Rating: 
Summary: Abrupt ending
Review: I bought Shopgirl at the airport & finished it before my plane touched down at my destination. The book's thorough & thoughtful descriptions (and especially its "knowingness") had me hooked immediately, but I was disappointed by the last few pages that wrapped the story up so quickly. It was a worthwhile read, but definitely lacked anything resembling a smooth, conclusive ending.
Rating: 
Summary: shopgirl
Review: I enjoyed this book tremendously, but sometimes as i was reading I thought yeah right no woman would think that.
Rating: 
Summary: Endearing and funny
Review: Steve Martin, already a vastly gifted entertainer, adds to his resume with this novella. Shopgirl is sharply written. It is funny, tender, and knowing. The gentleness to the story that takes you and wraps its arms around you. It is hard to not fall in love with the gentle soul that is Mirabelle. Mr. Ray Porter and Jeremy are fascinating characters. Martin has much respect for the characters and so will you. Many of his observations about love are true and moving. I only wish the book was longer! While the movie version, with Martin as Porter, promises to be terrific...read the book. Isn't it always better?
Rating:
Summary: A Deep Little Ditty
Review: I have always thought Steve Martin was such an incredible person. This novella has further reinforced my thoughts. It is written so thoughtfully, so provacatively. I can almost hear him reading the words (as you can hear his commentary in such movies as Father of the Bride, etc.) He is a true artist.This is clearly Steve Martin's outlet for social commentary - you wonder if he has experienced this in his life - older man with younger woman, and all the fun and crazy times that may go along with that. He must have - this novel reveals too much into the lives of a twenty eight year old and a fifty something year old. Plus, he is VERY descriptive!! Great, provacative book, quick read. Have fun.
Rating:
Summary: Melancholy Baby
Review: Shop Girl is an inspired tale of self-insight. Mirabelle is a rare beauty who appreciates fine art and possesses exquisite fashion tastes. Her challenge - discovering joy within her empty soul. She attracts two lovers - Ray, a millionaire in search of a better understanding of women and himself, and Jeremy, a slouch that is not sure what or where to search. Mirabelle charms them both, and in the process all three achieve greater self-worth and peace. Author Steve Martin provides a rich fabric around the psyche that achieves an optimal balance between inspiration and under-statement. The author calls his story a 'novelette', but Shop Girl will provide a more delightful satisfaction than many longer best sellers.
Rating:
Summary: Shop girl, and it's not about Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail"
Review: I started reading this book before it was even published, and I didn't even realize it was by THE Steve Martin . . .that is until I had gotten through the first page. His wit is so unique to him, it's almost impossible to mistake it for the work of someone else. This book does not deviate from his tradition of producing quality work. It's a hilarious novel, although not in a blatant way. He does a wonderful job of capturing the ever changing mind of a woman in this short book (and I can say that, since I am one!). It's sort of a less commercialized Bridget Jones' Diary, with a great deal of quirkiness thrown into the mix. Steve Martin again demonstrates that he is not only a talented comedian, actor and playwright, but a wonderful author as well. I definately recommend checking this book out. It's an easy and quick read for those who don't wish to get too bogged down in a gargantuan novel, but it has a sweetness and a quality that avid readers will enjoy as well.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written and entertaining
Review: While I enjoy Steve Martin's work in general, and though I did not particularly care for Picasso at the Lapin Agile, I think that Shopgirl is poignant and *very* beautifully written. As other reviewers here note, its most striking quality is perhaps the clever, often elliptical way that Steve Martin 'turns phrases'. The novella is indeed a quick read and I found myself laughing aloud at several points. What I did out loud more often than that, though, was to share with my wife every few pages a well-crafted sentence. This quality sticks with me. As for his use of 'profanity', I thought it was part of the juxtaposition he was creating among various characters. In particular, on page 115 is the best literary use *ever* of the c-word (c you next tuesday). The story of Mirabelle was touching as well. On the flipside, my only real criticism is that so much was crammed into the denouement that I would have preferred some of it to be further developed. Well, perhaps this was just my own reluctance to approach the end of the book and my wishing there was more to read. *This* is how I wish I could write. No, not this review, his novella! But thanks for reading my review. Shopgirl was very entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: the battle of the sexes in the great continuum
Review: Martin seems to be writing a "Roman A Clef" in this short, descriptive take on the mating process. It reminded me of the the book by Dawkins, "the selfish gene" and its chapter "the battle of the sexes". Martin comes across as a bright guy proceeding thru the transitional steps toward becomming a facile and entertaining writer. As he continues this journey, which becomes a head trip in itself, he will expand his understanding of the mating game to an analysis that includes not only descriptive passages of feeling and lust, but to ones that include an understanding of the chemistry that causes attraction between unlikely candidates. The game of love is confusing, and solutions to heartaches elusive and mysterious. Quantifying "chemistry" is difficult but doable. We'll see if Martin is up to the task. His line about "pain changing life" is accurate as only emotional trauma seems to change behavior. Man's capacity for self deception can only be dented thru the agonizing self reappraisals brought on by the agony of unrequited love. Some how I believe this book is Steve's catharsis from such a journey
Rating:
Summary: sweet and tender
Review: I was skeptical but could not resist to pick up this book, and I am really glad i did. it was an easy read but not without substance. intelligent writing mixed with tender insights and forgiveness. a great read.
Rating:
Summary: Sad but Accurate
Review: I was impressed with Steve Martin's astute observations about the shallowness of life in Beverly Hills. I found myself fascinated by they way he paints his characters...even though the story itself is not the best book you'll read this year, it's attention to the disfunctional detas of these people's lives will rope you in. A quick, entertaining read.
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