The Pleasure of My Company: A Novel

I L0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0VED this book! The first page engages the reader and keeps a tight hold of them throughout the book with only a slight interruption towards the end as one pauses to think, "Darn, I'm almost at the end." The story is poignantly written with an undercurrent of sweet gentleness and compassion that Mr. Martin has mastered as his own unique style. It's also hysterically funny! This is the first book I've read where I found myself laughing obnoxiously out loud in quiet places. I've never "read" slapstick moments so vividly that I was able to see the hilarious action as if I were watching it on a movie screen. That's talent, real writing talent. Most of the side splitting moments are so hysterical because our hearts go out to the main character, Daniel, who was written succinctly and brilliantly. I felt a kinship with Daniel. As I was laughing at him, I found I was actually laughing at myself and perhaps some of my own OCD behaviors. In between the humor and gentle, soulful moments are layers of thoughtful, intelligent insights presented skillfully as an integral part of the story. Steve Martin is a fabulous writer. THIS BOOK ABSOLUTELY ROCKS! I couldn't give it a more than five stars...because you can't...so here are some more: stars, stars, stars, stars, stars, stars, stars, ad infinitum.

Steve Martin is one of the most talented, creative and intelligent individuals in Hollywood. Who else can lay claim to being such an exceedingly gifted comedien, actor, playwright and author?! After reading The Pleasure of My Company, what struck me as most impressive was that not only did Steve Martin write a second terrific novel but this novel is nothing like his first! Far too many writers can work in only one style, and while their writing is solid each novel seems to mirror the first. In The Pleasure of My Company, Steve Martin takes his talent in a decidedly different direction from Shopgirl. In fact, I wasn't even sure I was going to like the novel at first; the main character takes a bit of getting used to. His neurotic quirks and his tendency to overthink everything are, at first, fairly annoying. By the end of the novel, however, I was shaking my head in admiration. Steve Martin has constructed a story of sweetness and warmth; Daniel Pecan Cambridge ends up being one of the most likeable protagonists I've encountered. Yes, he has his idiosyncrasies but he also completely lacks pretense. In and around Los Angeles, this makes Daniel a compelling individual of rare integrity -- the opposite of Get Shorty's John Travlota, Swimming with Shark's Kevin Spacey or The Player's Tim Robinson. Hollywood does come to Daniel, in the form of Crime Show, but he remains blissfully uncorrupted. His neighbors enjoy his company because he asks nothing of them. Technically unable to function in society, Daniel is visited weekly by a young therapist. When her own life comes unraveled, its Daniel who provides the support and assistance she needs. Through this reversal of fortune, Daniel finds his focus pulled away from himself. Happily helping Clarissa and her young son, Daniel has less and less time to sustain his neurotic habits. As others begin to depend on him, Daniel's self-confidence grows. You can't help but root for Daniel as the story develops, and he builds a life outside his apartment. When his selflessness is rewarded we all enjoy a happy ending.

I have been a huge Steve Martin fan ever since I saw Father of the Bride as a little girl. When I discovered that Mr. Martin was also an author, I raced to the book store and picked up copies of Shopgirl and The Pleasure of My Company. This book in particular (The Pleasure of My Company) absolutely blew me away. It is clever, sensitive, touching...just absolutely brilliant. Steve Martin really showcases his talent in this book by telling the story of a man living with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), using just enough humor to keep the story lighthearted and fun, but enough candor to provide a very insightful look into the lives of people living with OCD. Once I started reading, I simply could not put the book down. When I finished the book, I gave it to my mom and she couldn't stop talking about how much she loved it too!! I definitely recommend this book as an enjoyable read for anyone.

I really enjoyed Shopgirl, but fell in love with the Pleasure of My Company. I often hestiate to buy a novel in hard cover (one might call me budget conscious? ) that is this short--however, it worth it. I read the book in just a few hours, but it will stay with me for a long time. Daniel is a wonderful, warm, and slightly sad character. I loved the first person narration. Daniel is obsessive-complusive and Martin nails down his inner life. His hilarious attempts at romance, his nutty essay, his road trips are all spiced with humor and a twinge of realism. Martin's writing is warm and honest. The ending is so wonderful, it might move you to tears (I will say no more so as not to ruin it). I was quite impressed by a modern man who works to solve his own problems instead of blaming others (his attempts at therapy are also humorous). Martin dispels, intentionally or not, so much of our addiction based culture. Daniel learns strength and tries to conquer the world on his own terms--with a quiet heart. A beautiful little story. Martin is fantastic.

I really enjoyed this book, and I must say, while I was reading it, I kept saying to myself.."I can't believe how talented Mr. Martin is." I have always been a big fan of his,and I really enjoyed his first book, the Shopgirl. But something about this one grabbed me even more than his first, and I read it without putting it down, I was so involved with Daniel,the main character, and his life.I have to admit, at first I felt a little guilty laughing at the main character's behaviors, but then I decided I wasn't laughing at him, kind of with him. I started thinking about the things I do that are strange, (I won't go into them here, anybody that knows me, feel free to ask, I'll explain), and realised I am just lucky any strange behaviors on my part have not been the kind to interfere with my leading what some people call a "normal"life. Then after I got over my guilt, I allowed myself to laugh at everything I found funny, which was a good thing, I laughed out loud quite a lot.I also had a couple of places with some tears. So what I am trying to say is, read this book and enjoy. I will probably read it again one day, just because I enjoyed it so much, and I am finding that I really miss Daniel.