• Born Standing Up

  • A Comic's Life
  • By: Steve Martin
  • Narrated by: Steve Martin
  • Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (14,667 ratings)

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Born Standing Up  By  cover art

Born Standing Up

By: Steve Martin
Narrated by: Steve Martin
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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.

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What listeners say about Born Standing Up

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

good tale

well written story of comedians life in beginnings funny
poiniwnt funny nostalgic. good lesso listenn from beginning to end

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Introspective and honest

Worth the money.....One of comedies greatest and a good human being. One of my hero’s

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    5 out of 5 stars

Did not disappoint

This is an honest reflection from Steve on his life and what spurred him to success as a comedian. It is a very relatable story although so hard for me to comprehend how his father gave him so little encouragement and never really acknowledged his success until the end. This is one of the reasons that I seek out memoirs because it is not uncommon for wildly successful people to be unrecognized, maybe the reason that they are motivated to become successful. It was one of those books that one is so sad to see end because Steve does such a wonderful job of letting the reader in.… I highly recommend!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I LOVED this!!!

This was my first audiobook and I absolutely loved it! I loved hearing his voice!!! ❤️❤️❤️

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Me
  • 09-01-20

Very personal and enlightening

This book/audio lets you learn a bit of the trials and tribulations of Steve’s journey through his life!
If you know Steve, give him a hug!
Thanks Steve!

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  • JP
  • 07-30-19

great

this heartfelt life's journey was captivating. sensitive, funny and real. he paints a picture with vivid imagery.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Truly enjoyed this book

Steve is a fantastic story teller. He's incredibly insightful & interesting & I can't wait to read his next book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great

Great read, wish it was longer though. Been a fan for years nice to see his authentic sides

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Well Written, Well Read by the author.

Very much enjoyed listening to this book and remembering back when Steve Martin was a new celebrity. Wish the book had been longer.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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