Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Isn't She Great: Writers on Women Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart

Rate this book
A love letter to women-led comedies.
Based on Elizabeth Teets's program series called "Isn't She Great" at the Hollywood Theater, this anthology is a collection of the most beloved female-centric comedies and the audiences who adore them. From 9 to 5 to Romy and Michelle to the iconic Elle Woods, the essays in this collection build on our devotion to these films and continue the conversation around funny women and how these characters have shaped so many talented writers.
As Elizabeth Teets reminds us, there is a specific power in a funny woman. A woman who dares to laugh at the world and at herself. These movies made us strong and smart and sexy (and bend and snap a lot). At the end of the day, we remind ourselves when the world only tries to let us have a little, a little money, a little confidence, a little joy to go out and get the whole enchilada.
Isn't She Great is for anyone who loves movies and feels the glamour in pink. Cult cinema and film criticism will never be the same.

142 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2024

1 person is currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Teets

1 book3 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
9 (40%)
4 stars
11 (50%)
3 stars
2 (9%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
49 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2024
Isn't She Great by Elizabeth Teets is a collection of short stories that explores the impact of female role models on the lives of women. Each story centers around a different movie with a protagonist and features a woman who was impacted by the female protagonist in some way. The stories are often funny, moving, and thought-provoking, and they offer a unique perspective on the power of film to influence and change lives. Overall, the book is a highly enjoyable read that offers a refreshing take on the world of cinema and its impact on our lives.Female role models play a crucial role in the lives of young women, serving as a source of inspiration, guidance, and empowerment. They serve as living examples of what women can achieve and aspire to be.

I loved that one of the stories in this book, through a female protagonist in a film, challenged traditional gender stereotypes and broke barriers. By witnessing the achievements and success of these role models, young females are encouraged to dream big and pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations. They also learn that being female does not mean we have to love what society expects females to love. Females can be tomboys and still love pink.

In addition, female role models promote diversity and inclusivity. They showcase the diverse talents, skills, and achievements of women from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This helps young females understand that success comes in various forms and that they too can make a difference, regardless of their background or circumstances.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. This is because the writing style was simple to understand, it was a thought-provoking book that is an inspiration to young women, and it was amazingly well edited. There was nothing to dislike.

I recommend this book to young females. Female role models serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for young women. They empower them to challenge societal norms, pursue their dreams, and make a positive impact in the world. By celebrating and supporting female role models, we can create a more inclusive and equal society for all.
Profile Image for Melina Lobo.
826 reviews98 followers
February 10, 2024
"Isn't She Great," put together by Elizabeth Teets, is a collection of essays that shines a spotlight on those female-led comedies that have not only won hearts in Hollywood but have also made a special place in the lives of the writers who contributed to this book. What makes this anthology stand out is how it mixes stories from the writers' own lives with a deeper look into movies that many of us might have only enjoyed at face value, without thinking too much about their deeper meaning or impact.

Each writer in the book brings something personal to their essay, sharing how a particular movie touched their life or changed their perspective in some way. This personal touch adds a unique flavor to each piece, making the whole book feel like a collection of intimate conversations rather than just a series of articles. I found myself nodding along to movies I've seen and being curious about the ones I haven't, thanks to the way these authors share their experiences and insights.

Even though many of these movies are considered cult classics, the essays argue that they deserve a lot more attention and recognition than they currently get. The book is a quick read, but it's packed with both humor and heartfelt moments. It's like going through a range of emotions, from laughing out loud to getting teary-eyed, all while getting to see these films in a new light.

For anyone who loves movies, especially those that have flown under the radar despite their brilliance, "Isn't She Great" is a treasure trove of new perspectives. It's not just about celebrating these films; it's about understanding why they matter, both in the grand scheme of Hollywood and in the personal histories of those who love them. It's a reminder of the power of cinema to connect, inspire, and even change us.

🐾

Rated 8/10
Melina L.
Profile Image for Scribble's Worth Book Reviews.
227 reviews16 followers
February 26, 2024
Wow, just wow is the word I have for the start of Isn’t She Great by Elizabeth Teets. I didn’t stop at any point for the first chapter to start this review because I just couldn’t stop reading. It opened my eyes in so many ways.

Now I can’t say I don’t know this happens or that I haven’t heard of the stories before but I have been a little or a lot naive since I haven’t really worked in a big office space or around a lot of people, both men and women where there is opportunities to get promotions to better positions up the hierarchy.
Though I did hear some of the news that broke about Harvey Weinstien when it came out and watched the film that focused on the subject of harassment in the workplace. The film of the huge TV giant and the very bad man who ran the hiring of the TV anchors and weather girls.

So I’m glad I got the chance to read Isn’t She Great. This book really opened my eyes to what women face in the workplace even to this day. How attitudes towards women in the workplace still remain the same as in the 1940s. It is slowly changing but it still needs to change more.

