Amy Poehler might be best-known for her time on Saturday Night Live or her role as political figure, Leslie Knope, on NBC’s comedy “Parks and Recreation.” In her book, “Yes Please,” the comedian shows us a different side to her. Aside from all of the crazy characters she’s played, Poehler plays her best character of all, herself.
The title of the book might sound a little peculiar, but Poehler had a specific reason for that, as it’s the motto she lives by.
“Saying ‘yes’ has gotten me a lot of places in my life. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve added the ‘please’ because I realize when you say ‘yes’ to something, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it alone. I liked it because it felt vulnerable and strong, a polite way of asking for what you want and responding to when people ask you what you need. The combination of agreeing and also realizing that you’re not entitled to anything is something I wanted to convey,” Poehler said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Broken into three parts: Say What You Want, Do Whatever You Like and Be Whoever You Are, Poehler explores a variety of topics with her usual wit and charisma. She discusses her days of starting out in comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, memories of her days on SNL, and of course, “Parks and Rec.” Poehler also explores subjects that are usually off-limits but on a much lighter note, like only she could do. Not only does she go into detail about her “normal” childhood, but she discusses her divorce and having kids.
“It’s not a typical memoir, it’s essays and real and fake advice. I wanted it to feel like a scrapbook or a journal of my life so far,” Poehler also told Entertainment Weekly.
There are also plenty of fun features, such as photos through Poehler’s career and personal life, letters from her heart and brain when apologizing, a haiku about plastic surgery, an acrostic to her best friend, Tina Fey, and a short chapter written by fellow comedian, Seth Myers. All very entertaining, indeed!
“Yes Please” is perfect for the 20-something who is still trying to find their place in life, finding their voice and learning that eventually everything will fall into place. She reminds us that it’s okay to have doubts and concerns for the future, but that should never stop you from going after the thing you want most. She teaches us from her own mistakes and how to just get back out there and not let anything stop you. But, more than that, she reminds us that we aren’t the only ones that deal with that voice inside of us who tells us that we aren’t pretty enough or smart enough.
One of my favorite pieces of advice she gives would be, “Decide what your currency is early. Let go of what you will never have. People who do this are happier and sexier.” That’s a pretty simple way to live life.
“Unlike a lot of comedians that write memoirs, she doesn’t shy away from writing about her life struggles, like losing baby weight, her divorce, and even writing the book itself. It’s refreshing,” said Twitter fan, Kayleigh Dill. “Also, it’s great to read about the behind-the-scenes moments on SNL, especially since I grew up watching her every Saturday.”
As a huge fan of Poehler, I enjoyed getting a small peek inside her world. However, I was a bit disappointed at times. It felt as though she was trying too hard, and maybe that was just part of the humor, but to me, it fell short. She’s known for being a strong woman in Hollywood and paving a way for younger girls, especially with her organization and website, Smart Girls at the Party. I wish she would have used the book as more of a platform for that. Having said that, there are plenty of lessons, and great one-liners, to use as motivation to keep going and continue to dream big. I still loved it, and encourage any fan of Amy’s to read it.
