The Pleasure of My Company

Author: Steve Martin

Summary: Daniel is a 30-something guy living in California whose bewildering neuroses rule his life, having caused him to lose his job and receive state sponsored counseling. Something as simple as stepping over a curb to cross the street paralyzes him, yet he has a heart of gold and does all he can (and some things he can't) to help his neighbors or to impress the woman he has a crush on. Despite his reclusive existence, he somehow manages to have a whole host of adventures, including winning an essay contest, saving a child from abusive harm, "acting" in a TV re-enactment of his neighbor's murder, and yes, living happily ever after.

Recommendation: I recommend this book wholeheartedly to everyone. I read 'Shopgirl' and thought it crude and shallow, so I guess I didn't expect a whole lot from 'The Pleasure of My Company.' I could not have been more surprised to find it not only funny (which I would expect from Steve Martin) but at the same time tender, serious, clever, moving, and very readable. And clean! And I certainly did not expect to be moved close to tears upon reading of a love so pure and clear that it could allow a man to conquer his own personal mountaintops. Highly recommended.

Hearts: 5