Yes Please by Amy Poehler – Review

What’s this book got to do with style you ask? Well nothing really, though I do love the verbal stylings of Ms Amy Poehler which is why I decided to listen to this as an audiobook rather than read it (plus these days I have so little time to read, but can listen to something interesting and insightful in the car or while I’m out for my run).

The above is one of my favorite quotes from the book.  It’s something that I try and live by and something I stress to the people who train to be personal stylists and image consultants with me.  The reality is, in life, is that there is never a perfect time, and you are never perfectly ready for anything (remember giving birth that first time?  Did you feel ready?  No but you did it anyway!).

I notice that those students of mine who jump in and do things before they are ready are the ones who succeed.  The ones who believe they have to perfect everything and feel super confident are the ones who end up doing very little as none of us feel that.  I will always remember the great author Malcolm Bradbury

 telling me that he couldn’t believe that he had achieved what he had and how he always felt a little bit of a fraud, which I’ve discovered is common.  It’s just that some people let that feeling stop them.

I love that Amy called this book Yes Please

 as it’s a great reminder that it’s important to say yes in life to those opportunities that come by.  Seize them or they will pass you by.

Back to the book, I have to say I really enjoyed this memoir/life advice/anecdotes and being read by Amy  (along with some readings by no less than: Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers, Patrick Stewart, Kathleen Turner) with I’m sure many side notes that aren’t in the readable copy of the book, made it all the more enjoyable.  I’ve long been a fan of Parks and Recreation

for it’s witty writing and great characters and love seeing Amy as Leslie Knope, a female character who is so strong and determined, has power, sees the good in everyone and is a really likeable person too, rare in so many TV shows and movies.

So if you too are an Amy Poehler fan I highly recommend reading or listening to this book.