Do you know Shonda Rhimes?

American television producer and screenwriter, and founder of the production company Shondaland. In 2007, 2013, and 2021, Rhimes was named by Time to the Time 100, their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Oddly, I didn’t really know anything about Shonda Rhimes before reading her memoir, Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person (2015).

I knew the name. But hadn’t watched any of her hits: Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Bridgerton, or a half dozen others.

In fact, I was inspired to download the audio book after watching The Residence (2025). A brilliant Shondaland production.

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The Year of Yes is funny. Brave. Entertaining. Informative.

Shonda describes how some criticism from her sister inspired her to say YES to everything for a year. Not easy as she was an obese, insecure workaholic at the time. She’s hired a publicist to avoid public appearances. 😀

With three children at home and three hit television shows, it was easy for Shonda to say she was simply too busy. But in truth, she was also afraid. …

This poignant, intimate, and hilarious memoir explores Shonda’s life before her Year of Yes—from her nerdy, book-loving childhood to her devotion to creating television characters who reflected the world she saw around her. The book chronicles her life after her Year of Yes had begun—when Shonda forced herself out of the house and onto the stage; when she learned to explore, empower, applaud, and love her truest self. …

“Honest, raw, and revelatory” (The Washington Post) …

Hey. Shonda lost over 100 pounds through the process. Respect.

In the last chapter she defends her decision NOT to marry. A successful career woman, Shonda has adopted 2 daughters. Had a third by gestational surrogacy.

She’s too busy to properly spend enough time with a husband.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Shonda reflects back on the book 10-years-later.