Year of Yes

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

By: Shonda Rhimes

Narrated by: Shonda Rhimes

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)

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....

Inspirational Speeches

It is surprising that Shonda Rhimes (creator Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and the executive producer of How to Get Away With Murder) is such an introvert that she avoids public appearances at all cost. While others in Hollywood are tripping over each other for a few minutes in the limelight, she hires a publicist to shield herself from publicity. That changes when her sister makes the statement that she never says yes to anything. Slowly, she embarks on a journey of saying "yes." In addition to saying "yes" to invitations and opportunities, Shonda also says "yes" to taking care of herself and spending time with her kids. The book is both entertaining and inspiring, especially her commencement address for Dartmouth College and her acceptance speech for the Sherry Lansing Award. Her speeches demonstrate what a talented writer she is.

You'll enjoy her story

she kept it real all the way through.
her weight loss "yes" helps you own it.

If you need a boost

I simply loved it... I didn't know what to expect when i started it, it was recommended by one of my friends and i just got it without reading the reviews or the content of the book... Her journey and her story gave me the boost I needed to stop procrastinating... The narration is amazing, it makes you not want to stop listening to it... I totally recommend that book if you are feeling a bit down or scared to make decisions...

Empowering, inspiring, eye-opening

The song is still ringing in my head and I can still picture Cristina and Meredith, and Shonda, dancing it out… I enjoyed the book, the narration, the energy, the humor, the lessons, and celebrations, so much that I didn’t want to end listening to it yet. The book is relatable and empowering - and it make one start thinking of where to begin to say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’, to start living life, to start truly loving, and discovering one’s self. I believe it’s never too late for anyone. I also loved it when she said, ‘I am a work in progress’ - showing both honesty and humility, and that one person cannot transform overnight. It takes some courage, talent, faith and love. Thank you, Shonda Rhimes. Truly inspiring.

Great listen!!

Such an easy listen. And feel good book! Very relatable and a good reminder that we need to all say YES! That we need to say yes yo the hard things and even though they are hard and uncomfortable- DO IT! Push yourself, be aware, surround yourself with goof people and always LOVE!!!
I never knew the story behind Grey’s. To hear Shonda talk about it, learn how it came to be and want it means to hear makes me love the show and her even more!!!

Great book!

Say Yes to "Year of Yes"

Inspiring and beautifully read. Thank you Ms Rhimes. I'm a bigger fan to you now.

Best audiobook I’ve listened to

Shonda is an excellent story teller. Which makes this audiobook ideal for listening. Not all audiobooks are great for listening but this one certainly is. It’s super entertaining and she’s extremely relatable. I felt like she and I were having a conversation at a coffee shop. Would recommend to anyone who wants not only entertainment but someone looking to be inspired.

Hilarious, Inspiring, Deeply Personal

I love everything that Shonda Rhimes produces. Her book was exceptional. There were chapters that I rewinded because they were so good.

I don't want to spoil anything in the review, so I will just end with this is a MUST READ book!

Yes!!!

Thank you, Shonda, for sharing your story. Your perspective and your truths!
This book left me with much to think about and consideration of changing my own paradigm.
Great book to have on hand and I’ll listen to it again, I’m sure!