I am not in the habit of doing book reviews, I will leave it up to my good bloggy friends, A Girl Named Michael and Rivera Runs Through It. Occasionally I will come across a book that I find offers some very useful pearls of wisdom that can help us maintain a more Joyful life. While I love to read and find it in general to be a great source of joy I have only felt the need to write about a specific book here twice. Once about the book Thin is The New Happy and now about the book Bossypants by Tina Fey.
This book was a selection from my book club. (shout out to Juniper Street Book Club Whoot!) I did not suggest the book but I’m happy that someone did. I loved this book. I like Tina Fey, enjoy her movies, but I really did not know much about her nor would I have ever really called myself a fan I don’t consider myself a fan of many entertainers. I just don’t think about them very much. But after reading her book Bossypants I am definitely a fan.
For starters she grew up right outside of Philly which is an automatic plus for this Philly Girl. The book is really funny and even a little sarcastic. I am a big fan of appropriately used sarcasm. I loved how she talked about her dad, her husband, and weather or not she would have a 2nd baby. But none of these things made me feel that I should write a blog post about the book.
What made me feel this book was blog worthy was how Ms. Fey talked about different experiences she had through out her life as life lessons. I loved the life lessons she included in the book and the way she was so matter of fact and clear in explaining them. I will share a few of my favorites here, but not all of them because I highly recommend you read the book yourself. It is a quick read and good for a summer reading list.
OK. Here goes. My favorite life lessons from Bossypants, Ms. Tina Fey:
- Don’t be so quick to say No. “Start with a Yes and see where that takes you.”
- Be confident in what you say. “Speak in statements instead of apologetic questions.” For example doesn’t I’m Awesome. sound much more confident that I’m Awesome?
- Make your own decisions. “When people say, “You really, really must” do something, it means you don’t really have to. No one ever says, “You really, really must deliver the baby during labor”. When it’s true, it doesn’t need to be said.
- Don’t let haters, joy thieves, or critics (not talking about constructive criticism here) side track you from your dreams, goals, or finding your Joy. “Do your thing and don’t care if they like it”.
When I started reading Bossypants I expected to be entertained. I expected to laugh. I expected to learn about Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. I did not expect to learn life lessons that would help me in my quest to find and maintain Joy. Have you ever read a book or watched a movie or show for the purpose of entertainment and come away with so much more? Where have you found life lessons when you were not looking?
Savvy Working Gal, I think we often say no when we should say yes, and yes when we should say no. We say yes out of guilt and no out of fear.
Savvy Working Gal, I think we often say no when we should say yes, and yes when we should say no. We say yes out of guilt and no out of fear.
I probably say "yes" too often, but as I read your post I'm wondering if maybe some of my "no's" should have been yes's.
I love Tina Fey and enjoyed her book. Also looking forward to reading Amy Poehler's book.
This is the funniest book I have read in years. I don't generally read autobiographies but I really enjoy Tina Fey and her comic style. Her voice comes through in this book and it will make you belly laugh!
Loved Bossypants!! Tina Fey is so fantastic — thought she hit a great balance of comedy, biography, life-lessons, and putting everything in perspective.
Popped in from SITS! It sounds like a great book!
You're in a book club!! I love this. This would be fun. Also, I've now added this to my list.
I loved this book, too! Tina Fey is so strong, and it's so great the way she gives her girlfriends props. Like, she hangs around a lot of "bosses", and it was a great reminder for women that it's okay to be definitive and assertive, especially if you want to play with the big boys!
1. Thanks for the mention.
2. I have read this book and I loved it. It was full of good advice and funny stories. It's on my to buy list.
You have me considering this book. Sounds interesting. Hmmmm..
You should definately read it!!! It is the right mix of inspiration and silly for a lighthearted summer reead that you actually get something out of.