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The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women: 50 Trailblazers of Comedy
A celebration of the most groundbreaking women in comedy who used humor to shake up the status quo and change perceptions of gender and comedy forever.
The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women celebrates the outstanding contributions of fifty women in comedy past and present. From legends like Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, and Tina Fey to current comedy heroes like Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, Abbi Jacobson, and Tig Notaro, this beautifully illustrated book charts a rich lineage of women using humor to speak truth to power, tangle with sensitive subjects, challenge the status quo, and do anything but sit still and stay quiet when laughs are on the line.
Some of these women broke boundaries as pioneers on stage as well as in front of and behind the camera. Others penned their way into the history of American humor, redrawing the boundaries of writers' rooms to include diverse voices and perspectives. Through their collective work as stand-ups, sketch and improv comics, humor writers, and slapstick film stars, these women formed a network forged by creativity, guts, and a deep love of what comedy can do and be. In the process, they continue to pass their knowledge and insights from woman to woman, from funny generation to funny generation, offering support, inspiration, and, above all, laughter.
The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women celebrates the outstanding contributions of fifty women in comedy past and present. From legends like Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, and Tina Fey to current comedy heroes like Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, Abbi Jacobson, and Tig Notaro, this beautifully illustrated book charts a rich lineage of women using humor to speak truth to power, tangle with sensitive subjects, challenge the status quo, and do anything but sit still and stay quiet when laughs are on the line.
Some of these women broke boundaries as pioneers on stage as well as in front of and behind the camera. Others penned their way into the history of American humor, redrawing the boundaries of writers' rooms to include diverse voices and perspectives. Through their collective work as stand-ups, sketch and improv comics, humor writers, and slapstick film stars, these women formed a network forged by creativity, guts, and a deep love of what comedy can do and be. In the process, they continue to pass their knowledge and insights from woman to woman, from funny generation to funny generation, offering support, inspiration, and, above all, laughter.
232 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2019
16 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 15, 2018
The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women: 50 Ladies Who Used Comedy to Change the World by Sheila Moeschen is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I found this a great travel back in time and a review of great women of today. This book goes back to the turn of the century and gives the reader a brief history of how each female comedian got into the business. Usually a page or so. There were a few I didn't know but most was a wonderful trip down memory lane! I am 62 and remember laughing at Carol Burnett, Phillis Diller, and Lucy Ball! There are so many more! The current comedians too! I enjoyed learning new information about these wonderful women! It was a feel good book!
August 22, 2019
This is a great book, and a perfect companion to Poking a Dead Frog: Conversations with Today's Top Comedy Writers. Did you know that a black woman, Moms Mabley, invented stand-up, and that Peg Lynch invented the sit-com? Yessiree, we're badass.
I started doing sit-down comedy, because 30 years ago, a guy told me that it was on his bucket list, and I added it, too. I'm too old and tired to do stand-up, so I don't. I sit, and let it fly.
The women in this book have been my inspiration my entire life, and there are so many more coming up through the ranks. Women have been behind many of the male comics, writing for them or pairing up with them, while seldom being allowed to shine on their own. Much as I disliked Joan Rivers, I admired her. Ellen was totes adorable in 'Ellen' and so obviously gay in her show, I didn't ever understand how anyone was surprised at her 'coming-out' show, but there you have it. Assumptions about women, and how they 'should' be, funny or not.
This is an eye-opener for younger folks than I, and a pleasant trip down memory lane for me. I remember Moms, and Marie Dressler, and Phyllis Diller. The book doesn't mention her appearance on "The Groucho Marx Show" that you can catch on YouTube. I'll forgive that.
Yes, you can do it, too. Gotta go. I have a show in about an hour. See you there?
I started doing sit-down comedy, because 30 years ago, a guy told me that it was on his bucket list, and I added it, too. I'm too old and tired to do stand-up, so I don't. I sit, and let it fly.
The women in this book have been my inspiration my entire life, and there are so many more coming up through the ranks. Women have been behind many of the male comics, writing for them or pairing up with them, while seldom being allowed to shine on their own. Much as I disliked Joan Rivers, I admired her. Ellen was totes adorable in 'Ellen' and so obviously gay in her show, I didn't ever understand how anyone was surprised at her 'coming-out' show, but there you have it. Assumptions about women, and how they 'should' be, funny or not.
This is an eye-opener for younger folks than I, and a pleasant trip down memory lane for me. I remember Moms, and Marie Dressler, and Phyllis Diller. The book doesn't mention her appearance on "The Groucho Marx Show" that you can catch on YouTube. I'll forgive that.
