This book is a lot better than Shopgirl. The reason being that it is less male-gazey and places more emphasis on the self. Instead of female objectification, what we encounter here is a puffed-up male ego. The story seems a bit lax and boring at times. However, there are moments of fun. It serves as a testament to Martin's character as the level of comedy remains somewhat flat and not quite there. The narrative stands still, is hazy, and concludes all too soon, much like an LA sunset.

It's as if the author was trying to create something unique but fell short in certain aspects. The lack of a truly engaging plot and the underdeveloped characters make it a somewhat forgettable read.

Despite its flaws, there are still some redeeming qualities, such as the moments of humor that manage to bring a smile to the reader's face. But overall, it fails to make a lasting impression.

Touching, quirky, profound... I was truly captivated by Daniel. What I adored was that his neuroses remained ambiguous and undiagnosed. This very aspect made him more accessible and relatable. His strange habits served as a powerful metaphor for the stumbling blocks that we all unwittingly set for ourselves.

His recovery was also a thing of beauty. While some reviewers have pointed out that it seemed sudden or easily accomplished, I saw it differently. I believed it revealed a deeper narrative. It showed that we all rely on others to smooth out our rough edges, to provide us with a different perspective, and to compel us to think beyond the confines of our own minds.

Even if those individuals are messy and bring complications. Even if they have the potential to cause us pain. This was just such a really beautiful story that left a lasting impression on me.

I firmly believe that Steve Martin is an absolute genius and can do no wrong. Every single thing that I have read written by him has been an absolute delight! I find him to be incredibly witty and his works are completely entertaining from start to finish.

My favorite part in his writing was when the character makes the bold decision to embark on a trip and astonishingly decides never to utter a word with an "e" in it. This concept is so outrageously creative that it simply blew my mind! I truly love how his writing has the power to make me think deeply and view things from different perspectives.

If only I had all the time in the world, I would most definitely go back and re-read each and every one of his books. His words have a magical quality that keeps drawing me in and leaving me craving for more. Steve Martin's writing is truly a gift and I feel extremely fortunate to have discovered it.

Maybe a 4****

I truly did enjoy this portrayal of the small world through the eyes of this OCD-personality.

The story presented a unique perspective that was both captivating and engaging.

At times, it was humorous, with the protagonist's obsessive-compulsive tendencies leading to some comical situations.

Yet, it also had its poignant moments, revealing the deeper insecurities and struggles that lie beneath the surface.

Overall, it was an endearing tale that left me with a sense of warmth and appreciation for the little things in life.

The author did a great job of bringing this character and his world to life, making it a truly enjoyable read.

A short, often humorous novella

that not only brought me pleasure but also left me with a certain degree of guilt.

I couldn't help but wonder if some might take offense to the comical portrayal of this neurotic, obsessive-compulsive near-savant, who is essentially a decent man.

He battles for what most of us consider normality as he navigates the world.

You probably won't be rolling on the floor with uncontrollable laughter, but it does have charming moments that will surely make you smile.

Moreover, it is a wonderful human story that delves into the quirks and struggles of an individual.

It showcases the challenges he faces in his daily life and how he attempts to overcome them.

The novella manages to find humor in the midst of his neuroses, while also highlighting his inherent goodness.

Overall, it is an engaging and thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on the human condition.

This book is like a big pile of dysfunctional cotton candy in print.

It is truly quirky and fun, and although it may seem cliche to say this, it gives the reader a newfound faith in humanity.

Specifically, it showcases our remarkable ability to overcome difficulties, depression, or bad luck.

I first read it around 2003 (I'm not entirely sure of the exact year) and just recently re-read it.

This is a book that I firmly believe I will read again in the future.

It is probably most appropriate for people aged 18 and above, as it delves into themes and concepts that may be better understood and appreciated by a more mature audience.

The unique charm and message of this book make it a standout among others, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

I picked up this book on a whim, from the clearance rack of Barnes & Noble. There were several reasons for this. First of all, it actually has a reasonable synopsis on the inside flap. It gives a good idea of what the book is about, which piqued my interest. Second, it was only $4. That's an incredibly good deal for a book, especially one that seemed so promising. Third, it reminds me of a very good friend of mine. A LOT. I immediately thought of my friend when I saw the book, and I knew that I had to get it for them. Said friend will be receiving this book in the mail as soon as another friend of mine finishes reading it.

