From the very first disc, this book truly took me by surprise. Steve Martin's writing is incredibly sharp, fresh, and clever. There were several parts that made me忍不住 snicker. I absolutely loved how he narrated his own book. His way with words was so enjoyable that I bumped my rating up to 4 from the 3 I was originally going to give it.

I can identify, in a way, with Mirabelle. While I can understand why other reviewers didn't like her, I found that by the end of the story, she had grown and matured. She finally realized what she wanted out of life. Even though she was in her 20's, it seemed to be a coming of age story for her.

Ray Porter is like a dream come true. He's a millionaire who can take Mirabelle to all these fancy places, buy her things, and pay off her credit card and student loan. What a catch! But he told Mirabelle that he wasn't interested in commitment. I hate when guys say that to me. It always ends up hurting me, and I totally understand Mirabelle's feelings after hearing that.

However, as the ending stated, Ray and Mirabelle learned from each other. They came to be like parent and child, and I think Ray really loved her. Maybe he just didn't know how to express it and didn't recognize love for what it was. Mirabelle was lonely and depressed, but she finally found her place in the world.

I think "Shopgirl" is a story I will come back to. I wonder what the characters are like and doing now that the book is over. No, the story isn't perfect. What the heck happened with Mirabelle's dad, who served in Vietnam, and whatever happened to Lisa? But I'm so attracted to this triangle of characters, Ray, Mirabelle, and Jeremy. I enjoyed listening to their descriptions of what they looked like and what they did.

"Shopgirl" is a short and smart story, and I'm looking forward to comparing it to the movie.

Have you ever had that intense desire to read a particular something? You search high and low, leaving no stone unturned, and finally, after what feels like an eternity, you manage to find it. But then, to your utter dismay, it turns out to be a huge letdown, so much so that you could almost shed tears of disappointment. Well, that's precisely how I felt after reading "Shopgirl".

I had seen the movie, which features an excellent cast including Steve Martin, Claire Danes, and Jason Schwartsman. I must say, Jason Schwartsman gives an outstanding performance. The movie, although dark, sad, and rather twisted, I truly enjoyed. In fact, if you're looking for a truly surreal experience, I'd recommend renting "Shopgirl" and "Stardust" (by the way, the book of "Stardust" has a different plot line than the movie) and watching them back to back. You'll be amazed.

Now, let's talk about the book. I scoured every possible place for it and, thankfully, I finally found it at a used bookstore for just 5 bucks. However, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment. I simply didn't enjoy the characters. Even when I tried to picture the actors in the scenes (in my mind), I still disliked it immensely.

Ray Porter, played by Steve Martin in the movie (in a very unfunny role where he portrays him as a cad rather than the emotional schmuck he is in the book), is a selfish and self-absorbed "weirdo". He's on a quest to find his "perfect love" and in the process, he's refining himself by casually dating and having sex (as he so casually puts it). He becomes obsessed with Mirabelle (Claire Danes in the movie). He claims to be "drawn to her by her very scent" and then proceeds to use her in the worst possible ways, almost destroying her in the process.

Mirabelle is almost exactly the same in the book as in the movie. She's even more fragile in the book. She's on anti-depressants, and that aspect is explored more in the book. She also struggles with her relationship with her parents. She believes herself to be unremarkable and goes through life with that mindset. Until she meets Ray, whom she believes is in love with her. For the first time in her life, she might believe that she could be more than she is. But then, Ray almost destroys her and her dreams.

This book is dark. It's sad. And it's not a pleasant read. I'm truly disappointed that I wasted my time reading this when it was so bad.

I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did.

It truly came as a pleasant surprise. I absolutely loved this little novella.

It has a charm and depth that is simply captivating.

If you haven't yet, I highly recommend forgetting about the movie and picking up the book instead.

When you do, you'll be happily startled by Martin's remarkable command of the English language.

His use of words is so precise and evocative, painting vivid pictures in your mind.

