Book 39 : The Pleasure of My Company
I selected this audiobook from my library on the basis of three things. First, that I have heard a lot of buzz about the new movie Shopgirl starring Steven Martin and based on his novel of the same name. Second, that I saw Steve Martin receive the Mark Twain Prize on PBS one evening last week and it was highly amusing. Third, I was driving to my mom’s and back and wanted something to occupy my brain for the four hours or so in the car. Upon dashing into the library last Thursday, I saw this unabridged audiobook of The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin, read by the author and picked it up, having never heard of this title before.
I had no clue what it was about and simply hoped it would be mildly amusing. What I found was much beyond mildly amusing. This is a well-crafted story about a man who’s middle name is Pecan who is pretty much completely neurotic. Case in point; the wattage of all the lightbulbs turned on in his apartment or sleeping space has to be a certain number of watts or he can’t handle it. He can’t cross curbs. He buys twelve tubes of chapstick at a time and assures us that it is completely rational to do so.
The story is told in first-person and this allows us to understand how Daniel views himself and the world. It is very funny at times and a bit heartbreaking at others. Martin’s reading of his own work lends to the enjoyment. I’d recommend both the book and the audio recording. Neither are very long.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
every endeavor steve martin takes part in is so fascinating to me so naturally i loved this book. you should try shopgirl. it’s one of my favorites. . . i’m a little apprehensive about the movie but i’m planning on seeing it