Reading List // Yes Please – Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler’s ‘Yes Please’ was a book that cropped up on so many, “books you need to read” lists, that I couldn’t not read it.

Having previously read Tina Fey’s ‘Bossypants’ I kinda had an inkling that I would enjoy ‘Yes Please’, and I was right, it had the same style with a similarly funny lady behind the book.

The audio version was even more amusing, with Amy having the likes of Kathleen Turner and Patrick Stewart to help her out reading various parts, as well as her parents.

The book covers Amy’s life, her getting into comedy, being introduced to Tina Fey, improv in Chicago, working waitressing jobs.

“Saying ‘yes’ doesn’t mean I don’t know how to say no, and saying ‘please’ doesn’t mean I am waiting for permission.”

yes pleaseIt is full of amusing stories from SNL, Parks & Rec, as well as Amy’s comical take on various parts of life, and alternative taglines for Human Centipede!

Amy amusingly recounts her many times nominated for awards, or ‘puddings’ as she likes to refer to them – because she doesn’t want them, but the more people talk about them, the more she thinks she’d like one.

“I believe great people do things before they are ready.”

Great Advice

But there is a more serious side to the book, and Amy has great life advice for anyone who may be in similar positions. She talks about depression and how to handle the ‘demons’ in your head, not letting them take over.

“Sticking up for ourselves in the same way we would one of our friends is a hard but satisfying thing to do. Sometimes it works.”

She also covers the struggle of following your passion, getting work, and having to do jobs you don’t want to whilst you are trying to make it.

“Decide what your currency is early. Let go of what you will never have. People who do this are happier and sexier.”

Also working in an originally male dominated workplace she tells of times she’s been discriminated against, treated as inferior. But also more positive tales of her now equal footing and jokes with her peers.

“That is the motto women should constantly repeat over and over again. Good for her! Not for me.”

A great book, with some laugh out loud moments. Not only is Amy a great comedic actress, and writer, but she gives some great views on life as well.

“short people do not like to be picked up”

 

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