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bethywa's review
4.0
I picked this book up because The Office (US) is one of my favourite shows. This book is not about Jenna Fischer. This is not a memoir. It really is a book about how to become an actor. Jenna Fischer has written down everything she wishes she knew in all those years of trying to "make it." She covers what to bring when you are working as an extra, some fibs to tell your day job when you have an audition (and the consequences), training/class recommendations, headshots, getting fired, you name it.
I in no way want to be an actor or "make it" BUT this was still so good. She sprinkles in personal stories and also stories and interviews from some friends. Every experience is different and she has tried to cover everything she can. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Hollywood in general and really recommend it to anyone who actually does want to be a professional actor. This really is a guidebook on how to do it.
I also highly recommend the audiobook. Rainn Wilson reading Steve Carell's foreword is *chef's kiss.*
I in no way want to be an actor or "make it" BUT this was still so good. She sprinkles in personal stories and also stories and interviews from some friends. Every experience is different and she has tried to cover everything she can. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Hollywood in general and really recommend it to anyone who actually does want to be a professional actor. This really is a guidebook on how to do it.
I also highly recommend the audiobook. Rainn Wilson reading Steve Carell's foreword is *chef's kiss.*
laurazdavidson's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, this wasn't what I expected. I picked it up without reading the blurb and was expecting a light-hearted "Hey, I worked on The Office!" memoir. Instead, it's an honest and insightful look at what it takes to make it as a working actor. I'd recommend it to anyone bitten by the acting bug.
j3nnplam's review against another edition
5.0
This is a very informative and practical guide on navigating the early years of becoming a working actor with an incredible about of good advice. It's definitely of most interest to anyone with an eye on that same path, but it's also very eye-opening who thinks that it's an easy career.
aurigae's review against another edition
4.0
Jenna Fischer's account of her professional journey - written as a guide to aspiring actors rather than a memoir - is interesting, inspiring, and occasionally moving. Although much of the advice is specific to acting, there is plenty that could be applied to any artistic field or other passion-driven career. Fischer's writing is conversational and absorbing - except for some of the very specific sidebars (which I largely skipped) - I was never bored.
livreads7's review against another edition
4.0
The major part of this book was centered around tips and helpful advice from Jenna regarding acting while the minor parts were where she sprinkled little bits of info about her acting gigs including The Office. Though I am not an aspiring actress, I feel like this book would be a great gift to aspiring actors and actresses because it's very hopeful and makes you feel better in case of times where you don't get the audition, the role or what have you.
I wanted to listen to it because I loved Pam from The Office and so it satiated my craving for more knowledge about the show. However, it wasn't what I thought it would be, meaning a memoir about all the acting gigs Jenna got, but rather an inspirational "how-to" of sorts.
Still, it was a good listen, especially because she got to read her own book! Would definitely recommend.
I wanted to listen to it because I loved Pam from The Office and so it satiated my craving for more knowledge about the show. However, it wasn't what I thought it would be, meaning a memoir about all the acting gigs Jenna got, but rather an inspirational "how-to" of sorts.
Still, it was a good listen, especially because she got to read her own book! Would definitely recommend.
anonymouslizz's review against another edition
As others have said, this book is written as a guide for actors. It wasn’t for me.
lexiedm14's review against another edition
4.0
4/5.
I found this to be very interesting. Good thing I never wanted to be an actor.
I found this to be very interesting. Good thing I never wanted to be an actor.
samanthadilley's review against another edition
4.0
Jenna did a great job making a “how to” guide for acting book more than a book for wanna be actors. I have no desire to be an actor and really enjoyed the insights into the process. All her own stories kept it interesting and helped personalize it.
perry417's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this detailed, honest memoir about "making it" as a working actor. It takes grit and patience and dedication. I know several "theater kids" (including my son), and this was a really interesting book to read to see the future through their eyes.
Jenna Fischer is best known as Pam in "The Office," and in this book she goes behind the scenes to show her struggle -- it was over eight years before she had her big break. She talks in detail about everything it takes in this industry -- headshots (sharing some of her missteps), steps to get into the union, audition processes, securing agents, contracts, and so much more. The book was warm and personable, while also having a ton of informative content.
Jenna Fischer is best known as Pam in "The Office," and in this book she goes behind the scenes to show her struggle -- it was over eight years before she had her big break. She talks in detail about everything it takes in this industry -- headshots (sharing some of her missteps), steps to get into the union, audition processes, securing agents, contracts, and so much more. The book was warm and personable, while also having a ton of informative content.
marla_hooch's review against another edition
4.0
As someone who is not an actor, I read this book solely out of morbid curiosity about what the acting industry is like. Somehow Jenna still made it seem relatable! This book is a fascinating glimpse into how much work it takes to build an acting career.