An interesting account of a May-December romance set in LA has emerged. It was not at all what I had anticipated. However, I still found myself liking it. The story unfolds in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where the unlikely pairing catches the reader's attention. The age difference between the two protagonists adds an element of intrigue and complexity to their relationship. As the narrative progresses, we are drawn into their world, experiencing their joys and challenges. Despite the initial expectations being shattered, the unique nature of the romance makes it captivating. The author has skillfully crafted a tale that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. It is a refreshing take on a common theme, and I look forward to seeing more from this talented writer.

A mostly enjoyable read, but I was glad it was a novella. The reason being that I simply wouldn't have wanted to spend the entire length of a novel with the two principle characters or the somewhat thin plot. The female lead is Mirabelle, a frustratingly passive and maddeningly immature 28-year-old. She works in the (seldom visited) glove department of Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills. At times, I really wanted to shake her. The story revolves around her ill-advised relationship with one Ray Porter, a frustratingly entitled and maddeningly immature 50-year-old businessman. I had the urge to smack him too. It's truly hard to care for these people as they do such a lousy job of caring for each other or themselves. However, you do find yourself hoping that they both grow up a little. And indeed they do...a little, but not enough and not very convincingly. Additionally, I could have done without the gender stereotyping. Hmm...while writing this review, I seem to have talked myself down to two stars from the three I had initially planned. Still, it was a pleasant enough bit of fluff, worth the few brief hours it took to read.

I picked up this book a couple of years ago at a garage sale. The sole reason was that it was written by Steve Martin. I absolutely love Steve Martin. I might or might not admit to having this crazy thought of wanting to be adopted by him or at least have him as an uncle so that I could grab coffee with him regularly.

Okay, maybe I shouldn't have confessed that publicly. I'm not some crazy fan. I promise. But here's the thing, even though I admire the author so much, I haven't read the book in years. Why? Well, after reading the reviews, I didn't want to risk sharing the same negative perspective that so many people seemed to have. I wanted to keep him in this perfect little bubble, floating around a perfect little backyard at a perfect little wedding of the daughter of a perfect little family. Alright, I can see how this might make me look a bit crazy. But again, I promise I'm not. Really.

During my library runs, I found myself without a book to read. So, I grabbed this one off the shelf.

I've made it clear that I have a huge adoration for Mr. Martin. So, it's obvious that I really wanted to like "Shopgirl". However, it read like a B movie script. I had to put on my mental boots to wade through the inane fluff on every page. (Lisa and her "lavender scent" - that's all I'm going to say about that.) I'm not a prude, so explicit language and scenes don't bother me. But what does bother me is when they're used randomly and often to the point where they become exhaustively pointless and annoying.

I just couldn't believe in Maribelle. She's supposed to be amazing enough for someone to put in that much effort, yet her own cat hides from her all year long? She pretty much hides from herself too. And Ray? After five decades on this planet, he's that clueless about women? I mean, really that clueless? I couldn't imagine Ray being so dense and yet remarkably successful. Is it possible? Sure, but I just didn't buy it.

Nevertheless, I had to keep reading to find out what happened at the end. And then it ended. Abruptly. I triple-checked the few empty pages at the end of the book to make sure there wasn't more. But there wasn't.

End scene. Strike the set. Done.

On a positive note, Maribelle does end up learning a lesson or two. I didn't hate this book. I was still interested in what would become of the two main characters (and yes, even Lisa, although I'll have to imagine her story - eww, never mind). Oh, and this quote, "It's pain that changes our lives." I can really relate to that right now.

On a negative note, I still have no chance of having coffee with Steve Martin - maybe even less than a zero chance if he ever happens to read this review.

I do plan on watching the movie. I've heard it's better than the book. Maybe I'll watch it while having a cup of coffee. Without an uncle.

I also plan on reading more of his books. I still have faith in Steve.

A Strange Little Tale

This is a rather strange little tale that is short and easy to read. It has a certain charm that makes one wonder how it would come across in a movie.

If it ever happens to be shown on television again, I will definitely give it a viewing.

The story seems to have a unique quality that piques the curiosity.

It leaves the reader with a sense of anticipation, eager to see how it would be brought to life on the big or small screen.

The link provided, http://bookcrossing.com/journal/4183948, might offer more information about the tale or perhaps a platform for further discussion.

Overall, this strange little tale has managed to capture my interest and I look forward to the possibility of experiencing it in a different medium.

A wisp of a book.

It is truly remarkable how a book can hold so much more depth and detail compared to its movie adaptation.

