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Born Standing Up summary
Brief summary
Born Standing Up is Steve Martin's memoir about his early career in stand-up comedy. He shares his experiences, struggles, and the hard work that went into his success, offering valuable insights into the world of comedy.
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Table of Contents
Born Standing Up
Summary of key ideas
Early Life and Beginnings
In Born Standing Up, Steve Martin takes us on a journey through his early life and his rise to fame as a stand-up comedian. He begins by describing his childhood, growing up in California, and his strained relationship with his father. Martin's early years were marked by a sense of isolation and a desire to escape his mundane reality.
He then delves into his first experiences with performing, starting with his job at Disneyland where he sold guidebooks and performed magic tricks. These early experiences ignited his passion for entertaining and set him on the path to becoming a comedian. Martin's unique blend of magic, comedy, and absurdity began to take shape during this time.
The Stand-Up Years
Martin's narrative then shifts to his stand-up career, which he describes as a long, hard struggle. He performed at small clubs and college campuses, refining his act and experimenting with different comedic styles. He was known for his unconventional, anti-comedy approach, often incorporating absurd props and catchphrases into his routines.
Despite the initial challenges, Martin's hard work eventually paid off. He became a regular guest on popular TV shows and gained a loyal following. His performances were marked by their unpredictability and his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional comedy. Martin's rise to fame was rapid, and he soon found himself performing in front of thousands of people in sold-out arenas.
The Price of Fame
As Martin's career soared, he found himself grappling with the downsides of fame. He describes the loneliness and isolation that came with his celebrity status, as well as the pressure to constantly deliver new and innovative material. Despite his success, Martin felt unfulfilled and increasingly disconnected from his audience.
His decision to retire from stand-up comedy at the peak of his career came as a shock to many. Martin explains that he was burnt out and disillusioned with the industry. He longed for a simpler, more authentic form of expression, free from the constraints of fame and expectations.
Life After Comedy
In the latter part of Born Standing Up, Martin reflects on his life post-comedy. He discusses his transition to acting and writing, as well as his ongoing passion for art and music. Despite leaving stand-up behind, Martin's unique comedic sensibility continued to influence his work in other mediums.
He also shares personal insights and life lessons he's learned along the way. Martin emphasizes the importance of perseverance, originality, and staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. He concludes by expressing gratitude for his experiences in comedy, acknowledging the role it played in shaping his identity.
Final Thoughts
In Born Standing Up, Steve Martin offers a candid and introspective look at his life and career. His journey from a young, aspiring performer to a comedy icon is marked by both triumphs and challenges. Through his story, Martin not only provides a glimpse into the world of stand-up comedy but also offers valuable insights into the nature of creativity, success, and the pursuit of happiness.
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What is Born Standing Up about?
Born Standing Up is a memoir by legendary comedian Steve Martin. In this engaging and honest book, Martin reflects on his journey to stardom in the world of stand-up comedy. From his early days working at Disneyland to selling out arenas across the country, he shares insights, humorous anecdotes, and the challenges he faced along the way. It's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the life of a comedic genius.
Born Standing Up Review
Born Standing Up (2007) is Steve Martin's memoir that takes readers on a journey through his rise to stardom as a comedian. Here's why this book is definitely worth a read:
- It provides insightful reflections on the comedy industry and the struggles and sacrifices Martin made to pursue his passion.
- Filled with humorous anecdotes and personal stories, the book offers a glimpse into Martin's unique comedic style and the influences that shaped his career.
- Through his sincere and vulnerable storytelling, Martin creates an engaging narrative that keeps readers captivated from start to finish, leaving them with a deep appreciation for his journey.
Who should read Born Standing Up?
- Aspiring comedians looking for insight into the stand-up comedy world
- Fans of Steve Martin interested in his personal and professional journey
- Individuals seeking inspiration and lessons on pursuing a creative passion
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Born Standing Up FAQs
What is the main message of Born Standing Up?
Steve Martin's Born Standing Up tells the story of his journey to becoming a successful comedian, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-discovery in pursuing one's passion.
How long does it take to read Born Standing Up?
Reading Born Standing Up can take a few hours, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Born Standing Up a good book? Is it worth reading?
Born Standing Up is a captivating read that offers valuable insights into Steve Martin's life as a comedian, making it well worth the read.
Who is the author of Born Standing Up?
The author of Born Standing Up is Steve Martin.
How many chapters are in Born Standing Up?
There are 16 chapters in Born Standing Up.
- Prologue
- Grandmother's Bicycle
- Working the Stamp Line
- The Banjo Player
- Disneyland and the A-Rabbers
- Working the Bird Circuit
- A Bee on Barney's Butt
- The Comedy Team
- At Large in San Francisco
- Driving a Small Car Backstage
- In Private Service to the Great
- A Star is Born Again
- Frontiers of Comedy
- Backstage With Wilder and Pryor
- The Great Flydini
- Stand-Up Comic – The Epilogue
How many pages are in Born Standing Up?
Born Standing Up contains 224 pages.
When was Born Standing Up published?
Born Standing Up was published in 2007.
What to read after Born Standing Up?
If you're wondering what to read next after Born Standing Up, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh