Steve Martin's choice of a rather cliché scenario for this book is quite interesting. The protagonist has OCD, living a safe and regimented life until "normal" people, who are actually more messed up than he is, encroach upon it. However, through their interactions, they teach each other about love and life. This only goes to show how talented Steve Martin is as a writer.

This is a truly funny and touching novel. It offers insights into who Steve Martin is beyond the one-dimensional comedian we know from vintage SNL and '80's films. Although it's not the best novel I've ever read (the disappearance of two integral characters at the end without explanation drives me crazy), it made me laugh out loud throughout. The sentimental elements in the story balance everything out, making it a really satisfying read.

Steve Martin is so well-known as an actor that it's difficult to separate the book from the film. While his humor seemed to fade in his later movies, it's still very much alive in his writing. Whenever an analogy appears in the book, you just know that the words "...was like a..." are going to lead to some Steve Martin gold. My copy of the book now has many dog-eared pages.

It's clear that his heart is in this book. You can't help but feel that the awkwardness and the goodness of the protagonist are metaphorically autobiographical. Steve Martin has once again shown that he has more to offer than just his acting skills. His writing is engaging, humorous, and full of heart.

A funny, poignant and heartwarming novella that truly has the power to captivate its readers.

At first, I began reading it somewhat reluctantly, not really expecting much. However, to my great surprise, I soon found myself being so completely charmed by a complete neurotic.

The story unfolds in the most unexpected ways, with the neurotic character's antics and idiosyncrasies providing both humor and a deeper sense of poignancy.

As I delved further into the novella, I couldn't help but be drawn into the character's world, empathizing with their struggles and joys.

The author has masterfully crafted a tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Overall, this novella is a must-read for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful story that will warm their heart and make them smile.

Reading a fiction book penned by a writer who has previously achieved fame for something else can often be a rather unpredictable endeavor. It can either be a resounding success or a disappointing miss. However, in the case of this particular book, it was a pleasant and happy surprise. As I delved into the pages, I discovered that the writing was extremely readable, flowing smoothly and engagingly. The characters were vividly portrayed, making it effortless to become intrigued and eager to learn more about them. It was truly an interesting read, one that held my attention from start to finish. Without a doubt, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to pick up and read more works by Steve Martin. His talent as a writer shines through in this book, and I look forward to seeing what other literary gems he has in store for us.

Steve Martin has an extraordinary way with words.

He has the remarkable ability to breathe life into the ordinary.

Think of those people who live on the sidelines, shy, quiet, and never attracting much attention.

Many might simply label them as "boring".

However, Martin shows us that each and every one of us has a story hidden deep within.

If only we would take the time to look a little closer.

After reading Shopgirl, I was so intrigued that I knew I had to explore more of his works.

And I was not disappointed.

In The Pleasure of my Company, we follow the life of Daniel Cambridge.

He is a lonely yet highly intelligent man whose life is governed by unusual OCD habits.

Daniel is constantly searching for human connection.

We accompany him on his journey as he starts to face the day-to-day obstacles that, for most of us, aren't even on our radar.

Martin's clever wit and sharp mind make this read an absolute delight.

It really sticks with you long after you've finished turning the last page.

His stories have a way of making you see the world and the people in it from a whole new perspective.

A good book has the power to transport us to different worlds, ignite our imaginations, and inspire us in countless ways. It can be a source of entertainment, knowledge, and wisdom. When Colton comes across a good book, it might just make him think that he’d like it.

He might be drawn in by the captivating cover, the intriguing title, or the glowing reviews. As he starts to read, he discovers a story that grips him from the very first page. The characters come alive in his mind, and he becomes invested in their lives and adventures.

The author’s writing style might be engaging and descriptive, painting vivid pictures in his imagination. He finds himself losing track of time as he gets lost in the pages of the book. Before he knows it, he’s finished reading and is left with a sense of satisfaction and a desire for more.

Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction work, a good book has the potential to leave a lasting impression on Colton and make him a lifelong lover of reading.

WOW. I can't even begin to express how deeply I adored this book and how incredibly brilliant Martin is. To be a funny comedian, one must possess an astonishing ability to observe and articulate human nature and all of its idiosyncrasies, and Martin has precisely that. He has harnessed this talent and transformed it into an extraordinarily insightful, uproariously hilarious, profoundly touching, and simply brilliant novel. Written from the perspective of a man who freely admits to being insane, Martin ingeniously manages to make his oddities not only understandable but also likeable. It is a truly fascinating peek into the inner workings of one man's mind, a man who has a complete understanding of himself yet fully realizes that no one else can fathom him. As we cruise along with him while he analyzes himself and those around him and endeavors to overcome the obstacles that prevent him from connecting with others, I found myself wholeheartedly cheering him on and constantly hoping for the very best for him. I will truly and deeply miss the pleasure of his company.

Steve Martin is a well-known figure. When I was searching for whether Steve Martin's books have been translated into our language, in Kitap Yurdu, children's books like "Science Academy" and "Astronaut Academy" came up. After doing some research, I decided that it was a similarity in names. The Steve Martin I'm referring to is the actor. If you, like me, grew up in the nineties, you must have watched movies like "Father of the Bride" and "Roxanne" dubbed on TV. Most of you have also watched the movie "Shopgirl" which was released in 2005, adapted from his own book of the same name and for which he also wrote the screenplay. When I first saw that the movie was inspired by a book, I discovered that Steve Martin also writes books, and of course, I read the "Shopgirl" book. A book called "An Object of Beauty" has been waiting on my shelf for a long time, but on my sister's recommendation, I first read the book "The Pleasure of My Company".

