Tina Fey’s memoir, “Bossypants,” is best described as an apt reflection of the comedian herself. The book is frazzled, pithy and absolutely hilarious. With equal parts wit and probity, Fey recounts her life from a gawky theatre kid in Pennsylvania to her days as an improv comedian in Chicago to finally becoming the head writer for “Saturday Night Live” and eventually the creation of Fey’s hit show, “30 Rock.” The story is clever and quick, even the blurbs on the back of the book are witty. (“Totally worth it.”- Trees)
Fey packs not only jokes but punches, as well. Fey is a smart and powerful woman who has asserted herself and now reigns at the top of a world previously dominated by men — the world of comedy. Fey describes comedy as a “boy’s club” and then goes on to prove she’s having none of it. She talks about her infamous SNL gig as Sarah Palin (“I can see Russia from my house!”) to meeting the real Sarah Palin backstage.
Fey loses her stride when she lets the self-deprecation take over, though. While priding herself as an independent woman and proud feminist, she simultaneously takes a few too many jabs at herself. However, this approach benefits her as well as it keeps the book from getting heavy handed as some sort of feminist manifesto.
Much like Tina Fey herself and her character Liz Lemon from “30 Rock,” “Bossypants” is a busy and hectic book. However, Fey manages to keep everything together with clever wit and quick intelligence in this charming and entertaining novel.
4 out of 5 stars.
Rob Sheffield’s “Talking to Girls about Duran Duran” novel is a follow-up to his bestselling memoir “Love Is a Mixtape.” This latest book uses a variety of ‘80s pop songs to impart the comical and charming tale of one awkward adolescent boy’s search to find love.
A series of engaging vignettes, Sheffield lets artists such as Chaka Khan and David Bowie provide the backdrop as he transitions from high school to college. Sheffield is witty and humorous, but his affection for these songs is obvious. With heartfelt devotion, he recounts not only the songs but also the experiences in his life they bring back to him with each listen. Sheffield provides the soundtrack (a collection of songs you’ll be looking up on YouTube as you read this book, no doubt) as he undergoes the firsts of teenage life — first job, first love, first concert.
The book is heavy with pop culture references, mentioning not only the big names of the era but also the one-hit wonders and lesser known acts that Sheffield adored equally. However, if you’re not an avid researcher or fan of New Wave pop music, the book still resounds with wry humor and poignant charm.
Sheffield can let his devotion to the acts get the best of him, and the writing becomes sentimental, almost saccharine, on occasion. His eagerness to discuss the songs is so sincere, though, that he can get away with claiming Haysi Fantayzee changed his life for the better.
The story is subtitled, “One Young Man’s Quest for True Love and a Cooler Haircut,” but really, the story is one of self-discovery and coming of age. Sheffield’s redolent and sometimes sentimental reminiscing transcends generations. This book is a diverting and engaging light read whether you love the ’80s or not.
3.5 out of 5 stars