I am sure by now you have realized that I put a quote at the beginning of every book review I write for this blog. These quotes, as you likely know as well, are from the book I am reviewing in that particular post. Why am I pointing this out now? I am doing so because I think this has been the hardest time I have had in choosing a quote. This is not because there is not a good selection. It is quite the opposite, actually.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes is a laugh out loud funny book. It rings true and emotional at the same time as these laughs occur. I feel like this book, unlike some celebrity memoirs and similar, does not feel stuffy. It reads relaxed and simply true to me.
I was already quite familiar with Shonda’s work prior to reading Year of Yes. Specifically, I am a dedicated Grey’s Anatomy viewer. I also recently started watching Scandal. I also know that she has other properties, though I am not as up to date on them.
I think that her idea to say yes to things that scare her for a year seems like a great exercise. It is a great opportunity. I feel as if lots of people like her and I—by that I mean introverts—could really benefit from this idea. Frankly, I am toying with trying it out myself. The thing is, what would I say yes to? I mean, I know I back out of things, but at what point do I know if I am actually busy and have to get something done or if I am just afraid to go somewhere. However, this is not the point here. Or, rather, my experience is not!
I enjoyed finding out about the woman behind Grey’s Anatomy and the world of Shondaland. She is fascinating, strong, et cetera.
In this book, she does more than just recount her experiences. She helps people learn lessons like how one person’s happy ending is not the same as another’s. How if you are met with condescension, you should yell obscenities. You should not shave off pieces of yourself. You should get the whole Chocolate Factory.
Something else I found interesting is how she talked about how her mind worked when she was going to do Jimmy Kimmel Live. I have no doubt in my mind that this story is true (or at least the majority of it is). Do you know why? It is because I know that, if I were ever in the position to go on a show like that, I would react that same way. My mind would work overtime and invent outrageous scenarios of things that could happen to me.
I think if you watch any of her Shondaland shows, you should read this book. Frankly, I think that if you are at all interested in Hollywood, television, et cetera, you should read this book. I know you will be laughing throughout the book. I hope you pick this one up. I really do.
If you do pick this one up, I would love to hear your thoughts about it. Did anything surprise you? What was your favourite story from the book? I want to hear it all!
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Title: Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person
Author: Shonda Rhimes
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Walking The Forest Floor 