CT Recommends: 'Bossypants'

I’m generally quite skeptical of celebrity memoirs and autobiographies and I don’t usually buy them. The authors spout off wisdom and advice about getting into their trade, brag about all of their Oscars and pretend that they live normal lives like you and me (no, you don’t, Rob Lowe – I’m onto you). Tina Fey is my exception. I have looked up to her as a female comedian ever since I realized that I wasn’t all that funny. Her memoir, “Bossypants,” is a hilariously cynical look at her childhood, profession and personal life. It is blunt — one chapter is dedicated to telling the reader that she needs to take her pants off the minute she gets home now that she’s 40 — it is endearing and impossible to put down. She gives a wonderfully written account of her roles on SNL and what those celebrity photo shoots are really like behind the scenes. As a writer she is sassy and full of personality, and as a person she is humble and genuine. She tells it like it is, from playing Sarah Palin to motherhood. Ms. Fey addresses these issues with an authentic genius. She is truly a role model to all aspiring comedians, especially female ones. She bluntly tells readers her feelings about women in comedy and how they are underrated. Frankly, I agree. She speaks about these issues with personal anecdotes about her experience in the industry. And also takes time to answer some fan questions and complaints that she found on various websites. She takes the criticism with a sense of humor, mostly because the disapproval is unfounded and because, well, she’s Tina Fey. She takes everything with a sense of humor. Her sharp wit and ruthless sarcasm can simultaneously make you laugh and put you in your place, though only if you whine about how Tina Fey is unfunny on perezhilton.com. I’m not sure if my take on celebrity memoirs has changed, but I do know that I will be suggesting “Bossypants’” to anyone who can read.