In his books, The Film That Changed My Life and The Best Film You’ve Never Seen, American journalist and teacher, Robert K Elder offers some suggestions.

The Film That Changed My Life provides 30 directors sharing thoughts on their first encounter with the film that inspired them to direct movies. Spanning several generations – from relative newcomers to Oscar Award-winning veterans – these are inspired and inspiring discussions of classic films that shaped the careers of today’s directors and, in turn, cinema history.

The Best Film You’ve Never Seen is not only a guide to some overlooked movies but a bold attempt to rewrite film history by 35 directors who recommend what they consider to be underappreciated films. They each champion their favourite overlooked or critically savaged hidden gem.

Both these books offer some perspectives on what makes a “classic” film beyond the regular “Best of” lists with thoughtful, personal reflections. 

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Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Four Thousand Weeks, whose title is based on the typical number of weeks in a lifetime, is a book about embracing your limitations, and finally getting round to what counts. Drawing on the insights of both ancient and contemporary philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual teachers, Oliver Burkeman delivers an entertaining, humorous, practical, and ultimately profound guide to time and time management.

Available for $37.95 here!

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

The Art of War meets The Artist’s Way in this no-nonsense, profoundly inspiring guide to overcoming creative blocks of every kind. Exactly what the title says. Think of The War of Art as tough love … for yourself. It tells you how to define, understand, and defeat your own resistance to being a creative professional.

Available for $18.95 here!

F*ck Your Comfort Zone: Take a Risk & Become the Lead in Your Own Life by Margie Haber

Celebrated acting and audition coach Margie Haber has spent over 40 years teaching celebrities and top actors from around the world. She will gently and compassionately guide you out of your comfort zone and into a life of bravery, risk-taking, and being the best version of yourself. With Margie’s help, you will learn how to transform your fear into personal power and approach life with empathy, humour, and curiosity. It will change everything.

Available for $31.95 here!

The Artist’s Compass: The Complete Guide to Building a Life and a Living in the Performing Arts by Rachel S. Moore

While performing artists have many educational opportunities to perfect their craft, they are often on their own when it comes to learning the business skills necessary to launch their careers. At the end of the day, show business is, well, a business. In The Artist’s Compass, Rachel Moore (who rose from a dancer in the American Ballet Theater’s corps de ballet to become the CEO of that organization – and is today the head of The Music Center in LA) shares how to make life as a performer more successful, secure, and sustainable by approaching a career in the arts like an entrepreneur.

Available for $22.00 here!

The Collaborative Habit: Life Lessons for Working Together by Twyla Tharp with Jesse Kornbluth

In this practical sequel to her national bestseller The Creative Habit, choreographer Twyla Tharp explains why collaboration is important to her – and can be for you. She shows how to recognize good candidates for partnership and how to build one successfully, and analyzes dysfunctional collaborations. And although this isn’t a book that promises to help you deepen your romantic life, she suggest that the lessons you learn by working together professionally can help you in your personal relationships.

Available for $19.95 here!

Comment below with your pick!

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