What do you think?
Rate this book
Nincompoop
Meet aspiring playwright Leonardo, twenty-four years old and fresh out of graduate school, arrives in New York City in the 1990s dreaming of Broadway. He also wants a husband and a family—which is not yet legal. He flops as a cater-waiter and a student throws a desk at him when he tries substitute teaching. His friend Julia helps him land a job at Bar Plato in the East Village. People-pleaser Leonardo can hardly contain his enthusiasm. Bar Plato is owned by the popular, fabulously hip film star, Jack Fresh, and his wife, Mara, only to discover they are cocaine addicts and abusive in every way imaginable.
“Dark, funny, sharp, intelligent and real-unpretentious, with a big heart and deep soul, Picardi writes from the perspective of the outsider, the out-of-town newcomer to New York, exposing the hypocrisy and mendacity of New York ambition and greed. John Picardi is Dawn Powell’s soulmate.”—Kate Christensen, author of In The Drink, The Epicure’s Lament, The Astral, Blue Plate Special, How to Cook A Moose, The Last Cruise, 2007 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for The Great Man
John C. Picardi is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University, The University of Massachusetts at Boston and Carnegie Mellon University. He is the author of the awarding winning play, The Sweepers, and Seven Rabbits on a Pole They are published by Samuel French and have been produced off-Broadway and across the United States. He is the author of the novel, Oliver Pepper’s Pickle. He is also a painter and trained chef. He lives in Massachusetts.
“Dark, funny, sharp, intelligent and real-unpretentious, with a big heart and deep soul, Picardi writes from the perspective of the outsider, the out-of-town newcomer to New York, exposing the hypocrisy and mendacity of New York ambition and greed. John Picardi is Dawn Powell’s soulmate.”—Kate Christensen, author of In The Drink, The Epicure’s Lament, The Astral, Blue Plate Special, How to Cook A Moose, The Last Cruise, 2007 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for The Great Man
John C. Picardi is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University, The University of Massachusetts at Boston and Carnegie Mellon University. He is the author of the awarding winning play, The Sweepers, and Seven Rabbits on a Pole They are published by Samuel French and have been produced off-Broadway and across the United States. He is the author of the novel, Oliver Pepper’s Pickle. He is also a painter and trained chef. He lives in Massachusetts.
- GenresLGBT
370 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2021
2 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 1, 2021
Book: NINCOMPOOP: A Novel
Author: John C. Picardi
Review: "Please allow me to introduce myself I'm a man of wealth and taste I've been around for a long, long year Stole many a man's soul and faith I was 'round when Jesus Christ Had his moment of doubt and pain Made damn sure that Pilate Washed his hands and sealed his fate" Welcome back folks! Welcome to the 90s era, today we have with us dear author John C. Picardi who has come up with a very well presented, dramatized and characterized story from the late 20th century. The story features the protagonist Leonardo, a 24 year old young, kind and aspiring boy who has just moved in to New York. The story takes the readers to the life there at the 1990s the stereotypes and more. With the help of Julia he was able to find a job at Bar Plato , Leonardo was a guy who had different dreams, being a gay he wanted to marry a guy which was not accepted in the time he lived. The story further introduces us with more characters like Jake Fresh and Mara, the owners of the bar, the people dwelled in the drug addiction, more of Leonard's guy friends Peter and Larry and other significant characters who had a direct relation with the bar. Amidst all these characters, the hardships and the entire 90s setup how will Leonardo find life, the dreams of husband and a family will he be able to make it. A story full of drama, essense of life, multiple characters and a lot more happening, the readers will flow with the 90s music and will groove along.
The variety of characters and their roles constantly gave me the theatre vibes. From the beginning the author has maintained the aesthetism, 90s reality and interesting description which is a delight to read. The readers will discover some authentic tracks from the 90s playlist, for me this served as a great upgrade to my playlist. The backdrop, the characterization, scenario description was vivid and incredible. The characters are heart-winning, the title is perfect and the cover is decent. I was clearly able to develop the image of New York from the 90s in my head. The author is really creative, I really appreciate his creativity and efforts. Many thanks for sharing this.
