In Year of Yes, Rhimes is candid about the issues many professional women grapple with, such as the notion that a woman cannot both be professionally and personally successful. Rhimes, for example, writes about her heavy reliance on her children’ s nanny, and how being fully present in one area of her life inevitably means she is not focused on another area. Following her Year of Yes, Rhimes shares that she has re-committed to her children, saying“ yes” every time they ask her to play, even if it means getting down on the floor in a ballgown when she is already running late for an event.
For me, I did not pick up Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes to be inspired or because I am a fan of her many television projects. This book was assigned reading for this year’ s GAWL( Georgia Association for Women Lawyers) Leadership Academy. That being said, after reading this book, I walked away with renewed energy to tackle my own professional and personal challenges.
Rhimes’ words speak to women lawyers. Sure, we may not own Thursday Night TV, but we all struggle with balancing respected careers and personal improvement. The book will also resonate with many women; Rhimes writes about what is like to be an“ F. O. D.”( first, only, different) which in her case is an African-American woman in charge of ground-breaking projects.
Year of Yes, despite its title, is not about saying“ yes” to everything.( Which may be a relief to those who feel like they are already doing too much). Rhimes writes about how saying“ yes” taught her to identify the most important parts of life, and how embracing these elements leads to an overall more positive and healthier existence. With Rhimes’ humorous tone and dramatic flair, Year of Yes is a quick and entertaining read. It is a book you can easily say“ Yes!” to, despite any excuses about available time or energy. This book will leave you inspired, and ready to face your own personal and professional growth in the upcoming year. ▪
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