I'm really curious to see if Steve Martin's other books will also be translated into our language. It would be great if more of his works could reach a wider audience in our country. I'm looking forward to it.

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Qué risa.

Qué llorera.

Qué alegría.

These simple phrases hold a world of emotions. Laughter is a powerful expression that can light up a room and bring people together. It is a source of joy and can make even the toughest of days seem a little brighter.

Crying, on the other hand, is also a natural and necessary part of the human experience. It allows us to release pent-up emotions and find catharsis. Sometimes, a good cry can be just what we need to feel better.

And then there is alegría, or joy. Joy is that feeling of pure happiness and contentment that fills our hearts and souls. It can come from the simplest of things, like a beautiful sunset or a kind word from a friend.

Together, these three emotions - laughter, crying, and joy - make up the rich tapestry of our lives. They remind us that life is full of ups and downs, but that there is always something to be grateful for. So let us embrace all of our emotions, and find the beauty and joy in every moment.

I am an ardent fan of Steve Martin. His standup acts are truly outstanding, filled with wit and hilarity. His films are equally funny, bringing joy and laughter to the audience. I also had the pleasure of reading his autobiography, Born Standing Up, which provided fascinating insights into his life and career.

However, I was not overly impressed with Martin's novella, Shopgirl. I felt it lacked depth and substance, failing to be either funny or entertaining enough to leave a lasting impression.

Thankfully, The Pleasure of My Company has made me reevaluate Martin's fiction-writing skills. This novel is highly entertaining, funny, and even heartwarming. Although the ending might be a bit too sentimental and have a somewhat "TV ending" quality, wrapped up too neatly and quickly, the narrator makes the book well worth the read.

Daniel Cambridge, the main character and narrator of the novel, is a jobless, Mensa-level-IQ neurotic. He has some rather odd quirks, such as being unable to cross the street over a curb, constantly maintaining a specific level of light wattage in his apartment, and having ambitions to be with the women in his environment, yet preferring the idea of it rather than the reality.

Martin presents Daniel Cambridge in a delightfully comical manner. Cambridge is aware of his own craziness and admits it to himself. He recognizes the silliness of his neuroses but struggles to overcome them despite knowing they have no real basis. Throughout the novel, inspired first by the dimwitted boyfriend of a neighbor and later by the young son of his therapist-in-training, he gradually overcomes his inability to cross the street over a curb and sheds some of his other strange habits.

The novel does reach a very tidy conclusion, with an ending that one might not anticipate upon first meeting Cambridge. While the story may have its weaknesses, there are some truly hilarious scenes that showcase Martin's brilliant writing. He sets up the situations perfectly and delivers the punchlines with a subtlety that is impossible to miss.

Other Reviews

   Read my review of Malcolm Gladwell's Blink here.

  Read some of my thoughts on the implications of Blink which came to me while reading Moore's Watchmen here.

Read some of my thoughts on Alan Moore's Watchmen here.

   Read my review of Harvey Pekar's The Quitter here.

In "The Pleasure of My Company", the main character, Daniel Pecan Cambridge, is constantly troubled by his OCD tendencies. The entire story is narrated in the first person, which means that we spend all 159 pages confined within the boundaries of these problems. One of the characters in his life classifies his various quirks as intolerable, tolerable, and hilarious.

What is even better than the quirks is his life and the lives of those around him. The author writes Daniel so skillfully that the people around him seem incomplete and undiscovered, precisely because that's how they appear to him. It's also worth noting that Martin is a romantic at heart, not in the traditional sense but in a way that brings a peaceful joy.

I present this one line: if you understand this line, truly understand and appreciate the comedy and style inherent in it, you might very well like this book.

"...and then, confidently motivated by poor judgment..."

This line encapsulates the unique charm and humor of the story. It gives a hint of the absurd situations and decisions that Daniel finds himself in, all due to his OCD and his somewhat skewed perspective on life. Reading this line makes one curious to explore the rest of the book and see how these elements play out in the narrative.

Overall, "The Pleasure of My Company" offers a fascinating look into the mind of a character with OCD, as well as the lives and relationships that surround him. It's a book that combines comedy, drama, and a touch of romance to create a truly engaging read.

I am a man with quite severe OCD. This first-person novel from my perspective reminded me of Catcher in the Rye. However, I find that I like myself, the main character, more than Holden Caufield.

There are many moving parts in this story. Especially those moments when I am beginning to connect with other human beings. It's truly a remarkable experience.

The central theme of this book is the redeeming power of human connection. Through my interactions with others, I start to understand the importance of relationships and how they can change a person's life.

Martin is quite an evocative writer. His words have the power to draw me in and make me feel every emotion that the character is experiencing. I am completely immersed in this story and can't wait to see what happens next.

Overall, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story about self-discovery and the power of human connection.

3.5 stars. The writing style of this piece is light and easy, which makes it quite accessible to readers. It flows smoothly, allowing for a quick and enjoyable read. However, there are moments when it feels a bit unfocused. The author seems to veer off on tangents, perhaps trying to cover too many aspects or ideas without fully developing them. This lack of focus can make it a bit difficult for the reader to follow the main thread of the story or argument.

Another area that could be improved is the ending. It comes across as particularly rushed. After building up the narrative or discussion, the conclusion is reached rather abruptly. There is a sense that more could have been done to tie up loose ends, provide a more satisfying resolution, or offer some final thoughts or insights. Overall, while the light and easy writing style is a plus, the unfocused nature and rushed ending prevent this piece from reaching a higher level of quality.