Yes, you can do it, too. Gotta go. I have a show in about an hour. See you there?
July 25, 2019
There is knowledge in laughter, and these women blazed a trail for women! I cannot recommend this book enough, and I am adding several copies to my Christmas list for some special ladies in my life! A fun, informative and interesting read!
June 15, 2020
This book is a lot of fun delving into some of the history of women in comedy, who have influenced and paved the way for other daring, inspiring, funny women, names both familiar and near-forgotten, and those continuing to shatter conventions and ceilings. The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women is not comprehensive or exhaustive: the author says that from the outset. "Choosing only fifty women to include was no small feat. I desperately wanted to go Oprah on this book: 'You get a spot in the book! And you get a spot in the book!'" "They do not speak for or represent all funny women, of course... nothing would make me happier than to hear from readers asking, "What about so and so? How come [insert name of kick-ass funny lady here] didn't make it in?'"
At the bottom of the introduction to each chapter, Moeschen includes a list of further comedians and actors for further consideration.
(With that said, I have to get this out of the way quickly... Where's Catherine O'Hara?! Or Madeline Kahn?!)
(We return to the review, already in progress.)
There are familiar faces and the usual suspects--Lucille Ball, Tina Fey, Gilda Radner, Lily Tomlin, Carol Burnett--and newer faces you would expect: Samantha Bee, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Sarah Silverman. But there are also stars from the silent era who deserve greater cultural recognition: Moms Mabley, Mabel Normand, Fanny Brice, Marie Dressler, and who, because of this book, people will now discover or revisit.
Personally, I am remiss that I never watched much Carol Burnett, despite growing up when her show was still in regular syndication. I hasten to change that.
Beyond the inspiring content of the book, the physical book itself is a work of art. Anne Bentley's illustrations of the profiled artists are brilliant; the square dimensions of the book give it more of an art book quality and authority than the usual hardcover nonfiction does. (The solidity of the cover allows one to balance it on one's head and make it across one's apartment with ease... not that I tried that or anything, no.)
At the bottom of the introduction to each chapter, Moeschen includes a list of further comedians and actors for further consideration.
(With that said, I have to get this out of the way quickly... Where's Catherine O'Hara?! Or Madeline Kahn?!)
(We return to the review, already in progress.)
There are familiar faces and the usual suspects--Lucille Ball, Tina Fey, Gilda Radner, Lily Tomlin, Carol Burnett--and newer faces you would expect: Samantha Bee, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Sarah Silverman. But there are also stars from the silent era who deserve greater cultural recognition: Moms Mabley, Mabel Normand, Fanny Brice, Marie Dressler, and who, because of this book, people will now discover or revisit.
Personally, I am remiss that I never watched much Carol Burnett, despite growing up when her show was still in regular syndication. I hasten to change that.
Beyond the inspiring content of the book, the physical book itself is a work of art. Anne Bentley's illustrations of the profiled artists are brilliant; the square dimensions of the book give it more of an art book quality and authority than the usual hardcover nonfiction does. (The solidity of the cover allows one to balance it on one's head and make it across one's apartment with ease... not that I tried that or anything, no.)
April 15, 2019
I'm quite happy with the trend of these books, because I always seem to get introduced to a lot of wonderful women, and this is my 2nd book to read this year of this type. I like the focus of this book, which is funny and comedic women. I didn't know most of them, but the one I knew were of my most favorite comedians (and it certainly did encourage me to check out some new-to-me comedians).
It was interesting how some of these women's most notable roles (to me) aren't among the roles the author would say that comedian is famous for, like Kristen Wiig who I discovered from the movie (Paul), and Kristen Schaal who I discovered from the animated show (Gravity Falls).
I knew a lot about the comedy business in the USA, namely the important role of (Saturday Night Light) and late night shows for these comedians. I didn't realize it before.
I would say that the writing style and phrases used to describe these women got kinda repetitive at times. I also would've loved the book to branch out outside American (and one or two British or Canadian women), I was glad to see some varied background, but I realize that maybe the content available to the author online wouldn't be as ready as that on American women.
Some of my favs were (some were already favorites, and others intrigued me and I'm gonna check them out): Julia Luis Dreyfus, Nora Ephron, Whoppi Goldberg, Amy Poehler & Tina Fey, Mae West, Melissa Macarthy, Amy Sedaris, Kristen Wiig, Mindy Kaling, Kristen Schaal, Tig Notaro, Leslie Jones, and Rachel Bloom.
