Summary
In "Bossypants," Tina Fey recounts her life from childhood to her successful career in comedy. Her journey begins with a childhood scar, a symbol of resilience that shaped her sense of self. The book explores her early life, including her family dynamics, the realization of her womanhood, and the influence of her "Strong Father Figure." Fey fondly describes her time at the community theater, Summer Showtime, which inadvertently became a haven for gay teens and provided her with a sense of belonging and comedic inspiration. She recalls the challenges of adolescence, navigating the complexities of body image and societal expectations, and shares her perspective on the pressures women face to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
Transitioning to adulthood, Fey narrates her experiences with early jobs, from a Planned Parenthood visit to her time at the YMCA, where she learned valuable lessons about compassion and being a considerate coworker. A pivotal moment in her career was joining The Second City, a renowned improv comedy theater in Chicago. She details her experiences with improv, sharing the fundamental rules that changed her life and helped her career, emphasizing the importance of agreement, contribution, and embracing opportunities. Fey recounts the ups and downs of touring with The Second City, highlighting the gender disparities she faced in the comedy world and the "Myth of Not Enough" that often pits women against each other.
A significant portion of the book focuses on Fey's time at Saturday Night Live (SNL), where she honed her writing skills and eventually became the first female head writer. She discusses her relationship with Lorne Michaels, SNL's creator and executive producer, highlighting the valuable lessons she learned about managing creative teams, dealing with eccentric personalities, and navigating the pressures of live television. Fey shares her experiences as a performer, initially struggling to find her place due to her inability to do impressions. Her breakthrough came with Weekend Update, where her comedic voice and glasses-wearing librarian persona became iconic. She recounts her rise to fame during the 2008 presidential election, where her uncanny resemblance to Sarah Palin led to a series of memorable impersonations.
Fey candidly discusses her experience creating and producing 30 Rock, a sitcom inspired by her time at SNL. She details the challenges of assembling a writing team, navigating network politics, and the long hours and exhaustion of producing a weekly show. The book provides insights into the creative process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, letting go of perfection, and finding humor in the chaos of television production.
Beyond her career, Fey explores the complexities of motherhood, sharing her experiences with breastfeeding, navigating the pressures of being a working mom, and the joys and challenges of raising a daughter. She shares personal anecdotes about her family life, holidays, and her attempts to balance her professional ambitions with the demands of motherhood. Fey also addresses societal expectations, challenging the "Myth of Not Enough" and encouraging women to support each other rather than compete. In closing, she reflects on turning forty, contemplating the pressures of aging and the changing landscape of her career and personal life. The book ends with "The Mother's Prayer for Its Daughter," a heartfelt reflection on her hopes and dreams for her child's future.