A wonderful book, pleasing, interesting and engaging from every dimension. I would definitely recommend you all to read this. This is a perfect pick for the people of every age group. I'm sure you'll have an unforgettable experience with this. So what are you waiting for, hurry up!! set up your reading place, hold on with this book, play the 90s tracks and unlock the mellow vibes. Grab your copies now and don't forget to share.
Author: John C. Picardi
Review: "Please allow me to introduce myself I'm a man of wealth and taste I've been around for a long, long year Stole many a man's soul and faith I was 'round when Jesus Christ Had his moment of doubt and pain Made damn sure that Pilate Washed his hands and sealed his fate" Welcome back folks! Welcome to the 90s era, today we have with us dear author John C. Picardi who has come up with a very well presented, dramatized and characterized story from the late 20th century. The story features the protagonist Leonardo, a 24 year old young, kind and aspiring boy who has just moved in to New York. The story takes the readers to the life there at the 1990s the stereotypes and more. With the help of Julia he was able to find a job at Bar Plato , Leonardo was a guy who had different dreams, being a gay he wanted to marry a guy which was not accepted in the time he lived. The story further introduces us with more characters like Jake Fresh and Mara, the owners of the bar, the people dwelled in the drug addiction, more of Leonard's guy friends Peter and Larry and other significant characters who had a direct relation with the bar. Amidst all these characters, the hardships and the entire 90s setup how will Leonardo find life, the dreams of husband and a family will he be able to make it. A story full of drama, essense of life, multiple characters and a lot more happening, the readers will flow with the 90s music and will groove along.
The variety of characters and their roles constantly gave me the theatre vibes. From the beginning the author has maintained the aesthetism, 90s reality and interesting description which is a delight to read. The readers will discover some authentic tracks from the 90s playlist, for me this served as a great upgrade to my playlist. The backdrop, the characterization, scenario description was vivid and incredible. The characters are heart-winning, the title is perfect and the cover is decent. I was clearly able to develop the image of New York from the 90s in my head. The author is really creative, I really appreciate his creativity and efforts. Many thanks for sharing this.
A wonderful book, pleasing, interesting and engaging from every dimension. I would definitely recommend you all to read this. This is a perfect pick for the people of every age group. I'm sure you'll have an unforgettable experience with this. So what are you waiting for, hurry up!! set up your reading place, hold on with this book, play the 90s tracks and unlock the mellow vibes. Grab your copies now and don't forget to share.
July 22, 2021
I loved this book- Leonardo’s humor and honesty of living in NYC as an aspiring gay playwright during the 1990’s beginning of the AIDS epidemic was palpable throughout the story.
Leonardo lands a waiter job at famous movie star Jack Fresh’s bar and falls into a toxic friendship with Jack and his evil wife Mara in the hope of getting his big break.
Nincompoop is one of those books that draws you into the story so you don’t want to put it down but you don’t want it to end - allowing you to savor Leonardo’s journey of self-discovery and accepting himself for the talented loving person that his family and friends know him to be.
Leonardo lands a waiter job at famous movie star Jack Fresh’s bar and falls into a toxic friendship with Jack and his evil wife Mara in the hope of getting his big break.
Nincompoop is one of those books that draws you into the story so you don’t want to put it down but you don’t want it to end - allowing you to savor Leonardo’s journey of self-discovery and accepting himself for the talented loving person that his family and friends know him to be.
August 1, 2021
Nincompoop is the first novel that I have read penned by the author John C. Picardi. Protagonist of the story is a 24 years old gay man Leonardo. Story started in October 1994 when Leonardo landed a job at an East Village bar named Bar Plato. The owner of the bar was actor Jack Fresh. Leonardo has recently moved to New York and his friend Julia helped him to get the job at a bar.
Before landing this job, Leonardo was fired from a cater-waiter job and he couldn't even go back to substitute teaching because of his bad experience at it. Leonardo was tense about whether Jack's wife Mara will hire him after the interview. Mara saw that Leonardo is weak and boring. She told him that she will fix him and his job is confirmed. Rico, Leonard's boss on the other hand warned him that Mara is not as nice as he is thinking. However, his friend Jack is a great person. Leonardo is also an aspiring writer and Jack has shown interest in reading his work. Grab a copy of this book and find out for yourself what happens next.
I liked the way the author introduced the setting, milieu (environment) and the principal characters first. Story is quite interesting. There are many characters in the story. Even though I rarely read novels with so many characters, the way the author has written each character is amazing. I loved the plot. The title of the story is suitable. I like to strongly recommend this novel to other readers.
Before landing this job, Leonardo was fired from a cater-waiter job and he couldn't even go back to substitute teaching because of his bad experience at it. Leonardo was tense about whether Jack's wife Mara will hire him after the interview. Mara saw that Leonardo is weak and boring. She told him that she will fix him and his job is confirmed. Rico, Leonard's boss on the other hand warned him that Mara is not as nice as he is thinking. However, his friend Jack is a great person. Leonardo is also an aspiring writer and Jack has shown interest in reading his work. Grab a copy of this book and find out for yourself what happens next.
I liked the way the author introduced the setting, milieu (environment) and the principal characters first. Story is quite interesting. There are many characters in the story. Even though I rarely read novels with so many characters, the way the author has written each character is amazing. I loved the plot. The title of the story is suitable. I like to strongly recommend this novel to other readers.
August 10, 2021
Following the ever eager to please Leonardo on his quest to become a successful writer, through becoming a slave to a couple of cocaine addicted celebrities, was at times hilarious, maddening, heartwarming, heartwrenching, and ultimately satisfying when he instead finally finds himself and his backbone.
June 10, 2021
Every once in a while you get a book where the writing is so smooth and story is so compelling that you can’t put the book down. I wanted to savor this read, as it is exquisitely written, but because of that I couldn’t put it down! It’s a must read!! LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!
July 15, 2021
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Nincompoop: A Novel by John C. Picardi follows Leonardo, a twenty-something-year-old man who moves to New York City with big dreams. In New York, his friend Julia helps him get a job at a small bar in the East Village called Bar Plato. The reader gets to know him as someone with a strong need for attention and someone who is a people-pleaser. It is not long before Leonardo discovers that the owner of the bar, Jack Fresh, a film star, and his wife, Mara, are addicted to drugs, alcohol, and sex. Can he get through the abuse and achieve his dream of making it on Broadway? How about his deepest yearnings for love and a life partner?
This is a character-driven story filled with drama, written in a cinematic style and featuring well-developed and realistic characters. The setting is well-written and the reader gets a clear image of New York in the 1990s, with its bars, gay discos, and city streets. Each chapter or episode is accompanied by a playlist that conveys nostalgia for the period. This book is set when HIV was an increasing concern and when gay marriages were hardly a possibility and in this context, a young man longs for a partner. The descriptions are terrific, and whether the author is describing a scene or a character, he does so with vividness. The characters are likable and the protagonist will inspire sympathy and, at times, a sense of pity in readers. Nincompoop: A Novel is well-plotted, filled with drama and characters that are as real as the person next door.
Nincompoop: A Novel by John C. Picardi follows Leonardo, a twenty-something-year-old man who moves to New York City with big dreams. In New York, his friend Julia helps him get a job at a small bar in the East Village called Bar Plato. The reader gets to know him as someone with a strong need for attention and someone who is a people-pleaser. It is not long before Leonardo discovers that the owner of the bar, Jack Fresh, a film star, and his wife, Mara, are addicted to drugs, alcohol, and sex. Can he get through the abuse and achieve his dream of making it on Broadway? How about his deepest yearnings for love and a life partner?
This is a character-driven story filled with drama, written in a cinematic style and featuring well-developed and realistic characters. The setting is well-written and the reader gets a clear image of New York in the 1990s, with its bars, gay discos, and city streets. Each chapter or episode is accompanied by a playlist that conveys nostalgia for the period. This book is set when HIV was an increasing concern and when gay marriages were hardly a possibility and in this context, a young man longs for a partner. The descriptions are terrific, and whether the author is describing a scene or a character, he does so with vividness. The characters are likable and the protagonist will inspire sympathy and, at times, a sense of pity in readers. Nincompoop: A Novel is well-plotted, filled with drama and characters that are as real as the person next door.
