The Squid and the Spaceman - Ross Randy

A comedic novel that combines romantic dysfunction, edgy humor, while exploring the fluid nature of intimacy, independence, and bodily functions. It also addresses the question: How much can - and should you -- change for someone you love?

It's 2015 and Boston is being colonized by gendertrenders, biotech hipsters, and artisanal pickle shops. Two tone-deaf fifty-somethings, unhappy with the city's transformation, meet and fall in love.

Randall is chronically single. Jackie doesn't date men; she marries them. He's Jewish and trying to reinvent himself as an artist. She's Chinese-American and drives a muscle car. Both are struggling with their ethnic identities and worry they've aged out of the local dating pool. Both fear that this relationship is their last chance for happiness.

After four months of dating, Randall develops insomnia and Jackie develops an ulcer. Because Randall has never been married, they both agree he's the problem. He locates a therapist, Dr. Byrnes, who creates a plan for turning him into marriage material. On Byrnes' suggestion, Randall and Jackie attend a fetish conference to resuscitate their middle-aged sex life.