Amy Poehler's Hilarious Stand-Up Comedy Special: Yes Please

Susan: I started reading this book because Sara Gibbs recommends it in her book called “Drama Queen: One Autistic Woman and a Life of Unhelpful Labels”.
I think that books like this are all very well but I can’t help feeling that they’re are mainly applicable to people who live in cities like London or New York and not really applicable to the lives of people who live in industrial manufacturing towns in the north of England.
Also when you read books like this it usually just happens coincidentally that they’re just amazingly talented in one particular area which I find quite alienating and hard to relate to for those of us who aren’t particular talented.

United Kingdom on Jul 07, 2023

CourtneyAnn: Hilarious and unexpectedly a super helpful self development book! I freaking LOVE Amy Poehler and her sense of humour! From SNL and Parks & Rec to her hilarious comedies in theatres....it’s like there’s nothing she can’t do! I ordered this book as I was interested in learning more about her as a person, how she came to be such a funny writer and actress and also....for a light, funny read! What I didn’t anticipate was that while learning about her life, past and present, she had so many helpful and insightful words to share that were like a little mini self help book....without feeling forced or cheesy! Through comedy, honesty and sharing her own personal stories, I finished this book feeling not only like I knew her like a friend, but that she had helped me like a friend would have, through a tough time, as well!

Canada on Jul 17, 2018

RachelReadsBooks: The book is an interesting look at how she became a comedian and her set with improv. She talks about her life in a very conversational style which helps the book's pace and feels like a genuine and honest heart to heart. Her voice is definitely in there and her bluntness is both admirable and refreshing. She includes personal photos, giving the reader a glimpse into how she grew up, and funny breaks to add a bit of variety between chapters. She comes across as likeable and funny and there were a few moments which made me laugh out loud to the annoyance of the cat in the room.

It has all of the ingredients to be a great book and an enjoyable read, and while I read it for hours, the more I read, the more I see what could have been done better. In the start of the book, Poehler talks about needing to do the book because she promised her editor she would, rather than a passion for writing (although she clearly has) or a drive. Reading it, I felt as though I was a teacher, looking through a smart and funny kid's essay but constantly aware that they did it because they HAD TO rather than they WANT TO. It's an interesting position to be in, and one which I haven't been in...

United Kingdom on Aug 09, 2017

Red87: I am a fan of Amy Poehler through Parks and Rec but was far more familiar with Tina Fey (the more famous of the two in the UK, I think). I had read Tina's book and enjoyed it and so after getting into Parks I thought I would try Amy's.
I liked how Amy refuses to discuss certain things (and didn't apologise for it) and that it was honest, and felt very much like it represented her as a person. It wasn't the best autobiography I have ever read, but I think that's because it can't really be classed as one - it is more like an edited diary or a casual chat with friends over a glass of wine.

She has gained a new fan in me and I always enjoy hearing what she is up to.

United Kingdom on Jan 24, 2016

tnap: I have literally just finished reading Amy Poehler's "Yes Please" and I have to say I love it. I don't recall why I bought the book as I wasn't really a fan (not that I disliked Amy), I wasn't a diehard SNL'er and I don't watch Parks and Rec. For whatever the reason I just really got into the book and enjoyed it immensely. We are both close in age and the references and stories she tells about growing up made me think of my own childhood. This is a smart, funny (without trying to be), insightful and I think honest book - well written and a good read. Amy Poehler is not preaching anything, trying to be anything other than herself and she does have a lot to say. I have to say I am now a fan ... not necessarily of her work but of her as a person. I love the title and what it means and that she cries while trying to get things done and it's ok (I do too). I am stealing her saying "Good for her, not for me" because it's awesome.

Canada on Jan 17, 2015

Harish Nair: Somewhere towards the end of the book, Amy express her gratitude to the readers for reading through the book. As a reader, I would like to say Thank you , Amy for gifting me with such a great book. And yes, I fully agree with you when you said that this book should have been called “Surf your life”. But “Yes Please” also fits well. But then, does it really matter?

Some one has to be really brave to be as famous as Amy and still share so much of ones life in a book. (And to think of it, Amy says she has never shared her embarrassing moments with anybody, but then how many would disclose a fascination for tragedy porn). It can be done only when you have that kind of confidence. It is difficult to categorise this book into any one genre – biopic , humour, philosophy…… Amy has managed to bring all facets of these into this book. I am quite amazed by her propensity to shake herself out of any comfort zone and strive on her creativity. And when she propounded her philosophy “care less, practice ambivalence”, I was quite dumbfounded. And as she kept explaining the idea further into treating the career like a bad boyfriend , I could have placed her next to any...

United States on Dec 27, 2014

Liz: Often times my literary ego (aka high school English teacher BS) keeps me from enjoying the memoirs of pop culture icons, but Amy Poehler's "Yes Please" is an artistic triumph. Perhaps entirely because of its imperfections.

I would have loved to say "I couldn't put it down!" but my adult years have taught me *some* self-restraint, so I unwittingly bookmarked it a couple times over a few days to get as much work done as possible so as not to arouse suspicion from my superiors.

This book, for one beautifully brutal work-week, became my everything. I am so grateful Amy shared her soul with me because this stranger needed her so desperately. She will never know how she has helped me. And that's ok. She also taught me that there are probably a few people who I might have helped this way. Her words grounded me. They validated me. They reminded me why I love to read.

Amy Poehler has written a book saturated with witticisms, credos and battle cries. In doing so, she has achieved a rare feat of enchanting her way onto my sacred list of Favorite Authors. This is a difficult task. I am not even on that list. And my writing is something to write home about.

"Yes...

United States on Nov 16, 2014