Plane time (and the corresponding ‘awake’ time due to jetlag that follows) is a wonderful time to catch up on ones reading. That right, I finished two whole books in single sittings. A wonderful way to read and one that not many people get the chance to do very often.

First up was Mia Freedman’s ‘Mia Culpa’, a collection of Mia’s thoughts on life, love and the laughs in between. If you are a fan of Mia’s weekly column for The Age, or her regular blog posts at Mamamia, you will find the style consistent and conversational but at times repetitive of the content you may have already read. This aside, the book is still funny and relevant to its target audience of women of all ages.

Whilst being wide awake at 3am is not fun for anyone, Tina Fey’s ‘Bossypants’ makes the wee hours significantly more amusing and bearable. I haven’t seen much of Tina’s television work but this autobiographical novel gives you enough insight into Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock to not have to worry. Beginning with childhood and quickly skipping to the past ten years, the novel follows the path of Tina’s career in a ‘chat over a coffee’ style. The story moves quickly and leaves out the boring bits that have you looking at your watch.

Two novels, both by strong and influential women, tell stories of the modern working girl juggling life and having it all. I’ve never thought you could – and still don’t believe anyone does – but at least Mia and Tina are having a rip roaring go at it.

Mia Freedman ‘Mia Culpa – Confessions from the Watercooler of Life’ Penguin $29.95
Tina Fey ‘Bossypants’ Sphere $32.99