Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
39(39%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Steve Martin has once again crafted a remarkable novel!

From the very moment I began reading this book, I was completely enthralled. Martin's writing style possesses a wonderful charm that manages to hold my attention firmly from start to finish. What's even more impressive is his exquisite word choice and descriptive prowess. With his words, he is able to paint the most vivid and detailed pictures in my mind, while still leaving just enough room for my imagination to run wild.

However, I must admit that I felt the book ended rather abruptly. It left me craving for a bit more closure. Nevertheless, despite this minor flaw, I truly adored this book! It has been a captivating and enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to others.

Overall, Steve Martin has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller, and this novel is a testament to his incredible talent.
July 14,2025
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I absolutely adored this book. It truly amazed me how Steve Martin could possess such profound and remarkable insight into the world of an individual afflicted with neuroses.

His ability to delve deep into the psyche and experiences of such a person is nothing short of extraordinary. The way he presented the story, with all its nuances and emotions, made it an incredibly heartwarming read.

As I turned the pages, I felt a connection with the characters and their struggles, and it left me with a sense of warmth and understanding. This book is not just a fictional account but a powerful exploration of the human condition, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking read.

It has definitely left a lasting impression on me and will remain one of my favorite books for a long time to come.
July 14,2025
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Wow, I had no idea that Steve Martin had written fiction before he turned to acting.

This discovery was truly a pleasant surprise, as the book I read was a surprisingly great read.

The story was engaging from the very beginning, with well-developed characters and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

But it was the ending that really blew me away.

It was completely unexpected and yet, at the same time, it made perfect sense within the context of the story.

It left me with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to read more of Steve Martin's work.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read, whether they are a fan of Steve Martin or not.

It's a testament to his talent as a writer that he was able to create such a captivating and memorable story.

I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us.
July 14,2025
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This is an outstanding story that revolves around a neurotic individual hailing from Santa Monica, California. His name is Daniel Pecan Cambridge. Every day, Daniel copes with his psychological idiosyncrasies as required. Initially, he refuses to step over curbs that are 8 inches in height and will only cross the street at locations where the driveways form a pattern against the road, which makes him feel at ease. However, as he gets to know several people, such as a single mother and her young son, he starts to gain a new perspective on what the world is truly about. Gradually, his peculiarities lose their significance, and his life takes on a new meaning. It becomes something more profound and fulfilling. This book is truly wonderful and engaging, captivating the reader's attention from start to finish.

July 14,2025
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I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and I have to say that while I absolutely loved it, there was one small thing that bothered me a bit. It took me quite some time (perhaps too long) to get the image of Steve Martin out of my head as the main character.

However, this didn't overshadow my enjoyment of the story itself. The off-beat humor was truly captivating. Daniel Pecan Cambridge, the protagonist, is a thoroughly likeable character. He's an obsessive-compulsive, girl-crazy freak, but in the most endearing way.

Steve Martin did an excellent job of painting the many wonderful quirks of the characters and the various moments in this book. The details he added brought the story to life and made it a truly delightful read (or listen, in my case). I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone looking for a unique and entertaining story with a touch of humor.

Overall, despite the initial distraction of the mental image of Steve Martin, I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and would give it a high rating. It's a great example of how a well-written story can capture the reader's (or listener's) imagination and keep them engaged from start to finish.
July 14,2025
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This novella that focuses on a guy with OCD is truly remarkable.

It manages to be both incredibly tender and hilariously funny at the same time. The way the story unfolds and delves into the mind and experiences of the protagonist is captivating.

Steve Martin, who is the author,展现出了他独特的 charm in this work, just as he did in Shopgirl. His writing style is engaging and draws the reader in from the very beginning.

I have to admit that I am such a fan of his that I will eagerly read anything he writes. Whether it's a novella, a novel, or any other form of literature, I know that I'm in for a treat.

Steve Martin has this ability to create characters and stories that are relatable and full of heart, and this novella is no exception. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story with a touch of humor and a lot of emotion.
July 14,2025
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This was an extremely good book.

