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.

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.

An incredible imagination!

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. I think this book might be a better read than a listen.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Steve Martin's imagination was the most interesting aspect--of the book, not the story. The least interesting of the book was the ending. It was as though Mr. Martin had been writing the book, then said to himself "Well, I have had enough of writing this book." andspent the next 15 minutes writing a quick ending.

Did Steve Martin do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

He did a great job of differentiating characters! He described their posture, facial expressions and how they were dressed-but as the amin character saw them, not just as a description.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I would rent it, but wouldn't pay money to see it in a theater.

excellent

I loved this book. This was a touching book about the intricacies of not only living with OCD, and about loving too. It was an easy listen, especially with Steve Martin's narration. Humorous throughout, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book.

First person tale of an on-the-spectrum loner

I've listened to (and purchased) this audiobook multiple times now. The story follows the day-to-day life of an on-the-spectrum loner who may or may not be a genius. He observes the world around him primarily through the windows of his Santa Monica apartment, and has borderline crippling OCD, which makes daily chores like going to the grocery store or introducing himself to someone new nearly impossible.

While this sounds sad and lonely, our protagonist does not wallow in self pity. He actively takes a genuine interest in those around him, despite his extreme discomfort in doing so. In this way, he becomes a brave character and we also gain insight into the personal mind and thoughts of one particular person so affected.

The story and its descriptions are funny, original, and often quite sweet and sentimental. Similarly, the book is equal parts funny, whacky, sweet and sometimes sad. This seems to be the type of story Martin wants to write and he writes it well.

If I were being critical, I'd argue the actual story doesn't really get going much at all in the first couple of chapters. Much of this portion of the story focuses - perhaps by necessity - on the parameters of our hero's condition and the few but important personal interactions he has with his therapist and real estate agent (among a few others).

This is an easy listen, and is enjoyable throughout. Highly recommended for fans of Steve Martin or those who like sweet, smaller stories uniquely told.

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