It was interesting how some of these women's most notable roles (to me) aren't among the roles the author would say that comedian is famous for, like Kristen Wiig who I discovered from the movie (Paul), and Kristen Schaal who I discovered from the animated show (Gravity Falls).
I knew a lot about the comedy business in the USA, namely the important role of (Saturday Night Light) and late night shows for these comedians. I didn't realize it before.
I would say that the writing style and phrases used to describe these women got kinda repetitive at times. I also would've loved the book to branch out outside American (and one or two British or Canadian women), I was glad to see some varied background, but I realize that maybe the content available to the author online wouldn't be as ready as that on American women.
Some of my favs were (some were already favorites, and others intrigued me and I'm gonna check them out): Julia Luis Dreyfus, Nora Ephron, Whoppi Goldberg, Amy Poehler & Tina Fey, Mae West, Melissa Macarthy, Amy Sedaris, Kristen Wiig, Mindy Kaling, Kristen Schaal, Tig Notaro, Leslie Jones, and Rachel Bloom.
March 13, 2019
They say do not judge the book by its cover. Well, that is exactly what I did when I first encountered "The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women" on NetGalley. Indeed, the cover of this mini humor encyclopedia is fun, a little whimsical and definitely eye catching! Female portraits appear simple, yet the illustrator managed to capture something recognizable in each and every portrait, except for Kristen Wiig's.
As an outside to American stand up culture I found myself attending to Google time after time looking up performances or show clips which was quite entertaining! Needless to say, I spend hours “self-educating” on YouTube.
Reading “The League” was truly inspiring. It is crazy to imagine how far has female comedy has come in the last 100 years. And to select only 50 women was a challenge of its own. My only critique comment is that in spite of being thoughtful and flattering, sometimes the articles felt a bit flat. Also, the chronology in several occasions was confusing.
If I were to take one thing out of this book it would be the idea that regardless of the obstacles a true talent and dedication always prevail.
*I received an advanced digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As an outside to American stand up culture I found myself attending to Google time after time looking up performances or show clips which was quite entertaining! Needless to say, I spend hours “self-educating” on YouTube.
Reading “The League” was truly inspiring. It is crazy to imagine how far has female comedy has come in the last 100 years. And to select only 50 women was a challenge of its own. My only critique comment is that in spite of being thoughtful and flattering, sometimes the articles felt a bit flat. Also, the chronology in several occasions was confusing.
If I were to take one thing out of this book it would be the idea that regardless of the obstacles a true talent and dedication always prevail.
*I received an advanced digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2019
This is a cute book full of mini bios of a lot of really funny women. While I enjoyed it, I don't know that there was any real value added by creating this. All of the info seems like it could be found on Wikipedia- though it is written in a more digestible way. It's also not really something you'd sit down and read for an hour- more like something you'd reference or flip through while sitting in a waiting room. All in all though, the presentation is good and the illustrations are pretty.
March 14, 2019
I watched a special on CNN about comedians while at the gym a couple of years ago, so I was intrigued by this title (and the cover, if I'm honest). Some of the comedians were well-known, of course, but I enjoyed reading and learning about new-to-me entertainers. The writing was engaging and interesting. This was a great light read.
May 11, 2019
This was a fun book to read. I got to learn about fifty hilarious women and how they have blazed the trail for each other and other women looking to join the comedy world. This book is full of women like Nora Ephron, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Melissa McCarthy, Ellen DeGeneres, and Wanda Sykes. There are a few different sections that separate these fifty women into the types of comedians they are: Sneaky, Sassy, Super Smarties, Courageous, Creative, Character Comics, Dauntless, Defiant, Daringly Disruptive, Magnificent, Marvelous, Mighty Misfits, and Brave, Bold, Brazen Badasses.
I enjoyed reading this book because I love learning about women who have made a difference, especially if that difference helps other women. Just like most things, when comedy and comedians and late night television shows first started becoming a big deal, women were left out. Women weren’t allowed in front of the cameras no matter how funny they were. Women as comedians seemed to be a joke to most men even though behind the scenes, women were the ones writing the jokes for the so-called ‘funny men.’ This book is great for anyone looking to learn more about the women who blazed the trail for the funny women we love today.
