That's What She Read: Reading Recommendations from "The Office"

If you’re not familiar with the 2006 mockumentary series, The Office, here’s a brief synopsis: It follows the everyday life of a group of typical office workers at a Scranton, PA-based paper company, Dunder Mifflin. Or, would-be typical office workers if not for their wacky hijinks and endearing, yet sometimes exasperating, personalities. The series is an American adaptation of the BBC series of the same name, which aired in 2001 and starred Ricky Gervais as the boss. 

In the U.S., the boss is regional manager Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell), an attention-grabbing man-child who makes everyone’s workday much harder, yet strangely more enjoyable than it should be. His right-hand man, assistant to the regional manager, is beet farmer, black belt, and paintball enthusiast, Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson), who regularly finds himself on the receiving end of the elaborate pranks set up by salesman, Jim Halpert (played by John Krasinski), in response to Dwight's aggravating personality. Jim spends the first few seasons of The Office helplessly pining for the office secretary, Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), who, at first, is oblivious to his feelings. 

The romance between Jim and Pam, the neverending pranks Jim pulls on Dwight, and Michael being… well, Michael, are some of the most memorable parts of The Office. But we would be remiss if we did not mention other charcters: the uptight head of accounting, Angela Martin (played by Angela Kinsey), people-pleaser Andrew Bernard (played by Ed Helms), and the bubbly head of customer service, Kelly Kapoor (played by Mindy Kaling). Throughout the show’s nine-season run, nearly every character was given a moment to shine, and many of the actors found success after the series.  

After binge-watching the show for the umpteenth time, we realized there were quite a few instances where characters talked about their favorite books. In a season 2 episode titled "The Fire," everyone is forced to leave the building after an alleged fire breaks out in the office. While waiting outside, Jim leads everyone in a game of "Desert Island," where each character must list three books to bring to a deserted island. There’s also the "Finer Things Club," in which Pam and supporting characters, Oscar and Toby, get together to discuss high-end literature. 

That got us thinking: Which books would best fit the characters of The Office? We've gathered a list of titles we think our favorite characters would enjoy! (Summaries adapted from the publisher.)

Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell)

"And I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do."

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin

In the mid-70s, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978, he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981, he quit forever. This book is, in his own words, the story of "why I did stand-up and why I walked away."

It's Good to be the King: The Seriously Funny Life of Mel Brooks by James Robert Parish

This book traces the extraordinary life and career of Mel Brooks, who has ridden a wave of show business success perhaps unsurpassed by anyone of his generation. Offering many insights into the wacky world of Brooks and his many collaborators, as well as an intimate look into his successful marriage to the brilliant and beautiful actress Anne Bancroft, this might just be the most delightful, engaging, and entertaining biography you'll ever read.

Do You Talk Funny? 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (And Funnier) Public Speaker by David Nihill

Public speaking can be terrifying. For David Nihill, the idea of standing in front of an audience was scarier than cliff jumping into a thorny pit of spiders and mothers-in-law. Without a parachute or advanced weaponry. Something had to change. In what doesn't sound like the best plan ever, David decided to overcome his fears by pretending to be a comedian called "Irish Dave" for one full year, crashing as many comedy clubs, festivals, and shows as possible. One part of the plan was at least logical: he was already Irish and already called Dave.

In one year, David went from being deathly afraid of public speaking to hosting a business conference, regularly performing stand-up comedy, and winning storytelling competitions in front of packed houses. And he did it by learning from some of the best public speakers in the world: stand-up comedians. 

How to Be a Working Comic: An Insider's Guide to a Career in Stand-up Comedy by Dave Schwensen

Offering more insiders’ advice than any other manual, this book shows you how to try out material; get onstage experience; market your act to talent bookers, agents, and managers; go on the road; get on television; and much more.

Supplementing the author’s own expertise are his interviews with more than 16 proven talents including Drew Carey, Carrot Top, Jeff Foxworthy, and Tommy Smothers—all of whom embody the qualities of originality, career know-how, and laughter. Schwensen assumes you already believe you’re funny enough to tackle a comedy career. Making sure you develop a comic vision that’s completely your own is the essential lesson in starting out in the exciting, but crowded, field of stand-up comedy.

The New One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard, PhD, Spencer Johnson, MD

A new edition based on the timeless business classic—updated to help today's readers succeed more quickly in a rapidly changing world. For decades, The One Minute Manager has helped millions achieve more successful professional and personal lives. While the principles it lays out are timeless, our world has changed drastically since the book's publication. The exponential rise of technology, global flattening of markets, instant communication, and pressures on corporate workforces to do more with less—including resources, funding, and staff—have all revolutionized the world in which we live and work.

