Review: ‘Yes, Please’ to Poehler’s memoir

Yes, please. Those two simple words can mean wild changes. Maybe it’s yes to love, a new job or moving. Maybe it’s yes to stepping into the darkness without knowing what’s coming next. That is exactly how you could describe Amy Poehler’s memoir, “Yes Please.”

I think the first time I consciously realized how much I loved and respected Poehler was during one of her Weekend Update bits on Saturday Night Live. That, along with her ability to make me laugh so hard as any character she stepped into made me take notice. As she’s moved through “Parks and Rec,” her NBC sitcom that reached its finale Tuesday night, her personality seemed to come out of a hybrid of all the different hats I’ve seen her wear. Is it clear yet that I freaking love Amy Poehler?

Historically, comedy is not a kind business to women. “Yes Please” gives an incredibly intimate look into Poehler’s journey to becoming the entertainer she is today. Aside from covering her career landmarks, including some pitfalls and small triumphs, she lets the reader into her world. Not where she’s a household name, but where she’s “Mom” or just Amy. She lets us into her relationship with now ex-husband, Will Arnett, and the time she spends with her sons. This, to me, was fascinating and beautiful, as if she is explaining to a friend her feelings, frustrations, failures and victories.

Poehler and her memoir make me want to be a stronger woman. I think that was the biggest take away from the book. She’s cute, blond and funny, but she’s also well-educated, kind, loving and — as you find out from other books like Mindy Kaling’s “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” or Tina Fey’s “Bossypants” — Poehler is an all-around genuine and good person. She works hard and has made an impact on the lives of those around her.

Ultimately, Poehler makes me want to be less afraid and to simply enjoy who I am. We are all flawed, but that shouldn’t excuse hate, whether it’s directed toward someone else or ourselves. Call me a hippie, but with all the hate outside our school, we could use more love inside it. Say “yes please” to help offered, new opportunities, new friends or diversity. Say “yes please” to being the best version of yourself, knowing that you’re still not perfect and some days it will feel like your constantly being pushed down. Say “yes please” to living a full life and loving the life you have.

— Kasey Van Dyke is a five-year sophomore who can’t make up her mind about a major. Currently she is studying physics. That may change next week. She enjoys Diet Coke and South Park. Contact her at kaseyvandyke2@gmail.com.