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.

A pensive, funny, insightful, yet melancholy memoir

I don’t remember purchasing this book, but it must’ve been many years ago because I found it in the depths of my audible library. I’m not sure what I hoped to get out of it, perhaps some laughter and anecdotes about Steve’s life. But I got much more than that.

The person who I perceived was a very driven creator, on a mission to heal childhood wounds that he didn’t resolve (at least partially) until his standup career was over. Although many of the stories he told occurred before I was born, I could relate to the humanity of his experience. In a way, he dismantled the mirage of Show Business and distilled it into the humdrum of every day life. And loneliness.

I was surprised that he didn’t talk more about his relationship with his wife or how they met. From the book, I’m not even sure if he had any children of his own. But it was an interesting peek behind the scenes at a God-like career and the combination of grit, persistence, time, and connections required to get your “big break.” But also a reminder that the journey is more significant than the destination. And emotions and stories are timeless.

I came away from the book feeling grounded and grateful for my own life. And inspired to maintain close relationships with my family members.

Brilliantly Written and Performed

The entertaining prose coupled with Steve Martin’s superb voice performance makes this one of the best selections I have ever made on Audible. Absolutely amazing.

Interesting but not as funny as I thought

This is a very dry look at Steve Martin career. Don't expect laughing in this book very much.

Steve tells the time..

A deep insight into the process of comedy and comedians, this book is a revelation for creative people. It does read a bit formal but that may be due to the time it was written.
A great historical snapshot of the 60s and 70s it’s a great performance as expected..

Lots of fun

It was great to hear Steve’s story, there were so many things I had never heard about him.
Love that he read it as well.

Loved every minute

It was fascinating to hear the rise of my favorite comedian in his own voice. I learned so much and just wish it was longer!

It will make you laugh and cry

Fascinating story. I was lucky enough to see Steve Martin in the 70s perform at Penn State University for over three hours my mouth hurt for two days because of laughing and smiling so much and this brought a rush of those memories back. Never knew how much hard work went into perfecting his craft!

Exactly what I’d hoped for.

Relatable and fascinating memoir. His standup was before my time but connecting the musician and entertainer I known to the person and work which and

Honest look at perseverance and life’s struggles to succeed

Solid narrative on life’s struggles and journey. Kind of a Hero’s Journey for Steve. Demonstrates the power of perseverance, practice and refinement of one’s craft, art and or job

Interesting story, boring narration.

The story was very good…interesting! But his performance was lackluster. It got a little more jovial towards the end, but I was a bit disappointed.