Moreover, his ability to portray character is second to none.

The characters in the book come to life on the pages, with their unique personalities and emotions.

You'll find yourself completely immersed in their stories and rooting for them all the way.

This book is a literary gem that should not be missed.

Steve Martin has truly assembled something extraordinary here.

He crafts his words with a touch of humor, as expected, and a certain uncomplicated charm that endows the central event of the novella - the glove shipment - with greater significance and impact.

To be fair, I did feel that there were parts that could benefit from some editing. However, overall, it left me with the impression of a wittily humorous and slightly psychological examination of a few solitary individuals.

I awarded it one additional star than it perhaps merits because I related so strongly to Mirabelle, particularly during the initial half.

I'm uncertain whether it's due to the fact that she represents such a classic archetype, or if, in reality, my life bears an uncanny resemblance to hers.

It's this connection that made the story all the more engaging and thought-provoking for me.

Steve Martin's work here is a testament to his ability to create characters and narratives that resonate on a deeper level.

Despite its flaws, it manages to capture the essence of human loneliness and the search for connection in a unique and memorable way.

Steve Martin's novella is truly a remarkable piece of work.

It manages to be both deeply touching and enormously revealing, delving into the complex and often misunderstood aspects of human relationships.

Martin's ability to expose the dichotomy of perspectives between the male and female characters regarding sex, connection, attraction, pursuit, and self-discovery is nothing short of illuminating.

He presents these complex themes through a simple yet effective lens, writing with great care and precision.

Despite having low expectations, Martin has truly over-delivered.

The themes he explores and the characters he creates have a real sticking power, staying with the reader long after the final page has been turned.

Overall, Steve Martin's novella is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of human nature and relationships.

I wasn't quite prepared to part ways with Steve Martin. Therefore, I had the idea of listening to a novella that he penned several years ago. This novella was later adapted into a movie that I happened to like. It is a captivating love story, and also in part a coming-of-age tale. The story is about a young woman who is employed at a glove counter in Niemans in Los Angeles. She encounters two men, one older and one younger, and the relationships that unfold are truly fascinating.

As I was reading, two questions came to my mind. Firstly, are older men more adept at the art of pursuit? Secondly, do we all have something to learn in our relationships about who we are initially and perhaps also about who we are when we are with others?

Although the main character is a woman, I had the impression that this book was more centered around the men in it. They seem to experience growth and change, while the woman remains relatively the same.

Narrated by Steve Martin himself, it is a concise yet interesting book that I found highly enjoyable. It made me think deeply and was easily consumed within a day. It left a lasting impression on me and made me eager to explore more of Steve Martin's works.

Steve Martin, how I truly love you.

Your talent and charm have always been a source of great entertainment for me. However, I must诚恳地 say that please, please, please don't write anything ever again.

I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Kisses,

Laura

PS: Please stop being in movies that have the words "dozen" or "bride" in the title. It's just getting a bit old and predictable. K thanx.

PPS: Also, there was this one instance where you specifically noted on one page that your character does not have a couch, only a FUTON OH MY GOD HOW CLICHED IS THAT. It was such a really lazy way of trying to convey that she "isn't grown up yet." And then later, it was said that a visitor to the character's apartment never saw her cat as it HID UNDER THE COUCH. Seriously, this kind of inconsistency and lack of attention to detail is unacceptable. You should never ever write anything ever again. This is objective proof, and it's not just my opinion, okay?

Just three months later, it happens to Ray, a 45-year-old woman. She touches his heart and then breaks it flat.

It is then Ray's turn to experience Mirabelle's despair, to see its walls and colors. Only then does he realize what he has done to Mirabelle, how wanting a square inch of her and not all of her has damaged them both.

That's about the best quote I can pick to illustrate what this novel is like. This falls under those quietly heartbreaking pieces that I like. It's not amazing or groundbreaking, but it is good.