Thank you, NetGalley and Running Press for the opportunity to read and review this book in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book because I love learning about women who have made a difference, especially if that difference helps other women. Just like most things, when comedy and comedians and late night television shows first started becoming a big deal, women were left out. Women weren’t allowed in front of the cameras no matter how funny they were. Women as comedians seemed to be a joke to most men even though behind the scenes, women were the ones writing the jokes for the so-called ‘funny men.’ This book is great for anyone looking to learn more about the women who blazed the trail for the funny women we love today.
Thank you, NetGalley and Running Press for the opportunity to read and review this book in return for an honest review.
April 20, 2019
The best thing about this book is how it jumps around from one funny woman to another....not needed to be read in one setting, although once you start it’s hard to put down. Spending two or three pages on each funny lady, Sheila Moeschen has captured the essence of many female jokesters. The author even throws in a few lol moments herself. Breezy, flowing and funny.....I enjoyed this book a great deal!
June 18, 2020
cute short book
January 4, 2019
*I received an advanced digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
As someone who loves women in comedy and has spent my life engrossing myself in all things related to funny women, this book didn't offer much insight or new information, but I still found it delightful.
I was happy to see that not only some of my favourite classic women comedians like Phyllis Diller, Lily Tomlin and Joan Rivers were included. And obviously, Queen Gilda gets a great write up.
The most delightful part of this book was seeing younger, possibly lesser known to some, comedians being featured like Aparna Nancherla, Abbi and Ilana, and Cameron Esposito (aka Caramel! Sorry, that's a comedy bang bang reference and I couldnt help myself).
Of course, we also get highlights on our favourite SNL women like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Molly Shannon, Kate McKinnon...
But really, as much as I love these women, and the beautiful illustrations of them included in this book, I really didn't learn anything that I didn't already know.
I think this book would be phenomenal for women who are just starting to explore the impact and accomplishments of these trailblazing comedians. If you can only name ~5 female comedians off the top of your head, this book might be for you.
The issue may be my happily self-proclaimed status as a comedy nerd and snob. I've already read the memoirs of a quite a few of the women featured in this book, and I've followed their careers as they grow in their fame and influence.
I wish there was a little more I could sink my teeth into as a deeply devoted comedy fan.
I will say, this book is a great introduction, though if you gave me the option, I would have suggested that this book feature 200 women instead of 50. There are so many other great female comedians that are completely snubbed! Specifically: where's my girl, Jane Curtin?! What about Anne Beatts? Cheri Oteri? Fortune Feimster? Jen Kirkman? Mo Collins? Alex Borstein? Katie Dippold? Chelsea Peretti? Jessica St Clair and Lennon Parham? Lauren Lapkus? Betsy Sodaro? Nicole Byer? Katherine Ryan? Iliza Schlesinger? Leslie Mann? Patricia Clarkson? Rhea Perlman? Anne Meara Stiller?
...I could go all day.
As someone who loves women in comedy and has spent my life engrossing myself in all things related to funny women, this book didn't offer much insight or new information, but I still found it delightful.
I was happy to see that not only some of my favourite classic women comedians like Phyllis Diller, Lily Tomlin and Joan Rivers were included. And obviously, Queen Gilda gets a great write up.
The most delightful part of this book was seeing younger, possibly lesser known to some, comedians being featured like Aparna Nancherla, Abbi and Ilana, and Cameron Esposito (aka Caramel! Sorry, that's a comedy bang bang reference and I couldnt help myself).
Of course, we also get highlights on our favourite SNL women like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Molly Shannon, Kate McKinnon...
But really, as much as I love these women, and the beautiful illustrations of them included in this book, I really didn't learn anything that I didn't already know.
I think this book would be phenomenal for women who are just starting to explore the impact and accomplishments of these trailblazing comedians. If you can only name ~5 female comedians off the top of your head, this book might be for you.
The issue may be my happily self-proclaimed status as a comedy nerd and snob. I've already read the memoirs of a quite a few of the women featured in this book, and I've followed their careers as they grow in their fame and influence.
I wish there was a little more I could sink my teeth into as a deeply devoted comedy fan.
I will say, this book is a great introduction, though if you gave me the option, I would have suggested that this book feature 200 women instead of 50. There are so many other great female comedians that are completely snubbed! Specifically: where's my girl, Jane Curtin?! What about Anne Beatts? Cheri Oteri? Fortune Feimster? Jen Kirkman? Mo Collins? Alex Borstein? Katie Dippold? Chelsea Peretti? Jessica St Clair and Lennon Parham? Lauren Lapkus? Betsy Sodaro? Nicole Byer? Katherine Ryan? Iliza Schlesinger? Leslie Mann? Patricia Clarkson? Rhea Perlman? Anne Meara Stiller?
