Book Recommendations From The Modern Actor: The Best Reads of All Time
The Lean Startup
How it helped: Through constant iteration and ideation, a business uses feedback to decide on the right project.This book teaches you what real customers want and saves you from executing a plan that leads nowhere.
Kitchen Confidential
How it helped: Bourdain in any format allows me to escape my world immediately. I also learned the the best days to order seafood at a restaurant. (Hint: it’s not during Sunday Brunch.)
Built To Belong
How it helped: Great reminder not to compare myself to others and to embrace my community.
How To Stop Acting
How it helped: One of the frustrating things that happens to actors is “overthinking.” How To Stop Acting gets actors out of their heads and into the moment.
The Power Of The Actor
How it helped: Chubbuck is the acting teacher behind Halle Berry’s Oscar winning performance in Monster’s Ball. This acting book is the closest thing you’ll read to a B.F.A acting program. Must read!
Acting For The Camera
How it helped: This prepared me with practical tips to act in front of the camera.
Theatre
How it helped: This was a fearless way to look at the relationship between actors and directors. Mamet’s words will challenge you to be a better actor. The Catcher in the Rye of acting books.
On Method Acting
How it helped: I wanted to know how method actors like Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Ellen Burstyn did what they did so well. You’ll get what you’re looking for here.
The Science Of Acting
How it helped: This was one of those random finds at a bookstore. but I’m so glad I stumbled on this gem which is a mix between human psychology and neuroscience to the role of acting.
The Actor’s Life
How it helped: This is actually the only book on this list I haven’t read yet. But it’s been highly recommended to me numerous times so I had to add it. In a interview I heard with Jenna Fischer she talked a lot about her trials as a young actor with such vulnerability— I know this is going to be a good book.
Greenlights
How it helped: Inspiring as it is refreshing. McConaughey’s memoir goes down like a bourbon neat on the front porch of a Spanish casita in the desert. It’s all good vibes.
A Life In Parts
How it helped: This is a great reminder that greatness takes time and a career in acting is about playing the long game.
The Stranger In The Woods
How it helped: During a time in my 20’s where the idea of living off the grid seemed really attractive, this book helped me scratch that itch. It’s a true story of grit and resilience.
Random Family
How it helped: While this is an extreme look into the lives of Puerto Rican’s living in the ghettos of The Bronx. Actor’s should delve into books that shed light on different characters.
War Against All Puerto Ricans
How it helped: From a broad perspective, actors should research topics they are curious about and know stories that potentially they can portray. What is a story you should read about next?
The War Of Art
How it helped: This book was originally intended for writers but has helped artists, actors, entrepreneurs around the world to overcome: Resistance. So much so, the book is ONLY $4.99 on Amazon. That is a steal for all the valuable wisdom in this book.
Book The F⭑cking Job!
How it helped: This is book will inspire the F⭑ck out of you! Written by Anthony Meindl an acting coach and mentor of mine. This book is like having a zen master and your best friend all in one.
Show Your Work!
How it helped: If you’re an artist of any sort this is the best reminder/motivator to share your journey with your audience.