Bossypants
by Tina Fey
★★★★☆
Oh Tina Fey, how I love your sense of humor. I wanted Bossypants to be funny and clever. I wanted it to make me laugh and let me get to know the author a bit better and I feel like it did all of these things. If you already think you’d like this one, you probably will.
I’m not a big fan of celebrity memoirs… a fan at all really, but this isn’t one of those. It feels more like a David Sedaris book. It makes you laugh out loud or squirm uncomfortably as you recognize and identify with the awkward teen or new employee you’re reading about. I loved seeing the photos of Fey in hilarious outfits as a kid and the comparison airbrushed shots of her on a magazine cover. She acknowledges the huge differences, but embraces them with humor.
If you already love 30 Rock, which I do, the chapter detailing the birth and growth of the show is really fun. If you’ve never watched it, it might not be as interesting. I think my favorite section was a mother’s prayer for her young daughter. She asks for simple things for her child, like no tramp stamps and a job where she can where comfortable shoes.
Bossypants is by no means a perfect book. There are a few small sections that drag, there is some name dropping and funny celebrity anecdotes, but Fey makes all of these things work. In the end, you can sign me up as a fan of Fey. I will absolute be buying whatever else she has to offer.
*Photo on right is Tina Fey's American Express ad
15 comments:
This must be one of the biggest bestsellers of the year... even with the slightly creepy cover :S
Fey is not very big here in Europe, I don't think many people would recognize her, but she does seem like the type of person I'd love to meet. Have you read any memoirs by Stephen Fry?
Anxiously waiting my turn for the library audio book:) Sounds terrific.
I just loaded the audio (after waiting FOREVER) to my iPod, so I'll be listening soon. I love Fey because she is hilarious, but she also is a great role model for working moms.
My daughter is reading this book right now, we are all big fans of 30 Rock. Also big fans of her film work, most notably Date Night. She was a combination of wonderful and funny in that film.
I don't go in for celeb biographies/memoirs either, but a comparison with David Sedaris gives me pause and makes me want to reconsider reading this myself.
Alexandra - I saw a short interview with the guy who provided the arms for this picture. He had no idea it was for the cover.
Sandy - I agree, she's one of the moms who make me think I might be able to do it one day.
Carl V- I loved Date Night too. If you liked that and 30 Rock, I think you'd like this. I'm not a fan of celeb memoirs at all, but I couldn't pass up Fey.
Hi Melissa :)
Thank-you for visiting my blog. Yes I absolutely loved "THE GLASS CASTLE" it is amazing how well these children survived and went on to live productive lives...???
I do have "HALF BROKE HORSES" on my nook and will read it soon. As always after reading a terrific book, I have a terrible time picking the next one.
I do have "BOSSYPANTS" but haven't read this one yet.
Have a nice evening
I used to dislike Tina Fey and 30 Rock, and now I can't imagine what I was thinking. Both Tina Fey and 30 Rock are so totally delightful. I nearly got to see Tina Fey speak earlier this year, but I didn't know she was going to be at the bookstore and I only got there after she arrived. :p
I've never really read any of her books, but I saw her once at an event near where I live. She was reading something that she wrote, and was explaining what she meant by her passages to the crowd. I thought she was very funny and engaging! Smart too. I definitely respect her as a writer, because the script for 30 Rock is genius. I might try this one out - although I'm not much of a memoir reader myself.
This was only ho-hum for me...some parts I really liked (Oprah/Sarah Palin/SNL/Amy Poehler) others not so much (YMCA). I've heard it makes an awesome audio book.
Madeleine - I hate having to pick a new book after reading a great one. I'm always worried it will disappoint.
Jenny - I've had authors and actors that I've felt that way about. I couldnt' stand them, then all of a sudden I see them in something and they hook me. I'm glad you like her now!
Jillian - She's one person I'd love to meet. I'm not too impressed with most celebrities, but she seems like a great balance of smart and funny.
Melissa Mc - I heard that too. I may have to listen to it in a year or so when I want to re-read it.
I can't wait to read this! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm a huge 30 Rock fan, so I would love to see some behind the scenes.
While it is a technically a celebrity memoir, I think she's proven herself enough as a comedy writer (not necessarily books), that in my mind it's in a different category all together.
Everyone seems to be recommending this, even if (like me) you haven't watched 30 Rock. I love her Sarah Palin impersonations and Mean Girls, so I just might have to read this. Glad you liked it :)
Kristi - I completely agree. I don't see it as a celebrity memoir, she's a writer and a book is the logical next step. I will be picking up whatever her next book is.
Teacher/Learner - If you liked Mean Girls you'll probably like it. It has that same sense of humor and I don't think 30 Rock is a requirement.
I just finished listening to this and it was a ton of fun. One of the best audiobook experiences I've had. It just flew by. I'm a big Fey fan and my only real disappointment is that it wasn't long enough!!!!!
Jenners - I loved that it was short enough that I was left wanting more. I feel like she probably has many more great stories to tell. It didn't feel like she was desperate for material.
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