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)

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.

Amusing with heart

Light and funny, the emphasis on 'light'. I guess the novella as art from does not allow for much character development. However, the protagonist here was endearing and the story unfolded as an unconventional love story, that had a sweet, unlikely ending. The author showed a lot of compassion for the main character--- this saved the piece from being an enlongated New Yorker fictional oddity.

For The Listener with a Quiet Heart

Daniel Pecan Cambridge, the story's narrator, describes himself as a man with a quiet heart. His self-imposed isolation from the world results in a sharper focus on the people he does interact with, making his observations deeper and more thoughtful. The story of his life, told though vignettes involving his obsessive thoughts and habits reveal his humanity, and ultimately his capacity for change. A must listen if you appreciate intricate descriptions and insight into characters, and social psychology.

I'm still not a fan of the jerk

I love Steve Martin I love the fact that he's reading at the he does a great job and he's really awesome I don't believe a word he says me says he's broke, but then again maybe he put all his money into a trust fund in this lives off the little bit that comes out

Pulled in to the complexity

I bought this book because I love the complex, comedic mind of Steve Martin. Without Steve doing narration, I would never even considered buying the audio book, and certainly not the written novel.

That being said, I was not sure what I was listening to. I did not read any reviews, descriptions, or previews on purpose. It took me a while to "get it" and be connected to the characters. It's kinda like being dropped into a person's story at one point in time and then following it on.

I was pleased with several of the story arcs that played out in the book, some truly genius and comedic moments when they played out. There was some laugh-out-loud moments, but also some highly dramatic and emotional moments as well.

I was impressed with Steve Martin the author, in that he was able to create several characters who had depth, heart, and attraction. How he connected them to tell a story was quite impressive.

Overall I was very pleased with the book and how it progressed. I found myself attached to the story and the characters and it was entertaining.

Excellent!

Great book. I wish they would re-edit and take out the music in between each chapter.

The Pleasure of My Company

Hilarious!!! I liked "Shopgirl", but I loved "The Pleasure of My Company". Steve Martin is a genious.

Short story but engaging.

A funny and interesting look into the changing life of this neurotic and imaginative person.