I do like television, in general, and I love reading about the creative process, so I was thrilled to have the chance to read Rhimes book, YEAR OF YES. Turns out that it's less about her creative process (though it does give some insight) and more about how she pushed herself to overcome her fears and change her life. It is fun and funny, inspiring and hopeful, and maybe a little defensive in places, but overall a very positive book.

The book starts with a snide comment from Rhimes' sister about how she had these great opportunities as a superstar TV producer and she never said yes to any of them. She realized her sister was right and forced herself to examine why she always turned down public appearances and interviews. She challenged herself to say yes to everything that scared her for one year.

She talks you through her terror at saying yes, how she prepared for each event or interview or photo shoot. She opens up about her family, her childhood, her influences, her friends. She even explains the moment she realized that some of her friends were just users.

Reading this book, it's hard to imagine that Shonda Rhimes was ever anything but fearless. She comes across as strong, self-confident, assured, and unwilling to fail. It makes you realize that great women have all the same feelings you do, they just get past it to get the job done.

The only thing that keeps me from saying this book is absolutely perfect is that her writing gets a bit repetitive. She'll go over the same thing three times before she gets to the point, and then sometimes she'll say it again. That's her style, but it made me want to shout, "Get on with it!" a few times.

That said, this is a wonderful book for anyone who's a little shy or introverted, who ever let an opportunity go by because you were overly conscious of how you looked, afraid of what you'd say or do that might embarrass yourself. Shonda Rhimes said yes and found out things usually go a lot better than you expect. You don't have to watch her #TGIT shows, but I have a feeling if you do, you'll get even more out of this telling book than I did.

Book Summary