Martin's writing style is distinct and it took me some time to adapt to it. However, the book is not only funny but also highly descriptive.

As I was reading it, I could actually picture HIM in my mind, which made the whole experience even more hilarious.

This book has the potential to be made into a great movie, especially if Steve Martin were to be cast in it.

His comedic talent and charm would surely bring the character to life on the big screen and make the movie a huge success.

I can just imagine the laughter and entertainment that would ensue.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a well-written story.

It's definitely worth the read.

July 14,2025
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There has yet to be a Steve Martin book that I dislike. His works are truly a delight to read. Each one is filled with his unique brand of humor, wit, and charm. Whether it's a fictional story or a collection of essays, Steve Martin always manages to engage the reader from the very first page.


His writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy for readers of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. He has a way of telling stories that makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters, experiencing everything they are going through. His books are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, often leaving the reader with something to ponder long after they have finished reading.


In conclusion, I would highly recommend any of Steve Martin's books to anyone looking for a good read. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh or a deeper exploration of the human condition, you're sure to find something to love in his works.

July 14,2025
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I have to list the authors I keep tabs on because the list just grew by one.

This is truly marvelous. It's always exciting to discover new and talented authors. The world of literature is constantly evolving, and adding a new name to my list means there's more wonderful writing to explore.

Each author brings their own unique style, perspective, and creativity to the table. Whether it's through their engaging stories, thought-provoking ideas, or beautifully crafted prose, they have the power to transport readers to different worlds and touch their hearts.

I can't wait to see what this new author has in store and how they will contribute to the rich tapestry of literature. It's like opening a new book and embarking on a thrilling adventure.

So, here's to the ever-growing list of authors I keep tabs on and the countless hours of enjoyment they will bring.
July 14,2025
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After spending a significant amount of time in quarantine and watching a whopping 255 movies, it was truly a refreshing and nice change of pace to experience something different.

Those countless hours in front of the screen had become somewhat of a routine, but this new situation brought a breath of fresh air.

It could have been anything from going for a walk outside, engaging in a new hobby, or simply having a face-to-face conversation with someone.

Whatever it was, it provided a break from the monotony of movie-watching and allowed for a new set of experiences and emotions.

It served as a reminder that even in the midst of challenging times, there are still opportunities for variety and growth.

This change of pace not only rejuvenated the spirit but also offered a new perspective on life during quarantine.

It made one appreciate the simple pleasures that might have been taken for granted before and look forward to more such diversions in the future.

July 14,2025
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It is difficult to give a global judgment on this book.

The first thing that catches the eye is a redundant style that surely fulfills well the function for which it was chosen, that is, to attempt to show the intricacies of a mental soliloquy of a psychologically neurotic person. However, this same style, combined with the fact that the plot does not unfold in a sequence of facts but only mental and sparse ones, makes the reading sometimes laborious if not boring, in short, lacking in bite. And it's a pity because brilliant strokes of irony make one reflect as much as the delicacy of certain images.

Certainly this is a deliberate and not casual choice, because at the end, after reading the book, one realizes how with few strokes each character is skillfully characterized and takes its precise place in the "magic square" of the narration, and how everything comes back. The problem, however, is that only towards the end the story manages for a moment to capture the desire to turn the page, and in a sense this goes hand in hand with the protagonist's desire to turn the page in his life. However, a not too motivated reader could close the book and leave it unfinished in a drawer.

And it would indeed be a pity. A book that is in some ways a bit difficult.
July 14,2025
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Steven Martin is bae.


This book is truly hilarious. It starts from the main character's excessive analysis of every single situation, which leads to his crippling neuroses. There are numerous moments in the book that are side-splittingly funny. One of the funniest scenes is when he believes he can overcome his fear of curbs by simply running over them. However, to his great dismay, he discovers that he is completely wrong.


Beneath the humor, there lies a touching and genuine story that has the power to warm your heart. It makes you laugh out loud one moment and then touch your emotions the next. It's not just a funny book; it's a well-written piece that combines humor and heart in a beautiful way. Such a good read that you won't want to put down until you've finished it.

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