Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
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4 stars
39(39%)
3 stars
28(28%)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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I don't really know. Maybe this was actually quite funny back in 1998 when it first came out.

At that time, the cultural and comedic landscape might have been different, and what seemed humorous then might not have the same impact today.

However, as time has passed, our sense of humor has evolved, and what was once considered hilarious might now seem a bit outdated or not as amusing.

It's interesting to look back at things from the past and see how our perspectives have changed.

Maybe there are still some elements of this that could potentially make people laugh, but overall, it might not have the same universal appeal that it did back in the day.

July 14,2025
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Pure Drivel is my absolute go-to book for every single occasion.

It is a remarkable collection of truly quirky short stories penned by the talented actor/author Steve Martin. This book is an outstanding and wonderful addition to any book collection.

Martin's unique brand of humour truly shines through in each and every one of the stories. While it is true that not everyone may immediately get his humour or find it enjoyable, for me personally, this book represents the ultimate in comic writing.

His ability to create such engaging and hilarious tales is truly a gift. The stories are filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the characters are brought to life in the most vivid and entertaining way.

Pure Drivel is a book that I can read over and over again, and it never fails to make me laugh out loud. It is a must-have for any fan of comedy or anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read.

July 14,2025
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Quirky and goofy, this work truly had its moments. It made me laugh a few times, just as Steve Martin always manages to do with his unique brand of humor. However, it also missed the mark on a few occasions.

One thing that stood out was its brevity. In fact, it was almost so short that it seemed a bit of a ripoff to buy. The essays were very short, but most of the time they were still funny and often intriguing.

Despite its flaws, there was something charming about this collection. It had a certain lightheartedness that made it an enjoyable read. Whether you're a die-hard Steve Martin fan or just looking for a quick and entertaining read, it might be worth checking out.

Overall, while it may not be a literary masterpiece, it does have its own appeal and can provide a few moments of laughter and entertainment.
July 14,2025
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I have a deep affection for Steve Martin. His works, especially his stories, possess a unique charm. They are always filled with strangeness and are often difficult to follow. However, that's precisely the essence of Steve Martin. His creativity knows no bounds, and he has the ability to take the most ordinary or even absurd concepts and turn them into captivating tales.


Despite the challenges in understanding his stories, there is an undeniable enjoyment in the process. It's like embarking on a wild adventure where you never know what's coming next. Each twist and turn keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover how the story will unfold.


Steve Martin's talent lies not only in his ability to tell strange stories but also in his skill at engaging the audience. His works have a way of making you think, laugh, and sometimes even scratch your head in confusion. But that's what makes him such a beloved and respected figure in the world of entertainment.

July 14,2025
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Steve Martin is an incredibly clever man. Has anyone truly noticed this aspect of him?

What is really brought to light is his deep love for art. However, hand-in-hand with this love is his distinct distaste for the business of art selling. Interestingly, another book that I am currently engrossed in, which is about art fraud, details how Martin was duped into buying a fake piece of art (along with others, amounting to a staggering $87 million). Yes, that kind of experience would be enough to turn anyone off.

This particular book by Steve Martin is essentially a collection of literary skits. These skits vary widely in nature, ranging from the completely ludicrous to the realistic and witty. It is certain to make you laugh out loud on numerous occasions. So, be cautious and mindful of where you are reading this book, as your sudden outbursts of laughter might attract unwanted attention.

Overall, Steve Martin's cleverness shines through not only in his comedic and acting abilities but also in his literary works, which offer a unique and entertaining perspective on various aspects of life, including the world of art.
July 14,2025
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I'm a die-hard fan of Steve Martin's movies (at least, some of them), and I also have a penchant for his music. However, when it comes to this book, my reaction was rather lukewarm.

Most of the short-short pieces within its pages failed to tickle my funny bone or amuse me in any significant way. They didn't even manage to pique my mild interest. That being said, there was one particular piece about typography and punctuation that actually made me burst out laughing. This was probably due to the fact that I work with words on a daily basis as part of my profession.

Surprisingly, the book does offer a little more than what its title initially leads one to expect. If you happen to be a fan of Steve Martin's unique brand of humor, then there's a good chance that this book will provide you with some entertainment. It may not be a literary masterpiece, but it does have its moments.

Overall, while the book didn't completely wow me, it did have its闪光点. I would recommend it to fans of Steve Martin who are looking for a light-hearted read that offers a few chuckles along the way.
July 14,2025
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About two-thirds of this collection of short stories is pure drivel. It seems to lack a clear direction and coherence.

However, the other third were truly remarkable. They were witty, funny, and highly memorable. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the stories about writing and writers, which offered unique insights and perspectives. The tale of the “bad dog” was also quite entertaining, filled with humorous antics. And the story about the kittens on Mars was a delightful and imaginative piece.

