Year of Yes

by Shonda Rhimes

Book Overview

The instant New York Times bestseller from the creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder shares how saying YES changed her life. "As fun to read as Rhimes's TV series are to watch" (Los Angeles Times).

She's the creator and producer of some of the most groundbreaking and audacious shows on television today. Her iconic characters live boldly and speak their minds. So who would suspect that Shonda Rhimes is an introvert? That she hired a publicist so she could avoid public appearances? That she suffered panic attacks before media interviews?

With three children at home and three hit television shows, it was easy for Shonda to say she was simply too busy. But in truth, she was also afraid. And then, over Thanksgiving dinner, her sister muttered something that was both a wake up and a call to arms: You never say yes to anything. Shonda knew she had to embrace the challenge: for one year, she would say YES to everything that scared her.

This poignant, intimate, and hilarious memoir explores Shonda's life before her Year of Yes--from her nerdy, book-loving childhood to her devotion to creating television characters who reflected the world she saw around her. The book chronicles her life after her Year of Yes had begun--when Shonda forced herself out of the house and onto the stage; when she learned to explore, empower, applaud, and love her truest self. Yes.

"Honest, raw, and revelatory" (The Washington Post), this wildly candid and compulsively readable book reveals how the mega talented Shonda Rhimes finally achieved badassery worthy of a Shondaland character. Best of all, she "can help motivate even the most determined homebody to get out and try something new" (Chicago Tribune).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1476777128
• ISBN13: 9781476777122
• Release Date: September 2016
• Publisher: S&s/ Marysue Rucci Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Inspired!

This book came into my life at the most random moment that I didn’t know I needed. I truly enjoyed listening to the audio so I needed a physical copy too.

Dancing with Dreams: Navigating Shonda Rhimes’ Creative Odyssey

Shonda Rhimes’ autobiography is a mesmerizing journey through the corridors of her brilliant mind, where creativity and resilience intertwine to craft an inspiring narrative that left me both enchanted and motivated. A must read for all women!!!

Love this point of view

We hear so much about the power of boundaries, and how no is a full sentence - which is all so powerfully true. However, we rarely hear about the power of yes. Lean in, do the things that intimidate you - the reward is out there and it is great!

Must Read

My words will not do this book justice. READ IT. It’s funny, emotional, relatable, and just incredible in every way possible. It’s no surprise Shonda Rhimes is an amazing writer, but this book blew me away. Sending it to all my friends to read!

Loved this book!

Reading the title, I thought this was going to be a book about Shonda saying "yes" to everything for one year. But this was about Shonda challenging herself to take on difficult tasks. She has to say "yes" to herself, "yes" to saying no, "yes" to standing, and more. She transforms herself into a new person. And I thought it was very inspiring to see her take on these challenges so late in life. I am much younger but it gives me hope that I can make active changes now and reap the benefit.