Loved it so much, this is my second time around listening, and it was just as delightful as the first. If you like Amy Poehler, you need to read it. I’d recommend this book for just about anyone, as it is laugh out loud funny and very relatable. I’m not a parent, but I still was able to enjoy her stories of pregnancy and motherhood, not just for the insight they gave me into Poehler, but to the insight they give into the human experience.
Poehler comes across as a no bull shit kind of woman who is grateful (and maybe a little embarassed) for the riches of her life, but has the same struggles we all do to be authentic, happy, and deal with technology that is, as she discusses in her final chapter, definitely trying to kill us.
Originally Read November 1 2015 (first review)
I would like to give this book 10 out of 5 stars, or 100 out of 5. All the stars! I went into this with pretty high expectations because I love Amy Poehler as she is a strong, amazing, funny woman, but this book just blew me away.
First of all, the audiobook is where it’s at. Not only does she read it herself, but there are bits read by Kathleen Turner, Carol freaking Burnett and Sir Patrick freaking Stewart. And if celebrity cameos aren’t your thing, her parents both read their advice and it is just endearing and honest and wonderful.
I’ve been digging the books by modern lady comedians, Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, but this one for me blew them away. What I think is different about Poehler’s novel is that it is almost as much a self help book as it is her autobiography. I feel like I learned a lot because she was so honest, genuine, and introspective. She was nostalgic about her charming childhood, and real about the work she has put in, and the heartache she has been through, not to mention the things she has learned along the way about how to apologize, how to stick up for yourself, and how to be present in your life. Her mantra of saying, “Yes Please” to things in life, the combination of embracing opportunity, and still being grateful, succinctly sums up what she tries to do in her life, and I am so glad she put pen to paper (or rather keys to computer).
As soon as I was done listening to it, I wanted to listen to it again. I plan to buy a copy soon so I can highlight all my favorite bits, and have put a PSA on social media to all the ladies in my life that this is one not to miss.