Bossypants by Tina FeyHardback, published 2011, friend's copy.
I borrowed this book from my husband's cousin. It's Tina Fey's memoir, but. . .it's not really a memoir. It reads more like a series of comedic essays. I don't read many memoirs, though, so I'm definitely not an expert. I'm actually watching her interview on David Letterman, and she admits it's not really a memoir, but a collection of essays. I think the publishers marketed it as memoir and had a certain expectation.
It was so funny, though. I read it one day, I couldn't put it down. I kept saying, 'Okay, I'll finish this chapter and then start editing. . .okay, next chapter!' It was extremely entertaining. Tina Fey has so many awesome stories, and she puts such a funny spin on them. I like her a lot more after the book - not that I didn't like her before, I liked her, I just didn't know much about her.
I really enjoyed what she had to say about female comedy writers or comedians. It came up in a few different spots, referencing Amy Poehler who didn't care about being unladylike, an old comedy leader who said no one wanted to see two women in a comedic skit, how women in comedy skits were sometimes typecast, and everyone asking her "what's the difference between men and women comedians?". She keeps the conversation grounded but funny while making it clear "we don't ****ing care if you like it." I loved the fact that the skit with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton was one of the most popular, and she said something along the lines of, "So, I guess the guy who said no one wanted to see a skit with two women can go shit in his hat."
Entertaining read, I gave it 4 stars.
Sometimes a book like this is great to have around for that day when it's exactly what you need. I haven't read it yet, but I imagine that there will be a time when I need that good laugh.
ReplyDeleteMarlene Detierro (Skagway Tours)