...I could go all day.
May 29, 2019
The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women: 50 Ladies Who Used Comedy to Change the World, by Sheila Moeschen, is a wonderful introduction to these groundbreakers.
First, make sure you know what you are getting. This is not a comprehensive work, in either depth or breadth. There will be deserving women you probably think should be included. There are lists under each grouping that includes many others. The 50 chosen are for what they did to move women in comedy forward as compared to simply being popular and funny. The biographical sketches are just that, sketches. How big would a book have to be to get in depth on 50 successful and complex women? If you want that, maybe get 50 biographies. But the beauty of this work as it is is that in addition to the names we know there will be some we either haven't heard about or didn't appreciate everything they accomplished (usually behind the scenes).
By the way, there will likely be some included that you don't personally "like." Who cares, this book is not about popularity itself. If you can't appreciate what someone has accomplished just because you don't like their form of humor, well, that helps explain what is wrong with the world. "If I don't like how you do your thing, then I dismiss all of your accomplishments as insignificant." Regurgitate that!
The brief bios cover how they overcame what has always been a man's business and what they have done to help pave the way for future generations. It was fascinating to learn some of the less public aspects of their legacies. I was also pleased to learn new names with which I was unfamiliar. I'm always thankful for that type of new knowledge.
So if you want to read a brief bio about 50 of the most important women of comedy then I think you will enjoy this. If you decide to read it through, as I did, it is a nice quick read. I use books like this (short story and essay collections included) to fill in short time slots where I don't want to get back into one of the novels I'm reading nor do I want to concentrate on one of the nonfiction books. This makes a great "I have a few minutes..." book.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
First, make sure you know what you are getting. This is not a comprehensive work, in either depth or breadth. There will be deserving women you probably think should be included. There are lists under each grouping that includes many others. The 50 chosen are for what they did to move women in comedy forward as compared to simply being popular and funny. The biographical sketches are just that, sketches. How big would a book have to be to get in depth on 50 successful and complex women? If you want that, maybe get 50 biographies. But the beauty of this work as it is is that in addition to the names we know there will be some we either haven't heard about or didn't appreciate everything they accomplished (usually behind the scenes).
By the way, there will likely be some included that you don't personally "like." Who cares, this book is not about popularity itself. If you can't appreciate what someone has accomplished just because you don't like their form of humor, well, that helps explain what is wrong with the world. "If I don't like how you do your thing, then I dismiss all of your accomplishments as insignificant." Regurgitate that!
The brief bios cover how they overcame what has always been a man's business and what they have done to help pave the way for future generations. It was fascinating to learn some of the less public aspects of their legacies. I was also pleased to learn new names with which I was unfamiliar. I'm always thankful for that type of new knowledge.
So if you want to read a brief bio about 50 of the most important women of comedy then I think you will enjoy this. If you decide to read it through, as I did, it is a nice quick read. I use books like this (short story and essay collections included) to fill in short time slots where I don't want to get back into one of the novels I'm reading nor do I want to concentrate on one of the nonfiction books. This makes a great "I have a few minutes..." book.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 28, 2025
“When women (especially funny women) join forces to work together and combine their gifts for the greater good, everyone wins.”
This was a fantastic read!! I loved each chapter and I loved the comedians chosen. Choosing 50 would’ve been an impossible task but I love that so many were mentioned and I absolutely made a list to start my own deep dive for later.
The book itself is very funny and I enjoyed getting to see so much of how things influenced each other and also how tenacious these women had to be in their pursuit of their dreams. The vocabulary lesson alone was worth the price of admission.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It did feel in parts like the chapters were written independently from each other and didn’t connect though there would be some overlap with people and influences. I loved the breakdown of each chapter, but I do also wish that there could’ve been a timeline if each comedian wasn’t going to be presented linearly. Though that gives the reader a good jumping off point for their own further reading.
“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” - Gilda Radner
Overall it was a fun read! I will absolutely need to look into all of these fabulous women’s memoirs and work I wasn’t familiar with along with looking up a couple of new vocabulary words! Would definitely recommend!
This was a fantastic read!! I loved each chapter and I loved the comedians chosen. Choosing 50 would’ve been an impossible task but I love that so many were mentioned and I absolutely made a list to start my own deep dive for later.
