Read Notes

Yes Please

Author - Amy Poehler

In Yes Please, Amy Poehler delivers a hilarious and candid memoir blending personal stories, life lessons, and comedic wisdom. From her early days in improv comedy to her experiences on Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation, Poehler shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reflections on fame, creativity, and friendship. The book alternates between humorous stories, advice, and personal insights, capturing her infectious humor and warmth.

Genre - Humor

Notes: Yes Please

(•) Poehler grew up in Burlington, Massachusetts, a self-described "good girl" with a strong family unit.
(•) Her childhood involved a lot of performing for family and a deep love for comedy.
(•) She attended Boston College, where she first discovered improv comedy and felt an immediate connection.
(•) College was a period of self-discovery, exploring her identity beyond her family.
(•) After college, she moved to Chicago, drawn by its legendary improv scene.
(•) In Chicago, she joined the legendary ImprovOlympic and Second City, honing her craft.
(•) She worked various odd jobs, including as a waitress and a nanny, while pursuing comedy.
(•) It was in Chicago that she met many future collaborators, including Tina Fey and Matt Besser.
(•) Poehler emphasizes the importance of hard work and "doing the work" in the improv scene.
(•) She co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) with Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Adam McKay.
(•) The UCB developed a distinct, often dark and absurd, style of long-form improv.
(•) The UCB moved to New York City, establishing their own theater and becoming a foundational institution for alternative comedy.
(•) Her time in NYC involved struggling financially but building a strong community of comedic artists.
(•) The UCB got a sketch show on Comedy Central, providing her first major TV exposure.
(•) Poehler recounts the intense audition process for Saturday Night Live (SNL).
(•) She joined SNL in 2001, just after 9/11, a somber and pivotal time for the show.
(•) She was the first female cast member to be pregnant while on the show.
(•) Poehler became a co-anchor for "Weekend Update" alongside Tina Fey, making history as the first two-woman team.
(•) She details the demanding schedule and high-pressure environment of working at SNL.
(•) Her SNL characters included Caitlin, the hyperactive kid, and her segments with Seth Meyers on "Really?!"
(•) She reflects on the camaraderie and sisterhood among the women of SNL.
(•) Poehler shares anecdotes about meeting and working with various celebrities and political figures.
(•) She briefly touches on her past experiences with drugs, emphasizing the need to move past them.
(•) She met and married actor Will Arnett, forming a prominent comedic power couple.
(•) She discusses the challenges and joys of becoming a mother while maintaining a demanding career.
(•) Her first son, Archie, was born during her time at SNL, highlighting the juggle.
(•) She candidly addresses the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
(•) Poehler admits to the difficulties of balancing work, marriage, and motherhood.
(•) She eventually left SNL to pursue other opportunities and spend more time with her growing family.
(•) Her next major role was Leslie Knope in "Parks and Recreation," which she describes as a dream job.
(•) She deeply connected with Leslie Knope's optimism, work ethic, and unwavering belief in good.
(•) "Parks and Rec" became a significant part of her life, a supportive and creative environment.
(•) She discusses the painful process of her divorce from Will Arnett, emphasizing the difficulty for their children.
(•) Poehler stresses the importance of therapy and self-care during difficult life transitions.
(•) She advocates for women supporting other women, rejecting the idea of female competition.
(•) Her famous quote, "Bitches get stuff done," embodies her proactive feminist spirit.
(•) She reflects on the concept of "saying yes" to opportunities and challenges, which inspired the book's title.
(•) Conversely, she also champions the power and importance of "saying no" to protect one's time and energy.
(•) Poehler shares her philosophy on friendship, valuing deep, long-standing connections.
(•) She discusses the complexities of aging in Hollywood and embracing the process.
(•) The book delves into the struggle of writing it, admitting to procrastination and self-doubt.
(•) She uses the book to process her own life experiences, good and bad, with humor and honesty.
(•) Poehler encourages readers to be brave, take risks, and pursue their passions.
(•) She emphasizes the value of hard work over innate talent alone.
(•) She reflects on the concept of "imposter syndrome" and learning to trust her own voice.
(•) The book is a blend of memoir, advice, and comedic essays, reflecting her diverse talents.
(•) Poehler highlights the importance of finding your tribe and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
(•) She concludes with a message of optimism and the continuous journey of self-improvement.
(•) Her honesty about personal struggles, like divorce, offers relatable insight to readers.
(•) Ultimately, "Yes Please" is a call to embrace life fully, with all its messiness and joy.