Year of Yes

How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person

By: Shonda Rhimes

Narrated by: Shonda Rhimes

Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

2017 Audie Award Finalist for Audiobook of the Year

The megatalented creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder chronicles how saying yes for one year changed her life - and how it can change yours, too. 

With three hit shows on television and three children at home, the ubertalented Shonda Rhimes had lots of good reasons to say no when an unexpected invitation arrived. Hollywood party? No. Speaking engagement? No. Media appearances? No. 

And there was the side benefit of saying no for an introvert like Shonda: nothing new to fear. 

Then Shonda's sister laid down a challenge: Just for one year, try to say yes to the unexpected invitations that come your way. Shonda reluctantly agreed - and the result was nothing short of transformative. In Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes chronicles the powerful impact saying yes had on every aspect of her life - and how we can all change our lives with one little word. Yes. 

©2015 Ships at a Distance, Inc. (P)2015 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"What makes this such a powerful audiobook is that, behind her colloquial language and assertive style, you can appreciate the work it took for someone this shy to begin making public appearances and to perform this excellent inspirational audio." ( AudioFile)

Began well, but disappointing

What disappointed you about Year of Yes?

I liked the idea the book is based upon, but after the first few chapters, it became more about her life as opposed to the idea of saying YES; besides, simply saying yes to accepting awards and attending parties with celebrities, is a little difficult to relate to.

Say YES to reading this book!

I have been a long time admirer of Shonda and her work and this book is one more thing to add to that list. She is amazing, she is more than just her talents she is an inspiration. This book came to me at a time when I was having severe self doubt. I knew my life was no where close to the path that I always thought it would be on but I did not know how to change. I was just sinking deeper into a pit of pain, anguish, desperation and hate. The first day I started listening I got half way through the book, I walked for miles just listening. Each day I felt myself getting stronger, I observed areas of my life I wanted to change. I started a journal to track my progress and thought of steps I could take to reach my goals.

This book to me was the kick in the butt I needed to realize my own strength which I lost after getting kicked down a few times. I retreated from life, I stopped trying. For me making excuses was much easier than doing something. I'm still getting knocked down but he difference is I'm still trying, I will forever try my best for ME!

Best 7 Hours Listening to an Audio Book Ever!

What made the experience of listening to Year of Yes the most enjoyable?

Shonda adds so much personality to the narration. She's sassy, fun, and honest about struggling with the same doubts that we all have.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Year of Yes?

What I found most touching was the chapter about her weight/image problem and how she confronted it and took care of business--losing 127lbs!

What does Shonda Rhimes bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Herself. Listening to the audio book was like sitting down with a girlfriend and a glass of wine to hear about her deepest fears and failures and how she overcame them and that you can too.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and I cried...

Any additional comments?

Listen to the audio book, even if you've already read the book. Shonda's narration adds so much more depth to the experience. And as an added bonus she includes recordings of three inspiring speeches she made during her "Year of Yes" experiment.

Excellent book!

I've never watched any of her television shows but she nailed this book and narration. Shonda keeps you engaged, she is funny, charming, and makes you want to say yes to everything. Well done....

Like a Visit with an Old Friend

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

This book is fun, interesting, thoughtful and thought provoking. It feels like a visit from one of your old friends, and then ya kinda realize it maybe is. If you are a fan of Rhimes' work, then listening to this feels just like that! Then you remember that she is the person behind the characters you have loved for years and you can identify a little bit of her in every one of them. It's great. I found it very relatable and a enjoyable. I am not a book-mark user, but there were places I marked to make sure I shared with others.

meh!

I think i got suckered into this book by the title which sounded really cool. This book has some good points, but is mostly just her story of her year, and it is very very long winded. I also felt it had a pretty strong political agenda, . i wouldn't listen to this book again. The book takes a really long time to get going. i kept thinking, when is she going to get to the point in her story.

I wish there were more than five stars...

If I liked Shonda before, I love her now. Her journey of transformation is inspiring. But the best part about the Year of Yes, is that the actual live recordings of some of her speeches are terrific. One of the best audio book productions I have ever heard. In terms of "personal journey" books, Shonda leaves Liz Gilbert in the dust. Thanks Shonda.

