Reviews
The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s: An Oral History by Andy Greene
avisholkoff's review against another edition
5.0
Admittedly, I was skeptical about starting this. I loved the Office, but did I really need to read a whole book about it? I had just finished a pandemic binge of the show and appreciated the comfort, kindness and familiarity the show brought to me during unprecedented times. So, I decided to get this book, and I'm glad I did. It was funny, heartwarming and honestly therapeutic to read.
There wasn't necessarily any significantly new information, although the chapter on Steve Carrell's departure was illuminating. It really becomes clear how much the cast loved him. It was also interesting to read about how both the cast didn't really enjoy/were burnt out by Season 8. The book didn't really offer any "juicy" tidbits (though perhaps the criticism of James Spader could be qualified as such)
I loved learning of all of the stories of the origins of the characters' and the writers' mindsets during some of the episodes. The focus on some more of the more memorable episodes, i.e. Dinner Party and Niagara were a nice added touch.
Overall, during a time in my life when I was working a very busy job, it was great to have a calming, entertaining and easy read at night after work. These characters truly feel like old friends and it was a pleasure to read them.
There wasn't necessarily any significantly new information, although the chapter on Steve Carrell's departure was illuminating. It really becomes clear how much the cast loved him. It was also interesting to read about how both the cast didn't really enjoy/were burnt out by Season 8. The book didn't really offer any "juicy" tidbits (though perhaps the criticism of James Spader could be qualified as such)
I loved learning of all of the stories of the origins of the characters' and the writers' mindsets during some of the episodes. The focus on some more of the more memorable episodes, i.e. Dinner Party and Niagara were a nice added touch.
Overall, during a time in my life when I was working a very busy job, it was great to have a calming, entertaining and easy read at night after work. These characters truly feel like old friends and it was a pleasure to read them.
mattgoldberg's review against another edition
4.0
A pretty good look at the show, although I kind of wish that its many revelations hadn't been spoiled in news articles before the release, which kind of removed both the urgency and surprises. That being said, the book is candid in that "We all loved working with each other" way and doesn't really indicate friction when you get to why Carell departed the show and the creative friction over how to proceed. It's kind of a reminder that it's cool to learn about successes, but it's more exciting to learn about flops.
sass_quigley's review against another edition
3.0
Coincidentally, I just found out about this book about a week after I finished binging it. Some good stories, most of which I didn't know (I'm not the type to go on message boards/forums talking about a show ad nauseum). Anyway, it's fun if you're a fan of the show and didn't follow any of the behind the scenes stuff. It's a quick read and if I ever watch it again, I'll have more insight into some of the episodes. The big problem I had though was that there wasn't much from the cast (especially the main four characters, those were taken from older interviews). It's mostly the writers, production and the rest of the cast. Granted, those were great, especially Creed. He's an awesome guy.
rwarner's review against another edition
4.0
Big fan of the show, have watched it all a few times. Learned a few things -- the story behind the gas station where Jim proposed to Pam was all new to me. That alone was worth the read. Interesting format, with quotes collected and grouped. In all, an enlightening read for a fan.
sheffner07's review against another edition
3.0
Another fun read. It was interesting to learn how the background of a show works with all the moving parts. A must read if you are a fan of “The Office.”
amandadelbrocco's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I really liked the book in general because I love The Office but the format was scattered and it was essentially just excerpts from interviews. I did not like the writing that wove the interviews into chapters.
plaidpladd's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked the format of this book. A quick, enjoyable read that made me go back and watch the best Office clips on youtube
kteasley's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting written book about the office. It is written like an massive interview with a variety of the cast, producers, etc. It follows the story of the office really well starting with pre-production and ending with the last episodes and potential reboots.
I thought it was a good read-but sometimes it got a bit boring.
I thought it was a good read-but sometimes it got a bit boring.