A few years ago, after being unable to focus on serious books for about a year, I slowly tried to get my reading groove back by reading more of the right books. Bossypants by Tina Fey was one of the books I read and it was a welcome change.
Getting my reading groove back was a lot harder than I expected and if I was not careful, I could easily revert to reading mainly books for entertainment.
Several years ago, at least fifteen, I took the first level improv course at Second City in Toronto. It was always my intention to take a few more levels. I took the course because I am an introvert and wanted to learn how to think more on my feet. I completely forgot about that intention I had several years ago, until I read the book, Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration — Lessons from The Second City a couple of years ago.
And once again, I forgot until I read Bossypants. Tina Fey worked for Second City, which was my reminder about the improv courses they offer. She also worked at Saturday Night Live.
Have you read?
Bubble Wrap by Kalyani Rao – Quest to Get My Reading Groove Back
Summary: What is Bossypants by Tina Fey About?
Bossypants by Tina Fey is an autobiography. It is good to read biographies because they give you insights into the experiences of someone. You get a glimpse into what life is like for him or her and you can learn from their experiences. What I really liked about Bossypants is that it gives you permission to accept who you are – warts and all. It helps you to gain more self-confidence.
This is a book that I recommend you read for yourself, especially if you are a woman. Although Bossypants by Tina Fey talks about some serious topics, the book is witty and funny as heck. This is not like most of the book reviews and summaries that I have worked on in the past. Instead, I have pulled out three lessons that resonated with me. Before I talk about the lessons that I learned from reading this book, I have a few more things that I would like to say first.
A poignant moment in the book is when Tina Fey deals with sexism and ageism in the workplace. When you face sexism, ageism, or any other type of ‘ism’ in the workplace, ask yourself this, “Is this person in between me and what I want to do?” If the answer is ‘no’ she advises you to ignore it and move on because you can focus your energy elsewhere. Fey explains why she advises that and she also deals with if your answer is ‘yes’.
Lessons from Bossypants by Tina Fey
Lesson One from Bossypants
As a woman, you are not in competition with other women, you are in competition with everyone. For me, that was eye-opening, not for me personally, because I believe the only person that I am competing against is myself. But from my observations, many women do not support other women because they view them as ‘competition’.
Lesson Two from Bossypants
Do your best, then let go. This lesson was important to me because I have a hard time letting go. I think that I can make it better, so I will keep working on the project. Even when it does not make sense financially. Once you know that you have done your best, there is nothing else for you to do. I am saying this to you, but I am also saying it to myself.
Lesson Three from Bossypants
Others can sometimes see abilities in you that you cannot see in yourself. People thought that Tina Fey resembled Sarah Palin, and she was asked to play the politician on Saturday Night Live. She was reluctant to perform in the skit, but she finally did it, and it was a great hit. Over 15 years ago, I was asked to plan a conference, and I was asked because someone saw abilities in myself that I did not see.
Conclusion: Why Bossypants by Tina Fey is an Important Book
I really enjoyed Bossypants by Tina Fey. Sexism is rampant in showbiz and women are treated more harshly than men and Fey shines light on the issue/problem. This is true for other industries as well. The book is important because Tina Fey has taken some tough topics and dealt with them in a ‘palatable’ way. But the way that she deals with them is very human.
Next Steps
- Buy and Read Bossypants by Tina Fey
- Join the Art of Learning Membership Site
If you want access to Bookish Note Bossypants by Tina Fey, which has more information than the above summary, please consider joining my membership site, the Art of Learning.
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