When Tina Fey began playing the SNL version of Sarah Palin in 2008, America at large finally began to see what SNL and 30 Rock fans had known for years. This charming, self-deprecating comedy writer and actress was incredibly smart, funny, quick-witted and completely relatable.
My book review of Bossypants by Tina Fey, gives readers a look into her life, starting with her childhood and coming up to present day, through a series of laugh out loud chapters that chronicle her major milestones, offer tongue-in-cheek beauty tips and teach readers how useful the rules of improv can be in everyday life. We first get a glimpse at her upbringing in a Philidelphia suburb and her foray into drama camp and the doors it opened, both socially and for her future career. She’s not shy about sharing her disappointing college relationships, with great comic results. And then, we travel through the years as Tina moves to Chicago to first work at the Evanston YMCA and then join Second City (where she meets her husband, as well as Amy Poehler!), has a bizarre interview with Lorne Michaels, and moves up through the comedy ranks in NYC.
I’ve always liked Tina Fey, who I first encountered in the aforesaid ’08 election season. Now I like her even more. It makes me feel happy to learn that someone I really like is as nice as she appears to be. Careers have been made on much less than her infamous S.P. impressions. I Must read her book. You should generate a lot of positive vibes for “Bossypants” with your excellent review.
Thanks, Melody! I have admired Tina for a long time, and find her pretty inspiring. As you said, it’s nice to see such a genuine person succeed in an industry that does not always favor “real” or “nice”. She tells it like it is, which is always a great thing, plus she’s funny while doing it.