Summer Book Club: Bossypants
I just finished reading Bossypants by Tina Fey. It was released less than two months ago and I was lucky to snag a copy of it early on. I opted to check it out at our local Cincinnati library, which is excellent and stocks new releases, because I’m always a little weary about spending a lot of money on new hardcover books I’ll read once, enjoy, but then resell or donate for far less than what I paid. I’m on a mission to save money and reduce household clutter. It’s very noble of me, I know. I love books and I’d love to be able to financially support authors by purchasing their books, but at this point in my life it doesn’t seem like a wise financial investment to me when we have to pay rent, and buy food and gas with a limited income. By the way, can I just mention again how much I truly endorse the institution of the public library? It’s good stuff folks. If you don’t have a library card and you are still spending money to rent movies and buy books, you really should reconsider your options. Back to the book. Regardless of your political beliefs or what you think of Tina Fey or her political comedy sketches and portrayal of Sara Palin on SNL in 2008, it’s a good book. I really enjoyed reading it – it’s a great summer read if you’re looking for something entertaining, light, humorous, and relaxing. She’s funny and candid but without being pretentious. Last year I tried reading similar types of books by Chelsea Handler and Kristin Chenoweth, other female comedians/celebrities, but I found them inaccessible and uninviting. I couldn’t finish either book because I was so fed up with the lack of cleverness, the paragraph upon paragraph of excessive name dropping and the endless recitation of achievements. With Bossypants Tina Fey is relate-able and I think she could be understood and enjoyed by men and women of all ages. She’s very funny and her book contains some excellent stories and hilarious advice and other comical snippets, but she’s real. She doesn’t let her talent or luck or success overwhelm her graciousness, honesty, or personality. She’s all these things, but still personable and friendly and respectful. Yes, I can tell all of this about her from her book without even having met her. I’m that deep. Or that great of a judge of character. Or that mistaken. Anyhow, all of this is to say I was impressed. I enjoyed her writing style, I liked her sense of humor and jokes, she’s bold yet kind and it’s a great read. I actually kind of wish I hadn’t devoured it all this week so I’d have something relaxing to read on the airplane ride to Texas on Friday! The next book I have on hold for me at the library: Spoon Fed by Kim Severson.
