This book covers much of Amy’s life – from her childhood, to trying to lose her Boston accent, to the birth of her two sons. She writes about her friendships with other comedic actors like Rashida Jones, Rachel Dratch, and Louis C.K (just to name a few). She also tackles being a woman in Hollywood and the challenges it can bring. Along the way she sprinkles in advice in an insightful and humorous way. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
As I suspected Amy’s successful career is no accident. She’s worked hard, stayed the course, and it’s paid off well for her. From stories about performing in the Wizard of Oz in the fourth grade to being a part of an improvisation group in Chicago, the book is full of funny stories and offers a window into the performer we know today.
Early in the book she talks about how she’s known she was going to be performing on Saturday Night Live from an early age.
Amy writes, "I don’t mean to sound cocky. I didn’t know if I had the talent or drive, I just had a tiny little voice whispering inside of me. That same voice would tell me I would meet Carol Burnett someday, I would find love, I would be okay. We all have a tiny whispery voice inside of us, but the bad ones are usually at a lower register and come through a little clearer. I don’t know where the good voice came from. It was a mix of loving parents, luck, and me.”
I think it’s safe to say we were destined to be entertained by Amy. I’ve always felt determination and belief in oneself goes a long way. Especially when you’re trying to make it in the entertainment industry. You have to get used to hearing the word no and resilience is gold. Later Amy talks about how she never did well in cold auditions and most of the work she’s gotten was because someone saw her work or it was through connections with other artists.
If you’ve watched an award show where Amy was nominated you’ve seen her and fellow actors take part in a bit. According to Amy it’s not just a chance to entertain the audience, it’s a distraction as well. For example, in 2012 she and Julia Louis-Dreyfus hugged after Julia was crowned the winner and the two “accidentally” swapped acceptance speeches. The result was hilarious. She writes, “I was so excited about doing the bit that I was hoping that I wouldn’t win. And I didn’t! And I didn’t care.”
Amy also offers some atypical career advice in the "Treat Your Career Like A Bad Boyfriend" chapter.
She explains: "Ambivalence is key. You have to care about your work but not about the result. You have to care about how good you are and how good you feel, but not about how good people think you are or how good people think you look…. Our ego is a monster that loves to sit at the head of the table and I have learned that my ego is just as rude and loud and hungry as everyone else’s. It doesn’t matter how much you get; you are left wanting more. Success is filled with MSG. Ambivalence can help tame the beast. Remember your career is a bad boyfriend. It likes it when you don’t depend on it. It will reward you every time you don’t act needy."I think she makes a valid point. She’s quick to share becoming ambivalent about your career (not creativity) isn’t easy and she’s still working on it herself. This is a piece of advice that I needed to hear. Keeping your career in perspective with other aspects of life isn’t a bad thing.
The book includes dozens of pictures and handwritten notes but my favorite is the above picture which was a Mother’s Day gift from Aziz Ansari. It’s signed framed photograph of Omar Little from The Wire with the inscription “Amy, you come at the King you best not miss. Omar.” She writes “next to my children and my blood diamonds this is the only thing I would grab in a fire.” HA! The Wire was a truly amazing show so I'm with her.
I’m glad I got the opportunity to read about Amy’s life and recommend others do so as well. When I watch her now there’s a greater appreciation for her talent and how far she’s come. As for my plan to read 12 books in a year I’m admittedly a little behind. Not one to leave a goal unfulfilled, I’m catching up quickly and looking forward to what’s next.
“If you can surf your life rather than plant your feet, you will be happier.” –Amy Poehler
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