Wow!
5
By Nrolvr
I’ve loved him in everything I’ve ever seen, but reading this made me see him as a person for the first time. Not a comedy legend or lovable goofball - a brilliant human being with a unique perspective on life. Beautiful!
Thank you Steve!!!
5
By Cbdkalal
Amazing and inspirational insight into the making and genius of the greatest comic of our time. Steve’s reflections take me back to 1979 when I would listen to my parents albums of none other than Mr Wild and Crazy Guy himself. And although I don’t know why his skits including Let’s Get Small were so funny to an 11 year old boy they are part of my psyche and make me laugh on the inside every time. It’s like humming your favorite tune but not actually ever knowing the real lyrics. It’s genius and deep within us!! Thank you Steve for sharing!
Born Standing Up is hard to put down
5
By Rod Hardwick
Just finished reading Steve Martin’s autobiography “Born Standing Up”. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and recommend it for any fan of Steve, or of comedy or show business in general.
I am a few years younger than Steve, and have followed and enjoyed his career for many years. I could relate when Steve revealed that his father never did “get” is act. While my brother and I loved Steve’s TV appearances, our dad hated them. We loved Steve’s movie “The Jerk”, but our dad, predictably, would not sit through it. By Steve’s own admission, his act broke new ground and was designed to appeal to a younger audience. The fact that our fathers didn’t “get” it is therefore understandable.
If you are 80+ years old, you probably will not appreciate this book. But younger readers, especially those who have seen Steve’s stand up act, or listened to his comedy records, will thoroughly enjoy it. If you don’t, well excuuuuuuuse me!
Wow
5
By Della 352
Inspiring, informative, and very interesting. I love how well written it is as well.
Brings back memories!
4
By El Joseppi
I was 14 when I saw Steve Martin in concert in Greensboro, NC. I loved his comedy, still do! The book gives perspective on where it all came from. Good read!
Wonderful read
5
By JJ bbghtf
Direct, honest and yes, funny. I've always been a Martin fan, but it's great to piece it all together. Like Navin Johnson, he tells his story wonderfully and even though there isn't a Bernadette Peters, to sing a great sensitive duet like, 'Tonight You Belong to Me', it sometimes feels like there is. A real fun read.
A Gem
5
By Rabindranath62
Steve Martin's autobiography is a gem -- a small perfectly faceted memoir about how (and why) he became a comedic icon. His book entertainingly describes the long, often difficult journey Martin traveled in order to become an "overnight sensation."
Like all great craftsmen, when he was at the top of his game Martin made what he did look effortless and spontaneous -- but behind that "effortless" facade were years of trial and error spent refining his craft. In "Born Standing Up" Martin draws the curtain aside, and allows us see some of the elements that went into making "Steve Martin the Comic."
And what a comic he was. Seldom, if ever, has any other comedian approached Martin's success at melding absurdity, goofiness, intelligence, cleverness, and outright fall down funniness in such a seamless whole. He was "insider hip" without being mean spirited or condescending about it, and we were all welcomed to be on the inside with him.
Born Standing UP.
5
By Tex Turkey
Really enjoyed the book . Steve can really wtite an hold your attention .
Born Standing Up
5
By Runnergirl58
I was surprised at this revealing crystallization of Steve Martin's life. While some passages are stamped "poignant" or sharply edged, there is no superfluous fluff spinning out the sentences.
I was taken with his portrayal of a dad in Parenthood, and am most aware that, while he was screamingly funny while performing his stand up act, his writing leaves me heart-sore. I wonder if anyone's life is easy.
Easy and charming
5
By PapaPip
Having been a fan since the first time I ever got small, I was enthused to read this book. I found it to have fantastic pace, with an easy narrative style that was simultaneously informative and warm. This is a great read.