Author: Tina Fey
Genre: Memoir, humor, celebrity
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books, 2011
Source: Audiobook from library
Read for: Fun and madness
Bossypants is basically Tina Fey on: growing up, acting, making friends, creating a TV show, being Sarah Palin, comedy, cruises, and many other assorted snippets of Fey's life. The truth is, I don't really watch 30 Rock, and I only sporadically watch Saturday Night Live (sporadically as in, two or three times a year, usually when I am at home visiting my parents, as I actually am right now) (not that Tina Fey is on SNL anymore). I am also very conservative, both politically (except I believe in being green) and life-style-y -- but I still found this book absolutely hilarious. There were moments I laughed when I probably shouldn't have, but all in all this slightly irreverent, completely candid book was highly enjoyable for me.
The audiobook format was fantastic for this book. There were certain vocal inflections and tones that could not have come across in print, and for that I was extremely grateful that I chose to go with the audiobook on this one. My one regret is that I didn't realize there was a pdf file with pictures before I returned the CDs, so I missed out on all of the pictures Fey referenced in her story. If you go with the audiobook, make sure you retain access to the pdf (not that I saw it, but I desperately wanted to).
I think the parts of the book that most appealed to me were the ones that I could relate to personally. It was very interesting to hear about Fey's acting career and her celebrity encounters, but the most humorous elements were when she described her family, awkward friend and dating moments (oh my goodness, can we say late night hikes that probably never should have happened?), cruise encounters (the entire chapter I was nodding my head), and similar, more "relatable" content. Fey discusses body image constantly, referencing a scar she received from a slashing when she was a child (yes, really. I was shocked. She doesn't go into the story at all, but what a frightening thing to go through). She also makes a list of personal attributes that she "likes" about herself, which included heavy dark eyebrows and pigeon toes, both attributes I possess and could therefore heartily relate to. While the entire book was entertaining, moments like those would cause me to openly giggle whether I was on a walk with my headphones in or alone in the car.
Well occasionally the jokes became a little crass for my taste, for the most part I really enjoyed this book, and couldn't wait for the opportunity to slide in my headphones, whether that was my commute, a walk outside, or housecleaning. I think there will be few who close the pages/turn off the audiobook without a smile.
4 stars
Warnings: F-bombs, crass humor
