I love The Office. I’ve watched every episode a thousand times, but I still love rewatching. Even though we have it on DVD, I often watch it on Netflix, and I am so sad that they will be removing it soon. I also love reading, so I’ve compiled a list of books for people who love The Office. Some of these I’ve read already, and some are on my list to read.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (2011) and Why not me? (2015) by Mindy Kaling
Did you know that Mindy Kaling, who played Kelly on The Office, was a writer for the show? She wrote many amazing episodes: Niagra, Golden Ticket, The Dundies, The Injury, and more. In her two memoirs, she writes about growing up, her personal life, and yes, The Office. It’s been a while since I read either of these, but I know I enjoyed both of them.
I remember reading “Why not Me?” in the waiting room when bringing my Dad to physical therapy once and laughing so much I had to get up and walk away because the people in the waiting room were staring at me like I was a crazy person.
It was almost as embarrassing as when I was waiting for my Dad in an appointment, and exploded an entire bottle of seltzer, while no one reacted. Like at all. The seltzer sprayed over the whole waiting room. I mean, it probably got other people wet, and they all just sat there in silence watching me with blank expressions on their faces, while I laughed hysterically and tried to clean it all up. It was so awkward.
My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper (2019)
I have to admit that when The Office first aired, I was not a huge fan of Erin, played by Ellie Kemper. I found her slightly annoying. It was only after I watched the Netflix series “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” starring Kemper that I appreciated her character from The Office. Going back to rewatching The Office after Kimmy Schmidt, I now find Erin hilarious and loveable. I’m interested in reading her book. I mean, I know they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but a book with a squirrel on the cover? No bad could come from that.
The Bassoon King: Art, Idiocy, and Other Sordid Tales from the Band Room (2015) by Rainn Wilson
Bassoon on the cover? That might top squirrel.
Rainn Wilson played arguably one of the best characters on The Office: Dwight Schrute. In his memoir, The Bassoon King, Wilson shares stories of growing up as a “nerd” and his journey as a struggling actor leading to success on The Office.
The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fisher (2017)
Jenna Fisher, who played the loveable Pam (Beasley) Halpert on The Office, has a book called The Actor’s Life. This book is less about Fisher herself and more a guide for aspiring actors. While I have no aspirations of becoming an actor, it still could be fun to read Jenna’s stories of how she made her way to The Office.
The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s: An Oral History by Andy Greene (2020)
This one is all about The Office. Andy Greene gives a behind the scenes inside peek at everything about the show. Colleen let me borrow this one and it’s on the top of my list to read next.
The Office and Philosophy: Scenes from the Unexamined Life (2008) by J. Jeremy Wisnewski
Written by a Hartwick College assistant professor of philosophy, this book explores philosophy through the US and British versions of The Office.
Inside Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Fan’s Guide to The Office Hardcover (2019) by Amy Lewis
I was a little hesitant to put this one on the list because, surprisingly, it has some inaccuracies. As long as you go into it knowing that, it’s still an amusing book, but remember that if you are a true fan of The Office, it might also drive you a little crazy. Example of what I mean: The author says that Dwight dated a woman named Jessica. Um, no, that was Andy. Dwight was dating Esther. Overall, I felt that with our love of The Office, Colleen and I could write a book about the show that wouldn’t have inaccuracies like that, so it made me kind of wonder how these things got by the author….or anyone who helped her edit the book.
Coming Soon: How to Be Good: A Definitive Answer for Exactly What to Do, In Every Possible Situation by Michael Shur
Michael Shur is working on his first book, which is due out in 2021. Shur worked as a producer and writer for The Office and also played Cousin Mose. He is the co-creator of other hilarious shows I love: Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn 99. If this is any indication of how great this book will be, I can’t wait to read it!
Books for the Kids
My kids are too young to watch the Office yet, but luckily there are some great kid-friendly books to share with future fans.
The Book with No Pictures by BJ Novak
B.J. Novak, who played Ryan on The Office was also a writer for the show. He wrote many episodes of The Office including Diversity Day, The Fire, Safety Training, and Prince Family Paper. His goofy children’s book, The Book with No Pictures, could easily be my kids’ favorite book. They LOVE it and ask for it to be read all the time. As the title says it has no pictures, and it tells kids how a reader has to read the words on a page, no matter what, even if those words are very silly. Check out B.J. Novak reading it here.
Fun At The Office! by Mark Cloud
Fun at the Office by Mark Cloud has cute illustrations and tons of references to the show.
Upcoming:The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary by Robb Pearlman
This book looks adorable and is being released September 29, 2020.
And here’s a non-book bonus:
While The Young Punks Dance (2018), Demo (2011), Bounce Back (2010), Creed Bratton (2008)
Creed Bratton doesn’t have a book, but he does have several albums. Bratton, whose character in the series shares his real-life name, was a guitarist for the folk-rock band The Grass Roots in the 1960s (left the band in 1969) and recently has released several solo albums. I listened to some, and so far I like it. I would describe it as Traveling Wilbury-esque.
Now we’ll be prepared with something to do when Netflix removes The Office in January 2021. And make sure you get yourself the DVDs before they jack up the prices when everyone realizes it’s missing! It’s been on sale for awhile now, and I’m sure once the demand goes up so will the price.
Have you read any of these? Would you add any others to the list?
