As always seems to happen when I feel good about where I’m at in life, things got crazy and overwhelming and not so fun. So I decided that I was due for some me time and in that time, I finally finished another book.
I had started several heavy books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Walden and a book called What Language Is. But all of these are sitting on my nightstand partially finished, too dry for my mind at the time. And so, at the suggestion of my boss, I picked up Yes Please.
I very rarely find a television series that I really love– as in watch in order, to completion, and then go back and do it again, or pick a favorite episode, especially when I’m feeling down. Parks and Recreation has become one of these series. Humor that isn’t too over the top, a strong storyline, and loveable characters are some of my favorite elements of the show, and the Leslie Knope is the best at all of these.
Imagine my joy when I found out that Amy Poehler is Leslie Knope off the set too! The optimism and related but off topic insights translate well from on-screen Leslie Knope to on-paper Amy Poehler. The honesty on everything from her experimentation with controlled substances to her lesbian temptations was fascinating to me, as I’m so used to everyone talking about their sterile “American Dream” upbringing, especially in upper-middle-class suburbs like the one Poehler was raised in.
While it took me some time to actually finish the book, it was an easy read, and quite pleasurable. Light enough that it made me laugh after stressful days in customer service, and deep enough that it really made me think about my life and what I’d like to do. Working for the government and being an improv comedian are not likely lucrative paths for me, but being a genuine person and jumping into new opportunities are definitely on the list.
Would I recommend this book? Yes please and thank you.
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