An Object of Beauty

I can’t get into this book. I’m usually a fan of Steve Martin’s books and this one just irks me in the worst way. I find myself eye rolling so hard and I haven’t even made it to page 100. I stopped, read an entire other book thinking maybe I was just in a funk and not wanting to read at the moment. I came back to this one and the eyerolls are so hard I got a head ache. I LOVE The Pleasure of My Company, Shop Girl, and Pure Drivel.

I am not a huge connoisseur of the art world (unfortunately, but working on it!). This book excited me not only for all the art pieces it involves, but also for the business side of this amazing industry. Absolutely recommend for anyone interested in art!

Smart and enjoyable.

An interesting view into the high-end art world, accessible for any level of artistic knowledge.

I knew that Steve Martin wrote books and screenplays by ear, i.e. Shopgirl, but I read this book with zero expectations. WOW! I loved it! Martin is beyond sharp in his prose and imagery! I smiled through every chapter. He was funny without making a joke and gave this deep insight into a world that I should have known more about with such rich material and now I do! A must read!

Really great book, not only was it entertaining but I actually developed an interest in art that I never had before. Bravo Mr. Martin !

The story describes the intricacies of the art world and how it was affected by current events. I am not familiar with the art world, so the book was interesting. I thought that the description of art trade was too detailed.

Steve Martin is a highly intelligent talent and this is reflected in all of his books, including this one. The detailed explanations of the art world that is the foundation for the story will keep you engaged and informed. The characters, as in many of his other novels, are quirky enough to be interesting and yet just relatable enough. I only struggled a bit with the lead character, Lacey, whose ambition is easily understood, but part way through the book, I found myself wondering why I should like her. Definitely recommend this for any fan of Martin. However, if you've never read him before, start with one of his other works of fiction to first experience him at his writer's best.

Good book, really enjoyed it. Especially as an artist, it was really interesting to read about a side of the art world that i know nothing of. If you like art or find the art world intriguing, you'll like this book.

I will be brief. This book is intelligent and clever. At times sexy and always entertaining. The art maladroit need not fear being left behind as this is a detailed introduction to the market of art. Martin is a brilliant writer and this is an engrossing yarn!