It's quick, a pretty easy read and well written. And who knew Steve Martin was this touching and intelligent?

The story seems to unfold in a rather ordinary way at first, but as it progresses, it delves deep into the emotions and psyches of the characters.

Ray's realization of his mistake is a powerful moment that makes the reader empathize with both him and Mirabelle.

The novel may not be a literary masterpiece, but it has its own charm and ability to move the reader.

Steve Martin's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it a pleasure to read.

Overall, it's a story that lingers in the mind and leaves a lasting impression.

It seems that Steve Martin is a famous actor, which I wasn't aware of as I'm rather inattentive to the happenings in cinema. However, this time he decided to venture into writing a book. I came to know about this book from a review on Anobii, and then I waited to find it on a newsstand (after the infamous Levi law, recently reformed for the worse, I think I won't be seen in a physical bookstore anymore).

Initially, I thought it was an attempt to do chick-lit, as many of the necessary ingredients were present: Californian settings of people who are more or less well-off, a clumsy but intelligent and attractive salesgirl in a large department store, a super-rich man for whom any expense, including renting a private jet when needed to have a night of sex with the aforementioned salesgirl, is nothing; a dumb young guy who then suddenly "gets going" and completely turns his life around. The point of view is that of the "omniscient narrator" in the sense that the author takes the points of view of all the characters, trying in some way to penetrate their psychology. However, this ends up being a bit of a "I want to but I can't", as we are very far from the depth (sometimes even excessive), say, of a Franzen.

In any case, I found the book, in some ways, rather disturbing, due to the attempt, by a man, to step into the female point of view: that of the salesgirl mentioned above, and also that of another salesgirl, who perhaps ends up being the most entertaining and successful character, one who is or thinks she is beautiful, bets everything on her aesthetic and social skills and then ends up having a night of sex with who she thinks is the billionaire mentioned above but is actually the former clumsy guy, the true comical apex, perhaps the only one, of the whole book. Maybe the final theme should be that of the incommunicability of desires and intentions between the two sexes, something that is not without contradictions. For example, in a lot of American literature, including this book, there are always lonely girls who go to a bar and order a drink, are approached by a stranger and soon end up in bed. From a male point of view, it would be great if only it were true (I'm afraid it isn't, or perhaps it is only under certain conditions that aren't so frequent). However, then this desire to live a "free and unrestrained" sexuality always clashes a bit with the "morning-after syndrome", with the "what the hell have I done / am I doing" that, look at that, afflicts the female sex much more than the other. But then it seems that we always end up giving the utmost importance to another person, handing over to them the keys to our own well-being and happiness, losing our own center of gravity and considering this a normal thing, because the fact that a bit everyone does it in some way justifies you. And, the worst thing, that often the acts of generosity and availability are not the fruits of disinterested feelings, but the children of the most devious and useless of feelings, the sense of guilt.

I wouldn't say that I *hated* Shopgirl. However, I would definitely not say that I liked it a whole lot either. To be honest, I'd give it two and a half stars. And that last half-star was lost due to the excessive repetition of the f-word. I'm not a fan of relying on this as the sole adjective for sex. (Though I must admit that having the final union labeled as “making love”—for the first time in the entire book—did not escape my notice. Well done there, Mr. Martin. I understand the significance.)

Steve Martin is capable of writing very engaging prose that borders on profound poetry. But his characters, especially the women, are like cardboard cutouts with just a coat of pretty paint slapped on.

His female characters have just enough layered detail to suggest that HE believes he understands women. But unfortunately, they're still your typical female stereotypes, perhaps with a little bit of icing drizzled on their heads—pretty enough to look at but lacking in substance. Randomly throwing in references to periods does not create a “real” female character.

I'm curious to see if the film adaptation addressed any of the issues I had with the characters.

