Customer Reviews

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

love it, steve martin is a riot. funny, insightful, and heartfelt. i loved it and would recommend it to all fans of his or of comedy in general

This is an excellent memoir by Steve Martin of his days doing stand up comedy from the 1960s to the early 1980s.

I'd recommend buying the audio book version rather than the print version. The print version is good but Steve Martin's narration on the audio book adds something extra to the final package.

I have a forty minute highway commute to and from work and I usually pass the time listening to audio books. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Born Standing Up will be of most interest to young people who want to create a career performing in stand-up comedy. I was fascinated by Steve Martin's recollections of the lessons he learned at the magic shop in Disneyland and in performing at the Bird Cage Theater at Knott's Berry Farm. Both places were favorite haunts of mine while he was doing his apprenticeship, and I'm sure I saw him perform but don't remember him. Knowing a lot about both places, it made it easier for me to appreciate the other steps he took to develop an act and to become recognized. His description of being on the Tonight Show was a good lesson in patience . . . the first dozen or so appearances don't do a thing for your career.

Having seen him perform, I could never figure out why he chose to do the self-deprecating bit and wear a white suit. Now I know how all that came about. It was definitely interesting.

But if you want to know a lot more about Steve Martin, the man, and his daily thoughts and challenges . . . this book will leave you disappointed.

At times I felt like I was reading a book about how to plan a career rather than an autobiography -- especially towards the end when he explained how heavy touring while you are hot makes it inevitable that you won't develop the new material you need to stay hot. I guess there's a reason why Bob Hope always had so many writers working for him.

I haven't always enjoyed Steve Martin's humor, and I found myself wondering over some examples of what was great about his humor. If you aren't a big fan of Steve Martin's or don't want to be a stand-up comedian, you might find it wisest to skip this book. It's probably a two or three star effort for you.

During one of Steve Martin's recorded stand up performances he asked the audience "how'd I get so effin' funny?". He answers by explaining that before the show he puts boloney in his shoes so that he "feels" funny.

This book answers the question honestly. You find out how his life experience led to his unique and original standup performances.

At 200 pages the book is a quick, well written, easy read. Steve's reflections are thoughtfull and illuminating. You feel that you get to know the man behind the celebrity.

Facinating book if you've ever been facinated by the originality of Steve Martin's humour.

I really liked this memoir. Steve Martin has a great perspective on life and he's pretty laid back about his experiences. Its great for when you want a break between heavier books. Highly recommended especially if comedy is your thing.

I'm confident that Mr Steve Martin is the finest magician-turned writer-turned standup-turned movie star-turned writer there ever was. I absolutely loved this book and more than anything, it made me want desperately to go back and find some live footage of his standup from the peak of his career. Fans should love this, non-fans should enjoy the story, and anyone with a sense of humour should get it. Also highly recommended: Pure Drivel.

Born Standing Up will be of most interest to young people who want to create a career performing in stand-up comedy. I was fascinated by Steve Martin's recollections of the lessons he learned at the magic shop in Disneyland and in performing at the Bird Cage Theater at Knott's Berry Farm. Both places were favorite haunts of mine while he was doing his apprenticeship, and I'm sure I saw him perform but don't remember him. Knowing a lot about both places, it made it easier for me to appreciate the other steps he took to develop an act and to become recognized. His description of being on the Tonight Show was a good lesson in patience . . . the first dozen or so appearances don't do a thing for your career.

Having seen him perform, I could never figure out why he chose to do the self-deprecating bit and wear a white suit. Now I know how all that came about. It was definitely interesting.

But if you want to know a lot more about Steve Martin, the man, and his daily thoughts and challenges . . . this book will leave you disappointed.

At times I felt like I was reading a book about how to plan a career rather than an autobiography -- especially towards the end when he explained how heavy touring while you are hot makes it inevitable that you won't develop the new material you need to stay hot. I guess there's a reason why Bob Hope always had so many writers working for him.

I haven't always enjoyed Steve Martin's humor, and I found myself wondering over some examples of what was great about his humor. If you aren't a big fan of Steve Martin's or don't want to be a stand-up comedian, you might find it wisest to skip this book. It's probably a two or three star effort for you.