‘The reality of being an executive assistant for me was one where I was frequently working above my paygrade with no authority to make certain decisions while being expected to make those decisions. The entitlement of the executives I worked for was staggering. Everything felt like a professional game of The Floor is Lava. One time an executive’s EpiPen wasn’t covered by insurance so instead of calling their doctor or the number on the back of their insurance card like a normal unentitled individual, they had the pharmacy call me. At home. On a Saturday. I didn’t even work for this person, but boy was everyone peeved Monday morning when I said not dying of anaphylaxis was the executive’s personal responsibility, not mine.’

ISN’T SHE GREAT

If I we to recommend this book to anyone, it would be to everyone. Especially to women and teenage girls. All girls need to know that they have the right to be treated better in the workplace.

They need to know that just because a person is their boss it doesn’t mean they have a right to cruel or overly demanding towards you. Isn’t She Great will share these experiences and teach you how to deal with them when they arise in your life or workplace.

I agree with everything that was written in this book and I do hope these situations can improve in the future. But what I have mentioned so far has only talked about the first chapter. As I read through the next few chapters I have a few thoughts.

Each story is a different woman’s story, all the women that have written a story for this book have a strong connection with a particular movie they watched as a young girl or teen. Or as an adult and feel they can help the future generation of women.

These women’s personal experiences, deeply influenced by the movies they watched, have shaped their perspectives on life, relationships, and self-empowerment. By sharing their stories, they hope to inspire and guide future generations of women, using the power of storytelling to foster a sense of unity and resilience among women across different generations.

‘In 1989, a few months after the movie premiered, my fifth-grade class assembled for a week-long trip to Great Basin National Park in northeastern Nevada. The enormous trailer parked outside the school filled me with hopeful anticipation. (Didn’t the Beverly Hills Troop hire such trucks for their camping trip?) I envisioned spacious pavilions to dominate the campsites and sturdy cots to lift our sleeping bags off the filthy ground.’

ISN’T SHE GREAT

It’s all about woman positivity and the Girls Helping Girls movement and I’m all for it. So you should grab your copy on Amazon and give it a read for yourself as there is so much to cover that I just don’t have the space here for.

For me, it was a 9 out of 10 read. If I have anything negative to say it would be some parts made me feel a little uncomfortable, but I think that may be only because I’m a man and don’t deal with many or if any female troubles or urges.

Come to think of it. There may be a need for an age limit of 16 or above or a parental guidance warning or that may just be me being too sensitive. Anyway, there is a little bit of strong language so if you are easily offended, maybe give it a skip but if you’re not a wuss and can handle it then this book is definitely for you.

Overall Book Score: 9.8/10
Profile Image for Mercy N.
82 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2024
Imagine sitting in the midst of inspirational people, mostly women, who are sharing their various life experiences and the impact those experiences have had on their lives. ‘Isn’t She Great’ is a collection of short stories by different authors that explores the diverse experiences of women. The anthology examines themes such as gender inequality, body image, sexuality, self-acceptance, work-life balance, female friendships, ambition, and female empowerment, among others. I admire how the stories in this book are told through a variety of mediums, including comics, novels, movies, and even rom-coms. By referencing specific media—for instance, Election, 9-5, Troop Beverley Hills, Bridget Jone’s Diary, The Devil Wears Prada, and so on—the authors make their stories more relatable, which helps the reader have a better understanding of their perspective.

“Am I going to settle, or do I want the whole enchilada?” This is one of my favourite lines from ‘The Whole Enchilada’ by Elizabeth Teets. The story reflects the power of confident and strong women who relentlessly pursue their dreams, albeit living in a sexist environment. It’s interesting to know the origin of the word ‘enchilada’! Megan’s story, ‘Get Your Own Damn Coffee’, talks about the unhealthy relationship between executives and their assistants. She tells the reader how she was able to overcome such a challenge when she was in the same position. Did she rebel against her boss or quit her job? Samantha’s story, ‘An Unlikely Shero...’ explores the idea of fully embracing one’s identity as a woman, including the sexual and sensual aspects of femininity. The movie ‘Jawbreaker’ told within the story features a protagonist named Courtney Shane, who is portrayed as a sexually confident woman. While this portrayal is certainly refreshing and the author seems to glorify her character, I felt that the story glossed over some of Courtney’s problematic actions and behaviours. Andria made a superb comparison between camping and glamping in her story, ‘Forget Acceptance...’ I particularly like her sense of humour in lines like “I watched my classmates render harmless marshmallows into inedible charcoal.”

“Sims’s story, ‘On Booksmart...,’ challenges the idea that intelligence and fun are mutually exclusive. The story suggests that a woman can be both smart and fun, and that it’s all about finding the right balance. I admire this refreshing take on a common stereotype. Schwartz’s story ‘The First Wives Club...’ and Walters’s story ‘Nora, Meg, and Me...’ illustrate the strength of female friendship and the power of women working together to overcome challenges. The stories remind us of the importance of female relationships and the resilience and determination that women possess.

While the stories are intriguing, the book lost my interest at times because it got bogged down in too much detail. The references to real names and screen names made the writing less personal and engaging. As a reader, I found myself losing track of the characters and their stories, and that took away from the overall experience.

