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The Pleasure of My Company: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.00) - 9,316 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
From the bestselling author of Shopgirl comes the tender story of a troubled man who finds love, and life, in the most unexpected place.
Daniel resides in his Santa Monica apartment, living much of his life as a bystander: He watches from his window as the world goes by, and his only relationships seem to be with people who barely know he exists. He passes the time idly filling out contest applications, counting ceiling tiles, and estimating the wattage of light bulbs.
It is through Daniel's growing attachment to Clarissa, and to Teddy, that he finally gains the courage to begin to engage the world outside, and in doing so, he discovers love, and life, in the most surprising places.
Filled with his trademark humor, tenderness, and out and out hilarious wordplay, The Pleasure of My Company is a tour de force sure to delight all of Steve Martin's fans.
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"I happen to think Steve Martin is a genius. Or to put it into terms Sarah and Dalia would understand, "I'd knock him up". In this book, he writes about some sort of obsessive-compulsive savant, and to write about brilliance, you've got to have some in you. I always read Martin's little novellas when i'm being non-committal on the bookshelf and get in those modes when i can't finish a single book. His books are short, smart and funny. One more comment is that I feel like Steve Martin is notably over-sexualized for an older man, much like Roald Dahl. On the other hand, it could be merely an unconventional reminder than men over 60 are human too. even if they still think like 13 year olds...."
— JJ (4 out of 5 stars)
The Pleasure of My Company Listener Reviews
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" Read this about 5 years ago. It was interesting and funny. "
— Laurie, 2/11/2014 -
" Another strong book from Steve Martin. He should really spend more time writing novels with his gifts, but I guess he's financing his writing through acting! "
— Julia, 2/7/2014 -
" I enjoyed this book and getting to know the main character and the people he interacts with and how it ends for the main character. I would recommend this book. It short and an easy enjoyable read. Give it 20 pages though. "
— Marsha, 2/2/2014 -
" A sweet, yet unrealistic story. I found Pleasure of My Company to be a humorous contrast to Martin's other, more sober works. Yet his treatment of Daniel's mental illness was a little too off for me to really embrace this book. At first, Martin presents Daniel as laughable, which seemed unkind, and then he presents Daniel as curable, which seemed fanciful. A cute story nonetheless. "
— Corinne, 1/30/2014 -
" I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Jill and I listened to an audio version of the book, read by Steve Martin, driving back to NY from Michigan. This was the first Steve Martin book I'd ever "read," so I didn't know what to expect. To my great delight, the book was tender, funny, touching, and extremely well-written. This is a "small" story -- you really get into the inner-world of an extremely quirky narrator. Despite that limited viewpoint, however, the story touches on very big issues. I'd recommend listening to the audio book if possible, because I can imagine how just reading the text, without Martin's expert narration, might cause you to miss some of the jokes. "
— Niko, 1/15/2014 -
" What a wonderful, quirky, little book. There is no end to Steve Martin's talent. "
— Bettye, 1/15/2014 -
" I was expecting something quirky and fun like Shopgirl, but I didn't like this one at all! Mostly because I found the main character, Daniel, totally unlikable, a liar, and just plain ole' creepy. Yuk! "
— Alyson, 1/12/2014 -
" I loved the detail Of the neurotic thought process. "
— Carmel, 1/11/2014 -
" Another great Steve Martin book. Well written, witty, highly enjoyable. "
— Jacqulyn, 1/6/2014 -
" Did not bother to finish it..... "
— Amy, 12/17/2013 -
" This book was a quick and great read. I can't really say enough good about it and the growth of the main character. The tables, that I'm sure real people have to do to calm themselves, was amazing to me. Steve Martin isn't only a great comedic actor but a wonderful writer also! "
— Hollyhocks, 12/1/2013 -
" Hilarious yet sympathetic examination of a man with OCD. Not great for the plot, but for the fantastic, quirky narrator. You'll really want to spend time in his company. "
— Offbalance, 11/14/2013 -
" Another book that isn't for everyone. I appreciate Steve Martin's humor and can tune out swearing. I appreciate the simplicity and honesty in the characters, as well as the bizarre situations they end up in. "
