So Many Steves

Afternoons with Steve Martin

By: Steve Martin, Adam Gopnik

Narrated by: Steve Martin, Adam Gopnik

Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Steve Martin is more candid than he’s ever been about his creative life—in this engrossing audio-biography centered around a series of conversations recorded over many afternoons at home with his friend and neighbor, writer Adam Gopnik.

Steve Martin met his good friend Adam Gopnik three decades ago, and in that time, Gopnik has always marveled at Martin’s ability to flourish in a wide variety of artforms: magic, comedy, art collecting, writing, and music. In So Many Steves: Afternoons with Steve Martin, New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik creates a new type of profile: a year’s worth of conversations with Martin where Gopnik pulls back the curtain on his friend’s illustrious career.

This audio-biography places you in Martin’s apartment across from Steve and Adam, listening as their conversation flows from Steve’s first job in a magic shop to selling out stadiums as a standup comedian, starring in major motion pictures, writing his first novel, teaching himself to play the banjo, and starting a respected art collection. Through it all you’ll hear clips from Steve Martin’s iconic stand up routines and movies as well as excerpts from his writing and tv appearances, all knit together by an original banjo score created and played by Steve.

Widely praised for his dada persona and portrayal of funny-yet-relatable parents, Steve shares behind the scenes anecdotes from his films―L.A. Story, The Jerk, Three Amigos, and more―giving listeners a taste of life on set. More than a history, this series of intimate conversations between old colleagues reveal Martin's thoughtful approach to both art and life. As Steve develops as an artist, challenging himself with learning new crafts, Adam sees his friend growing and evolving as a person: becoming warmer, more gregarious, and even more gracious.

With Adam’s tender audio-portrait of Steve Martin as an ever-progressing creator, and Martin's own insights into his career and life, So Many Steves shares new perspectives on the comedy legend.

©2023 Pushkin Industries and 40 Share (P)2023 Pushkin Industries and 40 Share

Perfection

A sweet and wonderful insight into the life and mind of a man I have admired my whole life. I had to go back and listen to it all over again once it ended. My only complaint is that it was too short; I long for more chats between these two intriguing, connected souls

A necessary listen for any Steve Martin fan.

This was well conceived and edited together. Wonderful entry into the world is Steve Martin aficionados!

Fun to learn more about this talented man.

My first glimpse of Steve Martin was his debut on Johnny Carson - resplendent in his white suit and arrow through his head. I knew I wanted to see more of him. I have since enjoyed all his comedy albums, movies, and music. I was thrilled, overjoyed when I was able to see Steve Martin-Martin Short on their joint tour a few years ago. This conversational book is a nice way to get to know this fascinating man. Each phase of his career is carefully explored to reveal the real Steve Martin. It was a thoughtful glimpse into the man, easy to listen to, as told to an obviously very good friend.

Thoughtful. Engaging. Insightful

I only wish it were longer and told more stories. I plan to gift this audio special to many friends,

A wonderful look at Steve Martin's life!

As a huge fan of all of Steve Martin's work - comedy, movies, books, and music - I was really looking forward to hearing these interviews and stories. I was not disappointed! Steve laughs and even cries while telling about his incredible 50+ year trajectory from philosophy student to broke stand-up comic and magician, to successful actor, author, composer, and art collector. But even with all of his success, fame, and wealth, he still comes across as a humble and grounded person who works hard to master whatever he does. You will very much enjoy this book!

Fantastic stories!

I’ve read all of Steve’s books and have seen all of his movies, and his play. This was a wonderful compilation of stories about his life and accomplishments without being self effacing. Steve and Adam are great together too!

Good audiobook- too short

Adam Gopnik brings Steve Martin out of his shell - the conversations are thoughtful and delightful. My only criticism is the book is too short, it feels like we cut away from every chapter just when the conversation is going to get really deep. But - Steve Martin being a show biz veteran, knows to leave the audience wanting more.

Love hearing Steve Martins journey, not so much the narrator

I have always loved Steve Martins absurdist humor and comedy. It was great to learn about the arc of his career. Unfortunately Adam Gopnik, the interviewer, was really too opinionated and directional in his interviews. Too much opinion and not enough curiosity. But I enjoyed the visit with Steve.

So much Gopnik

I couldn’t finish this audiobook, which isn’t very long by the way, because Adam Gopnik would not stop talking about himself. Steve Martin is fascinating. Adam Gopnik is not.

Lovely listen

I'm a life long fan of Steve Martin and this is a lovely journey through his professional career.

Feel good

An interesting look into the world of Steve Martin and his many creative crafts and pursuits.

Everyone thinking of performing for a living should listen to this!

Great close and personal account of his professional career! I liked the conversational style. Short but sweet.

An absolute treat - savour every second.

This is one of the most delightful, amusing, entertaining, informative pieces of work I have ever engaged with. My heart and mind have been equally enriched by it. I only wish it was twice as long because I loved spending this time with all the Steves and Adam.

great listen

Really enjoyed listening to this today, so many interesting facets to Steve Martin. Highly recommended