This is another book that I picked up thanks to recommendations on both Library Thing and Amazon. Of course, I knew Tina Fey from Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, and thought it would be good for a laugh, and it was. Bossypants by Tina Fey is less a memoir and more a series of essays, mainly dealing with her experiences as a writer and comedienne. There’s stuff about Sarah Palin too.
Fey is funny, intelligent and inspirational. She is not afraid to use the “f” word, by which I mean “feminism’. She provides insights into ‘making it’ in a male-dominated industry. For example, in the introduction she gives these words of advice, “No pigtails, no tube tops. Cry sparingly. (Some people say “never let them see you cry.” I say, if you’re so mad you could just cry, the cry. It terrifies everyone.)”.
She also provides advice on how to “raise an achievement-orientated, drug-free,adult virgin.” She openly discusses the pressures placed on women, often by other women over issues such as breast-feeding versus formula; working mums versus stay-at-home; having kids early/late/not at all. Plus, she has very definite views on matters to do with body image.
But, don’t think this is all a rant from her soapbox, pushing a particular barrow. Through it all she maintains her trademark wit that fans of her work on SNL and 30 Rock will be familiar with. This book is so easy to read, it took me less than a day to read it. When I was finished I ended up dragging out my 30 Rock DVD’s just so I could have some more.
If you’re looking for a funny, yet insightful autobiography, this is it. I highly recommend this book.
Related articles
- Bossypants (lifeofcarbon.wordpress.com)
- Video: Tina Fey Makes Oprah “LOL” About Bossypants and New Babies (popsugar.com)
- Are You Excited For Tina Fey’s Bossypants Book? (popsugar.com)
Selections from my tower of shame- Jacqueline Lademann 