Just the Funny Parts

… And a Few Hard Truths About Sneaking Into the Hollywood Boys’ Club

By: Nell Scovell

Narrated by: Amy Hohn

You’ve almost certainly laughed at Scovell’s jokes - you just didn’t know it until now.

Just the Funny Parts is a juicy and scathingly funny insider look at how pop culture gets made. For more than 30 years, writer, producer and director Nell Scovell worked behind the scenes of iconic TV shows, including The Simpsons, Late Night with David Letterman, Murphy Brown, NCIS, The Muppets, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, which she created and executive produced.

In 2009, Scovell gave up her behind-the-scenes status when the David Letterman sex scandal broke. Only the second woman ever to write for his show, Scovell used the moment to publicly call out the lack of gender diversity in late-night TV writers’ rooms. “One of the boys” came out hard for “all of the girls.” Her criticisms fueled a cultural debate. Two years later, Scovell was collaborating with Sheryl Sandberg on speeches and later on Lean In, which resulted in a worldwide movement.

Now Scovell is opening up with this fun, honest, and often shocking account. Scovell knows what it’s like to put words in the mouths of President Barack Obama, Mark Harmon, Candice Bergen, Bob Newhart, Conan O’Brien, Alyssa Milano, and Kermit the Frog, among many others. Through her eyes, you’ll sit in the Simpson writers’ room…stand on the Oscar red carpet…pin a tail on Miss Piggy…bond with Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy…and experience a Stephen King-like encounter with Stephen King.

Just the Funny Parts is a fast-paced account of a nerdy girl from New England who fought her way to the top of the highly-competitive, male-dominated entertainment field. The book delivers invaluable insights into the creative process and tricks for navigating a difficult workplace. It's part memoir, part how-to, and part survival story. Or, as Scovell puts it, “It’s like Unbroken, but funnier and with slightly less torture.”

©2018 Nell Scovell (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Oh, Men!

This is an intriguing but not too heavy look at why media and entertainment tend to be so monolithically male - ideal for the #metoo age. The reader is a little flat compared to the zing of the writing but overall it was a positive and enlightening experience. Also, you won't BELIEVE all the legendary shows Nell worked on!

Interesting female perspective on writing for Hollywood

This book was a interesting perspective from a female writer in comedy. Some of the funniest jokes, though seem to be from other people. I was hoping for more directly from the author. It’s a great read through once, however I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite to read again and again.

I'm a new fan

I love how Nell tells it like it was, what she learned, and how it is. There's a kind of acceptance of the next-fix obsessiveness of being a creative writer in Hollywood, the crap shoot, and the unadulterated joy that makes her--and so many of us-- continue on against the odds. And, of course, lots of excellent comedic timing :) Enjoyed her book ~

Why I'm Adding Nell Scovell to My Heroes List...

Nell Scovell Helped Show me & the World that the Expectations & Limitations Piled On Women Over the Centuries as Our Unavoidable & Even Divine Reality Can & Should be Tossed Off of Our Backs--Freeing Women to "Ordain & Establish" Our Own Destinies--Securing Each Woman's Right to Her Independent &/or Collective Success Story.

Good book, terrible reading.

While Nell Scovell's words about her life as a female comedy writer are compelling, Amy Hohn's reading is atrocious. It seemed far more suited to children's books and I almost expected to hear a "ding" to indicate when to turn the page. As a comedy writer, Scovell's memoir has frequent laughs, but you wouldn't know it to hear Hohn's delivery. She's managed to suck all the life from the pages.

Inspirational Honesty

I really enjoyed this and laughed out loud many times. I think Nell is an inspiration to young writers of any gender or background.

Loved it!!!

This was such a revealing memoir! I appreciated the openness and lessons learned very much! And funny!! I laughed hysterically several times. More Nell!! MORE!!!

Laughing, nodding, and cringing.

An insider’s guide to the life of a Hollywood TV writer, with plenty of insights and LOL moments... as well as cringe-worthy instances of sexism in action. A cautionary tale... and an inspiration.

Mandatory Reading For ALL High School Kids!

The Book Women Should Have Had 100 Years Ago... Ladies, we’re not imagining these things, they happen... Men, take a lesson and hire women and be professional co-workers already!

Empowering & Funny

I laughed a lot! Great storytelling! Thank you for standing up and publishing that article and for keeping the narrative focused on women writers vs sex scandal when being asked for interviews! Love all the friendships you created through life. It’s inspiring and a great reminder to connect, ask for help, give help, get mentors and nurture relationships. It’s shocking how far we, women, still AREN’T as equals.