I like the novel a lot. But, I agree about Johnny Fontaine. His character was useful in the beginning in order to set up a display of Vito's power and his willingness to go the distance for his godson. After that, Fontaine was there just to let Puzo show off his Hollywood BS. Puzo spent a lot of time in Hollywood, and he couldn't resist showing it off through Fontaine and Nino. His Hollywood BS just about ruined "The Last Don."