Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of the Office―The Definitive History of the Landmark TV Show

When I first came across Brian Baumgartner’s book, I knew I had to read it. I’ve always been a big Office fan thanks to my son who was in college when the show premiered. Since then I’ve been known to not miss any showing of an episode on tv, which means I usually see one about every day. And, yes, I never see anything new because I’ve seen all of them. I’m even in that club that knows the episodes by their titles. So this book is for anyone who is a fan. If you aren’t a fan of The Office and/or you watched it but didn’t like it, it’s best to keep on moving on by. It just won’t be your cup of tea. I bought the Kindle version and checked the audio version out from our local library. I always read a book and listen to a book (almost always a different book) while I do my 30-minute daily walk. I chose to “read” almost all of “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin” by listening to the audio version. That was a mistake. In fact, I don’t even think this book should have been made into an audio book. I imagine Brian Baumgartner and Ben Silverstein went to a lot of trouble to round up all of the quotes from interviews with the show’s characters from Brian’s podcast. The problem is none of the dialogue read on the audio version of the book is read by the actual characters from the show except for those by Brian and Ben. And most of the narrators (aka. actors) don’t sound a bit like the original characters. So, that means it’s hard to keep track of who is speaking. Occasionally, especially when a character is first introduced, another narrator will come on and say, “John Smith reading for Steve Carell.” That is very annoying and confusing. So I would recommend that if you are a big fan of The Office, buy the print or Kindle version of the book and pass on the audio. One other annoying thing about the book is the number of times the word “like” is used by the characters as in “Well, I’m like, ‘We better do that scene again,’ and “She’s like, ‘ I don’t get it.’ And then I’m like, ‘Well, I do.’” I suppose if you’re under the age of 40, you’re used to hearing “like” used as every other word in dialogue. And it might not read too badly, but if you’re listening to the audio version of the book, it’s really annoying. One last negative thing I found about the book was how planned, scripted, and un-spontaneous the show was. Being a “mockumentary” I always assumed The Office was very spontaneous, However, reading this book you hear that the writers and other production people analyzed and overanalyzed just about every aspect of the show and even did multiple (sometimes double digit multiples) takes of scenes. Even the famous proposal scene between Jim and Pan was this way. I guess I should be making this a positive thing since all of the scenes I’m talking about came off as looking typically spontaneous, and that spontaneity is what made The Office the great show it was. Well, that and Steve Carell. All in all, two big thumbs up for “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of ‘The Office.’”

This book has everything and more you would want if you like The Office, it goes from the beginning in a nice pace and explains everything from the actors and crew with many nice behind the scenes stuff. You can really feel that this book is made for Office fans by its editing and colorful pages (the book itself is shaped like a ream of paper !) I wouldnt change a thing about this book and as already said I highly recommend it. If its a gift you can be sure the person who will get this will be very happy.

This book made me laugh and cry...just like the show did and caused me to want to do yet another watch. I loved getting some of the behind the scenes looks and stories and the interviews from everyone involved in the show.

Seriously a must have for any office lover. You learn so much about the show and it’s great to have as a coffee table book. I love looking through this

Unless you live under a rock chances are you have seen at least an episode or two of The Office. Even if you aren't a super fan you can't deny the pop-culture phenomenon that the show has created. Every fan has a favorite moment on the show - the epic Jim and Pam kiss after casino night, for one - and "Welcome to Dunder Mifflin" shares all of the behind the scenes secrets into those unforgettable moments. Starting with the creation of the show author's Ben Silverman (Executive Producer) and Brian Baumgartner (Kevin) take readers through the show's run to its finale nine seasons later. The Office is comfort food for the soul and I found myself rewatching episodes during the '20 quarantine to escape the stress of what real life was at the time. I listened to the audiobook version and the only thing that could have made this a perfect read would have been if the original cast had narrated it themselves. Add this to your TBR list if you are a fan of The Office. (Jim + Pam 4eva)

This book is a laugh-out-loud journey back to Scranton with the entire Dunder Mifflin gang! It's the ultimate behind-the-scenes account, packed with exclusive interviews, hilarious anecdotes, and the inside story on the making of this beloved TV show. Baumgartner, best known as Kevin Malone from the series, proves he's no oaf when it comes to compiling an engaging oral history. A must-read for all fans of The Office!

If you are an Office fan/fanatic, this book is a must. Great backstories and insights from producers, directors, and actors. Will enhance your viewing of the sitcom, even if you have watched every episode countless times, as I have. Thanks for the book, Kevin--I mean, Brian!

…and if you’re not already a fan of the show, why are you here? go watch it! This is not just about The Office any more than The Office is just about an office. Best use of Keats’ most famous line. Hollywood advice you can use at home. Why you should check if the urinal is hooked to the drain before using it. More.

Alegre, historias reales bueno

Book came in exelent condition. Pretty quick shipping (it came before Christmans so it was a perfect gift).

Great book, bought it as a gift. First one I purchased was dented and damaged. Got replacement right away

The book as writing ain style of dialogs and that is very good, give us direct option from who said. As Brazilian fan, by reading this book, was very funny know things like the actor who played Toby was one the writers 😂😂. The book brings a lot of funny information.

Great book for American Office Fans. I bought this as a gift and they loved it. Constantly watching the office on repeat so felt very fitting. Positive feedback from them so overall great gift.