We've Decided to Go in a Different Direction

February 1, 2025
The life and times of a casting director in pre- and post-pandemic Hollywood. Reading this book will involve recognizing a great many names from the entertainment industry, but the key one is this: Max Greenfield. The debut author's husband, Greenfield was the star ofNew Girl, a popular 2010s sitcom that became an obsession for many during lockdown. As he writes in his introduction to his wife's book, "Tess has found humor, irony, and emotional resonance in the messiness of her life, while simultaneously being able to expose her vulnerability, because that's who she is." He's got that right: The essays touch on her rise to success as an obsessively box-checking beginning casting director (this section is very detailed and would be useful for those with similar aspirations); the blip in the early days of her relationship with Greenfield when he had to confront addiction; the much later period, after their marriage, when she literally pooped her pants at a children's sporting event; the emotional complexities she faced in her relationship with her aging parents. Another essay describes her indignation when, after the pandemic, the workers at a resort instantly recognized and fawned over Greenfield but assumed she, perhaps because she is of Mexican descent, must be the nanny. This essay has a "do you know who I am" vibe that is almost endearing--considering that she was a casting director. (It's not fully clear what happened to her work life during the pandemic, but it wasn't good.) Perhaps the biggest drawback of the book is the shtick of introducing every character by naming an actor they resemble, and then calling them that name. It works well enough with Reese Witherspoon or John Mulaney, but the suggestion that you "think" Vanessa Bayer, Jared Hess, Topher Grace, Meagan Good, Merritt Wever, etc.--in order to imagine the people she's writing about--ends up being a limiting shortcut. Very TV-literate readers who also love memoir--this book is for you.

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March 1, 2025

After spending 20 years as a successful casting director, Sanchez suddenly lose her dream job at the same time her beloved father was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's during the pandemic. These events caused her to realize that her job was her core identity, and she was now rudderless and lost. Forced to parent her parents while supervising her children's online schooling, Sanchez was often mistaken for the nanny or invisible when out with her husband, actor Max Greenfield. She writes about her experiences as she morphs from high-powered executive working mom to stay-at-home homemaker. Her entertaining essays cover everything from breaking into the entertainment industry, becoming adept at both finding the perfect performer and breaking the bad news to the rejected, to the ups and downs of her relationship with Greenfield and her struggles with motherhood. Sanchez is both funny and honest (her body's reaction to leaving her children at camp without telling them their dog is dying leads to publicly soiled pants). VERDICT Sanchez is unafraid to share her worst moments in this relatable and inspirational take on overcoming life's unexpected obstacles.--Lisa Henry

Copyright 2025 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 7, 2025
In this emotional memoir, Sanchez details the story of her life in Hollywood and how she rediscovered herself after everything fell apart. Sanchez grew up in a hyper-professional, sophisticated family. Her high achievements led her to L.A. to work as a casting assistant. From there, she was propelled into a high-level position, managing large teams and projects. But when COVID-19 made Sanchez's job redundant, she became stranded, searching for purpose in isolation. Sanchez's father was also in ill health, and she realized it was time to slow down. Sanchez's stories are witty and at times laugh-out-loud hilarious. In one anecdote, she describes the time her doctor asked for a selfie with her husband, an actor on a popular TV show--when Sanchez had just given birth. Yet Sanchez also recounts stories of grief and resilience, such as when she lost her dog on the same day she had to deliver her kids to camp. Whether looking for inspiration or simply searching for a good story, readers will close this book feeling satisfied and moved.

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