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  • Born Standing Up

  • A Comic's Life
  • Written by: Steve Martin
  • Narrated by: Steve Martin
  • Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (295 ratings)

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Born Standing Up

Written 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 the critics say

2008 Grammy Nominee, Best Spoken Word Album

"Absolutely magnificent. One of the best books about comedy and being a comedian ever written." (Jerry Seinfeld)

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

Great for comedy nerds

I enjoyed learning about the struggle of an up and coming comic to find their voice and then success. Good listen short but sweet.

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

Steve Martin

Used to crack me up. Very nostalgic. Wish I had started listening to books earlier

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Not necessarily what you might expect

Too short sadly :) It kind of ends where his wild success began. The artistic insights are profound, however, and I would recommend it to those who like Steve Martin. Lastly, I wouldn't have minded a bit more banjo. CS

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

Wonderful Memoir

Thoroughly enjoyed getting to know about the life of one of my favorite comedians.

I loved learning about how much thought he out in to creating a new kind of comedy.

The banjo in between sections was a lovely touch.

Solid memoir, would definitely recommend.

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2 people found this helpful

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Great story but a little sad that SM seems...

I am a fan of Steve Martin's work. I grew up watching him. The book is well told and his standup stories are engaging. There is something about this story though that I find aloof. I can't quite put my finger on it though.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Really enjoyable

Really enjoyable and Steve Martin as they narrator was a huge bonus. Wish it was longer and would love to hear about the rest of his life after stand up. Highly recommend this audiobook. Makes me want to go re-watch all his movies and concerts.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great listen!

I totally enjoyed listening to the author reading his book. Such a great look at Steve Martin's journey in his stand up career.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A raw and introspective novel

What a great autobiography by Steve Martin, exploring his rise to fame and shedding light on his anxieties and securities that came with that success.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Honest and funny

I was sorry that the biography ended after 4 hours, I was enjoying it so much. I always liked Steve Martin and now I like him even more. Made me want to listen to his comedy albums. Thank you Steve Martin.

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

Brilliant!!!

Thank you Steve Martin for sharing your journey, struggles, and triumphs. Didn’t want the book to end.....

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