I recommend the book to women who are looking for stories that reflect their experiences and celebrate their diversity and strength. The book is especially relevant for women who face challenges in sexist environments or who have been marginalised because of their gender. It’s a collection that empowers and inspires. More so, the book often references and draws inspiration from classic movies, so movie lovers will likely find a lot to connect with.
90 reviews10 followers
February 7, 2024
Isn't She Great" by Elizabeth Teets is a delightful and heartfelt love letter to women-led comedies that have left an indelible mark on our collective cultural consciousness. Stemming from Teets's program series at the Hollywood Theater, this anthology celebrates the most beloved female-centric comedies and the enduring connection audiences have with them.

The collection spans iconic films, from the classic "9 to 5" to the whimsical "Romy and Michelle," and the unforgettable Elle Woods of "Legally Blonde." Through a series of essays, Teets and other talented writers explore the profound impact of these characters on audiences and the broader cultural conversation surrounding funny women.

Teets artfully captures the essence of the specific power inherent in a funny woman—a woman who fearlessly laughs at the world and herself. The anthology delves into how these comedies have contributed to making us strong, smart, and sexy, with a nod to Elle Woods' iconic "bend and snap." The essays reflect on the enduring legacy of these films, showcasing how they have inspired and shaped the perspectives of talented writers.

The author's reminder of the strength derived from laughter, confidence, and joy is a powerful and uplifting theme throughout the collection. Teets emphasizes how these films have been instrumental in empowering women to go after the whole enchilada, challenging societal expectations and limitations.

"Isn't She Great" not only serves as a celebration of women-led comedies but also invites readers to reflect on the transformative influence of humor and female representation in the entertainment industry. It's a charming and insightful exploration of the enduring impact of these films on our culture and the women who dare to find humor in the world and embrace their strength.
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books199 followers
February 4, 2024
The Review

This was an insightful and powerful read. The honesty and relatability that each writer exuded in their essay were refreshing to read, and the detail that went into bringing each film’s story to the forefront was great to read, as it helped illustrate the power of the message each film brought to life amid all the humor and wit.

Yet the impact on the writers themselves made this book shine. The way the authors were able to incorporate events and memories of their own lives and how they related to the films they spoke of made this a much more in-depth and heartfelt read. In particular, one essay that stood out was Michelle Theil’s “I Wanted to Bring it On,” an essay on the film Bring it On and its significance to her and so many other young women and people of color in general, which felt so compelling and engaging as a reader to get lost in.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, compelling, and engaging, “Isn’t She Great” is a mustered collection of essays on female-driven comedy films and their significance in these writers' lives. The thoughtful approach to these films and the detailed way the films played out balance out the raw, emotional, and even humorous moments of these writer’s lives that made these films feel so impactful.
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,461 reviews66 followers
January 24, 2024
This is an interesting read as I am not typically an essay reading. This is a set of essays and readings on many things, especially women and movies! I love the reading comments on the very first page, Read Often, Read Furiously, Read Furiously. Those are great reading lines for all readers😊
There are so many mentions of 90’s movies in this one that I grew up with and loved. This is an awesome reminder of why I loved those movies so much. I also liked hearing the authors story about her own life and experiences. She makes her life story interesting by attaching those awesome 90’s women movies into the book.
I quite enjoyed the different read about movies interwoven into a memoir by the author in this book. The author did a great job with telling her story in her own movie filled way and I applaud her for it!
24 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2024
Isn't she great" by Elizabeth Teets.
“My review is based on an uncorrected text.”

This was such an entertaining book to read! These essays are simply fantastic in revisiting a great deal of the cult films that shaped popular culture in the 1990s and aughts, but when viewed decades later, with somewhat modern eyes, they take on an entirely other tone. Rather than declaring these cherished classics canceled because of the social climate at the time, these writings laud women's humorous resilience in the face of injustice and misogyny. A collection of pieces that is genuine, funny, and humble that will uplift the reader while gently reminding them that "getting your goddamn coffee is something you should never be too important or busy to do."

I sincerely give this copy a five-star rating.
Profile Image for callistoscalling.
994 reviews28 followers
January 21, 2024
What a fun read this was for a geriatric millennial! These essays are absolutely amazing in revisiting so many of the cult movies that influenced life in the 90’s and aughts but have such a different tone when looking through them with not-quite middle-ages lenses decades later. Instead of deeming these beloved classics canceled due to the milieu of the time, these essays celebrate women’s comedic perseverance through sexism and discrimination. A humorous, authentic, and humbling collection of essays that will strengthen and empower the reader all the while with a gentle reminder “that you are never too important or busy to get your own goddamn coffee.”
Profile Image for Danielle Urban.
Author 12 books167 followers
January 31, 2024
Isn't She Great by Elizabeth Teets is a wonderful read. It brings back happy memories of some of the greatest films ever. The essays are nostalgia. A trip back to when women were strong, independent, and did not give up without a fight. These women featured in these essays provides insights into how to live our own lives more fully. They also demonstrate how to laugh and find the person we are supposed to be. Therefore, it is a deeply positive and insightful read. Overall, women will find inspiration from the collection of essays that Elizabeth Teets provides.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Katie Baumann.
67 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
Took me a while, but that is mainly my own fault. Now I have a list of movies to watch :) I LOVE WOMEN AND WOMEN ARE FUNNY
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.