The book is called The Pleasure of my Company and it's by Steve Martin - yes, the actor. I was a bit surprised to find out that he had written a book, but I was excited to give it a try. The style is fairly stream-of-consciousness and full of beautiful profundities. It's not your typical novel, but it's a very engaging and thought-provoking read. If you can pick it up - DO! You won't be disappointed.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
\\"I have a tough time just being myself, you know, at parties and such. I start talking to someone and suddenly I know I am no longer myself, that some other self has taken over\\" (4). This really spoke to me, as I think many of us can relate to feeling like we're not being our true selves in certain situations.
\\"I see something that describes her more clearly. It occurs in the pauses in her speech when her eyes fix on an air spot roughly waist-high and she seems to be in a trance. And then suddenly it's as if her mind races, trying to catch up to real time, and she continues right where she left off... her mind is being overwhelmed by two processes that must simultaneously proceed at full steam. One is to deal with and live in the present world. The other is to re-experience and mourn something that happened long ago. It is as though her lightness pulls her toward heaven, but the extra gravity around her keeps her earthbound\\" (13). This passage is so beautifully written and really captures the complexity of human emotions.
\\"When an endeavor is special in a person's life, others discern it intuitively and appreciate it more... and as ordinary as such an event might be, it can be instilled with uncommon power\\" (58). I love this quote because it reminds me that even the simplest things in life can have a profound impact if we approach them with the right mindset.
\\"In the deeper hours of the night I began to look at myself, to consider myself and my condition, to measure the life I'd led so far. I did not know what made me this way. I did not know of any other way I could be. I did not know what was inside me or how I could redeem what was hidden there. There must be a key or person or thing, or song or poem or belief, or old saw that could access it, but they all seemed so far away, and after I drifted further and further into self-absorption, I closed the evening with this desolate thought: There are few takers for the quiet heart\\" (80). This quote really made me think about my own life and the things that I'm still trying to figure out. It's a powerful reminder that we all have our own inner struggles and that sometimes it can be difficult to find the answers we're looking for.

Is Steve Martin a better author, actor or comedian?

This is a question that has been debated for a long time. Some people believe that he is at his best when he is on stage making people laugh as a comedian. Others think that his acting skills are what truly set him apart. However, after reading this book, I find myself leaning towards author.

The book was a quick but endearing read. The characters were highly likeable, even though they were a bit quirky. Martin has a unique way of bringing his characters to life and making the reader care about them.

His writing style is engaging and easy to follow, yet it also has depth and substance. He is able to tell a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, I would say that Steve Martin is a talented author, actor and comedian. But based on this book, I would have to give the edge to his writing.

"The Pleasure of My Company" is a captivating first-person narrative that offers a unique perspective. It is told from the point of view of an obsessive-compulsive 30-ish year old man. The story takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, with some parts being truly sad, even bordering on tragic. However, it also has moments that are uplifting and deeply touching. What makes this book even more special is the presence of Steve Martin's signature humor and wit. His writing style adds an extra layer of charm and entertainment to the narrative. Despite being an odd little book, it has a certain allure that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this unconventional tale and would highly recommend it to others who are looking for something different.

Quirky and deceptively dense, this book truly captured my heart.

To be honest, at the beginning, I had my doubts. Martin has a tendency to show off his intelligence, but as a writer, he manages to resist his more annoying impulses and creates a very charming, albeit episodic and disjointed, little novel.

I wonder how it would be received if it were published today. Perhaps his "Hollywood ending" might disappoint those who actually suffer from OCD and can't simply decide to turn it off.

Overall, this book reminded me of a toned-down version of "LA Story." It's just as sweet, but less crazy. It has its own unique charm that makes it worth reading.

Despite its flaws, it offers a different perspective on life and relationships, and that's what makes it stand out. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable read.

A very interesting and engaging book tells the story of a young man. He struggles with compulsive neurosis behaviors that have a significant impact on his life. Through his various relationships, he gradually learns how to overcome these behaviors. The journey he takes is filled with both challenges and moments of self-discovery. I was truly amazed by the ending of the book. It was unexpected and yet, it made perfect sense. Steve Martin has proven himself to be a truly great writer. His ability to create complex and relatable characters, as well as a captivating storyline, is truly remarkable. This book is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. It makes you think about the power of relationships and how they can help us grow and change.

The main character is truly adorable.

And this is perhaps the most unlikely aspect of this remarkable book. The main character is extremely generous, albeit in a humorous and rather endearing way, in his perception of both himself and others.

I firmly believe that if more of us could possess that kind of self-awareness, combined with a healthy dose of humor, we would be in a much better position.

All too often, when our thoughts run wild, we become overly internally focused, which can have detrimental effects.

Although this characteristic makes the character seem almost unbelievable, it actually makes for a truly engaging and enjoyable read.

It allows us to step into a world where self-perception and humor blend in the most unexpected and delightful ways.

We can't help but be charmed by the main character's unique perspective and the lightheartedness with which he views himself and those around him.

This book serves as a wonderful reminder that a little bit of humor and self-awareness can go a long way in making our lives more fulfilling and our interactions with others more meaningful.