Now, Blanchard and Johnson have written The New One Minute Manager to introduce the book's powerful, important lessons to a new generation. In their concise, easy-to-read story, they teach readers three very practical secrets about leading others—and explain why these techniques continue to work so well. As compelling today as the original was 30 years ago, this classic parable of a young man looking for an effective manager is more relevant and useful than ever.

Why? Throughout the show, Michael attempts to capture the humor and presence of his comic mentors through his improv and impressions. He never seems to get it right, but maybe he just needs to study harder? Also, we realize the only management book Michael would ever read is the one he wrote himself, Somehow I Manage by Michael G. Scott. 

Dwight K. Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson)

"Nothing stresses me out. Except having to seek the approval of my inferiors."

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

During his third year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter must confront the devious and dangerous wizard responsible for his parents' deaths.

Physicians' Desk Reference 2017           

This reference contains FDA-approved drug label information, including warnings and precautions, drug interactions, and full-color images of some drugs. Every label includes information on dosages, side effects, and safety information, such as contraindications, pregnancy ratings, and interactions with other drugs, food, or alcohol.

The Seven Swabians, and Other German Folktales by Anna E. Altmann

Many people are familiar with the German tales of the Brothers Grimm, but usually in the sugar-coated versions of picture books and Hollywood cartoons. In this book, you'll discover some other sides to German folklore. Using primary German-language sources, Altmann has gleaned a wonderful assortment of authentic tales to enchant and educate audiences of all ages.

This collection includes many favorite German tales such as Rapunzel, Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, and The Bremen Town Musicians, and more obscure tales such as The Seven Swabians and The Master Thief. There more than 80 stories in all, including tales that may shock you, as well as those that will intrigue or amuse.

Battlestar Galactica: Investigating Flesh, Spirit and Steel edited by Roz Kaveney and Jennifer Stoy

This book covers the new Battlestar Galactica from beginning to end, including all of the show's principal themes from the depiction of sexuality in an era of artificial people and downloaded memories to what it means to be a member of a military organization when the stakes are not victory or defeat, but survival. Like all the best shows about the future or the past—we are never sure when all this is supposed to be happening—Battlestar Galactica is a series about the present; chapters here cover its depiction of the post-9.11 world and such issues as abortion and workers' rights.
 

Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance by Stephen Herrero

For more than three decades, Bear Attacks has been the thorough and unflinching landmark study of the attacks made on humans by the great grizzly and the less aggressive, but occasionally deadly, black bear. This is the sometimes horrific, yet instructive, story of Bear and Man, written by the leading scientific authority in the field. This book is for everyone who hikes, camps, or visits bear country—and for anyone who wants to know more about these sometimes fearsome but always fascinating wild creatures.

Also: Any title on the NYPL blog post "Where to Start with Werewolves: Super Blood Wolf Moon Edition!"

Why? "Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica." According to Jim, these are the three things that describe Dwight’s interests in a nutshell. Of course, Jim fails to consider some of Dwight's other favorite topics: magic, survival, and niche German folktales. Fortunately, we have plenty of material on all those topics!

Bonus:

The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy by Rainn Wilson, with a foreword by Dwight Schrute

A comedic memoir by the actor traces his experiences as a young misfit, his early career struggles, and his post-success reconnection with the artistic and creative values of his Baha'i faith.

SoulPancake: Chew on Life's Big Questions by Rainn Wilson ... [et al.]

Somewhere over the course of history, chewing on Life's Big Questions lost its cool factor. Fortunately for mankind, Rainn Wilson and a bunch of his friends are on a mission to change that.

Jim Halpert (played by John Krasinski)

"Oh, so Dwight gave me this wooden mallard as a gift. I found a recording device in it. Yes. So. I think if I play it just right, I can get Dwight to live out the plot of National Treasure."

The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn

This is a book about young men who learned to play baseball during the 1930s and 1940s, and then went on to play for one of the most exciting major league ball clubs ever fielded, the team that broke the color barrier with Jackie Robinson. It is a book by and about a sportswriter who grew up near Ebbets Field, and who had the good fortune in the 1950s to cover the Dodgers for the Herald Tribune.

This is a book about what happened to Jackie, Carl Erskine, Pee Wee Reese, and the others when their glory days were behind them. In short, it is a book about America, about fathers and sons, prejudice and courage, triumph and disaster, and told with warmth, humor, wit, candor, and love.

