Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
39(39%)
3 stars
28(28%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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This small volume is truly a treasure trove, packed full of incredibly thoughtful musings about our complex human condition. What's remarkable is that these profound insights are cleverly disguised as off-the-wall humor, making the reading experience both entertaining and enlightening.

Martin seems to effortlessly perambulate a fine line between two distinct artistic forms: comedy and "serious" writing. It appears so easy for him, but as writers and authors ourselves, we know just how difficult it can be to achieve that perfect flow of words. Martin, however, makes it look like a breeze.

Some might be inclined to say "Fie on him who makes it thus so." But no, instead, I must honor his efforts and give air to his favorite words. If I may, I want to share them with others, for I am certain that none will regret their visit with "Pure Drivel." So, take your time, relax, and truly savor the unique experience that this book has to offer. Let Martin's words wash over you and open your eyes to new perspectives on the human condition.

July 14,2025
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I can vividly imagine Steve settling down in front of his typewriter or notebook.

With a flurry of inspiration, he cranked out a plethora of comedy one-liners and concepts that had been lying dormant, gathering dust in the archives of his brilliant comedy vault.

As I delved into this book, I found myself doubled over with gut-laughs on numerous occasions.

The humor was so sharp and unexpected that it constantly caught me off guard.

I would absolutely love to see a whole series of these books.

It was a quick and hilarious read that left me thoroughly entertained.

Steve is truly one of my favorite thinkers and storytellers of all time.

His ability to craft such engaging and side-splitting content is truly remarkable.

I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us in the future.

July 14,2025
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Steve Martin holds a special place among my favourite actors and authors.

I have an absolute passion for his new series, and "Pure Drivel" stands as a classic illustration of his unique brand of comedy.

It is a collection of nonsensical yet outrageously hilarious essays that had me roaring with laughter.

Martin's razor-sharp wit is fully showcased as he delves into various topics such as childhood, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood fame, and the ordinary annoyances that we all encounter in our daily lives.

Moreover, the fact that the chapters are short and punchy makes the book a quick and highly enjoyable read.

Each page is filled with Martin's trademark humour, which keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Whether you're a fan of his acting or simply looking for a good laugh, "Pure Drivel" is definitely a must-read.

It's a testament to Steve Martin's comedic genius and his ability to find humour in the most unexpected places.
July 14,2025
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I have always been at a loss when it comes to rating books of short stories. There are some that I truly adored. For instance, “Side Effects,” “Schrödinger’s Cat,” “Taping My Friends,” and “The Sledgehammer: How It Works” are just a few that come to mind. These stories had me completely engaged from start to finish.

However, there were others that didn't quite capture my interest. They didn't have that certain something that would make me go crazy for them.

Then there were those that weren't exactly my all-time favorite stories, but they were still a fun and well-executed concept. “Times New Roman Announces Shortage of Periods” and “A Word from the Words” fall into this category. They were unique and entertaining in their own way.

Overall, it was a bit of a mixed bag. I think a rating of 3/5 seems appropriate for this collection of short stories. It reflects the fact that while there were some great ones, there were also others that were just okay.
July 14,2025
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I have loved nearly every movie that I've seen Steve Martin in. His talent and charm have always managed to captivate me on the big screen.

However, this particular form of Steve Martin in this movie just wasn't my jam. There was something about his character or the way he was portrayed that didn't quite click with me.

Maybe it was the script or the direction, but for some reason, I just couldn't get into it. It's not that he was bad in the movie, it was just that it didn't resonate with me on the same level as his other works.

Despite this, I still have a great deal of respect for Steve Martin as an actor and comedian. He has given us so many memorable performances over the years, and I'm sure there will be many more to come. I'm just hoping that the next movie I see him in will be more to my liking.
July 14,2025
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I am an extremely huge fan of Steve Martin. Therefore, these essays were definitely bound to deliver. In fact, I have to say that my absolute favorite among them was Lolita in her later years. It was such a captivating piece that truly stood out. The way it was written, the details provided, and the emotions it evoked made it an unforgettable read. It delved deep into the character of Lolita in a way that I had never imagined before. It explored her life and experiences after the events of the original story, painting a vivid picture of her as an older woman. I found myself completely engrossed in her journey and was left with a profound sense of understanding and empathy for her. Overall, this essay was a masterpiece and a testament to Steve Martin's incredible talent as a writer.

