What We're Reading: Year of Yes

This book was read by Courtney Bippley, a Reference Librarian at the Main Campus Library.

[caption id="attachment_1914" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes[/caption] On Thanksgiving Day, 2013, Rhimes' sister told her: "You never say yes to anything." This became a wake-up call-- and a challenge. Rhimes' details her one-year experiment with saying "yes" that transformed her life. She reveals how accepting unexpected invitations she would have otherwise declined enabled powerful benefits. When she learned to say yes to life, she learned to explore, empower, applaud, and love her truest self. Why did you choose to read this book?

I’ve been a fan of Shonda Rhimes since the pilot episode of Grey’s Anatomy so I was happy when I saw that she now had a book. A glimpse into the mind of the writer who created some of my favorite characters of all time was not something I was going to pass up.

What did you like about it?

One of the things I liked about this book is that Shonda Rhimes owns her success. She owns the fact that she is Queen of Thursday nights on ABC and the fact that she is a creative powerhouse. However, she manages to be funny and relatable instead of arrogant or superior.

Did it remind you of any other book, or a movie?

This book reminded me of (surprise!) Grey’s Anatomy. I read the whole book in the cadence of the writing on the show. The flow was so similar and familiar that it almost felt like reading a friend’s journal.

Was there anything noteworthy about the book?

This might not be noteworthy to anyone else, but I was thrilled to discover that her feelings about the character of Cristina Yang are the same as my feelings about Cristina Yang. It is gratifying to have my reading of this character validated by the writer.

What feeling did the book leave you with?

As I finished the book I felt inspired to say a few Yesses of my own this year. I also have a strong desire to rewatch some of my favorite Grey’s Anatomy episodes.

Who would you recommend the book to?

Anyone who is a Shondaland fan, or anyone who feels like their life needs a change but isn’t sure how to make it happen.

What would you pair this book with?

This book practically demands a glass of red wine and the Grey’s Anatomy Season One Soundtrack.  

Interested in reading Year of Yes for yourself? Check it out from the library!