I just finished reading Amy Poehler’s new book and, boy, are my arms tired! Okay, that’s an old joke, but Poehler has managed to write a substantially large book despite her hectic schedule. She is a mother, star of the late, great “Parks and Recreation”, producer of the new and fresh comedy “Broad City”, and an all around comedic genius. To call Yes Please a memoir is a disservice. Memoirs imply a certain stoic reflection, perhaps while looking over a lake in the woods, as you wait for a cup of tea to cool. Yes Please is a vibrant, engaging conversation with Poehler. She talks about her history in comedy and improv, regaling us with stories of her younger days of utter selfless devotion to her craft.

Poehler also shares so much honesty about her hopes and efforts as a woman and mother that the books reads more like a chat with a favorite sister or cousin. A good third of the book is direct conversation with the reader. She speaks with such confidence and optimism that I felt better about myself because I knew Amy was cheering me on. Sure, we’ve never met, but she just gets me, you know?

In the past few years, fans of female comediennes have been treated to excellent books by Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, Rachel Dratch, Jen Kirkman, and more. Poehler’s book really stands out from these because while the tales she shares are amusing, what really kept me interested was her advice and general outlook on life. It was approachable and refreshing.

If you’d enjoy some behind the scenes dish from “Saturday Night Live” mixed in with life advice for those of us just trying to figure it out, you should say yes please to Yes Please. The book is currently available in hardcover and digitally wherever books are sold.