YEAR OF YES

How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
by Shonda Rhimes

For those who don’t know, Shonda Rhimes is the creator and head writer of several of the most popular TV shows of the last 15 years: Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder. In addition, her production company Shondaland produces many other shows, including the smash hit Bridgerton. On top of that, she’s a Dartmouth grad, and for all of these reasons, I love her.

This book, however, turned my love into a full-fledged obsession. Rhimes writes about the year 2014 when in an off-hand comment at Thanksgiving, her older sister accuses her of never saying "yes" to anything. Rhimes slowly begins to realize that despite enormous professional success, and her joy at being a mother to three beautiful girls, she is extremely unhappy, withdrawn and overweight. So she sets herself a challenge to say "yes" to anything and everything that scared her for one year and this book chronicles that journey.

It wasn’t as simple as saying "yes" to being Dartmouth’s commencement speaker (which she did) or even going on Jimmy Kimmel Live (also, a "yes"). Rhimes ended up having to face the fears, habits, people and expectations that made her life unhappy.

I think you can tell from this book's title that the message is uplifting and possibly even an inspirational read. I'll add that Rhimes is an hilarious writer with a fascinating story to tell. That combination kept me flipping pages faster and smiling brighter the whole time I was reading. (Lily)