July 14,2025
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The title truly hits the mark. It succinctly captures the essence of the subject matter.



It leaves little room for misinterpretation, as it clearly states what the article is about. This straightforwardness is both refreshing and effective.



By using such a precise title, the author immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the stage for what is to come.



It creates an anticipation that compels the reader to delve deeper into the text, eager to discover more about the topic.



In a world where information overload is rampant, a title that pretty much nails it is a valuable asset. It cuts through the noise and allows the reader to quickly identify the relevance of the article to their interests or needs.



Overall, the title serves as a powerful hook that draws the reader in and encourages them to engage with the content.



It is a testament to the importance of choosing the right words to convey a message effectively.
July 14,2025
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This book is precisely what its title implies. It's pure drivel.

This isn't really an issue, except that I listened to it under the impression that it was an autobiography. Just imagine my astonishment. However, this is entirely my fault as my expectations were set far higher than what was actually delivered.

This is a compilation of short comedy pieces from the late 1990s. While they are comical, there is also a great deal of humor from that era. When listening to it now, it isn't as funny as it might have been back then because the references are old and outdated, and some are even unknown to people today.

I did appreciate that it contains Martin's unapologetic eccentric quirks, which made me laugh from time to time. But unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark for me, and I found myself relieved that it was very short.

I'm giving it 3 stars, and I'm left wondering if that's perhaps due to nostalgia and my love for Steve Martin.
July 14,2025
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Most of this was a waste of time, though not an excessive amount of time.

To be fair, it didn't consume a huge chunk of my day. However, there are a couple of chapters that are truly outstanding.

These particular chapters stand out like shining stars in a rather dull sky. I'd give 1/10 of this book five stars.

That is to say, if I were to rate just those few excellent chapters on their own, they would deserve the highest rating. But when considering the entire book, it's a different story.

The majority of it is rather lackluster and fails to engage or inspire.

Nonetheless, those couple of brilliant chapters do offer some glimmers of hope and make the reading experience somewhat worthwhile.

Overall, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with some parts being truly remarkable and others being a waste of time.
July 14,2025
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I wish Steve Martin would read to me every day.

His unique voice and delivery would bring any story to life.

I can imagine sitting in a comfortable chair, eyes closed, just listening to his words.

Whether it's a funny story, a serious novel, or a poem, I know he would make it engaging and enjoyable.

Steve Martin has such a great sense of humor and a talent for performing, and I think those qualities would shine through in his reading.

I would look forward to those daily readings as a way to relax and escape from the stresses of the day.

It would be like having my own personal storyteller, and I'm sure I would learn a lot from listening to him read.

I can only hope that one day my wish will come true and Steve Martin will read to me.

Until then, I'll just have to keep imagining what it would be like.

July 14,2025
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This is a quick and enjoyable read that is perfect when you are in the mood for lighthearted yet intelligent humor.

I discovered the audiobook which was read by the author himself. As I listened, it felt as if I was in a cozy comedy club, right there in my own house, without having to deal with an overpriced menu.

FYI, this particular work doesn't have the same feel as a novel. I had been hoping to come across another masterpiece similar to his novel The Pleasure of my Company. I read that novel over 10 years ago and not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, but I also remembered the title clearly. Nevertheless, I might go back to this audiobook whenever I need a good laugh out loud and a reminder of the early days of Saturday Night Live (SNL).

It offers a unique form of entertainment that can brighten up any day and bring a smile to your face.

Whether you're looking for a quick escape or just some light-hearted fun, this audiobook is definitely worth checking out.

July 14,2025
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His absurd humour is truly a remarkable thing. It has the power to both refresh and energise the audience, often resulting in sudden bursts of laughter.

His intellectual approach, on the other hand, is rather complex. It is layered and can be quite challenging to understand initially. At times, it may even require a few rereadings to fully grasp the nuances of his polished writing.

What sets him apart is his refusal to be low brow. He always makes use of marginalised and neglected words, which, once understood, bring about a unique kind of laughter. This laughter is born out of the satisfaction of having learned something that is both completely useless and utterly absurd. It is this combination of elements that makes his work so engaging and memorable.

Overall, his writing is a captivating blend of humour and intellect, offering a refreshing and entertaining experience to those who take the time to explore it.
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