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  <title><![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]></title>
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  <description><![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]></description>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <read_at>Thu Sep 17 00:00:00 -0700 2009</read_at>
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    <body><![CDATA[Actress, MacArthur fellow and Professor Anna Deavere Smith's performance at the North Carolina Literature Festival was one of the most astonishing I have ever seen. She has interviewed hundreds of people, famous and not, who do meaningful work with their lives or who have lived through life-changing...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/71048465">more...</a>]]></body>
    
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <read_at>Tue Nov 24 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Dec 29 19:15:20 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Nov 24 21:08:59 -0800 2009</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[I'm a fan of Anna Deavere Smith. I enjoyed this book and would rate it 3.5 if I could, it's a quick read with each chapter a written response to a young artist (it is called fiction, but it sure feels real reading it). The information in it is not new, but I like how she puts pieces together and thr...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41241882">more...</a>]]></body>
    
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  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <read_at>Tue Apr 15 00:00:00 -0700 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Thu Apr 17 12:48:49 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Apr 17 13:07:59 -0700 2008</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[An absolute confirmation of what any artist with a shred of sincerity knows to be true. Stated in warm, human letters written to a teenager. these short chapters are affirming and enlightening at any age. After 20 years as a professional musician, working often in experimental areas, I can say this ...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/20399342">more...</a>]]></body>
    
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      <review>
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    <name><![CDATA[Maria]]></name>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <read_at>Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Dec 07 17:32:19 -0800 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Apr 16 20:24:49 -0700 2008</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[I saw this book in Borders last night and read half of it in one sitting.  (I'm going to have to go back and read the other half soon).  It would make a great bathroom book beacuse it is organized as a series of short letters, some no more than a few words.  Parts that jumped out to me:  ADS talks a...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/10115703">more...</a>]]></body>
    
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      <review>
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    <name><![CDATA[Keisha]]></name>
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
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  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <date_added>Mon Nov 30 19:51:47 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sat Dec 05 05:45:16 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This is one of the best books I have ever read on preparing for and working in the arts.  Anna Deavere Smith tells us such perfectly fundamentals things for living that we have completely forgotten, having presence, paying attention, developing discipline and listening to those around you.  The thin...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79481789">more...</a>]]></body>
    
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      <review>
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    <name><![CDATA[Pamela]]></name>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <read_at>Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Aug 24 21:17:46 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Aug 24 21:24:50 -0700 2009</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[This book was recommended by Jodi, a fellow Goodreads participant who is also an artist.  Anna Deavere Smith writes to a fictional young artist regarding issues relative to working in the arts.  Affirming and helpful.]]></body>
    
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <date_added>Tue Mar 25 13:27:16 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Mar 25 13:51:27 -0700 2008</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[This is a mixture of practical advice and personal reflection on being an artist in the world. Anna Deavere-Smith is insightful and honest about what it means to be an artistic person trying to make a living and what it takes to be successful. This isn't a pep talk or one of those personal growth bo...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/18612162">more...</a>]]></body>
    
