Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Yes Please


Yes Please
By Amy Poehler

I really enjoy reading (and listening, in this case) to books from comedians.  This time I entered the world of Amy Poehler through her book Yes Please. The book was published in 2014 and describes her rise from a college improv group (while attending Boston College), to waitress, to the Upright Citizens Brigade in Chicago, to bit parts in movies, to hitting it big on SNL, and then on to her TV show Parks and Recreation.  Poehler, who is not afraid to share her drinking, drugging, and sex-filled days, also shares the difficulties associated with being a working mom, going through a divorce, and growing up with a snoring problem.  She breaks the book into three sections: 1.) Say: whatever you want; 2.) Do: whatever you like; and 3.) Be: whoever you are.  For those who are Poehler fans, you get a ton of tidbits about her days struggling as an improv artist, her behind the scenes moments from SNL, and how she approached award nights and lowered the stress level for nominees.  Poehler doesn’t take herself seriously, but she takes her work seriously.  She offers insights to those looking to make a career in comedy and opens herself up to criticism.  I had many hearty laughs with this one and encourage others who need to smile to listen to her early development as an artist.

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