The book itself is very funny and I enjoyed getting to see so much of how things influenced each other and also how tenacious these women had to be in their pursuit of their dreams. The vocabulary lesson alone was worth the price of admission.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It did feel in parts like the chapters were written independently from each other and didn’t connect though there would be some overlap with people and influences. I loved the breakdown of each chapter, but I do also wish that there could’ve been a timeline if each comedian wasn’t going to be presented linearly. Though that gives the reader a good jumping off point for their own further reading.
“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” - Gilda Radner
Overall it was a fun read! I will absolutely need to look into all of these fabulous women’s memoirs and work I wasn’t familiar with along with looking up a couple of new vocabulary words! Would definitely recommend!
January 4, 2019
This was such a beautiful, well designed book. Aesthetically, it's wonderful. Content-wise, it's amazing! This is the first one of these books where I've recognized more than half of those highlighted, and I was so delighted to learn more about some of my favorite ladies!
One of the best things about this anthology is that Moeschen focuses on all sorts of ladies, all sorts of comedies, and all sorts of identities. There are lesbians, people of color, older ladies, younger ladies, stand up comedians, show writers, actors, and so on and so forth. It's a wonderful collection that celebrates and educates at the same time, which is exactly what I'm all about!
The short biographies are paired with an illustration of the lady in question as well as a quotation. This makes it perfect for both sitting down and reading as well as browsing. Overall, this is a really great book and would make a perfect gift for your funny lady friend.
Review cross-listed here!
One of the best things about this anthology is that Moeschen focuses on all sorts of ladies, all sorts of comedies, and all sorts of identities. There are lesbians, people of color, older ladies, younger ladies, stand up comedians, show writers, actors, and so on and so forth. It's a wonderful collection that celebrates and educates at the same time, which is exactly what I'm all about!
The short biographies are paired with an illustration of the lady in question as well as a quotation. This makes it perfect for both sitting down and reading as well as browsing. Overall, this is a really great book and would make a perfect gift for your funny lady friend.
Review cross-listed here!
February 12, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
This is a good, solid, entertaining reference book, but more than that it's a reminder that women have been in comedy forever. Sit down, Jerry Lewis, women are funny and here's a whole book of them, in case you somehow forgot. So many favorites mentioned here, just seeing the illustrations made me smile with memories. Each entry is short and concise, with a hint of each woman's style of comedy and what they brought to the genre.
This one took me a while to read because it really wasn't something that held my interest for long bouts of reading. Few reference books do. What it was fantastic for was short bursts, or for looking someone up. I now have more than a few new comedians to check out.
It's also not, for the most part, a laugh-out-loud book, which seems odd when you're talking about comedians. Many entries made me smile, mostly from memories, but it's not a joke book. It's a book about some very funny women, their struggles and their achievements. Recommended.
This is a good, solid, entertaining reference book, but more than that it's a reminder that women have been in comedy forever. Sit down, Jerry Lewis, women are funny and here's a whole book of them, in case you somehow forgot. So many favorites mentioned here, just seeing the illustrations made me smile with memories. Each entry is short and concise, with a hint of each woman's style of comedy and what they brought to the genre.
This one took me a while to read because it really wasn't something that held my interest for long bouts of reading. Few reference books do. What it was fantastic for was short bursts, or for looking someone up. I now have more than a few new comedians to check out.
It's also not, for the most part, a laugh-out-loud book, which seems odd when you're talking about comedians. Many entries made me smile, mostly from memories, but it's not a joke book. It's a book about some very funny women, their struggles and their achievements. Recommended.
August 29, 2021
This is a great rundown of some of history's most famous funny ladies. I'm a huge fan of pretty much every comedienne listed in this book, but my favorite part was getting introduced to some actresses and comic acts that I hadn't heard of before (both past and present). This is such a love letter to comedy and it's impossible not to smile when you think of some of the most classic bits in Hollywood history (Lucille Ball at a chocolate assembly line, Carol Burnett walking down the stairs with a curtain rod for her "Gone with the Wind" parody). My only complaint is that there was just one quote from the comedienne herself to go with each woman's description. I think the book could have benefitted from more information taken directly from the source's mouth - it would have provided even more depth to the history. There were some tidbits I hadn't heard before, particularly where certain funny ladies went to school or got their start. Overall, this is a fun book for any comedy lover.