Even though the movie might have been better than one would have initially anticipated, it still pales in comparison to the rich tapestry of the written word.

A book allows the reader to immerse themselves fully in the story, to explore the characters' thoughts and emotions in a way that a movie simply cannot.

With a book, one can take their time, savoring each sentence and paragraph, imagining the scenes and settings in their own unique way.

It is like a magical portal that transports the reader to another world, a world that is limited only by their own imagination.

So, the next time you pick up a book, remember that it is much more than just a collection of words on a page.

It is a wisp of a story that has the power to touch your heart, expand your mind, and take you on an unforgettable journey.

Steve Martin is an incredibly talented writer.

Holy bejesus, his writing skills are truly remarkable.

I had no idea he possessed such a gift, and it's so distinct from anything I've ever witnessed him in before.

One might assume that his first novella would have at least featured a male lead, but oh boy, was I wrong.

He crafts this leading lady that any woman can easily identify with.

She finds herself trapped in a complicated love triangle and stuck in a job that appears to be devoid of meaning.

If you haven't had the opportunity to read it yet, I highly recommend that you do.

It's a novella, which means it's concise and charming, yet it's filled with some profound and weighty situations.

You won't be disappointed.

This is a profound exploration about the human soul's search for its place within the superficial and exploitative fabric of society.

Martin vividly depicts how our innocent souls initially respond to the alluring promises of fulfillment that society presents, along with its enticing lures and gentle caresses. He also reveals society's complex and ambiguous relationship with our souls. On one hand, society is obsessed with possessing us, yet on the other hand, it is averse to taking ultimate responsibility for us. Society desires an attitude of indifference towards us, but paradoxically, it cannot achieve such indifference as, in the end, society is composed of human souls.

Martin tells this story through the eyes of a young Vermont woman, representing the human soul, who enters into a relationship with a rich West Coast mogul, symbolizing society. To construct his metaphor, he reconfigures and subtletizes the common trope of Big Media co-opting and exploiting the authenticity and talent of young artists who flock or dream their way to LA. These story elements have the potential to be overly salacious and abusive, but in reality, they are presented with a range of deliveries, from the tender to the clinically detached. Here, the human soul discovers that society will never fully commit to it, comes to terms with this harsh truth, and learns how to coexist with it. Martin seems to reach the conclusion that the soul finds true fulfillment within itself and in connection with other souls, rather than through society.

The prose in this work is highly accomplished, peppered with recurrent doses of Martin's signature humor. The ease with which the author can be associated with the described setting gives the narrative an added power. Reading the blurbs on the book, one gets the sense that some in that particular arena may not understand that they are actually part of the superficiality and exploitation that Martin is symbolizing through his male lead, or perhaps they simply did not grasp that the character symbolized anything at all. This realization provides the final laugh from the book, as it emphasizes Martin's overarching theme of superficiality.

Steve Martin manages to boil down the ‘helpless friendless female who needs saving’ archetype even more than I thought possible.

Maribelle, a 28-year-old artist in LA, works in a shop, struggles with depression, and has difficulty making ends meet. An old guy swoops in, and through the overly-omniscient narrator, we know of his desire to sexually dominate her and then somewhat claims to fall in love with her, even though he tries to keep his distance. But no actual love is shown beyond his financial support for her.

There’s also a younger guy that she went on a few dates with and found boring, but after a few months, she runs into him again at the end and likes/tolerates him. At one point, it was alluded to that this old guy is taking/ruining/impurifying her (through sex), and at another point, a character, Lisa, is pitted against Maribelle because she wants the rich older boyfriend to herself.

We love when the only relationships seen between women are “catty” and “deceiving” and “artificial!!!!” Also, the amount of times that the physiques of all the “fake” women of LA are commented on by the NARRATOR, not by a character, which makes it worse, is nauseating. We want complex female characters! Women can struggle and have strengths too! Women don’t need saving from men! Let a woman save a woman for once! Or let it be a joint effort and not involve sex!

And, yes, these instances do occur, but they are nuanced and complex, and lol I could keep going. I didn’t mean to read this, but a friend left it in my room, and it was luckily a short read. Also, the cover design is trash. I will say the pages were a nice texture, though.

Shopgirl may appear thin in its physical form, but make no mistake, it is far from being lightweight in its content. Some might have expected that Martin, in this debut novella, would simply rely on the easy laughs characteristic of his earlier works such as Cruel Shoes and Pure Drivel. However, he surprises us by creating a strikingly vivid and lifelike portrayal of a young woman named Mirabelle. We also meet the two suitors who don't so much charm her heart as compel it to shift its allegiances.

