Born Standing Up - A Comic's Life by Steve Martin Books in Review
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Born Standing Up - A Comic's Life
by Steve Martin
Scribner
ISBN 1-4165-5364-9
Published November 2007 - Hardcover - 209 pages - $25.00

I've usually found Steve Martin rather entertaining, and because he's usually retiring, one doesn't read, hear, or see much of him in the media.  I do know he's a rather prolific writer but this book about his life as a stand-up comic is the first one I've come across.  Known for his comedic brilliance, this award-winning personality tells us about his start in coffee bars, his childhood (often the catalyst for our future careers), his tour of duty at Disneyland (a very interesting chapter - time spent shaping his life), his magic act, his girlfriends, and more.  His subtle humor, often quietly hiliarious, is evident thoughout this book.  I also know he's an art collector as I've seen a lot of his art exhibited (on loan) in various museums around the world.  I distinctly remember a few David Hockneys.  The first half of the book I found a little slow, but the second half (as his success was imminent and subsequently grew) was much more entertaining.  It seemed to flow more and was easier to read.  I've learned not to expect hilarity from a comedian's autobiography, as it's usually not.  I did smile here and there though.
Conclusion - Very interesting and enlightening.

book cover

Review copy not supplied by publisher - library copy reviewed.

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