"The Office" Book Recommendations

Someone's favorite TV character can say a lot, not just about a person’s sense of humor and interests, but their literary tastes as well. Watching "The Office" and librarianship can go hand in hand, as this show has a mix of dry humor and situational comedy that those working in libraries can find relatable (sometimes a little too much). Let’s try to find your next read based on your favorite preference of Scranton’s finest. All of these titles are available to read for free and instantly via Ebooks Minnesota, links included. 

Michael Scott

• Throughout the show, “The World’s Best Boss” is a hopeless romantic who seeks validation and can be seen as unapologetically cringe, but can also be accidentally profound and looks to give meaning to the work everyone does. If your favorite character is Michael Scott, you are a fan of the absurd, embracing the delusion, but most importantly, you dream big.
• Genres to look out for: Absurdist Fiction, Romantic Comedies, Satire, Memoirs (especially of controversial figures)
• Book recommendation: The Importance of Being Earnest

Dwight Schrute

• Assistant (to the) regional manager, beet farmer, and volunteer deputy, Dwight Schrute values hard work, survival instincts, and loyalty, all often to a fault. A fan of Dwight sees the value of honest work, technical accuracy, and probably has a fallout shelter plan.
• Genres to look out for: Hard Sci-Fi, Survivalist Non-Fiction, Historical Fiction
• Book recommendation: Iron Lake

Pam Beesly

• The heart of the office, Pam is the quiet receptionist who eventually finds her voice and the courage to pursue her passion for art. Her story is one of self-improvement and learning to navigate relationships (complicated romance included). Fans of Pam value honesty, quiet resilience, and seeking beauty in the mundane.
• Genres to look out for: Art-Centric Narratives, Romance, Coming-of-Age
• Book recommendation: Funny story

Jim Halpert

• The office prankster and the master of the iconic camera stare, Jim is smart and innovative, but only when motivated, using humor to navigate and survive his unfulfilling role selling paper. Fans of Jim go all in on things they are passionate about, value humor, and might enjoy a bit (or a lot) of sarcasm.
• Genres to look out for: Contemporary Fiction, Satirical Essays, Romantic Comedy
• Book recommendation: James: A novel