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The Pleasure of My Company

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The Pleasure of My Company

By: Steve Martin
Narrated by: Steve Martin
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Daniel Pecan Cambridge, 30, 35, 38 or 27, depending on how he feels that day, is a young man whose life is rich and full, provided he never leaves his Santa Monica apartment. After all, outside there are 8-inch-high curbs and there's always the horrible chance he might see a gas station attendant wearing a blue hat. So, except for the occasional trip to the Rite Aid to admire the California girl Zandy and to buy earplugs because they're on sale, he stays home a lot. And good thing too, or he would have never been falsely implicated in a murder, never almost seduced by Philipa, never done the impossible task of jogging around the block with Brian, never ironed his pillows, and might never have won the Most Average American essay contest.

In The Pleasure of My Company, Steve Martin's second novel, all of the enjoyments of the critically acclaimed best seller Shopgirl are present: the tender portrayal of loneliness and love; a character's quest to reach out and engage the world; as well as laugh-out-loud humor and language that is brilliantly inventive. But in the story of Daniel Pecan Cambridge and the people who inhabit the insular universe he is seeking to expand (if only one small square at a time) Steve Martin has achieved something extraordinary: the chronicle of a modern-day neurotic yearning to break free.

Don't miss Steve Martin, Christopher Buckley, and other humorists discussing their craft at the New Yorker Festival.©2003 40 Share Productions, Inc. (P)2003 Hyperion Contemporary Contemporary Romance Dark Humor Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Psychological Romance Comedy Witty Fiction Heartfelt Mind-Bending Feel-Good

Critic reviews

"This novella is a delight....A complex mix of wit, poignancy, and Martin's clear, great affection for his characters." (Publishers Weekly)
"A genuinely funny and surprisingly touching tale. As compassionate as it is funny." (Kirkus Reviews)
"A few of the episodes build to moments of hilarity, and Martin's gift for comedic metaphor is uniquely his own." (The New York Times Book Review)
Heartwarming Story • Quirky Characters • Endearing Protagonist • Humorous Moments • Satisfying Ending • Pleasant Voice

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Not being a fan of Steve Martin, I decided to give this book a try based purely on the description; and was more than pleasantly surprised. The book manages to be funny, heartbreaking and remarkably illumintating all at once.

The story is deliberately slow to start, but manages to draw you in to such an extent I found myself sitting in the parking lot for half-an-hour just to get to the end.

Daniel Pecan Cambidge is a seriously troubled individual, with several harmless but disconcerting disorders. How he finds both himself and the power to change his life is both charming and entertaining.

Telling the story from Daniel's own point of view gives you an understanding of the way his mind works and just why his bizarre habits seem so perfectly normal to him. Having the author read his own work was a stroke of genius as he displays a warmth and character that makes the book all the better.

I have found myself reassessing Steve and will look out for more of his books, particularly those he narrates himself. Do not be put off if you are not a fan of Steve's, but be a little wary if you think the height of his comedy is a little slapstick and stupidity: this book is not just for laughs.

Just how do troubled minds work?

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Martin takes a self-absorbed neurotic into his first halting human relationships, past romantic disappointments, into responsibility for a helpless human being. The humor carries the listener through the guy's ridiculously boring daily existence into genuine appreciation for his condition. This story is excellent and Martin uses real genius in his choice and development of characters and story-line. I was well-gratified by listening, wondering about my own neurotic tendencies, without being pushed to do so.

human inclinations

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This isn't exactly my style book. However, the author's name caught my eye and I gave it a try. Steve reads this book himself and does a great job. It took be a while to get absorbed in the story, partly because I'm more the mystery/suspense type of reader. About half way through I found myself interested in learning what happens next and the ending left me satisfied. Give it a try. It's entertaining in Steve Martin, kwirky way.

Touching & Kwirky

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this could have been really funny but i think Martin needed to rewrite the story from a different point of view. the first person perspective doesn't quite work like he thinks it does. and I felt like he had just finished reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime ( an incredible book I highly recommend, along with Born on a Blue Day), or had watched Rainman; and something about this seemed a little exploitative and at times in poor taste

ok but not great

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We love this quirky yet poignant story. He changes for the better! Perfect for vacation road trip .

Steve Martin fine performance

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Pleasure of My Company to be better than the print version?

I haven't read The Pleasrure of my Company in print, but I can't imagine a better way to "read" this book.

What does Steve Martin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I felt like I was in Steve Martin's head, listening to him writing this tale.

Any additional comments?

You can't help but like and relate to the main character on some level. I often found strangers on the street giving me odd looks while I was listening to this book -- as I laughed out loud or at the very least, had a stupid grin on my face.

can you talk without applying signs of "e"?

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This book is a joy to read you should pick it up the main character has problems and has come to terms with dealing with them until life roles the dice and gives him an extra portion of problems but undaunted he deals with them in his own Special way it's a fun read I give it 5 stars across the board but truly it was the first book by Steve Martin I
Had read and after reading it I bought everything he has on audible and enjoyed them all.

A true joy to listen to get it NOW!!!

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If you could sum up The Pleasure of My Company in three words, what would they be?

I love it!!

What does Steve Martin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes!!!!

Any additional comments?

I really like Mr. Steve Martin's work!!! I am waiting for his next book!!!!

Like it a lot!!!

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Ok, I listened in the car, so that might not be a direct quote, but it’s close. Steve Martin isn’t funny because he is a “Wild and crazy guy.” He’s funny because he’s a genius. So is his main character Daniel, sort of. Quirky isn’t quite adequate to describe this man who thinks too much for his own good. As I got to know this character, though, I rooted for him. I felt for him. I sympathized with him. And I really got to like him.

The only criticism I have is that the story went too quickly. I just started with these characters and I finished with them in just a couple of days of commutes to work. Miss them already.

If you’ve ever loved or lost, or if you’ve ever thought so much you drove yourself crazy, you’ll love this book.

If there is human error at Mensa, what chance does Rite Aid have?

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Very well written. If you are a fan of Steve Martin's comedy and expect this book to be funny, don't bother. This is a little adventure in the life of a nuerotic character who finds love, eventually. I downloaded it after hearing an interview on NPR and enjoyed it. Just a light little book for an hour or two of enjoyment.

The Pleasure of My Company (Unabridged)

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