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Born Standing Up
- A Comic's Life
- Narrated by: Steve Martin
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
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Publisher's Summary
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.
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What the critics say
"Absolutely magnificent. One of the best books about comedy and being a comedian ever written." (Jerry Seinfeld)
What listeners say about Born Standing Up
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Dylan Wilson
- 2023-02-20
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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- Anonymous User
- 2018-04-18
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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- Cameron
- 2022-04-02
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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- Joelle
- 2018-01-27
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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- Shelby Ch'ng
- 2024-01-03
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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- Will P
- 2019-12-24
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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- Arden Dunfield
- 2024-07-13
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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- Deena G.
- 2018-10-30
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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- Valerie Epp
- 2023-02-23
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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- Anonymous User
- 2019-08-01
Brilliant!!!
Thank you Steve Martin for sharing your journey, struggles, and triumphs. Didn’t want the book to end.....
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