Then We Came to the End: A Novel by Joshua Ferris

No one knows us quite the same way as the men and women who sit beside us in department meetings and crowd the office refrigerator with their labeled yogurts.  Every office is a family of sorts, and the ad agency Joshua Ferris brilliantly depicts in his debut novel is family at its strangest and best, coping with a business downturn in the time-honored way: through gossip, pranks, and increasingly frequent coffee breaks.

With a demon's eye for the details that make life worth noticing, Ferris tells a true and funny story about survival in life's strangest environment—the one we pretend is normal five days a week.
 

Personal Days: A Novel by Ed Park

In an unnamed New York-based company, the employees are getting restless as everything around them unravels. There’s Pru, the former grad student turned spreadsheet drone; Laars, the hysteric whose work anxiety stalks him in his tooth-grinding dreams; and Jack II, who distributes unwanted backrubs–aka "jackrubs"–to his co-workers.

On a Sunday, one of them is called at home. And the Firings begin.

Rich with Orwellian doublespeak, filled with sabotage and romance, this astonishing literary debut is at once a comic delight and a narrative tour de force. It’s a novel for anyone who has ever worked in an office and wondered: "Where does the time go? Where does the life go? And whose banana is in the fridge?",

Cubicle Warfare: 101 Office Traps and Pranks by John Austin

Are your eyes beginning to glaze over from the fluorescent lights in your tiny cubicle? Have you had one too many burnt cups of coffee? Does the guy in the cube next to you insist on pencil-drumming while cranking Hells Bells and five-finger discounting your paper clips? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you're in need of some Cubicle Warfare.
Why? Throughout the show, Jim mentions multiple times how he originally wanted to be a sportswriter before he inevitably ended up as a paper salesman. By the end of the series he finally manages to achieve his dream of working with athletes; in the meantime, we think he’d appreciate these guides on how to survive the doldrums of the office. 

Pam Beesly (played by Jenna Fischer)

"There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn’t that kind of the point?"

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

In this powerful, straight-from-the-hip examination of the internal obstacles to success, bestselling author Steven Pressfield shows readers how to identify, defeat, and unlock the inner barriers to creativity. The War of Art is an inspirational, funny, well-aimed kick in the pants guaranteed to galvanize every would-be artist, visionary, or entrepreneur.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Gilbert's books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration.

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown

A motivational and inspiring guide to wholehearted living, rather than just the average self-help book, with this groundbreaking work, Brené Brown, Ph.D., bolsters the self-esteem and personal development process through her characteristic heartfelt, honest storytelling.

With original research and plenty of encouragement, Brown explores the psychology of releasing our definitions of an "imperfect" life and embracing living authentically. Her "ten guideposts" are benchmarks for authenticity that can help anyone establish a practice for a life of honest beauty—a perfectly imperfect life.
 

Why? Pam’s lack of confidence is probably her biggest flaw. As a viewer, it’s wonderful to see her finally grow into a bolder, more self-assured person. Still, everyone has moments of weakness, so occasionally the old unconfident Pam pops back up. We think she’d need motivational guides every once and a while to remind her that, as a person, she is enough. 

Bonus: 

The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer

With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences.  She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She also provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy’s apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you’re looking for!)

Angela Martin (played by Angela Kinsey)

"If you pray enough, you can change yourself into a cat person."

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren

Translated into more than 50 languages, this is far more than just a book; it is a guide to a spiritual journey that has transformed millions of lives. Once you take this journey, you'll never be the same again.
 

Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Petby John Bradshaw

A must-read for any cat lover, this is a revolutionary new account from one of the leading scientific experts on these little-understood animals. As he did in his acclaimed, bestselling Dog Sense, Bradshaw combines the most up-to-date research with fascinating case studies to paint an unprecedentedly detailed portrait of the domestic cat.

Why? With her strict Christian values and her love of cats, these books were obvious choices for Angela. 

Andrew "Nard Dog" Bernard (played by Ed Helms)

"Tough day. Yes. But I feel good. I put the office in their place, took a bunch of painkillers, drank a bottle of wine, took my pants off. I just feel good."

Shake It Up: Great American Writing on Rock and Pop from Elvis to Jay Z edited by Jonathan Lethem and Kevin Dettmar

Shake It Up invites the reader into the tumult and excitement of the rock revolution through 50 landmark pieces by a supergroup of writers on rock, in all its variety, from heavy metal to disco, punk to hip-hop.

