This is one of those books that offered a truly delightful reading experience.

As I delved into its pages, I completely suspended my disbelief and voraciously devoured every single line.

Then, before I knew it, I had finished the book, and suddenly, I thought, "Wait a minute."

Did this character really slip drugs into a woman's drink regularly and consider sleeping with her when she was drunk out of her mind? (Of course, he sabotages that, so you get the impression that he never truly intended to do it, but still....)

Wasn't the plot a bit too rushed? Many lines seemed a bit too pat, and several of the characters felt rather two-dimensional.

And yet, despite all these flaws, I found myself laughing, rooting for Daniel and his friends.

The writing was often intelligent and charming, just like Steve Martin himself.

And I couldn't help but wonder for the millionth time lately where all the editors have gone.

How could some of these issues have slipped through the cracks?

Nevertheless, the overall experience was still enjoyable, and I'm left with a mix of thoughts and feelings about this book.

This is such an optimistic story, and the experience of reading it is so joyful.

The writing is lovely, with its vivid descriptions and engaging language. The characters are fascinating, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. And the plot unfolds like a flower, gradually revealing its beauty and complexity.

Obstacles and obsessions have narrowed Daniel's world. He doesn't have a job, and he doesn't have friends. He can only walk to the Rite-Aid by following a complicated route that avoids curbs. His grandmother sends him letters filled with love... and checks. Twice a week, a student therapist named Clarissa stops by to ask him how he is, but he lies to her.

However, gradually, through a combination of happenstance and Herculean effort, Daniel's world begins to expand. He starts to take risks, make new friends, and face his fears. His life changes in ways he never thought possible, and he discovers a newfound sense of purpose and meaning.

First read: 4/22/04.

Steve Martin is truly a remarkable author. His works always manage to captivate the readers.

Although this particular book might not be my absolute favorite among all of his creations, it is still an extremely great read.

The story is filled with engaging characters and a plot that keeps you hooked from the very beginning.

Martin's writing style is unique and charming, making it a pleasure to turn the pages.

Even if it doesn't top my personal list, it's clear that he has a talent for storytelling that shines through in every word.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good literary adventure.

It's a testament to Martin's skills as an author that he can create a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his writing, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

I hold in extremely high regard the remarkable variance of output that Steve Martin produces. He is truly a fascinating character who has been around for decades, making himself widely known in his trademark guises. As a comedic actor, he is iconic, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As a writer, he showcases his prowess by skillfully weaving cozy webs around sensitive and struggling characters.

In 1990's Shopgirl, Martin masterfully sculpts Vermont transplant and glove counter ingenue, Mirabelle Buttersfield, into a compelling LA heroine. Three years later, in 1993, The Pleasure of My Company follows the lonely and lost crusade. This time, it is with Daniel Pecan Cambridge, an unemployed OCD homebody who is romantically obsessed with both his in-home therapist and a real estate agent he admires sporadically from his window.

The premise of the sweet shut-in works wonders. It is incredibly tough to read The Pleasure of My Company without unconsciously borrowing the voice of the whimsical Steve Martin himself to narrate. This, in turn, lends a portal of accessibility to the entertainer's own persona. Perhaps this is why risks were not a significant factor in the protagonist's life, which remained free from controversy, darkness, or vices.

For all of Daniel Pecan Cambridge's issues that keep him from stepping on curbs or asking women on dates, he still seemed nice, smart, helpful, and honest. And aside from mild bouts of death, violence, and rejection, good things happen to him throughout the story, which is truly nice and heartwarming.

This one is like sipping whiskey. It's truly a delight.

I've read it countless times, and yet, I still find myself lingering over a particular sentence or a turn of phrase.

Mr. Martin's deft touch is simply remarkable.

The story has several favorite aspects. The nature of male friendship is explored in a profound way.

The complicated and poignant mental mosaic of the main character adds depth and authenticity.

The subtext of isolation and yearning is palpable, tugging at the heartstrings.

The settings are immediate and familiar, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the story.

Overall, it's a delicious read that leaves me craving more. YUM.

