Bossypants

Bossypants by Tina Fey (2011), narrated by the author

I first read Bossypants back in 2011 soon after it was published. When I heard how good the audio was, I rather wished I had listened instead. My interest was renewed while reading Lean In, in which Fey was quoted a number of times, so last weekend on a long drive to and from Maine I finally listened.

I wasn't quite as impressed with the audio version as I had hoped. Fey still sounds more like she's reading than talking, which I suppose is just because of the style of her writing. There were bits I couldn't hear because she drops her voice, and my car is rather loud. If your car is more of a luxury vehicle than my Toyota Yaris, this may not be a problem for you. But just be aware, the volume of her voice varies quite a bit. Still, it was enjoyable and just the right mix of smart and funny for a car trip. (Also, note that the book has a number of photos. They're included on one of the CDs, but obviously impossible to look at while driving.)

Looking back at my previous review, I can see that I focused more on her personal stories than her career. Because I just finished Lean In, this time I was especially interested in her work experiences. Comedy has its own set of unique problems, it appears, such as a strangely common idea that women aren't funny. Which just led me to spend 20 minutes watching clips of Saturday Night Live on YouTube. Now, where was I? Oh yes. Tina Fey doesn't fucking care if you like it. I'm pretty sure that's exactly what she says in the book: "We don't fucking care if you like it." When men dismiss ideas like Kotex Classic, it's because they are men and don't understand, not because it isn't funny. Another stumbling block Fey ran into was the idea that nobody would be interested in a sketch that featured only women, proved very wrong by sketches like this one about a joint message from Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton, which is not only one of the most memorable moments on SNL but contains a very real message about women and the media.

Like Sandberg, Fey also addresses the problems of working mothers, as well as general observations about the expectations that come with being female. She acknowledges the pressures to look a certain way, but dismisses them, and that is the real crux of her brand of feminism I think - she chooses not to care what others think and what they expect from her and instead trusts in herself. This message goes hand in hand with Sheryl Sandberg's and these two books compliment each other nicely. If you still haven't read Bossypants, give it a shot. You too will be inspired to head over to YouTube and rewatch all of your favorite Tina Fey moments.

Bossypants : a review

Bossypants by Tina Fey (2011)

I've enjoyed the comedy stylings of Tina Fey since I watched her on SNLs Weekend Update with her delicious co-host Jimmy Fallon. She was smart, funny, and down to earth. Throughout her successes with SNL, 30 Rock, movies like Mean Girls and Baby Mama, Fey has remained a relatable everywoman, only increasing her appeal. This quality is nowhere more apparent than in her recently-published book, which I prefer to think is titled Manhands.

From her humble beginning as a “change of life” baby (omg, so am I – we are sisters!), Fey recounts her early life and career, as well as more recent experiences such as her return to SNL to play Sarah Palin. The memoir is chronological, but not linear; that is, events are presented in order but there is no continuous flow between chapters. Some chapters are about events or experiences, others more thematic in nature. There is a chapter of remembrances on being very skinny, and one on being a little bit fat, both ending with “we should leave people alone about their weight.” She also shares a very funny story about her honeymoon, during which their cruise ship caught on fire. (Which I realize doesn’t sound funny, but it is.) An odd but fascinating chapter called “Peeing in Jars With Boys” recounts the unusual personal habits of some of the men at SNL. The book ends with a strangely neurotic chapter in which she agonizes over whether or not to have another baby. (Apparently she chose to, as she recently announced that she’s pregnant.)

Though her humor can be self-deprecating at times, it is tempered by a healthy dose of self-confidence and an apparently positive body image. In a chapter listing an exhaustive number of expectations for females, she includes a list of “all my healthy body parts for which I am grateful” and concludes: “I would not trade any of these features for anybody else’s…I wouldn’t even trade the acne scar on my right cheek, because that recurring zit spent more time with me in college than any boy ever did.”

A bit choppy, it’s a very quick read and, as you would expect, pretty funny. Much of her hilarity is in the delivery so I wish I had held out for the audio which she narrates herself, but it was still an enjoyable few hours and I’m glad I read it.

Ending on a random note, this may have been my favorite quote from the book:
“I have a suspicion that the definition of “crazy” in show business is a woman who keeps talking even after no one wants to fuck her anymore.”

Tina, I hope you never stop talking!