• 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 (14,679 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

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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

More interesting than funny.

Not a very in depth memoir but still an interesting retelling of his stand-up career buildup and yes, why he walked away. His narration is surprisingly unemotional, almost somber but it works just fine. This is not a "wild and crazy guy" laugh out loud listen.

We get to know Steve Martin the entertainer pretty well. Steve Martin the person - not so much. Still - a credit well spent.

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

I never knew...

This memoir as Steve refers to it, is so much more. Countless stories both personal and professional. Steve is a one of a kind humorist which is evident by the story of how his live persona came about. This man worked very, very hard to become who he is and his success is not an accident. I loved it.

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

Holds up so well. All artists can learn something.

So fun that it's Steve narrating. He does bits and injects the right emotional and humor.

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

brilliant

wonderful insight into Steve Martin's beginning. he is a great narrator. loved it. he is brilliant.

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

He’s on my dream dinner party list!

I love Steve Martin. Always have always will. It was wonderful hearing his story and I’m so grateful he shared it. I could listen to his voice all day

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

Steve Martin is perfect.

Beautifully written and performed, I feel so blessed to be able to hear his story from his own voice. Peering behind the curtain to what makes a brilliant talent, he is exceptional. This book truly shows what it takes , hard work and faith in oneself, to live the life one wants. Thank you for leading the way and sharing your story.

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

Perfect Saturday afternoon departure

Long a Steve Martin fan, I had no idea where he came from or how his unique brand of comedy developed. Great listen from an amazing artist and thinker.

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

Super Enjoyable

But it left me wanting more. Felt like it ended abruptly and didn’t take me much further than the 80’s. Take a listen and if you don’t agree, well excuuuuuse me!

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

Insight into the mind of a LEGEND

I love and respect Steve Martin even more after reading AND listening to this book.

Thank you Steve for opening up and sharing your stories with the world. It could not have been easy, and yet, you made it seem so.

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

It was a Joy to walk the comedy road with Steve

A great listen! The hours he worked on his craft show a tremendous work ethic. He is and was a true student of comedy. It show in his work that we have enjoyed for decades.

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