Skip to Main Content

We've Decided to Go in a Different Direction

Essays

Foreword by Max Greenfield

About The Book

“Funny, relatable, honest, and most of all, just like Tess Sanchez, a really good time.” —Mindy Kaling, actress and New York Times bestselling author

A funny and heartfelt essay collection about working in Hollywood, starting over, defining your identity, and the relatable messiness that ensues from unforeseen circumstances.

Wife to a well-known actor, the mother of two, a sister, daughter, and general meddler, Tess Sanchez’s life was like a #1-rated sitcom. But the loss of her career as a highly successful casting executive equaled series cancellation. Now, with humor and insight, Sanchez examines the aftermath of a major shift that forever changed the course of her life, and the resilience that came from reframing loss into possibility.

“We’ve decided to go in a different direction” was a phrase Sanchez rattled off to countless agents, actors, producers, and many more. But in the fall of 2020, the tables turned as she was on the receiving end of that phrase, when she lost the long-held job she adored. She quickly discovered how much that career defined her identity, from her personal relationships to her own perception of herself. In the midst of facing this upheaval, her father was diagnosed with a devastating illness and suddenly, Sanchez had to learn what it means to parent her parents.

Moving, witty, and fun, We've Decided to Go in a Different Direction offers you both welcome comedy and empowering strength when it comes to tackling life’s challenges.

About The Author

Tess Sanchez has spent twenty years in the entertainment industry as a casting director. We’ve Decided to Go in a Different Direction is her debut book. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, actor Max Greenfield, and their two children. Follow her on Instagram @TessSanchezGreenfield.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Gallery Books (April 1, 2025)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781668060872

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

We’ve Decided to Go in a Different Direction is funny,
relatable, honest, and most of all, just like Tess
Sanchez, a really good time. It’s literary meet-cute for
moms meets fun ride for friends.”
–Mindy Kaling, actress and New York Times
bestselling author of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without
Me?


We’ve Decided to Go in A Different Direction is a
frank and funny book about how our relationships are
the only business that matters.”
–Amy Poehler, actress and New York Times bestselling
author of Yes Please

We’ve Decided to Go in A Different Direction takes
readers on a roller coaster ride of rare vulnerability and
laugh-out-loud, messy moments. Tess Sanchez
reminds us in this amusing essay collection that a bad
day, bad luck, or really any unexpected bad thing is not
what defines us. Love and laughter is. A truly funny
and heartfelt read.”
–Judd Apatow, director and New York Times
bestselling author of Sick in the Head

Resources and Downloads