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The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s: An Oral History by Andy Greene
readcharlotte's review
4.0
Pros: Interviews everyone, even the stars and more famous appearances like Idris Elba, Will Farrell, Kathy Bates.
Has a real conversation about the show, and is engaging through 75% of it.
Reinforces that certain choices, like Robert California, stupid Brian, and Nellie, were just awful.
Gives alternative storylines.
Cons: Audiobook doesn't use the true voices of the speakers, so that threw me for a loop as the entire thing is interview style.
Made some of the actors so unlikable as people. (Melora Hardin sorry, but yeah you came off as worse than Jan sometimes.)
Was very heavy on the technical and behind the scenes, but not always in the most interesting way.
Overall fun to listen to. The biggest drawback was that they had interviews from the actors, but chose voice actors for the audiobook which just took away from the magic.
Has a real conversation about the show, and is engaging through 75% of it.
Reinforces that certain choices, like Robert California, stupid Brian, and Nellie, were just awful.
Gives alternative storylines.
Cons: Audiobook doesn't use the true voices of the speakers, so that threw me for a loop as the entire thing is interview style.
Made some of the actors so unlikable as people. (Melora Hardin sorry, but yeah you came off as worse than Jan sometimes.)
Was very heavy on the technical and behind the scenes, but not always in the most interesting way.
Overall fun to listen to. The biggest drawback was that they had interviews from the actors, but chose voice actors for the audiobook which just took away from the magic.
jansbookcorner's review
4.0
As a fan it was very interesting. I think I would have enjoyed reading it more than listening.
thecurseofchris's review
3.0
I'd recommend this in audiobook format due to how it's in an oral history style. I'm a big Office fan and while this was super interesting, I would've preferred this in a different writing style. But if you're a fan, you should definitely try it out at least.
finnthehuman217's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.0
This is not As good as the other two books about the office. There’s so much good content, but I feel like it’s more focused on the production side and less on the cultural impact of the show. There was a lot of discussion that was very catty and gossipy. Still a good story, but it’s still not. good as the office ladies or the other one written by Brian Baumgartner.
crousecm's review against another edition
4.0
There were some new stories in this one. Voice actors voiced the interviews of cast and crew. I'm used to hearing Pam and Angela's voices.
ahomelibrary's review
Summary — This is the story of the making of a the US version of The Office television series. Author Andy Greene has compiled the oral history of the show from interviews and statements from producers, writers, actors, and other figures like critics and celebrities. The reader gets an overview of the show in sections such as it’s UK origins, the casting method, the staging and costume ideas, the first few episodes and how it formulated the ideas for the future of the show, the various seasons, and really popular episodes. There are color photographs included. The style of the book is 90% interview / oral style statements + 10% guided by the author.
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Review — Quick read. Only really interesting if you like the show, otherwise I don’t think you’d care. At first I was a bit unsure if I liked how it was a 90/10 balance. Oral histories are mostly like that, of course, it’s the whole point. As it turns out, I did like it — I don’t really need to know what Andy Greene thinks more than someone who wrote or acted in the show. I am a fan of both the US/UK show and I really appreciated knowing more about how they took the successful UK version and translated it to US audiences, while also adding their own cultural styles. I learned a lot about the show through the eyes of the actors, but I also gained some knowledge on how shows are produced, like the casting, the set design, costumes etc. just from off-remarks by the interviewees. I appreciated learning fun facts, such as the REAL town of Scranton often sent props for the show. Knowing all these tidbits really makes me appreciate the work that is put into shows that I enjoy. It’s a totally different world than I would ever inhabit, so I’m glad to have a peek into it!
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Who is it good for? — Most importantly, fans of The Office. Fans of television history, pop culture, US/UK pop culture, filmography, and oral histories. All ages, but there are some stray PG-13 comments just like The Office itself. Recommended. 4/5 stars on my end.
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Review — Quick read. Only really interesting if you like the show, otherwise I don’t think you’d care. At first I was a bit unsure if I liked how it was a 90/10 balance. Oral histories are mostly like that, of course, it’s the whole point. As it turns out, I did like it — I don’t really need to know what Andy Greene thinks more than someone who wrote or acted in the show. I am a fan of both the US/UK show and I really appreciated knowing more about how they took the successful UK version and translated it to US audiences, while also adding their own cultural styles. I learned a lot about the show through the eyes of the actors, but I also gained some knowledge on how shows are produced, like the casting, the set design, costumes etc. just from off-remarks by the interviewees. I appreciated learning fun facts, such as the REAL town of Scranton often sent props for the show. Knowing all these tidbits really makes me appreciate the work that is put into shows that I enjoy. It’s a totally different world than I would ever inhabit, so I’m glad to have a peek into it!
.
Who is it good for? — Most importantly, fans of The Office. Fans of television history, pop culture, US/UK pop culture, filmography, and oral histories. All ages, but there are some stray PG-13 comments just like The Office itself. Recommended. 4/5 stars on my end.