His thesis is loud and clear and it is something I agree with. So there you have it. This book is not for everyone, but many will indeed enjoy it.
February 15, 2014
I found the book a fun and very recreational read. If the reader is even the slightest of Objectivist leaning, they will find this book drives home many of those principles in lighthearted yet informative way. I'll confess there were times that I couldn't wait see what situation the main character found himself in next. If, any only if I was required to provide one negative comment it would be that during the brief trip from home town to new life some of the park description seemed a little touristy/documentary, but the book picked up quickly thereafter. Overall, I would rate it 4 stars, perhaps a smig on the high side, but was very enjoyable. It will be interesting to see what comes from this author next, I know I'll be watching.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews