A surprisingly funny and heartwarming story. I really enjoyed it. ( )

John Picardi’s Oliver Pepper’s Pickle is an accomplished indie novel that embraces the growth and life changes of its central character through what seem to be both coming-of-age and mid-life crisis transitions.

At the outset, Oliver Pepper is “in a pickle”: stuck in a job, personal relationships, and a life that have each -- for practical purposes -- run their course. His unfaithful wife leaves him, his needy, dependent sister pulls away, he loses his teaching job, and his best friend struggles with life/identity issues of his own. The real trouble is that Oliver is just in his mid-thirties, and he responds to the onslaught of crises by withdrawing, drinking heavily, avoiding friends, family and co-workers, and refusing to face either his past or the future. The only “counsel” available to him or his circle of friends and acquaintances, it seems, is a new-age, pop-psychology, self-help book on “how to be a man” in the 21st Century.

Be warned: once I started reading, I was concerned whether anything would ever go well for Oliver, notwithstanding cover copy that promises better things to come; I stayed up late the first night, having to get as far as page 176 before I could put it down. Once he connects with a new class of troubled school kids, however, Oliver’s life changes slowly and steadily improves, as he and those around him begin working through their respective challenges and issues toward better lives, both individually and as a community.

I saw a favorable review of this book, which piqued my interest and led me to request it through LT’s Member Giveaway. On starting into it, I was at first surprised by its forthright narration and dialogue -- particularly given some of its harsh language and recurring themes. In retrospect, however, I see their place in the story, and the novel is better for acknowledging such realities. I'm more surprised now by how authentic and well-written it is; it's compelling and, as such, stands as an excellent example of what indie/small press novels can be.

I appreciate LT Member shearon for sharing this one, and would encourage anyone who can to find a copy -- and enjoy! ( )

A charming story, Oliver Pepper’s Pickle is the bittersweet narrative of a 30-something man trying to find himself in a world that has let him down many times and from which he has withdrawn with alcohol and isolation. Only when Oliver loses his wife and his job and his best friend does he see that he needs help and is willing to accept it, first from his irritating future brother-in-law who drags him to Alcoholics Anonymous, and then later in a classroom of disabled kids who both challenge and reward him in ways he never imagined.

A recurring theme in the story is that of men coming to grips with their feelings and being able to express themselves and love their true selves. At times that theme gets a little tiresome but it is typically done in a lighthearted, almost silly way, and is usually enjoyable. The author also explores the impact of dysfunctional families. We see the scars on children and how those scars follow us into adulthood. Also, though, the bonds of family are celebrated, especially in the relationship between Oliver and his sister.

No story about men and feelings would be complete without discussion of homosexuality and this, too, is handled very well. Oliver’s closeted gay friend eventually comes out, and while some of his friend’s self discovery and admission of unrequited love towards Oliver are a little preachy, overall it works well in this story and with these characters. But the author does not try to ignore that as a straight man, Oliver, still suffers a little homophobia and is uncomfortable with prolonged embraces from his gay friend or too many butt pats. Likewise, the author presents a realistic portrayal of the mental and emotional disabilities of his students. The children, if perhaps a bit caricatured, and their antics are described in detail with a kind but realistic perspective.

The author is a published playwright, but this is his first novel. A great debut. ( )

Boston Globe "Pick o the Week" the novel, "Oliver Pepper's Pickle" 10/23/11
“Caitlin Doggart of Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore in Chatham recommends Oliver Pepper’s Pickle” by John C. Picardi (Camel): “In this vibrant, funny, and heartfelt novel, a self-described ‘boring’ 36-year-old ‘privileged white man’ named Oliver Pepper endures a stretch of failures before he’s hired as a substitute teacher in a violent New York City middle school. His new job begins as a way to catch the eye of the sexy principal but becomes an unexpected boost to Mr. Pepper as he influences his students in surprising ways.” Boston Globe October 23, 2011 ( )