*Free copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
*Free copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 10, 2022
This is a collection of very brief bios of funny women, which means it is both inspiring and a great reminder of how these women have enriched our lives and our culture. The author daringly undermines her project by adding a list of other funny women she has not profiled at the start of every section, which takes nerve, if you ask me. But as much as I might second-guess her choices, I'm very grateful for those she did decide to include, because I learned new things about folks I already admired, gained admiration for some folks I knew nothing about, and came away feeling better about humanity overall because these women succeeded so spectacularly.
I was intrigued to learn about some early successes I did not know about, such as Mabel Normand and Marie Dressler, but the book also includes bios of women who are still with us (Wanda Sykes), as well as some I grew up watching (Phyllis Diller). Highly recommended!!!!
P.S. At the end, the author encourages you to join the ranks of female comedy greats. Why not?
I was intrigued to learn about some early successes I did not know about, such as Mabel Normand and Marie Dressler, but the book also includes bios of women who are still with us (Wanda Sykes), as well as some I grew up watching (Phyllis Diller). Highly recommended!!!!
P.S. At the end, the author encourages you to join the ranks of female comedy greats. Why not?
March 18, 2025
3.5 ***
As a 70s latchkey kid, I watched pretty much everything on TV. But comedians like Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball MTM and many others (not all female) kept me company and made me laugh when I was being bullied, left out or experiencing the aches and pains of growing up alone. We were the first generation to have HBO, MTV and VH1, so there were lots of opportunities to learn routines from the best so we could repeat them with our friends at school and get a good laugh. Usually during AP English. Eddie Murphy’s Ice Cream Man and Monty Python’s Holy Grail were sure to make us smile. Rosie O’Donnell hosted a show on VH1 called Stand-Up Spotlight that was a late night favorite on weekends as well as SNL. I enjoyed learning more about my favorites and also the real trailblazers like Moms Mably and Mae West. This a great book for anyone who loves to laugh and those who are looking for a playlist of incredibly talented women who can relate to just about anything you’re going through and make it hilarious.
As a 70s latchkey kid, I watched pretty much everything on TV. But comedians like Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball MTM and many others (not all female) kept me company and made me laugh when I was being bullied, left out or experiencing the aches and pains of growing up alone. We were the first generation to have HBO, MTV and VH1, so there were lots of opportunities to learn routines from the best so we could repeat them with our friends at school and get a good laugh. Usually during AP English. Eddie Murphy’s Ice Cream Man and Monty Python’s Holy Grail were sure to make us smile. Rosie O’Donnell hosted a show on VH1 called Stand-Up Spotlight that was a late night favorite on weekends as well as SNL. I enjoyed learning more about my favorites and also the real trailblazers like Moms Mably and Mae West. This a great book for anyone who loves to laugh and those who are looking for a playlist of incredibly talented women who can relate to just about anything you’re going through and make it hilarious.
April 24, 2019
I received this ARC from Netgalley.
I was excited to get to read this book based on the cover art alone. The portraits of female comedians throughout were lovely. Kudos to the designer!
Unfortunately I wasn't as impressed by the book. It's clear that the author has a passion for the topic, but most of the mini bios read like wikipedia entries and I was left wanting more. A profile on Lena Dunham for instance, left out the more controversial aspects of her writing, choosing to focus on achievements instead. I don't know that I learned anything more than the basics for each comedian: where they went to school, what comedy/improv troupe they were in, highlights of successes, and a list of awards. It felt really repetitive, and was not as entertaining as I was expecting it to be.
Overall, it's not a bad book, just somewhat forgettable.
I was excited to get to read this book based on the cover art alone. The portraits of female comedians throughout were lovely. Kudos to the designer!
Unfortunately I wasn't as impressed by the book. It's clear that the author has a passion for the topic, but most of the mini bios read like wikipedia entries and I was left wanting more. A profile on Lena Dunham for instance, left out the more controversial aspects of her writing, choosing to focus on achievements instead. I don't know that I learned anything more than the basics for each comedian: where they went to school, what comedy/improv troupe they were in, highlights of successes, and a list of awards. It felt really repetitive, and was not as entertaining as I was expecting it to be.
Overall, it's not a bad book, just somewhat forgettable.
May 13, 2020
This book is a nice exploration of the role women have played in American comedy. The author outlines the lives of 50 trailblazing women and the impact they made on a profession that was not seen as an acceptable role for the fairer sex in the early years. It is fascinating to read about the earliest inroads with the likes of Mae West, Mabel Normand and Marie Dressler. Their bravery in the face of constant criticism is astounding. All of the women you would expect to be covered in this book are: Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller, Melissa McCarthy. There are quite a few newer comics I have never heard of, but good for them for pursuing their dreams.
