A review by fredmoyer
The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer

3.0

There are two main audiences for this book. One audience is aspiring actors looking for advice on how to achieve their dream. The other audience is those people leading more “normal” lives, but who are curious as to how an actress seemingly just as sweet, vulnerable and determined as the Pam Beesly character found success in Hollywood. I think author Jenna Fischer wrote for the first audience, while keeping an eye on the second, potentially much larger audience. (I fall into the second group.)

I was expecting a combination of advice and anecdotes written “with amusing candor and wit” (Amazon description). And that’s exactly what the book delivered. Jenna’s journey to Office success clearly had its ups and downs. She doesn’t shy away from talking about times of disappointment or frustration, but she doesn’t dwell on those negative emotions. The book’s tone is of someone who stayed determined, tried to always remain busy & creative and, most importantly, kept her sense of humor.

Bottom line: I found the book a light, easy read. I’m also a bit in awe of the struggle it may take to become an actor. I suspect aspiring actor would rate this book higher as they should see it as either a guidebook to success or as a life preserver while they continue the struggle to “make it” in Hollywood.