Most of the pieces in this collection were sort of wandering and randomly scattered with cleverness. They didn't follow a traditional narrative structure but instead took the reader on a meandering journey through Steve Martin's comedic mind. Although this may not be to everyone's taste, I have to say that wandering through his comedic mind is an interesting endeavor all on its own. It offers a different kind of reading experience, one that is full of surprises and unexpected twists.

Overall, while this collection may not be perfect, it does have its shining moments that make it worth reading.
July 14,2025
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Super quirky short essays?

Stories?

Musings?

Drivel that are likely to make one smirk, chuckle, or smile.

These are light, entertaining, and imaginative pieces.

Probably, they wouldn't get published by anyone who didn't already have a famous name.

However, that doesn't mean this is garbage.

It just means that it wouldn't be the kind of thing a publisher would take a chance on with a "nobody."

I've read other Steve Martin work, and he's a good writer.

Pick up this for some nonsensical bedtime reading.

It worked for me!

You might find these short pieces to be a great escape from the daily grind.

They offer a unique blend of humor and creativity that can bring a smile to your face.

Even though they may not be the kind of thing that would be published by a mainstream publisher, they still have value.

Give them a try and see if they work for you too.
July 14,2025
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Probably the most inspirational work of satire I have yet to read is a piece that truly stands out. It manages to blend humor and criticism in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The author uses satire to shine a light on various aspects of society, exposing its flaws and absurdities. Through clever wordplay, exaggerated characters, and humorous situations, the work makes us laugh while also making us reflect on our own actions and beliefs.



What makes this work of satire so inspirational is its ability to inspire change. By presenting the problems in a humorous and accessible way, it makes us more likely to pay attention and take action. It shows us that we don't have to be afraid to laugh at ourselves and at society, and that by doing so, we can begin to make positive changes. Overall, this is a work of satire that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining and inspiring read.

July 14,2025
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Long ago, I came across a line that delved into what made Steve Martin's stand-up comedy so captivating in the past. Essentially, he played the role of a buffoon while simultaneously offering a dissection of a buffoon.

He had the time of his life portraying a persona as an exaggeratedly confident idiot. However, the basis for such antics stemmed from his love for numerous wonderful things. Even in his movies like "The Jerk" or "Bowfinger," Martin clearly thrived in playing someone who believed he could easily gain the upper hand without acknowledging or even understanding how or why his plan should actually work.

It wasn't just a doofus; it was a doofus who was more or less detached from reality yet had an impressive depth. He knew things but didn't know what to do with them. He appreciated the arts but misunderstood what made artists who they were. This bit never punched down nor could it. Instead, it was self-deprecating or suggested that the real dummies were those who thought the upper hand was entitled to punch down.

This book is a screwball collection of absurd short stories, often in the first-person, though rarely as Martin himself. It's just instance after instance of nonsense or character after character who thinks he can outsmart others with no sense of cunning or subversion. (It's also why Kevin Kline's character Otto in "A Wish Called Wanda" amuses me so much.) I'm truly delighted by its balance of wholesome goofiness that doesn't try to make its weirdness an open invitation. I simply adore someone using real creative brain power to sharply assemble absolute silliness and give a laughable existence its sincere tribute.

July 14,2025
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This book is better than the first one.

However, it still didn't click with me.

Perhaps it's because the story didn't engage me as deeply as I had hoped.

The characters, while well-developed, didn't quite resonate with me on an emotional level.

The writing style was also a bit different from what I'm used to, which made it a bit harder for me to fully immerse myself in the book.

Despite these drawbacks, I can see that the author has put a lot of effort into this book.

The plot is complex and full of twists and turns, and the world-building is quite detailed.

I just wish that I could have connected with it on a more personal level.

Maybe with a second reading, I'll be able to appreciate it more.
July 14,2025
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The writing in this work is of good quality, but unfortunately, the material is truly awful. I have a great affection for Steve Martin, yet in this particular piece, he just drones on and on, and it fails to evoke any sense of humor. It's as if he is persistently telling a joke that simply isn't funny and continues with the same unamusing joke for several pages.

This is a compilation of short stories and jokes. While a few of the jokes manage to be somewhat decent, the vast majority of them are just plain not funny. The only redeeming feature of this book is that it is extremely short.

One would expect more from a work by Steve Martin, given his reputation for being humorous. However, this collection falls far short of expectations. It seems that perhaps he was trying too hard or had run out of fresh and funny ideas.

Overall, despite the good writing, the lack of humorous material makes this a rather disappointing read. It's a shame because with a bit more effort and better jokes, this could have been a really enjoyable book.
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