The Pleasure of My Company

By: Steve Martin

Narrated by: Steve Martin

Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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)

A interesting read with an amazing performance

I love Steve Martin. So, my review of this one might be a little biased.

I thought the story was light-hearted, funny, and—thought-provoking. Daniel was unique and quirky, and I loved his relationship with Teddy.

I thought the performance was terrific, but again, I love Steve Martin, so that contributes to my rating. All in all, I enjoyed this one and am glad I spent the time to read it.

A Steve Martin classic

If you appreciate his humor in his tv or movie work, then this book is enjoyable. I like his portrayal of a quirky neurotic who is able to find his identity through his interactions with other "supposedly normal" people.

Laugh out loud and tender

I needed a good, funny and clever read! This fits the bill. Exquisite language and description- you feel in the story with vivid detail

Sweet and poignant

I loved Shop Girl and was worried this would disappoint but I think in many ways it surpasses Shop Girl. I love this sweet book.

Pure Joy

A fun adventure into the mind of a young man. read in a pleasant voice, by the author himself.
Makes you kind of think about the way one thinks... lots of laughs and a few tears to were relieved during this playful mental journey...

Quirky and, you know, really good

I was thinking it would be something akin to “Murders in the Building.” It had some surprising plot twists, but it’s a whole different ballgame. Not going to give anything else away!

An Odd, Compelling Story

Listening to Steve Martin read his own work on this audiobook brings a depth to it that it might lack on the written page. Don't listen to this for it's tight, intricate plot or you will be disappointed. Instead, listen to it for the way it draws you into the main character's mind. There is a rhythm and logic to the way he reasons things out that is compelling. You grow to genuinely like this man and care what happens to him. I laughed aloud on at least three occasions while I was listening to this book - something I rarely do when I am alone.

Why you should never step off the sidewalk !

If you enjoy Steve Martin's films then you will love this. Its quirky, unusual, oddball - a little like Steve himself.

The story revolves around the main character who has some personal issues ! Financed by a rich aunt he spends his days filling the hours watching the local neighbourhood and obsessing about the woman upstairs, the real estate woman across the road, his female shrink, the female in the local shop !!!

Very funny and narrated by Steve himself who has a wonderful voice that takes you with him to his apartment and his endless days filling time and working out new routes to the shop without stepping off the kerb.......

Imperfectly ideal

average and astounding. loved it! this story touched my heart and mind at a needed time.

Wow.

Well told. Insightful. Full of beautiful melancholy. Steve Martin really understands the ache of the human heart for connection and love.