The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide
In honor of the soon-to-be graduates across the U.S., today’s bibliotherapy pick is a book that both my clients and I have found unexpectedly inspiring: The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer.
In this part-memoir, part-guide, Jenna Fischer, who is best known for her role as Pam on the U.S. version of The Office, uses her own hilarious experiences to walk aspiring actors through the process of becoming a professional performer. Now, you may be wondering — why is a bibliotherapy-based blog recommending a guide for actors looking to get into the industry? Sounds like a very specific niche.
The cool thing about this book is that while the author offers many practical tips for navigating the process of breaking into the industry (which as a non-actor I still found fascinating!), it’s what she shares about its emotional and psychological demands that I found universally applicable. New graduates faced with the prospect of promoting themselves to potential employers will find encouragement in Fischer’s straightforward, confidence-boosting approach. Artists who struggle to advocate for themselves and their craft will relate to her and will find her advice about immersing yourself in an artistic community empowering. And all of us who have goals and dreams that require creativity and determination, even if it’s not in the art world, will benefit from Fischer’s perspective about how to turn your talents and passions into a career.
So pick this up for yourself or an artist in your life if you want to feel inspired while getting a few good belly laughs. I especially recommend the audiobook (pictured), read by the author herself!
You can find The Actor’s Life in print, e-book, and audiobook at these retailers:
Morning Light doesn’t receive compensation for sharing book recommendations, nor do we receive a commission if you choose to buy the book. We just love them and think some of our clients may find them useful!