Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: Steve Martin's SHOPGIRL is definitely something special. The characters he has created are amazing. SHOPGIRL is a book I will always love! Many thanks to Mr. Martin for writing such a wonderful book!
Rating: 
Summary: A Very Warm and Charming Read
Review: Steve Martin has once agian proved his talent in his latest, Shopgirl:A Novella. This book is is wonderful. 'Shopgirl', better known as 28 year old Mirabelle is bored with work, battling depression, and trying to turn a slopy, irresponsible guy into a well mannered, and sensitive man. But, when a man old enough to be her father named Ray Porter enters her life, her tasks are soon put to an end, fore he like so many others is strangly attracted to her, and can't put his finger on why. He gives her the security that she needs, but somehow, something in the end just doesn't add up. Why? As in so many other relationships, they are both forced to search for an answer to this question, and come to live with it. I highly reccomend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay work from an outstanding writer
Review: When I think of the name Steve Martin I am reminded of the rich, satirical writing of "LA Story" and the very funny film "Bowfinger" in which he also wrote. So when I saw Steve Martin on Charlie Rose discussing his new novella "Shopgirl" I was immediately interested.As a resident of Los Angeles I have to say that Martin's depiction of the city is quite acurate just as it was with "LA Story", but this time around the writing was not so much a work satire as it is commentary. I read the book in a couple of days, which is not hard considering how short the book is, and I cannot say that it was a waste of time, for the writing is way too good to say that. But what I can say is that the plot was somewhat weak in areas, and if you feel like the story really wasn't very strong do not hate the book because it is still an entertaining read.
Rating: 
Summary: Drivel
Review: I totally agree with the reviewer who remarked that if he had submitted this ridiculousness to Hyperion they would never have published it. That is exactly what I was thinking.
Rating:
Summary: A quietly, sweet, poignant, sometimes funny little novel!
Review: As 'novellas' seem the be the flavor of the month in book authorship, Steve Martin has stepped up to the plate and produced a quietly, sweet, poignant, sometimes funny little novel. Mirabelle, a shopgirl who suffers from depression (for which she needs medication) and who sells the "things that nobody buys" (gloves in a department store in LA) is floating along just at the surface of 'is this all there is?", when she captures the heart (ok, at first, the libido) of Ray, the weathy divorced businessman. Secondary characters in our little venture into the twisted world of relationships include Lisa, another shopgirl of decidedly different perceptions of what a woman's body is 'really' meant for (running, or was that ruining, men's lives), and Jeremy who starts out as a slouch who considers meeting Mirabelle at the laundromat a 'date. While the potential to ride quickly into the despairs of relationships that are destined not to work might have been present, there is nothing despairing about this novella. It is a tenderly written, even somewhat humorous series of accounts of the dates, meetings and interactions by Mirabelle, Ray and their supporting cast. Humorous? There is a scene toward the end in which Lisa mistakes Jeremy for Ray - it is worth the price of the book. As time moves along, Mirabelle grows and changes. So, oddly at first, does Jeremy (whose impetus to suddenly make a decision about where his life is going is not based on any particular incident, unlike Mirabelle's whose impetus is). The reader doesn't love Mirabelle, necessarily, but we are happy for her as the book comes to its close and she comes to her closure. For a novella it is a real gem, it would have been a crummy full length book and an ineffective short story. Steve Martin is not just one of America's very best comedians, but he has another incredibl set of creative neurons firing away (read him in the New Yorker some time), all the better for his fans.
Rating:
Summary: Kierkegaard's legal team will be in touch
Review: This book was obviously written by the young Soren Kierkegaard shortly after his summer internship at the crystals kiosk at a Beverly Hills mall. It shows his early stylistic grace, though is not as mature in wisdom as the Diary of a Reducer he co-penned with Richard Simmons later on in his career. Readers may delight in Shopgirl's similarities to early 21st century angst but it is decidedly a direct imitation of the original and fearer and trembler's work, and whose legal team has duly been notified. JOKE! IT'S A JOKE! I WAS WEARING A DUMB ARROW THROUGH MY HEAD WHEN I WROTE THIS
Rating:
Summary: Life Imitates Art, or vice-versa?
Review: This is a nicely written tale of an unlikely, but understandable relationship. For those who find it inconceivable that a wealthy older man should become the patron of a young vulnerable woman, then you obviously have not lived, or observed life throughout the ages. The author has woven a story from seemingly actual experience. Who amongst us has never found ourselves in a dead-end job, while compromising our very souls for the sake of a paycheck? The author has no doubt shopped a great deal, and with any power of imagination, has delved into the world of those he's come to spend this time with. I think the story is likely about the author, and a young "shopgirl" he once met. I think he saw something special in her, and despite his power, it was she who had the power to convey her uniqueness - and it is to her credit that she captured his attention, by simply being natural. Ray Porter's motive is sexual intrigue, and a return to innocence. But also, its an attempt to call a person with promise to a higher standard through example,(or simply, pay tribute to "the little people".) For Mirabelle, he represents friendship and security... but honorably so, as whether or not she ever compromises her true principles is debatable. This is a symbiotic relationship with obvious limitations, but one that yields respectable, and realistic gains as well. One central theme here is control -- who has it? In the protagonist's exploration, he often finds that mere doubt actually reveals that his intended role has been reversed: as he tries to maintain control, it is actually she who gains it. Otherwise, he sees what best suits him -- and admits it. What becomes evident is that despite Mirabelle's depression, we come to find that Ray Porter is equally paralyzed - by an intertwining narcissism and overblown fear of commitment that exposes him in a more childish light that she could ever manage. (But not to worry, he is ultimately a genuinely thoughtful, likeable character!) Despite the obvious, this is not a sexist tale. Who wins is a matter of opinion - while one may not gain the good life, one gains love; and the other has methodically constructed a life, but no love. Which is worth more? Perhaps the sequel will merge the two in true fulfillment. I liked the book very much -- not only is it often beautifully written, but I do feel it is a story that many of us can relate to. So much so, that I often thought the author was telling my story, and that I had somehow been his muse...years ago. Such is the power of good storytelling. Thank you again, Steve.
Rating:
Summary: Not Quite What You'd Expect...
Review: From the talent he has displayed from the beginning of his career, it should come as no surprise that Steve Martin is able to write a good novella. And yet for some reason Shopgirl is surprising. Maybe it's the subject matter - you'd expect something funny from Steve Martin, and this isn't all that light-hearted. Martin deals with some basic human emotions and is able to realistically portray the life of his protagonist. My reason for the missing star? Martin's scope seems to constantly change. He often throws the reader a few pitches that end up going wild. There are references to characters and events that deserve more detail and resolution but never get them. Because he's new to the genre, this can be understood but a good editor should have been able to sense these elements and change them. Overall, this is a really entertaining read and shows depth and talent thus far untapped from a truly talented indvidual.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT READ FROM A GREAT TALENT!
Review: Having been a huge fan of Steve Martins' movies for years, I was so pleased to his novella finally released! It is hilarious and touching from the first page to the last! I am a male but could relate to many of it, especially how rude people can be to customer service types! What people do not know is that customer service people can really screw you over if you aren't careful! Plus being rude is so stupid in this day and age! I loved this book!!! It is also shows a lot about relationships!
Rating:
Summary: AHHHHH
Review: I picked this book up because the cover was so nice. Great cover, horrible book. Do not waste your time.
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