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.

Funny and Entertaining!

What did you like best about this story?

It was nice to hear about the man Steve Martin, not just the performer. I wish it was longer. It was interesting to hear what it was like breaking into a whole new paradigm of entertainment.

Great Autobiography of a Loved Comedian

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

Different than expected

What did you like best about this story?

The honesty Steve had about his early years in stand-up.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Steve was awestruck that 2,000 attendees came to see his performance.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by the fact that Steve's father finally acknowledged Steve's success after a lifetime of rejection albeit on the death bed.

Any additional comments?

A fascinating story about a performer we all know and love. Growing up seeing Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live and in movies such as The Jerk I never suspected how difficult of a time he had making it as a stand-up and into show business. I love the stories about him working in the early days at Disneyland as well as many stories of famous places he performed. The only reason I gave it 4 stars for story is that I found it short and wanted to know more about what happened following the stand-up years. Maybe a sequel?

Steve Martin always delivers the goods. excellent!

Amazing book from an amazing artist. One of the funniest men of all time in my opinion. Loved feeling like I was getting to know him!

Ended too soon

Great if you’re only curious about his standup. Spoke very little about his acting and screenwriting. Maybe on his... next book?

Enjoyable and unexpected

Would you consider the audio edition of Born Standing Up to be better than the print version?

Because Steve Martin read it himself, its like going to a stand up comedy show when he reads his own stuff.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Born Standing Up?

I enjoyed the whole book, the way he talks about his father is the most remember-able. Only because the way he talks about him, you can tell by the inflection in his voice that the feelings run deep there.

What about Steve Martin’s performance did you like?

I really liked it. It wasnt what I expected though. With Tina and Amy's books, I was laughing at what they were saying. But with Steve, it was so calm, like sitting down with a friend, listening to him tell me his life story. It was funny to me, but i connected to him on a different level that really makes me want to relisten to his book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I've learned to pace myself

Any additional comments?

I would like him to write more books and read more! I really like his voice!

Total Enjoyment

What did you love best about Born Standing Up?

I loved how he tells stories, and it was both entertaining and insightful into what a sand-up comedian goes through

Fun listen

This was a not too short, not too long work of art. Great story, narration.

Beautiful Story Told Beautifully

Steve Martin has an iconic voice and a legendary sense of humor. Hearing him say the things he wrote in this book felt deeply personal, like he was revealing himself for what he truly is. Listening to Born Standing Up made me care deeply for the author in a way that one very rarely cares for those in the public eye. It was not a distant or lofty description of an alien world. It was the true story of a journey that seemed at once romantic, intriguing and yet completely realistic. It truly is a magnificent work with a beautiful story arc that reaches climactic highs and transcendent resolutions. 10/10 will listen again at least once or twice.

Nostalgia personified!

I loved listening to Steve's narrative and finding out where all those funny bits that I got so familiar with in his HBO specials, Saturday Night Live appearances, and that ridiculous movie, The Jerk, came from. Steve Martin has always been one of my favorite physical comedians and when he jumped the Big Screen I was thrilled.
He is definitely NOT meant to read his own story however. He is not that great a narrator and most of the story comes across much drier than it should have. But he is and always will be an amazing actor, performer and author. I can only thank him for this raw and uncensored autobiography.

Very Interesting! Suprising! Have to read!

Would you listen to Born Standing Up again? Why?

Yes, I was so surprised about his past and how he got started. It was sad to hear what he went through. I am so glad that he has done so well. Would love to meet him in person.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Born Standing Up?

Learning about how sad his past was. I understand very well. He is an outstanding performer. I enjoy watching his movies over and over. Now even more so.

Which scene was your favorite?

I wish he had been able to talk with his father more. I have that same wish for me.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I did. I listened to the whole book in one sitting. I will listen to it again - I am afraid I missed something.

Any additional comments?

Steve Martin is an outstanding performer. He went through a lot. I would love to meet him. I wonder if he goes to Disney World very often.