This well-written autobiography solidified for me the continued appeal of Steve Martin's writings. The back cover of the audio book states that it is an "amusing memoir of his years in stand-up."
Upon completion of the reading, I realized that Born Standing Up was much more about his formative years, his relationship with his parents, and the time spent learning what would become his trademark comedy routines, those he performed until walking away from stand-up forever.
I recommend the audio version for a number of reasons but, most of all, because it is read by the author. Martin's own vocal inflections, his pauses, and his writing style make it a richer read. If you like his novella Shopgirl or the play Picasso at the Lapin Agile then you will like this.
Martin's style may not be for everyone. You must appreciate detail - LOTS OF DETAIL - and the use of words that are very clever in a very non-snobbish way. At times, he uses words that make you wish you had taken that Latin class in high school or could remember that information you studied in preparation for the SAT.
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He talks of his first employment experience at Disneyland and the many characters (I am not referring to Disney characters) he met in his journey there. He made it sound like a very rich, youthful experience.
He draws you along in understanding how he, although naturally shy, reached the point where he could perform at packed stadiums and concert halls that held thousands. What you figure out is that life is unpredictable - his success wasn't because of incredible planning, but by chance and perseverance.
After Disneyland, he went on to work at The Birdcage, a theater at Knott's Berry Farm. He said this opportunity "gave me confidence and poise."
He described his "look" as "strictly wholesome Baptist" during a time in our cultural history that was all about long hair and making sure the look was against "the establishment."
He also referenced the very hip cultural trend of Flower Power thought and stated the revelation that "the world would be taken over by macrame...." I chuckled out loud.
If you are not familiar with the reference "the establishment," or macrame, you may be too young to enjoy this book.
Martin studied philosophy at one point in his college career and came across the logician Lewis Carroll. He appreciated word games, appearing to be silly, but in truth all logical in thought. "I loved implying the one thing I believed in was a contradiction."
His recollection of his many sexual experiences - believe it or not - are very tasteful and presented in a very quiet, understated way. Plus, you believe what he is saying is true and not embellished; it comes across as just a reflection of the times and the business he was in.
Martin summed it up, saying: "Free love, man, free love. Which, by the way, was the single greatest concept a young man has ever heard. There was a time when intercourse, or some version of it, was a way of saying hello. About three years later women got wise and my frustration returned to normal levels."
During his study of comedy and what makes something funny, he read that comedy is the ability to "create tension and release it." It was his reaction to this thought that became his creative beginnings of what would become his comedy style.
He asked, "What if there were no punch lines? What if there were no indicators? What if I created tension and never released it? What if I headed for a climax, but all I delivered was an anti-climax? What would the audience do with all that tension?"
If you watched Steve Martin's movie Roxanne and liked it, then you will understand that comedy can be quiet. It can make you chuckle without falling on the floor. Life itself can be hilarious and ironic without cracking hardly a grin.
Listening to Born Standing Up is much like that. You may not fall down laughing, yet it's hilarious, ironic, and full of charm.
Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College