So touching indeed! The story started out with a character who was so neurotic and had a certain "Steve Martin"esque quality. At the beginning, it was quite interesting to observe this rather quirky and perhaps a bit odd personality.

However, as the narrative unfolded, something wonderful happened. The author managed to bring about a significant change and development in this character. He gradually transformed and evolved into a beloved figure. It was as if he shed his initial idiosyncrasies and became more relatable.

He became one of us, with all our own issues and flaws. This made him not only endearing but also a character that we could truly identify with. I found this transformation to be absolutely captivating and I loved every moment of it. It was a beautiful exploration of character growth and the power of empathy.

Steve Martin's writing truly amazed and brought great joy to me.

The story has a certain element of whimsy, especially considering the main character's nature as an obsessive neurotic.

I had no idea what to anticipate from Martin's work, but what I received was a beautifully written novel.

From the very beginning, it made me suspicious, and this feeling persisted until I reached the last page and closed the book with a smile on my face.

This was precisely the kind of story that appealed to me.

Martin's ability to craft such an engaging and unpredictable narrative is truly remarkable.

His writing style is unique, and it draws the reader in from the start.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend it to others.

It's a great example of how a talented writer can create a story that keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

I can't adequately convey how much I loved and adored this book.

From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the story and the characters. The author's writing style was so engaging and vivid that I felt as if I was right there in the midst of the action.

The plot was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, never knowing what was going to happen next. And the characters were so well-developed and complex that I became emotionally invested in their lives and their fates.

Every time I picked up this book, I was transported to another world, a world that I didn't want to leave. It was truly a magical reading experience, one that I will never forget.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story, whether it's a mystery, a romance, or an adventure. It has something for everyone and is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled.

A truly captivating and rather idiosyncratic book awaits the reader. It delves into the life of a man who is constantly plagued by an array of compulsions and mild mental disorders. The story takes the reader on a journey through his complex and often tumultuous inner world.

What makes this book even more remarkable is that the last 40 pages are simply beautiful. They offer a profound and touching conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader's heart and mind.

Among the many memorable lines in the book, one stands out in particular. It is "I stared at the ceiling and wondered how I could be in love with someone whose name had no anagram". This line not only showcases the author's unique and creative writing style but also provides a glimpse into the protagonist's tortured soul and his unconventional way of thinking.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys exploring the human psyche and is looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

I truly wish that Steve Martin would pen more works.

The reason is that I have always relished his fictional forays.

This short novel, in particular, was brimming with heart.

He crafts a multi-faceted and captivating main character named Daniel, who suffers from severe OCD.

The novel chronicles his escapades with neighbors, realtors, and social workers both within and around his Santa Monica apartment.

Initially, it may seem alienating and at times overly cutesy.

However, as the story progresses, it engages you to a greater and greater extent.

It draws you in and makes you eager to follow Daniel's journey and see how his experiences unfold.

Steve Martin's talent for creating interesting characters and engaging storylines is on full display in this novel, leaving readers longing for more of his fictional creations.

For Rafi <3

Rafi is an amazing person. He has a kind heart and a great sense of humor. Whenever I'm with him, I always feel happy and at ease.

His smile can light up a room and his presence makes everything better. I love spending time with him, whether it's going for a walk, watching a movie, or just chatting.

He is always there for me when I need him, and I know that I can always count on him.

I feel so lucky to have Rafi in my life, and I can't imagine what it would be like without him.

He is truly one of a kind, and I will always cherish our friendship.

For Rafi <3

I truly wish that this piece of writing were longer! It was such a fun read that I found myself completely engrossed in it.

Every word seemed to resonate with my own experiences, making it all too relatable.

I couldn't help but keep turning the pages, eager to discover more.

The author has a wonderful way of capturing the essence of the subject matter and presenting it in an engaging and entertaining manner.

I would love to see more of their work in the future.

Perhaps they could expand on some of the ideas presented here or explore new topics with the same level of enthusiasm and creativity.

In the meantime, I will be eagerly awaiting their next publication.

I highly recommend this article to anyone looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable read that will leave them wanting more.

It's a real gem that is sure to brighten up your day.