Tina Fey is funny - and, yes, in case you were wondering, the humor she exhibits as a television actress does translate seamlessly into the written word. I am hesitant to provide a concise description of what her book Bossypants is about because it covers such a wide variety of things that no summary would capture all that the book has to offer - Tina Fey, her childhood, her career, her family life, and her struggles. It is written in a way that will likely be relatable to anyone who reads the book even if they are not ordinarily a fan of memoirs (or even not ordinarily a fan of Tina Fey). Yes, it really is that good.

Bossypants includes many reflections about the times in which Fey was born and raised, and readers in their thirties and forties will likely be pleased to revisit the styles and activities of those times. In addition to making fun of the past decades, Fey also addresses some modern issues that remind us of the progress that still needs to be made. Fey acknowledges, for example, that a female boss is a rarity but at the same times suggests we should all just get over it and move on. Since no one asks Donald Trump what it is like to be a boss, there is simply no reason for anyone to pose such a question to her.

Fey also identifies, addresses, and encourages readers to move past other issues such as the struggle to balance a professional life and personal life, but she does it in such a way that they will likely be laughing out loud while not realizing that she makes a very profound point. She talks about her thought processes as to whether she should have had one child, should have more than one child, or no children at all, concluding you should have at least one because no one else will take you to your annual mammogram and buy you soup. She tackles sexism, suggesting (like the toddlers on an old Sesame Street movie) you go “Over! Under! Through!” any obstacles in front of you, as well as the pressures to be beautiful and thin - which are just illusions presented in magazine. This, she claims, is not particularly troublesome to her because anyone with any sense knows that these are illusions and not rooted in any sense of reality.

Bossypants, like Fey herself, is smart and sassy, a book that everyone should read and absorb. Armed with her advice and humor, readers should redirect their time and energy into facing and overcoming whatever challenges have been holding them back.