There is humor aplenty in this book, but it is not derived from outlandish situations. Instead, it springs from the very essence of the characters themselves. This is not a story filled with one-dimensional props who find themselves in absurd circumstances just for a cheap laugh. In Shopgirl, Mirabelle's older boyfriend is almost always addressed by his full name, Ray Porter, as if he were a highly respected visiting professor. Her job behind the glove counter at Neiman Marcus serves as a telling illustration of her life's path.

Shopgirl also boasts the single most outstanding physical description ever committed to paper. Jeremy, Mirabelle's younger suitor, clearly defines his attraction to her. He reveals that his interest stems from her passing resemblance to someone he was infatuated with during his preadolescent years. That someone is Popeye's girlfriend, Olive Oyl, whom he used to swoon over in some old comic books borrowed from his uncle. And indeed, Mirabelle does bear a certain similarity, but only after the connection is pointed out.

You might notice that the quoted passage is in the present tense. At first, this seems like an odd choice that could potentially detract from the overall quality of the writing. However, as you progress through the pages, it becomes less noticeable, yet it never completely escapes your attention. Strange as it may sound, this very aspect is what prevented Shopgirl from receiving a perfect five-star rating. I'm certain that Steve, the author, must now look back on this decision with some degree of regret.

Perverse and poignant, this captivating slice of life offers a profound exploration into the darker recesses of relationships, friendships, and the complex tapestry of life as a young adult. Set against the glamorous backdrop of Beverly Hills/LA, which serves as a fitting contrast to the story's somber themes, the narrative unfolds with a unique charm.

The narrator, with a voice that is both strong and distinct, yet defies his typical brand, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tale. In just 130 pages, this story manages to scratch an odd itch within the reader, delving deep into a wide range of emotions. It is a modern-day Hollywood noir, a genre that combines elements of mystery, crime, and the seedy underbelly of society.

The story's ability to pack such a powerful punch in a relatively short space is truly remarkable. It leaves the reader with a sense of unease and a desire to explore more of the author's work. With its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of contemporary literature and those who enjoy delving into the darker side of human nature.

Overall, I would rate this book 4.5 out of 5, a score that reflects its high quality and the impact it has on the reader.

One can easily picture Steve Martin spending some rather long spells in fine department stores. Maybe he was with Bernadette Peters or Victoria Tennant, or one of the numerous beautiful women he's been seen escorting around town. Afternoon walks that surely involved revolving doors and escalators, a whiff of rich perfume in the air, the soft melody of piped-in piano music, and a rack of Armani couture that seemed to call out to his lady with its alluring charm.

He has likely been left sitting, one imagines, several times in those plush, overstuffed chairs reserved for men in his situation - abandoned with a purse, a coat, and a promise that it would only take a minute. But of course, it never takes just a minute. Unless it's the so-called "dog" minute, which turns out to be a hefty chunk of an hour.

It doesn't take long before his gaze strays away from the dressing room door, past the jackets and hats, the mannequins, the precarious stack of angora sweaters, and off to another department entirely. There, a lone, graceful salesgirl stands before a case of evening gloves. And he wonders, one can imagine, whether women still wear evening gloves. He can't recall the last soiree he attended that had such a thing. Oh, but her day must be dreadfully uneventful! What kind of girl would take on such a job?

And just as we are doing now, Steve Martin had begun to let his imagination run wild. He imagined this girl, her day, her life, her slacker boyfriend. He imagined a possible customer - an older man completely entranced. He imagined a rival, he imagined lust, he imagined all sorts of neuroses. And he imagined all of this in charming ways, with elegant internal prose. And it is a story, I suppose, yet it is the story of an author who is entertaining himself while waiting for something else. Pick up this book and you will wait with him. You will wait through his idle musings, passing the hours alongside a man who is eagerly anticipating the return of a beautiful woman. A woman who he will soon abandon you for.

And who can blame him? She's far more captivating than anything he could have conjured up in his afternoon's imagination.

I don't like what the book seems to be saying about male and female relationships as a general rule. It presents a certain view that might not align with my own perspective. Sometimes, the writing of the female characters was a little iffy. Their actions and behaviors didn't always seem to be fully developed or consistent. However, despite these drawbacks, I still enjoyed the story. The main interactions between the characters were quite believable and even touching. I found myself getting emotionally invested in their relationships and rooting for them to succeed. The author did a good job of creating a world that felt real and engaging, and I was able to overlook some of the flaws in the writing because of it. Overall, I would say that the book had its strengths and weaknesses, but it was still an enjoyable read.