So You Want to Sing A Cappella: A Guide for Performers by Deke Sharon

From amateur collegiate a cappella groups to professional ensembles like Straight No Chaser and Pentatonix, contemporary a cappella has exploded onto the world pop music scene. Deke Sharon combines historical context and a comprehensive look at the a cappella community with a detailed discussion of vocal techniques, rehearsal practices, and the live audio support needed to sing great a cappella. Additional contributed chapters examine singing and voice science, vocal health, vocal percussion, and audio technology.

Why? The Nard Dog could probably write his own book on a cappella, but we still think he’d carry around an on-hand guide just in case . With his love for music, we thought these choices were perfect. Although, sadly, none were published by Cornell University.

Creed Bratton (played by Creed Bratton)

 "Just pretend like we’re talking until the cops leave."

The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man by David W. Maurer; introduction by Luc Sante

The Big Con is a treasure trove of American lingo (the write, the rag, the payoff, ropers, shills, the cold poke, the convincer, to put on the send) and indelible characters (Yellow Kid Weil, Barney the Patch, the Seldom Seen Kid, Limehouse Chappie, Larry the Lug). It served as the source for the Oscar-winning film The Sting.

Why? After nine seasons of The Office, the only thing we know about Creed is that you probably don’t want to know too much about Creed. His copy of this book would probably be filled with notes, underlined passages, and weird symbols that only make sense to him.

Darryl Philbin (played by Craig Robinson)

"I've never been lucky. And I'm not talkin' about the lottery, I'm talkin' about stuff like developing a soy allergy at thirty-five. Who gets a soy allergy at thirty-five? And why is soy in everything?"

Managing Oneselfby Peter Drucker

We live in an age of unprecedented opportunity: with ambition, drive, and talent, you can rise to the top of your chosen profession regardless of where you started out. But with opportunity comes responsibility.

Companies today aren't managing their knowledge workers' careers. Instead, you must be your own chief executive officer. That means it's up to you to carve out your place in the world and know when to change course. And it's up to you to keep yourself engaged and productive during a career that may span some 50 years. 
 

The Magic of Thinking Big by David Joseph Schwartz

Achieve everything you always wanted: financial security, power and influence, the ideal job, satisfying relationships, and a rewarding, happy life.

Set your goals high… then exceed them!

Why? Darryl consistently proved he was a driven and motivated employee filled with good ideas. Unfortunately, his boss was Michael Scott. We think these titles would help keep him motivated even when the odds are against him.

Kelly "Erin" Hannon (played by Ellie Kemper)

"Whenever I’m sick, it goes away within a few hours. Except that once when I was in the hospital from age three to six." 

Matildaby Roald Dahl; illustrated by Quentin Blake

Matilda, a brilliant, sensitive little girl, uses her talents and ingenuity to seek revenge on her crooked father, lazy mother, and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull, her wicked headmistress, and save her beloved teacher, Miss Honey.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery; introduction by Lauren Child

Anne, an 11-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm, and proceeds to make an indelible impression on everyone around her.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett; introduced by Sophie Dahl; illustrations by Robin Lawrie

A young English orphan goes to live in her guardian's castle, were she finds a reclusive cousin and a secret garden.

Why? Despite her upbeat, optimistic attitude, Erin had a difficult childhood growing up in the foster care system. We figured she would probably like stories featuring young, female protagonists who learn to find their own families. Happy endings were, of course, a must. 

Bonus:

My Squirrel Daysby Ellie Kemper

There comes a time in every sitcom actress' life when she is faced with the prospect of writing a book. When Ellie Kemper's number was up, she was ready. Contagiously cheerful, predictably wholesome, and mostly inspiring except for one essay about her husband's feet, My Squirrel Days is a funny, freewheeling tour of Ellie's life—from growing up in suburban St. Louis with a vivid imagination and a crush on David Letterman, to moving to Los Angeles and accidentally falling on Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Kelly Kapoor (played by Mindy Kaling)

"I have a lot of questions. Number one, how dare you?"

Kardashian Konfidential by Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian; exclusive new photography by Nick Saglimbeni

This authorized, three-way confessional by reality television celebrities includes facts about their shared childhoods, presents beauty and style secrets, and reveals family insights that sustain their professional lives.
 

Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell

Enter a world where the sometimes shocking and often hilarious mating habits of the privileged are exposed by a true insider. In essays drawn from her witty and sometimes brutally candid column in the New York Observer, Candace Bushnell introduces us to the young and beautiful who travel in packs from parties to bars to clubs.

