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)

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.

Very good. Enchanting, Interesting and Recommended

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

He is a good writer (I didn't know that) that has carefully considered his material. He writes with a feeling he has come to terms with the past, good or bad, and that they all accumulate into what makes him who he is today.

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

I've enjoyed audio books for years, listened to many different subjects and authors. Like many I wonder what it would be like to meet them. After hearing this well crafted self told tale, I think the most interesting meeting would be a simple lunch and conversation with Steve. I was somehow touched by this authors book, enough to write my first review. Thank you Steve for taking the time, the soul searching and the talent to put this together. I will recommend this book to friends and even give copies for Christmas.

best ever

really enjoyed this book.great story written and spoken by a really funny man. loved hearing about his rise to well deserved stardom. Well worth the time to listen to.

Enlightening & Unexpected

Deep dive into real life situations that influenced his life's journey. Some unexpected life events impacted his perspective and threw hurdles in his path. His intelligence was a gift to his comedy, but also created deep thoughts that lead to anxiety.
After completing this book I feel like I know him as a person. I am impressed with his insight and appreciation of the arts and humanity. I love how he looks at a tough situation and finds the humor of the moment.
The book was not what I was expecting, but it drew me in and kept my attention.

Candidly Brilliant

A longtime fan of Steve Martin, I appreciate the inside look at his trials and tribulations to the top of his craft. At 10, I remember sleeping over at a friend’s and secretly watching Steve, along with the best of the best, perform on “Saturday Night Live.”
My first album ever, was “A Wild And Crazy Guy.” My friends and I were so inspired we attempted to do our version of “King Tut” at our 6th grade talent show.
From reading “Shop Girl,” to frequent rewatching of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” there’s no doubt about it. Mr. Martin, you absolutely ROCK!
Your longtime fan,
Melissa (Missi) Siegfried

Short and Sweet

a very pleasant and easy listen. Steve Martin has always been a favorite of mine, and I like this book because it confirmed what I always thought about him, that he is smart, funny, and a genuinely good human being.

Great Listen

Love this book it was amazing. Great for anyone who loves comedy. More words coming your way

Excellent

Steve Martin’s memoir of his standup career is so funny and inspiring that I listened to it again just 2 weeks after finishing it. And Steve’s narration is so smooth. I love that he incorporated banjo riffs and actually sang “Grandmother’s Song.” I wasn’t even alive when he was doing standup but because of this book, I’ve been watching all of his specials.