A Star Is Found is a memoir-style book written by two Hollywood casting agents. On the surface, this book promises to tell a lot of stories about famous people. And in that case, it delivers. For example, Hirshenson and Jenkins gave Julia Roberts some of her earliest roles as an actress, and the pair were also responsible for casting the first Harry Potter film as well as the newest James Bond release. During all of this time, the pair met and worked with many of Hollywood’s top-name actors and directors. And while all of that information is interesting, what I found to be most fascinating about this book was the behind-the-scenes look it provides into the work of casting. It’s amazing to see that, for even the seemingly smallest film role, the agents might have auditioned hundreds of different actors. And even when they believed they had the right person for a part, there was no telling if a director or even the film studio would end up selecting someone completely different.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone aspiring to become a professional actor. Hirshenson and Jenkins spend a lot of time discussing the qualities they like to see during an audition. I found it remarkable to learn how many prospective actors (from children to adults) will turn up at an audition completely unprepared.

A Star Is Found is a fast read, and would be enjoyed by anyone interested in the entertainment industry. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes information you’re after, or just a little bit of tabloid fare about some famous names, this book delivers.