Meet Carrie, the quintessential young writer looking for love in all the wrong places… Mr. Big, the business tycoon who drifts from one relationship to another… Samantha Jones, the fortyish, successful, "testosterone woman" who uses sex like a man… not to mention "Psycho Moms," "Bicycle Boys," "International Crazy Girls," and the rest of the New Yorkers who have inspired one of the most-watched TV series of our time. You've seen them on HBO, now read the book that started it all…

Why? If Kelly were ever going to read a book, it would have to be written by or about something she loves. We list the Kardashians here, but we think any other celebrity tell-all book would do. Finally, Kelly dressed up as Carrie Bradshaw for Halloween, so we think it’s a safe bet to say she loves Sex and the City too.

Bonus:            

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

Kaling shares her observations, fears, and opinions about a wide-ranging list of the topics she thinks about the most. From her favorite types of guys to life in the The Office writers' room, her book is full of personal stories and laugh-out-loud philosophies.

Kevin Malone (played by Brian Baumgartner)

"I just want to sit on the beach and eat hot dogs. That’s all I’ve ever wanted."

The Chili Cookbook: Cook-off-worthy Recipes for the One-Pot Classic, From Three-bean to Four-alarm, Con Carne to Vegetarian by Robb Walsh, photography by Eva Kolenko

Americans love chili. Whether served as a hearty family dinner, at a potluck with friends, or as the main dish at a football-watching party, chili is a crowd-pleaser. It’s slathered over tamales in San Antonio, hot dogs in Detroit, and hamburgers in Los Angeles. It’s ladled over spaghetti in Cincinnati, hash browns in St. Louis, and Fritos corn chips in Santa Fe.

Award-winning author Robb Walsh digs deep into the fascinating history of this quintessential American dish. Who knew the cooking technique traces its history to the ancient Aztecs, or that Hungarian goulash inspired the invention of chili powder?

Why? We know Kevin already has a signature family recipe, but we also think he'd be open to trying new ones.

Meredith Palmer 

"Meredith Palmer ain't ever been called no narc. Floozy? Yes. Alkie? Check. Einstein sarcastically? You bet… but never no narc."

The Kickass Single Mom: Be Financially Independent, Discover Your Sexiest Self, and Raise Fabulous, Happy Children by Emma Johnson

When Emma Johnson's marriage ended she found herself broke, pregnant, and alone with a toddler. Searching for the advice she needed to navigate her new life as a single professional woman and parent, she discovered there was very little sage wisdom available. In response, Johnson launched the popular blog Wealthysinglemommy.com to speak to other women who, like herself, wanted to not just survive but thrive as single moms. Now, in this complete guide to single motherhood, Johnson guides women in confronting the naysayers in their lives (and in their own minds) to build a thriving career, achieve financial security, and to reignite their romantic life—all while being a kickass parent to their kids.

The Bridges of Madison Countyby Robert James Waller

When Robert Kincaid drives through the heat and dust of an Iowa summer, and turns into Francesca Johnson's farm lane looking for directions, the world-class photographer and the Iowa farm wife are joined in an experience of uncommon truth and stunning beauty that will haunt them forever.

Legends of the Fallby Jim Harrison

A disgruntled corporate functionary, three brothers and their different fates, and an American pilot struggling with a Mexican crime lord articulate Harrison's vision of 20th century man in this trilogy of short novels. 

Why? No one can ever say it’s easy being a single mom, but Meredith seems to have it worse than others. She’s been hit by a car, set on fire, and contracted both rabies and lice during two separate incidents. We also  figured she would probably like the original novels from which her favorite movies are based. 

Oscar Martinez (played by Oscar Nuñez)

"Angela's engaged to a gay man. As a gay man, I'm horrified. As a friend of Angela's, horrified. As a lover of elegant weddings, I'm a little excited."

Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States by Samantha Allen

Ten years ago, Samantha Allen was a suit-and-tie-wearing Mormon missionary. Now she's a senior Daily Beast reporter happily married to another woman. A lot in her life has changed, but what hasn't changed is her deep love of Red State America, and of queer people who stay in so-called "flyover country" rather than moving to the liberal coasts.

In Real Queer America, Allen takes us on a cross-country road trip stretching all the way from Provo, Utah to the Rio Grande Valley to the Bible Belt to the Deep South. Her motto for the trip: "Something gay every day."
Making pit stops at drag shows, political rallies, and hubs of queer life across the heartland, Allen introduces us to scores of extraordinary LGBT people working for change, from the first openly transgender mayor in Texas history to the manager of the only queer night club in Bloomington, Indiana, and many more.

