Born Standing Up is one of the few celebrity memoirs that actually deserves its 'classic' status. It’s not a book of gossip; it’s a book about the sheer, stubborn will it takes to make something out of nothing.

For parents, it’s a relief to see a 'showbiz' story that emphasizes work ethic over 'getting discovered.' For kids, especially those interested in performing or writing, it’s a reminder that even the legends started out selling guidebooks at Disneyland for pocket change. It’s short, it’s honest, and it’s surprisingly moving.