BREAKALEGG

Like every week we post a book review on a subject related to acting, health, personal growth or anything related to the showbiz industry. This time it’s a little unknown book called “Letters to a young artist” by Anna Deavere Smith which publicizes itself as advice for artists on making a life in the arts.

Well, let me tell you, it does as promised. It’s a rather practical manual for any young artist wether a painter, dancer, actor, singer or poet. Written with great insight and on a broad number of subjects such as: confidence, discipline, self-esteem, fame and failure…etc. Its certainly a book less oriented to the business side of the career in arts and much more on the personal growth and “self-awareness”. And you know we feel its just as important to take care of both here!

The format is easy: its multitude of anecdotal letters written to a young “BZ” who we assume is a friend or younger self of the artist, in which she gives random advice in a familiar voice.

So, Is it worth reading? YES! It’s a wonderful read, and almost like if you were reading a blog, but with huge amounts of great insight on how to cope with some of the harder emotional aspects of being an artist. My only complain is that sometimes the author can be a bit repetitive on not-so-important stuff. Its ok to insist on the major points, but don’t reiterate yourself to fill pages of no importance.

Posted on May 25th, 2009 under Book Reviews • Tags: BOOK REVIEW. •  Print This Post •  Email This Post • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback