Comedienne extraordinare Amy Poehler offers hard-hitting advice with humour
I have come to find that my favourite genre – when I have the opportunity to read for pleasure and not for work – is the humorous memoir. I spent much of my summer reading and re-reading the wise words of Kelly Oxford, Mindy Kaling, and Tina Fey. When I heard about Amy Poehler’s book release, I was excited to add another amazing book to my “re-read” list.
Ms. Poehler did not disappoint.
I am incredibly taken by people who can open the door to their imperfect lives and invite everyone in without asking them to take off their shoes. Though she doesn’t like people knowing her shit, Poehler is a warm and welcoming hostess, encouraging her guests to get in there and dig around, leaving them with wise words won on the battlefield of real life.
“Other people are not medicine” drops as a truth bomb, like words from a best friend who delivers “real-talk” when you need it most. Also filing into this category are nuggets of wisdom – “your brain is not your friend when you need to apologize” – harsh truths about the reality of the world – “it takes years as a woman to unlearn what you have been taught to be sorry for” – and sweet, poetic reminders – “Hey, shooting poison/In your face does not keep you/From turning 50.”
“I am interested in people who swim in the deep end,” Poehler writes, encouraging chances and risks and potential mistakes. “I want to have conversations about real things with people who have experienced real things.” The over-arching theme of Poehler’s anecdotal advice seems to be about making the best possible lemonade out of the lemons of pressure and promise that life throws your way.
“I believe great people do things before they are ready,” she concludes.
Though she champions those who go out and get theirs – those unafraid to both ask for and accept more than they might think they deserve – Poehler is also quick to emphasize that “it’s easier to be brave when you’re not alone.”
The most striking emphasis, however, in this collection of wisdom, energy, honesty, and charm is a modest mantra which we might all strive to live by: “I like hard work and I don’t like pretending things are perfect.”
Step into Poehler’s cheerful world of disarray and be greeted by someone who will always have your back. And though she might not ask you to, at least wipe your shoes off at the door. No one likes to clean up someone else’s mess.