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  <text_reviews_count type="integer">19</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23468.Letters_to_a_Young_Artist_Straight_up_Advice_on_Making_a_Life_in_the_Arts_For_Actors_Performers_Writers_and_Artists_of_Every_Kind</link>
  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <date_added>Thu Dec 11 07:28:07 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Dec 11 07:28:41 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[started this for inspiration. some of it i agree with, some i'm like, woh that is totally out of left field. taking it with a grain of salt.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39859297]]></url>
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</review>
      <review>
  <id>13488732</id>
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
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  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <read_at>Thu Jan 31 05:11:34 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Jan 25 05:15:22 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Jan 25 05:17:19 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I can't say enough good things about this book. Right when I was feeling disillusioned by the self-help-esque inspirational/advice books on creativity, my brother (who certainly never goes near the genre) got a copy for Xmas and  loved reading it. I've been reading it compulsively, flipping around, ...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/13488732">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/13488732]]></url>
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      <review>
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23468.Letters_to_a_Young_Artist_Straight_up_Advice_on_Making_a_Life_in_the_Arts_For_Actors_Performers_Writers_and_Artists_of_Every_Kind</link>
  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <date_added>Tue Dec 16 06:27:53 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Dec 16 06:31:54 -0800 2008</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[needed words]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/40211240]]></url>
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      <review>
  <id>11401574</id>
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    <name><![CDATA[kt]]></name>
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23468.Letters_to_a_Young_Artist_Straight_up_Advice_on_Making_a_Life_in_the_Arts_For_Actors_Performers_Writers_and_Artists_of_Every_Kind</link>
  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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    <rating>3</rating>
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  <read_at>Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Jan 01 15:40:19 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Jan 01 15:51:04 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[i mostly bought this to help raise funds for the local femenist bookstore. but then i started reading it...<br/><br/>this is a good antidote to the romantic solitude you find in rilke's &quot;letters... (see my review of rilke in my booklist)&quot; ADS is very refreshing and i did come away with s...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/11401574">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/11401574]]></url>
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</review>
      <review>
  <id>15484212</id>
    <user>
    <id>837927</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Brett]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Waterford, CT]]></location>
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  <text_reviews_count type="integer">19</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23468.Letters_to_a_Young_Artist_Straight_up_Advice_on_Making_a_Life_in_the_Arts_For_Actors_Performers_Writers_and_Artists_of_Every_Kind</link>
  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <read_at>Mon Mar 17 00:00:00 -0700 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Feb 15 08:03:09 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Feb 15 08:03:09 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[i loved 'fires in the mirror' and perhaps approached this book with too high of expectations.  the introduction was absolutely inspiring and there were some good sound-bites throughout- but i just couldn't get into it.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/15484212]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/15484212]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>3843199</id>
    <user>
    <id>234109</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Heather]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Allen, TX]]></location>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23468.Letters_to_a_Young_Artist_Straight_up_Advice_on_Making_a_Life_in_the_Arts_For_Actors_Performers_Writers_and_Artists_of_Every_Kind</link>
  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <date_added>Tue Jul 31 07:03:04 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Jan 22 00:33:34 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I love the structure of this book; it is really quite clever. What I've read so far has been inspiring. I look forward to see where the rest of this book leads me. ]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3843199]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3843199]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>1195483</id>
    <user>
    <id>84069</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Meg]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[New York, NY]]></location>
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23468.Letters_to_a_Young_Artist_Straight_up_Advice_on_Making_a_Life_in_the_Arts_For_Actors_Performers_Writers_and_Artists_of_Every_Kind</link>
  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Sun May 13 20:35:22 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Dec 16 19:23:17 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Never in my life have I read a more inspiring book.  I was left each page with a strong desire to do anything and everything I've ever wanted to do.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1195483]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1195483]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>32389362</id>
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    <id>746929</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Jake]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>
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  <text_reviews_count type="integer">19</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23468.Letters_to_a_Young_Artist_Straight_up_Advice_on_Making_a_Life_in_the_Arts_For_Actors_Performers_Writers_and_Artists_of_Every_Kind</link>
  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <date_added>Mon Sep 08 18:00:48 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Sep 08 18:01:18 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[i like this book. there are small gems and it can be the pep talk when you can't give it to yourself.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/32389362]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/32389362]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>9956465</id>
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    <id>659144</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Dana]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Oakland, CA]]></location>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23468.Letters_to_a_Young_Artist_Straight_up_Advice_on_Making_a_Life_in_the_Arts_For_Actors_Performers_Writers_and_Artists_of_Every_Kind</link>
  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>81</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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    <rating>4</rating>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Dec 04 19:20:43 -0800 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Dec 04 19:21:19 -0800 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[i read this as the art on paper in magazine special. would love to read it again.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9956465]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9956465]]></link>
</review>
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  <id>3442827</id>
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
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  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
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  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <read_at>Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 -0700 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Jul 24 05:26:06 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Dec 17 01:45:02 -0800 2009</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[Great advice for all ages, all disciplines not just &quot;young artists&quot;]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3442827]]></url>
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      <review>
  <id>5419</id>
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
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  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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  <date_updated>Wed Dec 16 15:53:21 -0800 2009</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[fun, she supposedly taught at my school but i NEVER SAW HER]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5419]]></url>
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      <review>
  <id>59242256</id>
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    <name><![CDATA[Barbara]]></name>
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    <![CDATA[Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind]]>
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  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167412426m/23468.jpg</image_url>
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  <average_rating>3.79</average_rating>
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    <![CDATA[From the most exciting individual in American theater&#8221; (<em>Newsweek</em>), here is Anna Deavere Smith&#8217;s brass tacks advice to aspiring artists of all stripes. In vividly anecdotal letters to the young BZ, she addresses the full spectrum of issues that people starting out will face: from questions of confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, to fame, failure, and fear, to staying healthy, presenting yourself effectively, building a diverse social and professional network, and using your art to promote social change. At once inspiring and no-nonsense, <em>Letters to a Young Artist</em> will challenge you, motivate you, and set you on a course to pursue your art without compromise.]]>
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    <body><![CDATA[what an interesting actress and author]]></body>
    
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