Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin

It's been a busy few days at work, but not so busy that I didn't have time to read Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin. I am definitely a Steve Martin fan (The Jerk is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny) so I considered this, his memoir, to be a must-read. It was even on the NYT best-seller list for awhile when it first came out. It's in paperback now for those who care. Anyhoo, this book was certainly interesting because it's Steve Martin and who's not a fan of Steve Martin? And he's actually had a very interesting, serendipitous life. (especially since I just read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, so I can see how Steve Martin definitely had some lucky circumstances)

I'm rambling. So this was an interesting book because of the subject matter and the content, but, really, the book isn't that great. I definitely, 100% think it's a must-read if you're a fan. Because if you're a fan, you can forgive the sparse style, the begrudging voice, and the complete disconnect from the reader, and the almost loathsomeness for himself that comes across. Okay, I'm making it sound terrible; it's not, but I do think it has been forgiven a lot in media coverage because it's Steve Martin. Really, the book could have been written by an 8th grader. It's like Steve Martin didn't want to delve into his past or that he hadn't even thought about his past until setting pen to paper to write this book. Not only that, but he doesn't go into any real personal detail; it's all factual "i went here at this time, then there, then I met this person", which is fine because he went cool places and met famous people, but he doesn't give the reader any personal information nor does he lay out any real honest emotion. I think Steve Martin may be a bit on the emotionally unavailable side and perhaps a little crazy.

But he's hilarious. So I forgive him. All that to say, if you're a fan, DEFINITELY read this book because you will learn SO much interesting stuff about him, but don't be expecting any kind of "tell-all" a la Maureen McCormick. I am really glad I read it, despite my harsh review, so take it with a grain of salt. It's still a very enjoyable book; light, easy to get through, interesting...you can probably read it in a day. (so definitely borrow, don't buy).

And don't judge Steve Martin's writing based on this book, either. The Underpants and Picasso at the Lapin Agile are still probably two of the funniest plays I've ever seen, and I thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed The Pleasure of My Company (such a great read!) and Shopgirl (which was turned into a boring movie [don't see the boring movie, read the novella])

So, go read his other stuff because he is certainly gifted in other forms of writing...just not necessarily memoirs.