Book Review – Bossypants by Tina Fey

In the spirit of the season – and because it’s good to lighten up every now and again, agreed? – this month we take a turn toward the humorous with “Bossypants” by Tina Fey.  You may want to cry foul here, wondering how on earth Fey’s collection of essays can be deemed a business book (in which case, perhaps we could call you “smartypants”!).  The fact of the matter is, the author has found a way in the past decade or so to turn self-deprecating humor not just into an art form but also into an executive producer role through which she oversees a 200-person television production.  Whatever you make of Fey’s style or workplace sitcom “30 Rock,” it’s no mystery how this 275-page memoir became an New York Times best-seller; the wit here is as sharp as anything this side of Woody Allen’s best writing (putting aside, of course, what you make of his style or, well, life choices).  And one look at the cover and you know you’re dealing with a woman who knows a thing or two about making hay in a man’s world.

Fey takes the reader through every phase of her life, featuring tales of upbringing that will make most 40-somethings smile and reflect.  (Her comment on fearing the reprisal at home when losing the top to one’s Grizzly Adams thermos is a classic.)  More importantly, she shares lessons from her years in live theatre and television, most of which are applicable in any business environment.  Tips on decision making, hiring and managing a large staff are both fun and insightful and, if you currently employ a nut job, Fey has a few strategies for how – and how not – to deal with those types.  Lorne Michaels gets a great deal of the credit here for helping shape Fey’s management style and, even if you stopped watching Saturday Night Live when Reagan was in office, it’s clear that he is a mentor of great influence.

When you’re out shopping this month, you may want to happen by a bookstore to sample the chapter from “Bossypants” called “Dear Internet,” in which Fey answers some of her hate mail.  Her “replies” to those on the web who call her (among other things) and an ugly, overrated troll are brilliantly written with ferocious sarcasm.  Have you ever wanted to unload on a client or colleague but just couldn’t?  Ever try that old trick of writing a letter to someone who’s living all over you and then literally filing it away for 24 hours, allowing your cooler head to prevail?  Well, Fey doesn’t do that here and the result is hilarious. And while the last third of the book goes a bit off the rails, revealing more about her marriage and daughter than the typical reader may find important, Fey’s handling of the web-based, anonymous lunatic fringe is worth the $25 the book will set you back.  Of course, you could always just request it be placed for you under the year-end magical tree that may or may not have found its way into your home.