Pure Drivel by Steve Martin
I found Pure Drivel while browsing the non-fiction humor section at the Farmington Library. A slim volume at 112, the cover features Martin wearing a suit. He standing on what looks like a tiny island with nothing but blue sky filled with perfect fluffy white clouds on the horizon.
Kate had raved about Shopgirl several years ago, but I'd never read anything he'd written. I had no preconceived notions when I cracked the cover.
What I found was a diverse collection of short writings. They are not exactly essays, nor are many of them short stories. Most were published in the New Yorker which lends itself to the intellectual tone of the pieces. Do not expect biographical detail.
Not every one struck me as funny, funny. They are each sharp, well polished bits of writing. The ones that are more about being rich, famous, and show business I enjoyed less. The ones about writing and words, I enjoyed more. That is more a reflection on my interests than Steve's writing.
It is a perfect book when you want a smart, lean literary snack.
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