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Piccolo: An Intern's Tale

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The rollicking memoir of an art intern (who just happens to be an Italian greyhound) slaving away for no fame and no fortune in a Williamsburg studio of an internationally famous sculptor. But Piccolo's career will not be unleashed until he endures a baptism by fire (of a particularly hot vindaloo) into the Chelsea art world--which includes all the big players like Gloria Gallstone, Harry Galoshian, Julian Shnazel, but none bigger than the critics who can make or break them all in the City of York they call New.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2014

3 people want to read

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Piccolo Fortunato

5 books5 followers

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Lectus.
1,083 reviews36 followers
December 17, 2014
I don't know why I picked this. So far from what I read! But I was nicely surprised with Piccolo. I liked Piccolo's proneness and... innocence. I enjoyed the writing style, so simple and at the same time funny.

The book is very short which reminded me of Alessandra Torre The Dumont Diaries (published as short novellas and then as a whole book). Piccolo seems to go the same way??? At the end it says that there is another part coming.

Is this a children book? It could be if it wasn't for the art references (which I didn't get). But I'm sure that someone who appreciates art will greatly enjoy Piccolo.

Ah! For those starting artist that come to New York to get discovered and get fame, read Piccolo's adventure and learn of possible scams.
Profile Image for Adam snowflake.
Author 172 books9 followers
November 16, 2014
I think this book, is a book I personally don’t have patience for. It’s a phenomenal read. Now lets get on to as to why. I was given a free copy in exchange for this review.

This book pulls you into its world immediately. It is amazing, it is enticing, it is just really clever. We follow our main protagonist through the world of humans, America and art. He is also an Italian grey hound.
This where I find one of the main problems with the book .I feel the whole (main character is a dog) part over exaggerated. He consistently makes references and it can be annoying and or awkward to read overall. The writing takes a slightly slow pace, so if you need fast pass action this is not the book for you. The artwork in the book is absolutely phenomenal. I completely adore it. However despite the amazing art conveying the story well, I did feel the story occasionally dulling and wished to skim over it.

I was immediately in love with this book. I found it incredible to read, and it honestly blew my expectations out of the water. I feel it’s a unique book, that is something I can’t imagine you finding anywhere else. It is also different do to the interactions with humans and greyhounds however I shan't spoil that within this review.

I found the culture exiting, riveting and more. But as I stated before the book is not without its flaws. I find the story hard to follow. At times the pacing is also off. Some of the characters I also found to be dis-likable. However this doesn't ruin the book for me. I find the book still to be an enjoyable read.
I am engulfed in the world and keep wanting to reread it. I probably will continue to re read it. Its just that amazing of an book. As promised I am working on the you tube review. I will message you when it is up. ^__^ thank you for the opportunity to read your amazing work.
Profile Image for Elaine.
Author 29 books29 followers
January 26, 2015
The hero of the story, Piccolo, an Italian Greyhound, is created by the author with a perfect blend of canine and human characteristics that makes him so lovable.
His life in Venice with his artistic parents, Isabella and Fortunato, drastically changes when his father decides to leave to make his fortune as a sculptor in America.
Piccolo, once a little older, is determined to go to America and find his father. On the ship he meets Guy Grizard and his adventures in this new country begin. The readers must venture with him step by step and so I won’t elaborate as it will spoil the story.

Amid the smells and sounds of the city Piccolo works, and when he is complimented for the extensive knowledge of sculpture and art, he states, “Whatever knowledge my father had, he made sure to teach it…to me!
I enjoyed the explanations of the many colloquial American expressions. “dig it , fiddles, get down, digs. Those are just a few of the new words that Piccolo has to learn in his new environment in Brooklyn, New York!

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and compliment the author for giving life to Piccolo, a truly entertaining little fellow, and his courageous and wise father, Fortunato
I must admit I would have loved to have heard Fortunato sing “Fly Me to the Moon”
Profile Image for Joannes Rhino.
Author 17 books49 followers
November 21, 2014
Let me start by honestly say that the only reason for me to decided to review the work by Piccolo Fortunato is because I love Italy. I had no idea what the story is all about (I am the kinda person who never see description of the book before reading it). I'm guessing that this book is based on his or someone's journal, which I don't think this book is for kids. About the story itself, it's short with specific moral lesson behind it. The writing style is simple and easy to understand, even for a non-English speaking people. There are paintings involved, which I believe this means to help readers to visualize the story. And the ending leaves the readers to guess if there's another sequel for this book. Overall, I love reading it!
Profile Image for Trevor Lockwood.
Author 11 books2 followers
November 5, 2014
It-Narrative is the genre - not a lot of people know that. It's when a non-human speaks to us. Could be Mickey Mouse, Yogi or Paddington Bear.

This is different. It's not written for children but for adults. Piccolo is endearing, an Italian who arrives in New York, is exploited but... I'll not spoil the story for you.

Worth reading, not least because there are subtle messages that point at the world we live in.

I understand that Piccolo is writing another part of his biography. Be there at the start of a new format.
25 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2014

I love dogs but I can’t pretend to know much about the art world. Piccolo Fortunato has come up with a very unique idea to tell a story about the NYC art world, and it really paid off. I loved seeing the world through the eyes of Piccolo the art intern. An animal perception can bring a certain amount of realism to a situation that a human character can never portray. Although I’ve read stories that have done this before, Fortunato has taken it in a new direction that worked out really well to depict the NYC art life.
122 reviews
March 5, 2015
Piccolo is one of the rare books that had me intrigued from the beginning to the end of it. The story is very well written with just the right amount of fantasy, thrill, and suspense that kept me captivated with every page turn. The characters, my favorite being Piccolo of course, are all unique, refreshing, and very well developed as you go through the story. This was actually my first time reading anything by Piccolo Fortunato and I must say I am very impressed. Curious to see what else is to come as this is book one of a series.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
173 reviews
November 12, 2014
free book for honest review. 4.5 stars
This book is not a book that was would have read.
this book was interesting, I didn't understand the whole "dog boy artist" character of Puccolo. I liked the plot of this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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