Year of Yes

Shonda Rhimes recounts a year-long experiment where she said "yes" to everything that scared her. The challenge began after her sister observed that she never said yes to anything. The television creator and producer documents her journey through public speaking engagements, media appearances, and personal situations that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. She examines her relationship with work, family obligations, and self-care while navigating her role as a single mother and entertainment industry leader. Through her experiences, Rhimes explores themes of courage, authenticity, and transformation. Her narrative demonstrates how facing fears can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities.

Readers found Year of Yes relatable and conversational, appreciating Rhimes' honesty about her struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. Many connected with her transformation through saying "yes" to opportunities she feared. Readers liked: - Raw personal stories and vulnerability - Practical advice for overcoming social anxiety - Humor and engaging writing style - Focus on self-care and setting boundaries Readers disliked: - Repetitive content and ideas - Name-dropping and celebrity references - Too much focus on her TV shows - Some found the tone self-congratulatory One reader noted: "She talks to you like a friend giving advice over coffee." Another criticized: "Could have been a blog post instead of a full book." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (131,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (5,800+ ratings) Audible: 4.7/5 (12,000+ ratings) Most recommend the audiobook version, narrated by Rhimes herself, over the print edition.

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🎯 Shonda Rhimes wrote this book after her sister muttered six words that changed her life: "You never say yes to anything." 🎬 Before writing Year of Yes, Rhimes was already a TV powerhouse, creating hit shows like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. 💫 During her "Year of Yes," Rhimes overcame her fear of public speaking and delivered the Dartmouth College commencement speech, which became one of the book's pivotal moments. ⚖️ The author lost 127 pounds during her year-long journey of saying "yes," not through dieting but by saying "yes" to taking better care of herself. 🎨 The book's original manuscript was handwritten in journals, as Rhimes prefers to write her first drafts by hand rather than on a computer.