How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying: Lessons From A Life In Comedy by Carol Leifer

(Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

For many years, television comedy was an exclusive all boys' club - until a brilliant comedian named Carol Leifer came along, blazing a trail for funny women everywhere.  From Late Night with David Letterman and Saturday Night Live to Seinfeld, The Ellen Show, and Modern Family, Carol has written for and/or performed on some of the best TV comedies of all time.

This hilarious collection of essays charts her extraordinary three-decade journey through show business, illuminating her many triumphs and some missteps along the way - and offering valuable lessons for women and men in any profession.  Part memoir, part guide to life, and all incredibly funny, How to Succeed in Business without Really Crying, offers tips and tricks for getting ahead, finding your way, and opening locked doors - even if you have to use a sledgehammer.

my thoughts:

What a terrific collection of essays!  Leifer's book is chock full of entertaining personal examples of her rise to success - from being a stand up comic to writing for popular TV shows (Seinfeld, Modern Family).  A sort of how-to book on getting a job in comedy (or anywhere, really).  There are plenty of laugh out loud moments she shares with us, along with a huge sprinkling of name dropping throughout the book.  Plus, you get to see photos of Leifer with the celebrities she met and worked with over the years (talk about a who's who).  Her terrific writing and self-deprecating humor combine to make the perfect fit for this memoir/how-to book.  I would describe How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying as an enjoyable book - it was a quick and funny read.   This is great book that I would happily recommend to fans of comedic writing, and fans of memoirs.

Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!