Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Okay, now here’s something that may surprise you: Amy Poehler’s book is really, really good. I know–you’re shocked, right? How could someone with so much talent and general coolness be a good writer, too? It’s totally unfair. But it’s the truth–I inhaled this book and am now hoping and praying that she’ll find some time to write another (not holding my breath, however, as she reminds us several times: writing is hard).

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

Yes Please provides a wonderful mix of Amy’s background and track to success (and failure, along the way) and general good advice: be nice to people, stop judging others, believe in yourself. All good advice, wrapped up in funny stories and witty writing and the general feeling that you just really want to hang out with Amy Poehler so where should one apply?

While she skims over the details of her divorce, she provides great background on various projects she’s worked on — SNL, the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, collaborations with other people I love like Tina Fey and Seth Meyers — as well as funny stories about growing up and the immense difficulty of figuring out who you are, who you want to be and how to make that happen.

I loved her explanation of the title: “Saying “yes” doesn’t mean I don’t know how to say no, and saying “please” doesn’t mean I am waiting for permission.”. It’s a good combination of good manners and a strong backbone. Ms. Poehler seems to have an abundance of both.