Five Things We Learned From Amy Poehler’s New Memoir Yes Please

Comedian, actress and treasured human being Amy Poehler released her first book on Tuesday, a collection of essays titled Yes Please. In it she shares stories from her childhood, her time at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Chicago and, of course, her memorable Saturday Night Live career. In this candid, thoughtful and poignant new memoir, Poehler reveals a lot about herself. Here are five things we learned from Yes Please.

1. Leslie Knope was almost named “Leslie Knotonmywatch.”

Among other interesting tidbits, Poehler gives us a glimpse into the creation of Leslie Knope, in particular, her name. Yes Please contains a brainstorm list offering a number of names Leslie could have had instead, but thankfully did not. Possibilities included “Leslie Knaint,” “Leslie Kany,” “Leslie Knbross,” “Leslie Knute,” “Leslie Krap!” and “Leslie Knotonmywatch.” The world would be a different place if Leslie Knope had been named Leslie Krap!

2. Poehler has a special nickname for Seth Meyers.

Yes Please is filled with love and admiration for people in comedy—including the book’s author. There is a chapter dedicated to her friend and writing partner Tina Fey, a chapter for her Parks and Recreation cast mates and, in a surprisingly turn, a chapter written by Seth Meyers about Poehler herself. The nameless section reads like a letter to a friend. In it, “Coco” (Poehler’s nickname for Meyers) shares a sweet story about the night Poehler’s water broke, sending her into delivery. That, in turn, became the first time Meyers anchored Weekend Update by himself and Poehler sent him a text promising he would do fine, even though she was the one who probably needed some reassurance.

3. Louis C.K. gave her advice about her divorce.