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.

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)

Super fascinating and would and will listen again

loved every second of it. I'm a budding middle age clean comic and my first thought was to listen to it for advice. However ,after a few minutes it turned from words to pros, and yes there is a difference. Even if Steve and I never meet I related to his home life. My own father told me he first loved me at age 40
Also it gave me confidence to know that even famous comics "bombed" too when they first started

Simple, beautiful, profound

Extraordinarily frank and insightful account of the inner creative life and development of a wonderful creative artist. Focusing only on one strand of his very successful and multifaceted career gives it great depth and focus. In a way slight - not long, and with almost no deviations from it's theme - it is one of my absolute favorite books. Beautifully read by the author.

Wonderful Listen

Highly recommended for anyone who loves Steve Martin, stand-up comedy and banjos, although not exclusively. So glad I listened to the audiobook rather than just reading the book because you're treated to banjo interludes, Steve Martin's own dry delivery, his comic inflection and timing, not to mention the occasional song. Lots of insight, lots of laughs and even a few tears.

1975 former Disco guy loved the book

If like me you graduated in the 70's you grew saying all of Steve Martin's phrases. Good book

Excellent story.

A few nuggets of gold and an excellent candid look at Steve Martin's rise to fame. I'm not hugely familiar with his work from the 70s but still loved hearing his story nonetheless. I blasted through this audio book and found it incredibly entertaining. I actually just wish it was longer and went a little deeper into his growth as a comedian. I like hearing that stuff in more explicit detail. Either way, 100% worth listening to. I enjoyed it a lot!

Wild and crazy

Overall I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot of things about Steve Martin that I didn't know. Some real surprises as to how his most famous routines came into being. I was a little disappointed in that he covers the early part of his career in great deal but the most recent 15 years he hardly mentions at all. A great listen if you are a Steve Martin fan.

For Steve Martin Fans (and Everyone Else)

If you could sum up Born Standing Up in three words, what would they be?

Warm, Touching, and Hilarious

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author shows the intellect and craft behind comedy.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Parts of the book are so well-written and spoken that his emotion is palpable.

Amazing insight into a talented man

I loved this glimpse into a man who kept his fame private. Quirky, strange, evocative. Definitely worth the listen.

Incredibly honest

He's a class act and a true artist. As a testament to his artistry, both my 12 and 18 year old sons listened to this book with me on a little my drive. At first I thought they were before, but after each stop they would ask me to keep playing the book. Thank you Mr. Martin.

Brilliant but lifeless

A fascinating story, but lifelessly performed. He read his book as if reading stereo instructions.