Sample
  • 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 (14,781 ratings)

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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.

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)

Featured Article: The top 100 celebrity memoirs of all time


The best celebrity memoir audiobooks are in a league of their own—there is no greater listening experience than a memoir performed by the celebrity behind the title. Their charisma and authenticity greatly enhance the experience, making it all the more engaging. Many listeners who would never think to read a celebrity memoir in print gravitate to the genre in audio. There’s something magical about hearing, in their own voice, the nitty-gritty of a star’s path.

What listeners say about Born Standing Up

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

Love him

I really enjoyed his story. I laughed and cried. I really hope he does a follow up memoir of the rest of his amazing career.

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

Left me feeling sad

Steve Martin is an exceptional communicator, and this story is beautifully written, with insight into his path to fame and fortune.
I worked in Santa Barbara when he spent a lot of time there, and there were always sighting stories about him and his soft spoken ways.
I guess what I missed in this book was his why, it seems as if he would have been happier if he had remained a TV writer. I'm glad he didn't because I've enjoyed him immensely.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Born Standing Up

More insightful and reflective than I expected, but still funny. Compelling. Steve Martin's voice makes for a very pleasant listen.

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

I almost passed on this one, but . . .

Any additional comments?

I'm glad I bought it. I've been watching Steve Martin for decades and always thought he was funny. However, I'm a big fan of Kathy Griffin. After reading her account of meeting Steve Martin for the first time, I was ready to give this book a pass (even though Kathy loved this book). I'm glad I gave it a chance.

Steve's performance in the beginning is a little boring. If you get past the small part where he seems to be getting his feet wet, you'll find it's worth the wait. Okay, so he name-drops and I was a little impressed by that. He really gets into the story after the first chapter or so and that was enough to get me to listen to it again. I definitely got my money's worth.

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

Unexpected

I don’t think I have ever seen a Steve Martin movie , and after listening, I don’t think I will. However as my ratings show , this book was amazing. It honest , thoughtful and at times it funny. It has inspired me to rethink my music career, and how to reconnect with my family.

I highly recommend this book.

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

interesting

Very interesting to learn the story behind the memories we all share. I wonder how many people still know all the words to King Tut? Nice work, great banjo pickin by Steve as well.

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

Delightful nostalgia

Great look back at the career of one of the best comedians of the 20th century. Funny and reflective, with lots of warmth.

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

Loved it!

It was so good, I honestly did not want to to end! So many good insights and parts that had me laughing out loud as I drove and listened.

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

Hard work

The years of hard work behind Steve Martin‘s stand-up act are the subject of this book. From his childhood job in Disneyland‘s magic shop through years on the road, it’s quite a tail of perseverance and resilience. There were many high points, but he was lonely and suffered from panic attacks. This is a well-written and engaging book.

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

Brilliant. Honest, humble, and funny.

so good. did not want it to end. loves hearing his old bits and the story of how he came to be the icon we know today.

wish it was twice as long.

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