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.

1975 former Disco guy loved the book

If like me you graduated in the 70's you grew saying all of Steve Martin's phrases. Good book

Excellent story.

A few nuggets of gold and an excellent candid look at Steve Martin's rise to fame. I'm not hugely familiar with his work from the 70s but still loved hearing his story nonetheless. I blasted through this audio book and found it incredibly entertaining. I actually just wish it was longer and went a little deeper into his growth as a comedian. I like hearing that stuff in more explicit detail. Either way, 100% worth listening to. I enjoyed it a lot!

Wild and crazy

Overall I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot of things about Steve Martin that I didn't know. Some real surprises as to how his most famous routines came into being. I was a little disappointed in that he covers the early part of his career in great deal but the most recent 15 years he hardly mentions at all. A great listen if you are a Steve Martin fan.

For Steve Martin Fans (and Everyone Else)

If you could sum up Born Standing Up in three words, what would they be?

Warm, Touching, and Hilarious

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author shows the intellect and craft behind comedy.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Parts of the book are so well-written and spoken that his emotion is palpable.

Amazing insight into a talented man

I loved this glimpse into a man who kept his fame private. Quirky, strange, evocative. Definitely worth the listen.

Incredibly honest

He's a class act and a true artist. As a testament to his artistry, both my 12 and 18 year old sons listened to this book with me on a little my drive. At first I thought they were before, but after each stop they would ask me to keep playing the book. Thank you Mr. Martin.

Brilliant but lifeless

A fascinating story, but lifelessly performed. He read his book as if reading stereo instructions.

just OK but still entertaining

let me start by saying that I did enjoy the book. But was expecting a little bit more. The wording of the stories were all very flowery so it made it feel like it was hiding the fact that not a lot was covered in the book. Where was all of the behind the scenes from Saturday Night Live? More details about his time in the movies? Would have loved to hear more. I guess this leaves room for him to write another book.

Insightful and Delightful

Any additional comments?

I love memoirs read by the authors...so authentic. What I love about this book is it really documents the hard work and tenacity required to truly make it in show business. It is funny at times but also poignant as the author reveals a lot about his family scenario, which was trying at times. This book reveals how Martin crafted and honed his unique style of comedy; if you watch "American Masters" on PBS, this is similarly revealing about what feeds into--and then is born out of--a master's creative process.

Never liked his comedy, but liked the book

While most everyone would agree the Steve had some universally appreciated one liners, I personally never cared for his style overall. Still this book was a great insight into the creative process in general, and the man specifically. Well worth your time