March 15, 2022
This book had a much more poignant impact on me than I thought it would when I selected it. I just thought it would be a fun read, and it was but....I learned a lot. This is a powerful book about a wealth of 50 (out of many many more that could have been included) women who created a niche in the world of comedy. This author somehow find a way to get the essence of each of these comedic women in three to four pages, no matter their proclivity and accomplishments. The first and last chapters included many women of whom I had never heard but through a bit more research learned to admire.
December 11, 2018
DISCLAIMER: I was provided a digital copy of this book by NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I'm a little lukewarm on this one.
While I loved the art in this book, I found the stories to be a bit flat.
I admire women who make their way through the comedy circuit and especially admire those who use their platform to empower women. (ie. Tina Fey)
This is not a book I will be promoting to my circle of friends. There are too many other important things to read.
I'm a little lukewarm on this one.
While I loved the art in this book, I found the stories to be a bit flat.
I admire women who make their way through the comedy circuit and especially admire those who use their platform to empower women. (ie. Tina Fey)
This is not a book I will be promoting to my circle of friends. There are too many other important things to read.
April 9, 2019
This book is a collection of a select few funny women. Each woman selected get's a couple page shoutout. While
I was familiar with most of these funny ladies, it was nice to be introduce to some new faces. I think I just wanted more. Maybe some advice from the ladies themselves would have put knocked this book up a couple pegs. I did love the illustrations for this. They were unique and eye-catching.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was familiar with most of these funny ladies, it was nice to be introduce to some new faces. I think I just wanted more. Maybe some advice from the ladies themselves would have put knocked this book up a couple pegs. I did love the illustrations for this. They were unique and eye-catching.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2020
4.5 stars
It was cute and fun, I feel like some chapters could’ve been shorter and some could’ve been longer and the women of color could’ve gotten a little more page time but I still think that this book is important and everyone should read it especially if you’re in film or theatre or television or writing or stand-up or live performance or anything like that. I enjoyed this book and I loved the art it was so fun
It was cute and fun, I feel like some chapters could’ve been shorter and some could’ve been longer and the women of color could’ve gotten a little more page time but I still think that this book is important and everyone should read it especially if you’re in film or theatre or television or writing or stand-up or live performance or anything like that. I enjoyed this book and I loved the art it was so fun
November 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It included quite a few of my favorite funny women (Mindy Kaling, Samantha Bee, Robin Thede, Kate McKinnon, Ilana Glazer & Abbi Jacobson to name a few). It also had quite a few funny women I didn't know much about and it was interesting to find out about them! Overall, I would give this book 4/5 stars!
January 3, 2024
Extraordinarily comprehensive!
Amazing compendium taking readers through all the funny ladies you know, plus lots more you don't. It was great to learn about those who came before Lily Tomlin, Phyllis Diller, Whoopi Goldberg etc. as well as some of the new guard who will serve as our granddaughters' inspiration. Buy this now!
Amazing compendium taking readers through all the funny ladies you know, plus lots more you don't. It was great to learn about those who came before Lily Tomlin, Phyllis Diller, Whoopi Goldberg etc. as well as some of the new guard who will serve as our granddaughters' inspiration. Buy this now!
December 28, 2018
As an art book, 4 stars. As a reference manual, 2 stars.
The artwork depicting female comedians is wonderful.
I don’t trust a book that references a Carol Burnett Netflix show that never aired.
The artwork depicting female comedians is wonderful.
I don’t trust a book that references a Carol Burnett Netflix show that never aired.
May 30, 2019
💭It was very well written
💭very informative
💭inspiring
💭made me discover so many new people in the comedy genre that i had no idea of
💭a good read if you want to pass time
🌟4/5
I'd like to thank @netgalley for the ARC
💭very informative
💭inspiring
💭made me discover so many new people in the comedy genre that i had no idea of
💭a good read if you want to pass time
🌟4/5
I'd like to thank @netgalley for the ARC
April 29, 2020
Describing Kristin Wiig:
"Kristen ultimately uses comedy to connect women to the cringey, awkward, incomprehensible parts of ourselves that society tries to make us edit out in a quest for perfection."
Love that so much.
"Kristen ultimately uses comedy to connect women to the cringey, awkward, incomprehensible parts of ourselves that society tries to make us edit out in a quest for perfection."
Love that so much.
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