Steve Martin’s memoir “Born Standing Up” is a vivid account of his rise to success in the stand-up comedy arena. Born in 1945, Martin was the product of a diverse yet stable upbringing. As a child, he was a serious entertainer, attending the magic shop and taking clarinet lessons, dreaming of becoming an entertainer. He chronicles his early exploits in a series of anecdotes, capturing off-the-cuff humor and insights borne of an outsider's view.
Martin's personality and sense of humor were further shaped by his job at the Magic Shop, where he was allowed to experiment and play with an ever-growing assortment of props and gags to invent amusing acts and sketches. His experiments with different forms of comedy, often met with the approval of others, yielded results and enough courage to consummate a move to Los Angeles. During this time, he found success, touring with a musical parody revue, growing frustrated by not being able to pursue a stand-up career, leading him to make the tough decision to pursue comedy instead.
However, as Martin began to pursue stand-up comedy, success was not immediate and he took every opportunity he could to perform, often enduring humiliation and embarrassment in the process. However, little by little, gigs became more frequent, and Martin even began to write for TV, helping shape his comedic sensibility. Eventually, he was headlining nightclubs, staying for weeks at a time, and developing an act takes insight. Fueled by the usual range of drugs, sleep deprivation and fatigue, Martin found himself performing the same act night after night always reaching for something new in the material.
Martin recounts the hardscrabble yet majestic progression of a young artist, providing a rich, comedic commentary on the nature of success. Through his struggles and perseverance, Martin found his niche as a world-renowned stand-up comedian. His passion, discipline, and humor all make for a great read.
In “Born Standing Up,” Martin brilliantly tells the story of how he moved up through the ranks in the comedy world, transforming himself into a hilariously entertaining performer. His wit, intense determination, and understanding of the craft make this book a must-read for anyone interested in comedy. Martin's book offers an honest, hilarious, and inspiring story of a stand-up comic. He candidly describes the nuances of performance, his particular philosophies on comedy, and creative process. Ultimately, “Born Standing Up” is a testament to the power of hard work and passion.
Overall, Steve Martin’s “Born Standing Up” is an inspiring, humorous, and enlightening memoir. It is a testament to Martin’s skill as a stand-up comedian, and how he rose to fame despite humble beginnings. If you’re looking for an entertaining and informative read, this is definitely the book for you.
