The Pleasure of My Company

By: Steve Martin

Narrated by: Steve Martin

From the bestselling author of Shopgirl comes the tender story of a troubled man who finds love, and life, in the most unexpected place.

Daniel resides in his Santa Monica apartment, living much of his life as a bystander: He watches from his window as the world goes by, and his only relationships seem to be with people who barely know he exists. He passes the time idly filling out contest applications, counting ceiling tiles, and estimating the wattage of light bulbs.

It is through Daniel's growing attachment to Clarissa, and to Teddy, that he finally gains the courage to begin to engage the world outside, and in doing so, he discovers love, and life, in the most surprising places.

Filled with his trademark humor, tenderness, and out and out hilarious wordplay, The Pleasure of My Company is a tour de force sure to delight all of Steve Martin's fans.©2003 40 Share Productions, Inc.; (P)2003 Hyperion

Just how do troubled minds work?

Not being a fan of Steve Martin, I decided to give this book a try based purely on the description; and was more than pleasantly surprised. The book manages to be funny, heartbreaking and remarkably illumintating all at once.

The story is deliberately slow to start, but manages to draw you in to such an extent I found myself sitting in the parking lot for half-an-hour just to get to the end.

Daniel Pecan Cambidge is a seriously troubled individual, with several harmless but disconcerting disorders. How he finds both himself and the power to change his life is both charming and entertaining.

Telling the story from Daniel's own point of view gives you an understanding of the way his mind works and just why his bizarre habits seem so perfectly normal to him. Having the author read his own work was a stroke of genius as he displays a warmth and character that makes the book all the better.

I have found myself reassessing Steve and will look out for more of his books, particularly those he narrates himself. Do not be put off if you are not a fan of Steve's, but be a little wary if you think the height of his comedy is a little slapstick and stupidity: this book is not just for laughs.

human inclinations

Martin takes a self-absorbed neurotic into his first halting human relationships, past romantic disappointments, into responsibility for a helpless human being. The humor carries the listener through the guy's ridiculously boring daily existence into genuine appreciation for his condition. This story is excellent and Martin uses real genius in his choice and development of characters and story-line. I was well-gratified by listening, wondering about my own neurotic tendencies, without being pushed to do so.

Touching & Kwirky

This isn't exactly my style book. However, the author's name caught my eye and I gave it a try. Steve reads this book himself and does a great job. It took be a while to get absorbed in the story, partly because I'm more the mystery/suspense type of reader. About half way through I found myself interested in learning what happens next and the ending left me satisfied. Give it a try. It's entertaining in Steve Martin, kwirky way.

ok but not great

this could have been really funny but i think Martin needed to rewrite the story from a different point of view. the first person perspective doesn't quite work like he thinks it does. and I felt like he had just finished reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime ( an incredible book I highly recommend, along with Born on a Blue Day), or had watched Rainman; and something about this seemed a little exploitative and at times in poor taste

Steve Martin fine performance

We love this quirky yet poignant story. He changes for the better! Perfect for vacation road trip .