July 31, 2021
𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: Nincompoop
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: John C Picardi
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Recently I got my hands on the novel Nincompoop written by the author John C Picardi. This is a kinda story that hooked my attention from the first page. Main character of the story is a 24 years old guy named Leonardo. He is from Boston and is gay. Leonardo has recently moved to New York City to find work. He also wants to have a husband and then adopt kids. But the novel is set around the time when gay marriage wasn't allowed. Leonardo has failed at his earlier jobs but he is lucky as his friend Julia used her contacts and helped Leonardo to get a job at Bar Plato owned by film star Jack Fresh and his British wife Mara.
Read this story to know more about the experiences of Leonardo's as he started working at his new job. What secrets will he discover about Jack and Mara? Story is full of drama and I found this novel according to my reading taste. It's a gripping story and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed binge reading this book. Language used in the book is lucid with a strong narration. The title is perfect according to the main character. Nincompoop means a foolish person. Storyline is interesting and I enjoyed every bit of this story. Go ahead with this one without thinking twice.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: John C Picardi
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Recently I got my hands on the novel Nincompoop written by the author John C Picardi. This is a kinda story that hooked my attention from the first page. Main character of the story is a 24 years old guy named Leonardo. He is from Boston and is gay. Leonardo has recently moved to New York City to find work. He also wants to have a husband and then adopt kids. But the novel is set around the time when gay marriage wasn't allowed. Leonardo has failed at his earlier jobs but he is lucky as his friend Julia used her contacts and helped Leonardo to get a job at Bar Plato owned by film star Jack Fresh and his British wife Mara.
Read this story to know more about the experiences of Leonardo's as he started working at his new job. What secrets will he discover about Jack and Mara? Story is full of drama and I found this novel according to my reading taste. It's a gripping story and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed binge reading this book. Language used in the book is lucid with a strong narration. The title is perfect according to the main character. Nincompoop means a foolish person. Storyline is interesting and I enjoyed every bit of this story. Go ahead with this one without thinking twice.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
August 1, 2021
Nincompoop
By
John C Picardi
My Review:
John C Picardi's recent novel Nincompoop is a must read. It is an intelligent, funny story and dark too. There are many characters in the story but the one character that will catch your attention mainly is the protagonist Leonardo.
Leonardo moved to New York City with big dreams. His friend Julia knew Rico at Bar Plato. Rico is Jack's best friend. Bar Plato is owned by Jack and his infamous wife Mara. Leonardo was concerned whether Mara would hire him for the job but she hired him. As Leonardo started working at the bar, his boss Rico opened up to him and gave him an overview about the work. But what will happen when Leonardo finds out that Jack and Mara are addicted to drugs, alcohol and sex.
This is an intriguing story. Storyline is brilliant and this book had my full attention. John's writing skills are amazing. I am impressed with this plot. It is interesting and keeps me excited all the time about what will happen next. After reading Nincompoop, I am very curious to read more of John's work.
My Rating: 5/5
By
John C Picardi
My Review:
John C Picardi's recent novel Nincompoop is a must read. It is an intelligent, funny story and dark too. There are many characters in the story but the one character that will catch your attention mainly is the protagonist Leonardo.
Leonardo moved to New York City with big dreams. His friend Julia knew Rico at Bar Plato. Rico is Jack's best friend. Bar Plato is owned by Jack and his infamous wife Mara. Leonardo was concerned whether Mara would hire him for the job but she hired him. As Leonardo started working at the bar, his boss Rico opened up to him and gave him an overview about the work. But what will happen when Leonardo finds out that Jack and Mara are addicted to drugs, alcohol and sex.
This is an intriguing story. Storyline is brilliant and this book had my full attention. John's writing skills are amazing. I am impressed with this plot. It is interesting and keeps me excited all the time about what will happen next. After reading Nincompoop, I am very curious to read more of John's work.
My Rating: 5/5
March 17, 2025
when the start of a book suggests you listen to each scene with a suggestion song on spotify, you know you are in for an experience. This book checked all the boxes.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews