Okay, I have to admit I'm somewhat ashamed that this review wasn't posted sooner. A huge fan of Tina Fey, I had planned on snapping up her memoir, Bossypants, since the day it was released. Sadly I didn't, and it remained on my wishlist for a while until, during a habitual visit to Waterstones, I saw it on a shelf in front of me. It may as well have sported a halo - 'OhmygodIhavetogetthatnow!' was my initial response. So I did.As well as adoring 30 Rock star Fey (since before 30 Rock, I might add), I'm a lover of memoirs, especially the funny, witty kind. Think Laurie Notaro, Jen Lancaster, Chelsea Handler, even. I have a certain love for these books and am always on the lookout for similar, which is one of the reasons why I was looking forward to this book (despite that famous cover..)
Bossypants begins with Tina's childhood, with some hilarious anecdotes from her teenage years that made me laugh out loud, and frankly I didn't want this to end. From period troubles to dating, Fey covered these aspects of her younger self in such a clever, sarcastic way that not only were these stories so amusing to read, I felt as though I could relate o each and every one.
The book then moves on to Tina's work life, and how she got started in the industry, before moving on to tales of her life at Saturday Night Live and of course, 30 Rock. If you're familiar with these shows then this book really is an honest behind-the-scenes look at life in television. I've personally always loved Tina because she's hardworking, naturally funny and not to mention gorgeous - and this book simply made me love her even more. Not only does she share some funnier moments from her life as a teenager, performer, mother, boss- in Bossypants - as well as personal stories such as how she got her scar - Tina Fey also gives us an insight into the industry she's famed for and how to make it.
I will say, however, that I didn't find Bossypants funny in the later half of the book as I had at the beginning. Tina's first few tales had me chuckling the whole time, but towards the end I didn't find it so amusing. That said, it was still an absolutely wonderful read, and I'd urge anyone who's a fan of Tina Fey to get hold of this. Heck, get hold of it even if you're not. Tina's wit shines through in every chapter and it was delightful to read more about her off-screen life.
Rating: 5/5
Like this? Try Are you there, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
