Pure Drivel

By: Steve Martin

Narrated by: Steve Martin

Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

In this ingeniously funny collection of humorous riffs, those who thought Steve Martin's gifts were confined to the screen will discover what readers of The New Yorker already know: that Martin is a master of the written word. Hilariously funny and intelligent in their skewering of the topic at hand, these pieces, some of which first appeared in The New Yorker, feature Martin at his finest. With a playwright's ear for dialogue, a sense of irony only Martin could muster, and a first-class comic ability to perfectly time the punch line, Pure Drivel will have listeners crying with laughter, and marveling at the fact that in addition to all of his many talents, Steve Martin is also a superb writer.

Don't miss Steve Martin, Christopher Buckley, and other humorists discussing their craft at the New Yorker Festival.

©1998 40 Share Productions, Inc. (P)1998 Simon & Schuster Audio, All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"...humor raised to the abstract." (The New York Times)

Anything Steve Martin

So much fun. Releases any and all toxins from the body, specifically stress. Inspires clever tangential thoughts and uncharted cognitive journeys.

Loved this.

I listened to this book at the gym on the treadmill. I found myself laughing out loud many times. Very enjoyable!

Not just drivel, but pure drivel

I rarely laugh out loud but I did many times reading and listening to this book, Steve Martin is an absolute comedic genius.

Typical entertaining Martin

Steve Martin always surprises me. A better actor or author I haven't decided. This is an entertaining collection of short stories and typical Martin.

Read as only Steve Martin Can

A laugh-out loud read by Steve Martin. Wonderful use of language and some sophisticated humor. The stories aren't all on the same level, but the book was enjoyable.

Pure Drivel = Pure Delight

If you could sum up Pure Drivel in three words, what would they be?

Dry, delectable humor.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Steve Martin is every character, to me. He is the strong studs and the bullish men, the clever coppers and the wily women, the lug, the lush, the lovers. They are all Steve and they are all wonderful.

Have you listened to any of Steve Martin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first experience listening to Steve Martin read a book, but unless you are born under a heavy rock with molten lava poured on top you've seen him perform on SNL, or elsewhere. As always, he's brilliant!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Pure Drivel is pure entertainment

Any additional comments?

Do yourself a favor and download this audio book today!

My review cannot be considered.

Steve Martin is clearly insane & (without exception) I have purchased everything he has ever produced.

Steve is a gifted storyteller.

Steve moves from one funny topic to another effortlessly. He is great at writing dramatic stories, just as well as he writes humorous antics like the ones in this book. This man can do it all.

Hysterically Funny

If you could sum up Pure Drivel in three words, what would they be?

Funny times Three

What did you like best about this story?

Steve Martin did the narraction

Which scene was your favorite?

He claimed that he sexually assaulted a sea turtle and was sorry.

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

Yes. I listened to it, it was SO FUNNY, that I listened to it again.

Any additional comments?

Everyone can use a laugh once in a while. This book will make you laugh.

Many parts are absolutely hysterical!

I must preface this review with the fact that the author and I seem to have the same sense of humor. I have read other reviews that say the book isn't funny, but I think you have to be dialed in to the point the author is making. Yes, there are chapters in the book that ended before the author did, but I'm willing to forgive these given the hilarity available elsewhere in the book. It is evident throughout the book that the author has the ability to recognize the ridiculous and laugh out loud at it. He takes this ability a step further by creating mundane scenes and expanding on them to the point of mocking humor. His reading of the book brings the humor to life in a way no other narrator could deliver. I have read most of this book several times and each reading brings more than mild chuckles.

Although most of the book is great, I will warn against: The Hundred Greatest Books That I've Read, Side Effects, I Love Loosely, Michael Jackson's Old Face. The first two are too long and drag a funny idea to the point of annoying. The next two are just not very funny. Maybe the comparison to the other chapters makes me feel this way, but I doubt it.

Some of the most hilarious chapters include: Dear Amanda, How I Joined Mensa, In Search of the Wily Filipino, Changes in the Memory after Fifty. The first two could have been written by the same person. After his letters to Amanda, Joey must have changed his name to Rod when he decided to join Mensa. I appreciate the jabs in the wily Filipino chapter as well as getting a laugh at the final destination. Maybe it's because I'm over fifty that the fourth chapter mentioned in this paragraph makes me laugh out loud. I really don't care why.

Overall, this book is more than worth reading. I own the paperback version of this book, but listening to the author read the book propels the book over the top for me! Pure Drivel takes some thought on your part. As long as you understand that this book is not passive I highly recommend you read it.