Born Standing Up

A Comic's Life

By: Steve Martin

Narrated by: Steve Martin

Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

In the mid-70s, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978 he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981 he quit forever. Born Standing Up is, in his own words, the story of "why I did stand-up and why I walked away".

At age 10 Martin started his career at Disneyland, selling guidebooks in the newly opened theme park. In the decade that followed, he worked in the Disney magic shop and the Bird Cage Theatre at Knott's Berry Farm, performing his first magic/comedy act a dozen times a week. The story of these years, during which he practiced and honed his craft, is moving and revelatory.

Martin illuminates the sacrifice, discipline, and originality that made him an icon and informs his work to this day. To be this good, to perform so frequently, was isolating and lonely. It took Martin decades to reconnect with his parents and sister, and he tells that story with great tenderness. Martin also paints a portrait of his times: the era of free love and protests against the war in Vietnam, the heady irreverence of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in the late 60s, and the transformative new voice of Saturday Night Live in the 70s.

©2007 Steve Martin (P)2007 Simon and Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

2008 Grammy Nominee, Best Spoken Word Album

"Absolutely magnificent. One of the best books about comedy and being a comedian ever written." (Jerry Seinfeld)

Great Memoir

What a great memoir. It was wonderful to have the voice of Steve Martin reading his own words to get the delivery, experience, and overall aesthetic that he wanted to convey; great book, would recommend it to anyone.

warm, funny, touching

The opening stories during the first hour held my attention, without enthralling me. But then the book really took off when Steve Martin began discussing his standup career, and all the jobs (writing on the Smothers Brothers' Show, etc.) that led up to it. And he discusses the inner workings of his mind during those years, sharing with us the conscious thought process that went into developing his standup persona. All of that was fantastic.

My only complaint is that I wish the book had been longer. (It’s just over 4 hours). I could have easily listened to him discuss his film career, as well. But this is a memoir about his standup days. And it's an interesting one. It also has a very warm quality. And it's a pleasure to hear Steve Martin deliver various jokes he has made over the years. I’m glad he chose to read his book himself. He did a very good job.

If you're a fan of Steve Martin, I don't see how you could be disappointed, other than, as I said, it could have been longer.

Great book!

I love Steve Martin, and this little book did not disappoint. The story isn't anything special, but it's interesting to hear him narrate his own life and discuss his rise to fame.

Steve Martin s roots

I didn't realize he started in Disneyland! Wonderful look into a funny mans life. Narrator is perfect!

Best book listened to in ages

Would you listen to Born Standing Up again? Why?

Yes, definitely

What other book might you compare Born Standing Up to and why?

Slash's book

What about Steve Martin’s performance did you like?

Steve Martin was great in it,

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Same title would still work

Any additional comments?

Excellent, you will not be disappointed

Incredible

heartfelt, funny, moving, and I was sad when it ended. this audio version narrated by Steve Martin is absolutely fantastic

Best first experience

Where does Born Standing Up rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was my first audio book and far exceeded my expecations. A fascinating tale of Mr. Martins story. If I had one quip, it was the lack of inside detail on his experience with SNL and Hollywood.

What did you like best about this story?

The genuine heart

Which character – as performed by Steve Martin – was your favorite?

Steve Martin

Great window into how comedy works

a fun, insightful look at Martin's career as a stand up comedian. if you are interested in HOW comedy works, this is well worth your time.

Success always looks easier from the outside

Enjoyed every page of this book. I believe Steve is one of this centuries most talented & versatile artists yet he is as humble as they come. I bet you'd even be a pretty decent Realtor.

Honest poignant memoir

This is a wonderful memoir. Steve Martin gives an open and honest account of his development as a comedian and performer. It is also accompanied by banjo music both composed and played by Steve Martin. Definitely worth a listen!