Review: Bossy Pants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey's Bossy Pants is her own account of her rise to stardom from awkward girl to awkward but successful woman. For those unfamiliar with her work, she is the star and producer of NBC's 30 Rock as well as a former head writer for the famous sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. During the 2008 Presidential election, Fey's popularity grew because of her portrayal of the Republican Party's Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. 

The book delves into both Fey's personal life and professional life in theater and specifically the sub genre of acting known as improv, or improvised comedy. Fey shares many memories through out the book with a touch of humor and awkwardness that really allows the reader to  see the difference between her many television characters, and the woman struggling to define herself in spite of all of them.   

It went from her youth in Pa. to her college years, to her years as a member of Second City TV's traveling troupe, and even up to her present day work on 30 rock for NBC. The book is filled with funny stories, musings about life and it's meaning as well as what things were important to Fey and why. Her relationship with parents and friends, her husband and eventually the birth of her first child. It is an interesting and insightful look at how humble beginnings can lead to celebrity status.

This book over all was highly enjoyable. Fey's ability to relate to her own awkwardness, neurosis's in a light that is not self deprecating, but at the same time honest makes for great reading. Fey's thoughts on feminism and the portrayal of women in the media really put things in a perspective that I as a young white male had failed to consider prior to reading her book.  

I enjoyed this book despite the fact that it was light reading. I managed to learn not only about Tina Fey and her perspective of the world, but my own perspective as well.  If you like laughing out loud when you read one moment and having a light bulb go off above your head the next then I suggest you check out this funny little memoir.

Reviewed by Andrew Swenson

Book Information
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Release Date: 4/5/11
Pages: 288