Just the Funny Parts: … And a Few Hard Truths About Sneaking into the Hollywood Boys’ Club

It’s weird to write this, but Nell Scovell is one of my favorite television writers, and I had no idea until now. The Simpsons, The Muppets, Warehouse 13, even the newest season of Mystery Science Theater 3000…she’s contributed in meaningful ways to each of these shows and many more. And yet, I doubt many people outside of the industry know her name.

Just the Funny Parts recounts her time writing for television, mixing incredibly honest and heartfelt revelations with laugh-out-loud humor to create a reading experience that goes far beyond the standard autobiography. Her journey is fascinating and insightful, eye-opening in both interesting and deeply unpleasant ways, given the sexism she battled throughout her career.

Providing tons of inspiration for writers, inspiration for women, and inspiration for what can be accomplished through comedy, Just the Funny Parts is as wonderful and entertaining as it is important for everyone, men and women alike, to read and understand.

Being funny while also being deeply poignant and sharply moving is a rare skill, and one Nell Scovell has mastered. I cannot say enough good things about this book.