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.

Enjoyable

Being born in 1961 and revering SNL days of the 70’s, I found this book enjoyable. I remember listening to “Cruel Shoes” with friends at a party. I pray Steve is at peace with his life and his relationships.

Edutaining

An enjoyable biography sounding truthful and being entertaining. If you like biographies, comedies, or shoes I suggest this listen.

The Real Steve Martin

The fact that Steve Martin is reading his own book is priceless. He adds in his banjo playing, singing and telling his jokes. It made me appreciate how hard he worked to get where he is. If you like Steve Martin at all, you will love this audio book.

A Fascinating look into the Mind of Steve Martin

I already knew Steve was a comic genius, but hearing how he honed his craft since he was a boy, made me appreciate him even more. His memoir was interesting and real. I enjoyed hearing him tell his story .

Spending hours with a comedic legend

I could listen to Steve Martin speak for hours.....and I literally, literarily, did. It was fantastic to hear his own voice talk about his past. I truly appreciate his candidness about his youth and family dynamics. The journey. The struggle. The years poured in to his craft. I love and respect him even more! Great listen!

authentic, sensitive and deeply interesting

I fully enjoyed this walk with Steve Martin I appreciate his honesty and candor plus his banjo interludes throughout the book are just awesome. It was like spending time with a friend, I will miss listening to his voice telling his story as I paint.

Raw and Hilarious

A wonderfully read life story and explanation of why the biggest comedian at the time quit stand up forever. loved it.

surprisingly moving and inspirational

exceedingly well written, with humor that is conveyed with such a sure and subtle hand that when i laughed out loud it almost took me by surprise. more than anything this book is really an american success story. i highly recommend it.

Excellent

Very well done. Excellent narration by Steve Martin. You realize that it took him 15 + years of hard work to become an overnight success.

Not small

This little biography packs a big punch in a small package. Great insight into the greater comic with moments of belly laughs. Loved it.