Vulnerability

I've just finished listening and I feel rather indicted because I so identify with so many of her challenges, her questions of self. As I listened, especially the last few chapters, I too felt I needed to ask many of the same profound questions. I've had a year of sometimes yes, and I too found profound gifts. Perhaps it time to open myself to more yeses!
It was lovely to hear the flower of Shondra open into a full bloom. I'm certain her continued search will create a vast garden of joyous love for her and hers! Thank you for your vulnerable sharing !

Amazing book and well read

Loved the book! Made me feel like she was the best friend I needed to push me be the best me!

GREAT READ!

Inspirational read for all people. I laughed out loud often, as she spins the story of saying yes. Shonda is a great narrator, and paints a revealing portrait of her struggles, background, and transformation. Her story definitely is a page turner. You will enjoy this read!

Life changing

I'm starting this again immediately. I don't know how to describe how I've been feeling listening to this book, but it has changed the way I am, with everything and everyone.

I loved it so much I bought a hard-copy to highlight and keep with me. I bought copies for my friends.

I'm saying yes to being the best me I can be and thank you Shonda.

Fantastic!

Where does Year of Yes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book has got to be my favourite audiobook I have listened to this year.

What does Shonda Rhimes bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Shonda Rhimes completely draws you in from the very beginning of this book. I expected to be taken on a journey by a very accomplished storyteller and I was not disappointed! Shonda's unique brand of wit, humour and personality comes across fantastically on audio, which made me so glad I chose to listen rather than read. I became completely immersed in her story, I laughed, cried and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. An inspired book, that I cannot recommend highly enough!

Just like listening to Scandal written by Oprah

I've really tried, but just can't do it! Sounded like sort of topics I'd be interested in by the creator of shows I like... but her way of repeating her sentiment at least 3 times over without any genuine personal insight gets really tiring very quickly. No thanks.

Life-changing

What other book might you compare Year of Yes to, and why?

I had just listened to Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic when I listened to this - what a powerful combination - highly recommend you do both!!

What about Shonda Rhimes’s performance did you like?

Shoeda's enthusiasm and no nonsense attitude are amazing

Not for me

Only listened to an hour and half, found it annoying and repetitive. Took over an hour to finaly get to the point that her plan is to say yes to everything (the build up seemd uneccessary and irrelevant). Apparently her "superpower is being great at telling story's".... Shame this one wasn't great.

If you're looking for inspiration, this is it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Year of Yes to be better than the print version?

As Shonda herself narrates the story, you get a much better feel for her as a person. Plus you get the added bonus of listening to her live speeches, as she spoke them, much more effective than reading the words on the page.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I fell in love with Shonda, I identify with her. I am completely inspired by her year of yes, thinking. She is honest, firm but fair, sassy and frequently hilarious. It's like a friend you never knew you had, telling you a story.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I enjoyed how she laid it all bare for us. No fear of judgement. Here I am, this is my story, take it or leave it.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Visiting Shondaland is a must for women everywhere!

Any additional comments?

Brilliant, brilliant book will listen to it over and over

So American and cheesy

I found it really hard to take this seriously - it’s just very American and cheesy.

Absolutely Brilliant

Shonda Rhimes' candour is enthralling. She reads with verve. Her back story is a wonderful retinue of events that really made me respect her stance. I learnt a lot about this woman who has become a legend.

This book has called me to say "YES" to whatever presents itself in my life. This book and everything about it is absolutely brilliant.

What a great book to listen to!

Powerful, book. Shonda talks about issues she has, that we all have and helps you understand how it to overcome. She writes in a witty laugh out loud way. I will definitely listen again!!!

Wow.

The recommendation for this book was from
Brene brown. I'm so glad I listened to it on audible. I love shonda's voice. I love the book. I've recommended it to anyone who will listen.

I am now hooked on greys anatomy!

What an inspiring woman. Thank you for writing the year of yes.