I just finished Bossypants by Tina Fey. It was okay, kind of funny. But I am increasingly disillusioned with the literary efforts of funny television and film stars. Over the years I’ve picked up books by Paul Reiser, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jerry Seinfeld. None of them were as funny as I hoped. The alternative was for them to be serious and deep, delving into the lives these people led before they were famous. Nope. They skim the surface.
I’m sure there are examples where this isn’t true. I just haven’t read those. Not true: Chelsea Handler’s books are hysterical. But I don’t think they’re “the truth” and I don’t read them for anything more than a laugh.
I can reach back to the 1996 autobiography by Katherine Hepburn, Me: Stories of My Life, a book I looked so forward to, but found thin (figuratively) upon reading. At the same time, I can look at memoirs by people who are not famous for performing, but rather for writing, and find dozens of satisfying reads. Sarah Vowell, Amy Tan, Alexandra Fuller, Mark Twain for instance, have all written wittily and engagingly about their lives. Their stories ring true and dig deep.
Look on any remainder table in a book store: there you will see the autobiographies of television personalities from shows popular 20 years ago. I don’t know that Tina’s book will end up there. She’s a comic genius and a fine writer in her own right. But not this kind of writing. At least not unless she looks at a memoir as more than a skit with some good lines. I want to know more. Otherwise, she can release a book of funny essays and I might pick it up to read on an airplane or at the beach. But don’t call it memoir.
I don’t usually read these books by stars, but I had considered reading Bossypants. You’re right about the remainders table, too. Publishers must make their money off the star power shortly after release. (Frankly, I wish these stars would stick with making their millions on the screen and leave the publishing world alone so those of us with a smaller “platform” have a shot at a book deal once in awhile…)
To me the poem that’s been circulating from Bossypants must be the best part. I don’t plan to read it, because I agree with you that these people should stick with the artform they are already excelling in. And I love Kris’ comment above about leaving publishing to those of us who need a shot!! Love the blog. Love the Blogathon. I’m afraid I’ll be a very lonely blogger when June 1 hits, but I hope we’ll all stick together!
I’m sticking with the gems I find. Whether I manage to blog every day or not is up in the air. But I agree: let’s all stick together after the party is over.
I get upset by celebrity books. Writers write books. They labor over words. Sometimes the books get published. Sometimes they don’t. But the writers continue writing. They can’t help it. Celebrities use fame to try and add to their wealth. I’m disappointed to learn these comic folks do not even manage to write funny books but not surprised.