Title: Yes Please

Author: Amy Poehler

Genre: Memoir

Rating: Unranked (I don’t like ranking memoirs!)

Why I read it: because I thought it would be interesting

I don’t read a lot of memoirs, but right away, I could tell this one would be different. First off, it’s heavy. Not figuratively—it’s actually very lighthearted and funny—but physically. I swear, this is the heaviest book I’ve ever held.

It has beautiful, thick, glossy pages filled with both text and images that draw you into her story. It’s a fun read, packed with insider scoops on Hollywood life and what’s going on inside her head, all balanced with life lessons. It feels like you’re getting advice from your much cooler older sister or your fun aunt. And it’s very quotable! I wrote down several inspiring quotes to share with you:

• “I believe great people do things before they are ready.”
• “Anger and embarrassment are often neighbors.”
• “It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I started to feel like my adult life was beginning.” (I like to think of myself as a two-year-old adult, so thank you for the validation, Amy.)
• “When people are nervous and put on the spot, they tend to show you who they really are.”
• “Watching great people do what you love is a good way to start learning how to do it yourself.”
• “It’s easier to be brave when you’re not alone.”
• “Because remember, the talking about the thing isn’t the thing. The doing the thing is the thing.” (See also: great people do things before they are ready.)

Now, a confession: when I picked this book, I was excited to hear about her journey as Leslie. She does address it, but not as much as I was hoping. Honestly, that’s on me. I went in with an invalid expectation, and when it took until page 245 to get to the Parks and Recreation content, I have to admit I was a little bored at times. She’s a great actor, and her story is fascinating, but I needed to check my expectations at the door (and reconfirm the publication date—again, that’s on me).

Some parts of the book haven’t aged well, but who could have predicted the Louis C.K. drama? (Everyone, I guess?) And I’ll admit, I got lost whenever she listed a bunch of famous people I didn’t know. At first, I looked them all up, but by the middle—and definitely by the end—I’d given up. The timeline also jumps around a lot, but knowing what I know now about her personality, a linear memoir wouldn’t have made sense anyway.

All in all, I learned a lot and have a newfound respect for her as an actor. Would I have preferred more behind-the-scenes Parks and Rec content? Absolutely. Maybe she’ll indulge me in her next book (just kidding, Amy!).

TL;DR: Would I recommend it to a friend? Sure. Just know going in that if you’re expecting Leslie Knope, you won’t find her. This is Amy Poehler, and they’re two very different people.