Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person

Written by:
Shonda Rhimes
Narrated by:
Shonda Rhimes

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
425
Narrator
107
Release Date
November 2015
Duration
7 hours 5 minutes
Summary
2017 Audie Award Finalist for Audiobook of the Year

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).
Reviews
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Katie Anderson

Most amazing experience hearing the words straight from the author's own mouth. This was a fabulous and inspiring book that I may listen to on repeat for a daily lift!

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Jameelah Williams

I absolutely loved listening to this book. It got me back into my groove of being happy and removing the things and people in my life that bring negativity, drama, and selfishness. I will not let crap into my life anymore. I will be happy, experience joy, and have much laughter!!!! Getting back to the old me and a new me as well!!!!! Thanks for the wonderful insight and self-reflection that was much needed! Jam

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William Henry

I absolutely enjoyed this book and wish I would have read/listened to it months ago. I found that it was very helpful and the delivery maintained my attention and provided me with situations that allowed me to relate and implement change within my interaction with others. I highly recommend this book for someone that is looking to get out of their comfort zone.

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Sarah Thomas

Love this book!

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Nicole W.

Love this book. Love Shonda Rimes.

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Lilly F.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. There were times during the book when I was smiling out loud.

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Janice P

It changed my life and the way I think.

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Jessica Carper

Great listen and thought provoking content. Entertaining stories and interesting speeches were the high points for me.

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Jennifer B.

This was an amazing read. It truly allowed me to step away from fear and embrace the joy that life has to offer.

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Nienke M.

Love this woman! Gorgeous story telling. Full of inspiration and entertainment too

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Amy S.

Book had little meat, was very repetitive and a lot of "me, me, me" but not in a good way. Could have been about 150 pages and been a better read.

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Anonymous

loved the narration....she brought the book to life

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Stevana R.

Great read, listen.

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Leah J.

BEST book I have read this year!! So FOR REAL!!!

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Lerato D.

This book started off slow for me. In the sense that I as a woman and not used to another woman speaking so confidently about herself, so I guess it made me feel uncomfortable. However as I went further into the book I was completely into! She has given me tips and a new way of thinking I will apply for the rest of my life! A fantastic read!

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Brandi T.

This book definitely gave me some perspective. I really enjoyed it.

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Anonymous

Absolutely fantastic! Will be buying a copy so I can have it always.

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Savannah M

LOVED this book and the fact that she narrated it herself!

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Yzel O

The book was so good I couldn't stop listening.

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Denise C

Love the message. A great book!!

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Cam w

I LOVE IT! I LOVE HER! SO INSPIRING! THE POWER POSE IS MY NEW WAY OF LIFE!!!!!

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Jen Gumbs

I definitely enjoyed this book, especially listening to her speak. It made me laugh, get sad, think, stop and write.

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Jessica Holmes

if you love her shows you will love this book! Funny, relateable & Amazing!

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Rochelle Binder

I loved this book. I've been trying to read the hard-copy for months but couldn't sit still long enough. Hearing Shonda narrate brought the book to life. This book reminded me of my life. I've been inspired to make 2017 my year of YES.

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Kashundra Foreman

A necessary read for anyone who struggles with why they feel so comfortable being different and so uncomfortable being like everyone else. This book is liberating!! Thank you Shonda Rhimes!

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Kathryn Janicek

Love this book! Entertaining writing and narration.

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Amber Brock

Yes, yes, yes!! I'm pretty sure Shonda and I would be great friends!! I love this book!!

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Chanda Duch

I did not relate to this book at all. I am kind of disappointed.

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Natalie Horn

absolutely loved this! totally agree with all of her points and it was really interesting to hear her stories from herself as well. recommend it 100%!

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Christiana Ares-Christian

Fantastic read! It gave me life! :-) I'm so happy I finally got the chance to listen to this. Shonda is so engaging!

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Ashley Safadi

This book was great, I really like that I can listen while I do things around the house or while I am at work.

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Asiha Grigsby

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It is a wonderful asset for jumpstarting a the "doer" in you. It's so good that I listened to it twice!

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Robyn Grantham

So glad my girlfriend recommended this book! Life changing, thought provoking,

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Andrew Huff

Inspiring book that I immediately recommended to all of my friends and family. I love that Shonda Rhimes narrated. I love the inserted speeches. I walked away feeling rejuvenated and with a strong desire to be a doer not a dreamer.

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Keniesha fields

shonda rimes is such an awesome writer. I enjoyed ever minute

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Tammy Valley

There were many unforgettable takeaways but I thought she was a bit repetive in places. She really needed to mention only once that her stage fright was enough to possibly cause her to poop.

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Nancy Krehlik

Great book! I'm so glad I listened to the audiobook instead of reading it! I'm sure I would have still enjoyed it, but I gained so much more by hearing her voice, her inflections. I could see a glimpse of her in each one of her characters. This book chronicled her journey through a year of saying "yes" to all the challenges she would have normally sidestepped . Her personal growth and joy was incredible. Well worth the read!

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Nicole Franklin

Great book, very open and truthful reflection. I truly appreciated and enjoyed the transparency and vulnerability. Definitely an encouraging books. I'm also glad that Shonda was also the narrator, it made for a more authentic experience.

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Emma Downs

incredible book! Such an inspiration to us all, Shonda!

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Courtney Buckley

This was a really amazing accout of Shonda's experience. And a worthwhile read if your looking for inspiration, laughs, and down to earth friendly thoughs on ways to consider living.

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Leon Yeh

Great audiobook. A must have book and recommended reading for introvert artist.

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Erica Showalter

Fantastic book! I could listen to it again and again.

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Veronica Flores

Shonda is an amazing author. Her "say yes" mantra has been ringing in my ears since she uttered the words. This book is motivating and inspiring.

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Unknown Unknown

Shonda did a great job with this book. It inspired me to say yes to more things in life, be more positive.

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Shemika Jackson

Great book ! Love her voice! Very encouraging and just simply real!

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Rita Ekwere

I loved this book! It has inspired me so much... Shonda you are truly amazing! Rita j.

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Judy Alston

Yes - amazingly authentic and inspiring. Thank you Shonda Rhimes!!!!

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Carlotta Baker

This was an AMAZING book!! I am so proud of Shonda Rhimes and love her work. The book has topped everything off. Keep up the good work my Sistah! Literary Diva, Carlotta

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Elisabeth Sanchez

If I loved your work before this book, I love and respect and admire you even more. I believe in Shondaland! You rock!!! -Lis Sanchez

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