Saturday Night Live alumni and creator of hit comedy 30 Rock Tina Fey produced one of the most entertaining memoirs in recent years with Bossypants. Originally released in 2011, it hung around the New York Times bestsellers charts for months and remains a highlight within the crowded memoir category.
Bossypants is Fey all over, bursting with the self-deprecating wit that has become her signature. However it’s quickly obvious the book has been written on her terms entirely, with only the insights into her personal life she is willing to reveal.
For example, the childhood incident which left Fey with permanent facial scars is only mentioned briefly. There is spotted information about her early years, mainly amusing vignettes describing the quirks of her parents.
The most interesting parts of the book concern her move to New York and the early days of her writing career. Fey shares stories about life at Saturday Night Live with other now famous performers. Particularly memorable is the story of how Jimmy Fallon and Amy Poehler first met. Fey also talks about how she developed 30 Rock and became a household name for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in 2008. The feminist streak that appears when Fey addresses criticisms levelled at female comediennes “for just not being funny” is impressively astute and provides some telling insight into how Fey has survived in the competitive world of show business.
Bossypants is political, thoughtful and fiery, but most of all- it’s very funny.
Praise for Bossypants: “Bossypants,” by Tina Fey, isn’t a memoir; it’s a spiky blend of humor, introspection, critical thinking and Nora Ephronisms for a new generation.” New York Times.
About the author: Tina Fey was the first female head writer of Saturday Night Live and created, writes and stars in 30 Rock. She has received numerous awards for her comedy writing, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, 5 Emmys, and 5 Writers Guild Awards. She also wrote and appeared in the acclaimed and wildly popular movie Mean Girls.
Find out more: Bossypants at The Nile
Bossypants is Fey all over, bursting with the self-deprecating wit that has become her signature. However it’s quickly obvious the book has been written on her terms entirely, with only the insights into her personal life she is willing to reveal.
For example, the childhood incident which left Fey with permanent facial scars is only mentioned briefly. There is spotted information about her early years, mainly amusing vignettes describing the quirks of her parents.
The most interesting parts of the book concern her move to New York and the early days of her writing career. Fey shares stories about life at Saturday Night Live with other now famous performers. Particularly memorable is the story of how Jimmy Fallon and Amy Poehler first met. Fey also talks about how she developed 30 Rock and became a household name for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in 2008. The feminist streak that appears when Fey addresses criticisms levelled at female comediennes “for just not being funny” is impressively astute and provides some telling insight into how Fey has survived in the competitive world of show business.
Bossypants is political, thoughtful and fiery, but most of all- it’s very funny.
Praise for Bossypants: “Bossypants,” by Tina Fey, isn’t a memoir; it’s a spiky blend of humor, introspection, critical thinking and Nora Ephronisms for a new generation.” New York Times.
About the author: Tina Fey was the first female head writer of Saturday Night Live and created, writes and stars in 30 Rock. She has received numerous awards for her comedy writing, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, 5 Emmys, and 5 Writers Guild Awards. She also wrote and appeared in the acclaimed and wildly popular movie Mean Girls.
Find out more: Bossypants at The Nile
