Dear Amanda

by Steve Martin

Joey writes a series of short letters to Amanda, despite the fact that they have recently broken up. He repeatedly claims it will be the last letter, but he keeps finding items he needs to return to her and also drops hints about how he thinks her new boyfriend Francisco may not be good for her. He’s clearly a jealous stalker, but it’s “no big deal.”

This is the audio version of a short story taken from Steve Martin's book Pure Drivel.

Feb 9, 1998 — Dear Amanda by Steve Martin was published in the print edition of the February 16, 1998, issue of The New Yorker.

Genres: Short Stories, Audiobook, Fiction

Audiobook

First published February 16, 1998

About the author

Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician, and composer. He was raised in Southern California in a Baptist family, where his early influences were working at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and working magic and comedy acts at these and other smaller venues in the area. His ascent to fame picked up when he became a writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and later became a frequent guest on the Tonight Show.

In the 1970s, Martin performed his offbeat, absurdist comedy routines before packed houses on national tours. In the 1980s, having branched away from stand-up comedy, he became a successful actor, playwright, and juggler, and eventually earned Emmy, Grammy, and American Comedy awards.

Reviews

[Maggie Hesseling · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny and very short story. A great start if you've just joined audible. You'll smile while you listen and immediately want to look for something else to listen to.

The main character can't let go of his ex. Writing her funny and short letters he attempts to keep a connection with her long after things are over. I really enjoyed it. It really reminds me of Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys, which also has little letters with funny stories.

If you enjoy reading an epistolary, you'll really enjoy this.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short audio about a guy who's not yet got over his girl and keep writing letters to her everyday saying this would be his last. A stalker as well but who wouldn't like a stalker like this? Well! Me

[Shayma · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is actually a short audio about a guy writing letters to his ex because he's still in love with her. It seems a little humorous to me because he came off a bit stalkerish and kept saying that it was his last letter each time he wrote her a letter. You get to listen to this on audible when you get it as your first listen.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 Min story on audible.co.uk.
Good short story.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dry witty short story. Very good. Five minutes well spent.

[A M H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick 5min. audio about a stalker guy's letters he wrote to the girl he's stalking.

[Ahmad Al-mutawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

استمعت للكتاب من خلال خدمة
Audible

وأعجبت به كثيراً

لا أزال أبتسم عندما أتذكر بعض فصول الكتاب الكوميدي الساخر..

الكتاب قصير جداً ورائع بالنسبة لكتاب مسموع. أنصح به كثيراً

[Kim Friant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty funny

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this short story as an Audible "First Listen" with my subscription. This five minute audio consists of letters written by a man to an ex that he can't let go of. Along with his seemingly reasonable excuses to remain connected to her, Martin uses dry humor to make it clear that the man has also become an unwelcome "stalker." The delivery was monotone and dry.

[Lisa]

It was a first listen from Audible when I first joined back in 2007