— Renee, 10/17/2013 -
" very perceptive writing is better than brilliant writing. "
— Herschel, 8/20/2013 -
" I can't remember the last time I literally laughed out loud reading a book. This book was hilarious - my kind if humor. There were slow parts, but overall I truly loved it! You can't help but cheer for the main character & scarily as it may seem - relate to him! Such a fun book. "
— Jill, 7/29/2013 -
" Brilliant. Such a good example of why, for me, economy of language is the way to go. Plus, there are many laugh-out-loud moments. I loved it. "
— Kimberly, 11/1/2012 -
" Enjoyed this one MUCH better than Shopgirl! Laughed when I saw the cover. This is the Steve Martin I've come to know and love! "
— Petra, 10/3/2012 -
" Very funny, light reading for those appreciative of Martin's unique brand of humor. "
— Mcerman, 9/5/2012 -
" This is a quick, Ffn read - Steve Martin's writing in this book combines funny bits with a story of self-discovery. "
— Chuckd5string, 8/16/2012 -
" Proof that Steve Martin should give up acting and stay a writer. "
— Reza, 7/15/2012 -
" A story about a relatively normal guy with a very severe case of OCD. Hilarity ensues. "
— Dominic, 7/7/2012 -
" A funny, poignant and heartwarming novella. Started reading it somewhat reluctantly and was surprised to find myself being so completely charmed by a complete neurotic. "
— Ajay, 6/29/2012 -
" My favorite of Steve Martin's books-this is fricken hilarious and probably the most character driven of his works. "
— Nicole, 6/22/2012 -
" I learned that Steve Martin can write a pretty good book. Light and quick with substance. Funny, and even thoughtful. Recommended for reading on the el or while waiting at the doctor's office. "
— Colin, 6/14/2012 -
" sweet and oh so nervous. it's like one big first date. not as esoteric as shop girl but still just as poignant. plus it has one of the best endings i've read in a long time. it really makes me feel less neurotic or at least ok with my neuroses. "
— Becca, 9/18/2011 -
" My favorite of Steve Martin's books-this is fricken hilarious and probably the most character driven of his works. "
— Nicole, 5/15/2011 -
" This, like Shopgirl before it, is especially enjoyable as an audio book read by Mr Steve Martin himself. "
— Jimmy, 5/11/2011 -
" If you liked The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, this is better. Funnier. "
— Rhonda, 4/22/2011 -
" I loved this story. Steve Martin is a gifted writer and these characters are amazing, lovable, endearing. I highly recommend this book. "
— Lori, 4/18/2011 -
" 3.5 stars...until the last few pages, then it drops to about 2 <br/> <br/>man...i really liked this book until the last 5 pages or so. maybe i just need to think it over or reread the end, but i feel like he really dropped the ball and went all fairy tale on us. "
— Pan, 4/16/2011 -
" Steve is a wonderful writer. This is a lovely story..both funny and touching. I've actually read this twice, something I rarely do.It's just that good. His use of language is brilliant. "
— Victoria, 4/11/2011 -
" it just screw with my head,just can tell this much up to now "
— maryam, 4/6/2011 -
" A little different ending than I expected. I enjoyed this book more than Shopgirl. "
— Amanda, 4/2/2011 -
" A fun, sweet story. I liked this better than "Shop Girl". Funny, endearing characters. Not earth shattering literature, but an enjoyable read. "
— Gayle, 3/28/2011 -
" What a sweet little gem of a story! I could hear Steve Martin's voice while reading this. Daniel is such a quirky character. Lots of humor in this story, and lots of heart. Steve Martin is a fabulous storyteller. "
— Kristy, 3/25/2011 -
" 2.5 stars. The writing quality is 5 stars but the protagonist was boring and the story felt like it would never end. Compared to Pure Drivel, Shopgirl, and the autobiography I just didn't find this world as compelling. "
— Holly, 3/23/2011 -
" When I look back and try to remember this book I see in my mind a crisp white button up shirt. I don't know how, but it feels like a complete memory and I am entertained by it. "
— Rheo3000, 3/5/2011 -
" This is a fun little book to read. Very sweet and lots of funny moments. Daniel's state of mind and his extreme neuroses are interesting and entertaining. "
— Tracy, 3/4/2011
About Steve Martin
Steve Martin is a legendary writer, actor, and performer. His film credits include Father of the Bride, Parenthood, The Spanish Prisoner, and Bringing Down the House, as well as Roxanne, L.A. Story, and Bowfinger, for which he also wrote the screenplays. He’s won Emmys for his television writing and two Grammys for comedy albums. In addition to a play, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, he has written a bestselling collection of comic pieces, Pure Drivel, and a bestselling novella, Shopgirl, which was made into a movie.