This is a truly strange little novella, and in my humble opinion, it is kind of wonderful. It is not a comedy, nor is it a novelization of Roxanne or anything of that sort. Instead, it offers a more serious exploration of two lovers, one older and one younger.

The story is presented in three acts, yet little else in this book - not the characters, not the way the events unfold - gives the impression of being Hollywoodized.

Martin's narratological approach is truly refreshing. It leans more towards the Victorian style rather than the contemporary one. The narrator constantly intrudes into the story, meticulously explaining each character's unconscious motivations and desires. When done incorrectly, this approach can be rather grating and may even impede the smooth flow of the story. However, in this case, it works splendidly. Perhaps it is because the narrator seems like a kindly older man, someone who has acquired humility from his own mistakes and experiences of love, and who cheers for his own flawed creations.

Overall, this novella is a unique and engaging read that offers a different perspective on love and relationships.

I remember first hearing about this book several years ago. Back then, the reviews I came across were rather positive. So, when I saw it as a sale book on iTunes, I decided to pick it up. However, the more I delved into it, the greater my disappointment grew. I kept reflecting on those initially favorable reviews I recalled seeing and was left thoroughly confused.

Thankfully, when I signed in here, I was relieved to discover that the most recent reviewers shared my perspective. The writing style of this book is predominantly driven by description rather than dialogue. At the beginning, I thought it was a deliberate stylistic choice by Martin, perhaps to make Mirabelle's isolation more strikingly evident before introducing Ray. But as I continued reading, this style persisted throughout the entire book. While at times the prose was indeed elegant, after a while, it simply became tiresome. I grew weary of being told that the characters were smart or interesting just because someone said so. I longed for the author to show me their qualities through engaging dialogue.

The only insights we gain about the characters come solely from the author's narration. And when they do speak, the conversations fail to do justice to the supposed merit these characters possess. The writing style can best be described by imagining a director pitching an idea to someone, painstakingly telling you what the scene looks like, how the people feel, and what their personalities are. But this approach simply doesn't work in the context of a novel. Just as a skillful actor needs to "sell" a character in a movie, dialogue must be skillfully utilized to give a fictional character depth and authenticity. This is one of the main reasons why this book falls short.

I found myself getting increasingly exasperated with Mirabelle (a rather ridiculous name, even in the realm of fiction) and Ray (a self-proclaimed introspective man-child who deludes himself into not seeing his childish behavior). Mirabelle is blatantly dull, and being around her is so excruciating that even her own cat hides from her. Yet, we are expected to believe that she is beautiful, unique, and interesting, well... just because. I also couldn't buy into Ray's complete and utter cluelessness when it comes to women, especially at his age. (Seriously, dude, haven't you ever watched any TV or seen a random romantic comedy?)

As the novel draws to a close, you realize that it's going nowhere. So, it's almost a relief when a few brief pages of exposition neatly wrap up the entire story and tie it in a bow a little too tidily. The sudden re-emergence of a previously deadbeat boyfriend, miraculously transformed into a somewhat less primitive version of himself, once again strains believability and is rather insulting at this point. The guy vanishes for most of the book and then, bam! It's as if Martin reached a point where he just wanted to bring the story to an end and felt obligated to give Mirabelle a happy, albeit implausible, ending. I would have preferred to see Mirabelle distance herself from men altogether until she sorted herself out. Because that girl truly needs some serious sorting.

The character of Lisa, I believe, was only introduced to provide a bit of levity when she seduces the wrong person. However, she is yet another unlikable character, and the part about her shaving and dipping the razor in the toilet completely grossed me out. What was the point of even including that?

The part of the book that really made me roll my eyes was when Ray comes to the realization that his love for Mirabelle is more parental than passionate. We are hit over the head so forcefully with the subplot about Mirabelle's daddy issues that this comes as no surprise to anyone. And the fact that the author actually had to spell it out and explain it seems like a lack of confidence on his part.

Basically, this book was a slow-motion trainwreck, but at least it was a quick read.