“Dancing is the great equalizer. It gets people out of their heads and into their bodies. I think if you can dance and be free and not embarrassed you can rule the world.” 

- Amy Poehler, Yes Please

There has been a wave of autobiographical advice books by strong female characters currently in the limelight. So many that it is quite easy to undermine the whole genre, and the women who write them. But honestly, sometimes the best autobiographers are those who don't take themselves too seriously. That is exactly what Amy Poehler does best.

As a young woman swiftly approaching her twenties, it can be quite hard to imagine what life will be like in five, ten, fifteen years time. The younger generation is bombarded with information and new challenges, alongside a flurry of bad news and forecasts for our future. We are all encouraged to save a deposit for a house, but are simultaneously told of the housing shortage. A degree is desirable if you want a great job, but please be aware that you may not get that job within your first five years of graduating. Poehler has navigated all of this, and has proven that there is 'another side.'

Having not followed her career or yet seen an episode of Parks and Recreations (I know, I apologize instantly), I was less interested at first in her rise to fame and her time on Saturday Night Live. But those chapters turned out to be just as enlightening as her more general advice. My favourite chapters include Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, and Treat Your Career Like A Bad Boyfriend.

As with (nearly) every autobiography, there is a certain quirk that makes it stand out from all the rest. Yes Please is neatly structured with double-page spreads embezzled with simple words of advice. Sound bites that you will remember and maybe even take ownership of. There is also hilarious photos throughout of Poehler dressed in many realistic 'disguises.' This really does add an extra level to the book.

Yes, there are many autobiographies out there. You could sit and read them all. But you could also pick this one up straight away. Amy Poehler understands what it is like to be young, confused, determined and disheartened. But she also knows how to laugh, get on and have fun on her way.

Beth x