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.

Interesting Side of Steve Martin's Genius

Any additional comments?

really great book especially if you are a Steve Martin fan and can remember the days of listening to his albums. This book really adds humanity to the comic genius.

Thoroughly enjoyed

Although the book was over 4 hours long, I wished it was much longer. Steve's story in hilarious, exciting, and heartbreaking. He does an excellent job in bringing the reader into whichever scene he is describing. His comedy and, more importantly, his story is genuine and pure and greatly appreciated.

Steve Martin, thanks for this fantastic audiobook!

Job well done (by the author, who is......also......the reader!) on so many levels. An awesome glimpse into a guy who followed his calling, changed courses along the way, and has truly awesome stories of his journey. It's not all light and funny either, it's a great mix of an unpolished person who smooths out along the way. Once you're done this audiobook, watch (or rewatch) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels ("Lady Fanny of Omaha!) and Bowfinger (watch for the insanely ridic clip on ponytail and the car phone in the restaurant, and the suit shopping scenes). Thanks Steve

No longer wild and crazy

The fascinating journey of an accomplished performer perfecting his craft and the twists and turns along the way.
Listen to Steve tell his story, you won't be disappointed.

Wild and Crazy Ride

Steve's life is impressive enough if you only are familiar with his public work, but it becomes even more so when you hear how he got there. At times listening to the story I could recall very specific points in his movies where that would happen. it's pretty neat to see how autobiographical his movies really are. he delivers in a very deadpan style, but surprises the listener with laugh out loud moments.

Cute

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It's been a years since I listened, cute but not outstanding. I still have vague memories of enjoying some the tales.

Hilarious!

The book is entertaining from the beginining to the end and the narration is great. I listened to 'Born Standing Up' after completing a very draining project at work and the good laugh was therapeutic! Anyone looking to have a good laugh will find this book rewarding.

It however feels too short.

Very entertaining

Where does Born Standing Up rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a shorter book, but nonetheless very entertaining and insightful. I really loved the insight into Martin's history and how he crafted his act. I think I am left feeling surprised that he took his humor so seriously! I am a big fan of his music, so it made me happy to hear his banjo tunes in between the chapters. That was a great touch.

Understand his success: work, work, work.

Martin's success in the world of comedy and show business is marked by his unrelenting perfectionism and practice, practice, practice. While this slice of his autobiography is revealing of his hard work and of his decency, one does not hear too much of his private life now (which is perfectly OK). He seems a real intellectual, artist, and person who's curious about life, which is what makes him interesting. What makes him funny we've all seen. This book goes a long way to showing what makes him tick. Liked it a lot.

Short and sweet.

This was a decent book. I wish it was longer, but it's interesting to hear Steve's path to fame, how quickly he got there, and how quickly he wanted to change gears.