Bossypants by Tina Fey

Bossypants


ISBN: 978-0316056861
Pages: 277
Genre: Autobiography, humor
1st Published: 2011


Synopsis:
Liz Lemon bares it all. Apart from the fact that Tina Fey is a funny woman, in this book she talks about her upbringing, Chicago theater days, SNL and 30 rock experience. Full of anecdotes from the show business, takes you gently into the world of stand up comedy and then cracks your ribs!


Excerpt:

“The Mother’s Prayer for Its Daughter,” from Bossypants:

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her

When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age. ..."

Nightflier Speaks:

I love 30 rock and I like Tina Fey. I like her nonchalance in being herself and using that same image to deliver comedy. So I was really pepped up to read her autobiography when a friend gifted this book, despite the fact that I don't gel well with biographies. Also its great to read something which lightens you up after a heavy read (Kiran Nagarkar's cuckold).

This book is more of a memoir. Fey sticks to timeline and starts from the start. She describes growing up in a family with a very strong father figure, hanging out with the most weird bunch of friends from an early age, summer theaters, teenage heartbreaks, bad jobs, stint with the chicago theater group, touring across America, getting married, the big break with SNL (saturday night live), having a baby and finally as a producer and boss for 30 Rock. This pretty much provides the insights into the person she is now. It is a fun story. She also tries to throw light on her 'boss' techniques which are very frankly non existent. She talks about sharing work space with a lot of talented and powerful people at the same time, which does tell you one thing. 'Dont ever come in the way of talent', let it be.

Tina Fey has had (is having) a glorious TV career, and it shows in her writing, and her anecdotes and her funny streak. And that is what makes the book a light, breezy read. But if you are expecting to take back a lot and get inspired then this is not the biography for you. It is one girl's journey from a nerdy teenager to a boss, full of energy, enthusiasm, hard work and focus.

Nonchalant, nonfussy. Signature Tina Fey-ish stuff.

Rating: 3.5/5


Price: INR 624 (Flipkart)