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 Best Comedy Audiobooks to Get You Laughing Out Loud


It’s no secret that good comedy can lighten our spirits and brighten our lives. So if you’re looking for a hilarious new listen to liven up your work day, hit the treadmill, or unwind with some leisure time at home, we’ve got the list for you. With these listens, you can laugh along with stories from some of the world’s greatest comedians, all delivered with pitch-perfect performances. From personal memoirs to multi-cast recordings, we’ve got the perfect listen.

What listeners say about Born Standing Up

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

just OK but still entertaining

let me start by saying that I did enjoy the book. But was expecting a little bit more. The wording of the stories were all very flowery so it made it feel like it was hiding the fact that not a lot was covered in the book. Where was all of the behind the scenes from Saturday Night Live? More details about his time in the movies? Would have loved to hear more. I guess this leaves room for him to write another 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

Insightful and Delightful

Any additional comments?

I love memoirs read by the authors...so authentic. What I love about this book is it really documents the hard work and tenacity required to truly make it in show business. It is funny at times but also poignant as the author reveals a lot about his family scenario, which was trying at times. This book reveals how Martin crafted and honed his unique style of comedy; if you watch "American Masters" on PBS, this is similarly revealing about what feeds into--and then is born out of--a master's creative process.

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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

Never liked his comedy, but liked the book

While most everyone would agree the Steve had some universally appreciated one liners, I personally never cared for his style overall. Still this book was a great insight into the creative process in general, and the man specifically. Well worth your time

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

How to send some one on one with the great Steve Martin

Fun! I particularly enjoyed the excerpts from actual shows. Honest and revealing. A good story

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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

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

I LOVED this!!!

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

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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

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

great

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

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