Nonfiction Matrix

 

Author: Tina Fey

Title: Bossypants

Genre: Memoir

Publication Date: 2011

Number of Pages: 277

Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

🗹 Highly narrative (reads like fiction)

☐ A mix (combines highly narrative moments with periods of fact-based prose)

☐ Highly fact based (has few or no narrative moments)

What is the subject of the book? Tina Fey’s career.

What type of book is it? Memoir

Articulate appeal

What is the pacing of the book? Leisurely

Describe the characters of the book: Humorous, quirky, and realistic.

How does the story feel? The story is warm and engaging.

What is the intent of the author? Fey intends to share the story of her life through the lens of her career as a comedian.

What is the focus of the story? The story is focused on various aspects of Fey’s life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, motherhood, career.

Does the language matter? Yes - the witty, precise language is what makes the work so enjoyable.

Is the setting important and well described? The setting is less important than the people described in the book.

Are there details, and if so, of what? Fey includes details where they are useful for humor. For example, she provides a lot of detail about the kit she received that included supplies for menstruation, as well as the onset of her first period - she was unsure what had happened because commercials for maxi pads always showed a blue liquid being absorbed by the pad.

Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? There are photographs and replications of documents that add to the humor and tone of the work.

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? Absolutely. Fey articulates turning points in her life very clearly. One particular instance is when she describes her father, and realizes what it is about him that makes him so impressive to her and others.

Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?

1.  engaging

2. witty

3. upbeat