The comedy business is a man’s world. Many of the things that a lot of people think are funny are just not very ladylike. Crude language, body parts and smells, pratfalls are all standards in the comedy universe. Women have had to fight to be included as equals. Of course, women are a necessity in sketch comedy, but were often viewed as support, not as the star. Tina Fey entered the business during a time where all of this was changing. She grew up as many comedians do, a bit of an outsider. As an adult she gravitated to Second City in Chicago and found a place in the touring company. It was here that she realized the inequity of the system and fought to establish a balance.

Bossypants is Tina Fey’s account of her success in the competitive comedy business. She became head writer at Saturday Night Live shares a bit of the backstage happenings during that time. 30 Rock started on NBC as a quirky little sitcom without much of a direction. As head writer, producer and star, Fey was instrumental in the ultimate success of the show. She built her family around the business. Few shares much about her struggles as a woman, a wife and a mom. She brings so much humor to all that she does. This was a fun read and having watched 30 Rock over the years it was easy to visualize her expressions as I read. The popular and innovative show has recently ended and Fey’s future in television and film is unknown. However, I’m sure that she will be successful and remain a Bossypants.