A People's History of the United Statesby Howard Zinn; introduction by Anthony Arnov

With a new introduction by Anthony Arnove, this edition of the classic national bestseller chronicles American history from the bottom up, throwing out the official narrative taught in schools—with its emphasis on great men in high places—to focus on the street, the home, and the workplace. Known for its lively, clear prose as well as its scholarly research, A People's History of the United States is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of—and in the words of—America's women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers. 
 

Breaking In: The Rise of Sonia Sotomayor and the Politics of Justice by Joan Biskupic

From a leading judicial biographer comes the untold story of Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court justice. To become the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, Sonia Sotomayor went against the odds. Her historic appointment in 2009—made by President Obama, whose own 2008 victory appeared improbable—flowed from cultural and political changes in America that helped lift up this daughter of a Puerto Rican nurse and a factory worker.

Why? Oscar was often presented as the office know-it-all who delighted in educating his  "ignorant" coworkers whenever they said or did something wrong. We think his bookshelf would be filled with intellectual thinkpieces on culture, politics, and human nature. 

Phyllis Lapin Vance (played by Phyllis Smith)

"As a person who buys a lot of erotic cakes, it just feels good to be represented on one." 

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.
 

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic, and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind— until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part time. Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Also: Anything from our 11 Ice Hot Hockey Romances or our Page-Turners for All Tastes.

Why? As we all know, Phyllis enjoys a very hot and heavy romance with her husband, Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration, which she deserves considering all the grief she gets from Michael and Angela. Anything that thrills seems like it’ll be just fine for Phyllis!

Ryan Howard (played by B.J. Novak)

"I’m keeping a list of everyone who wrongs me so when I’m back on top, they’ll be sorry."

How to Win Friends and Influence Peopleby Dale Carnegie

Carnegie's classic bestseller—an inspirational personal-development guide that shows how to achieve lifelong success—is now in a newly packaged edition, the first hardcover release of this classic since 1981.

Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto by Chuck Klosterman

Countless writers and artists have spoken for a generation, but no one has done it quite like Chuck Klosterman. With an exhaustive knowledge of popular culture and an almost effortless ability to spin brilliant prose out of unlikely subject matter, Klosterman attacks the entire spectrum of postmodern America: reality TV, Internet porn, Pamela Anderson, literary Jesus freaks, and the real difference between apples and oranges (of which there is none). And don’t even get him started on his love life and the whole Harry-Met-Sally situation.

Whether deconstructing Saved by the Bell episodes or the artistic legacy of Billy Joel, the symbolic importance of The Empire Strikes Back or the Celtics/Lakers rivalry, Chuck will make you think, he’ll make you laugh, and he’ll drive you insane—usually all at once. Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs is ostensibly about art, entertainment, infotainment, sports, politics, and kittens, but—really—it’s about us. All of us. As Klosterman realizes late at night, in the moment before he falls asleep, "In and of itself, nothing really matters. What matters is that nothing is ever 'in and of itself.'" Read to believe.

Why? The only consistent thing about Ryan is his inconsistency. He started as a temp, then became Michael’s boss, then crashed and burned and became a temp again, then became a hipster for a while, then kind of just lingered around. Every time you think he’s going to do the right thing by Michael or Kelly (the two people in the show who love him unconditionally), he bails. He could probably benefit from Carnegie’s book, and Klosterman’s title would probably give him new material to work with.

Stanley Hudson (played by Leslie David Baker)

"I have been trying to get on jury duty every year since I was 18 years old. To get and go sit in an air-conditioned room, downtown, judging people, while my lunch was paid for. That is the life."

The Room: A Novel by Jonas Karlsson; translated from the Swedish by Neil Smith

Bjorn is a compulsive, meticulous bureaucrat who discovers a secret room at the government office where he works—a secret room that no one else in his office will acknowledge. When Bjorn is in his room, his co-workers see him standing by the wall and staring off into space looking dazed, relaxed, and decidedly creepy. Bjorn's bizarre behavior eventually leads his co-workers to try and have him fired, but Bjorn will turn the tables on them with help from his secret room.

A Survival Guide for Working with Bad Bosses: Dealing with Bullies, Idiots, Back-stabbers, and Other Managers from Hell by Gini Graham Scott

Being saddled with a terrible supervisor can turn even the best job into a nightmare. Unfortunately, not every boss is the great symbol of managerial perfection one would hope for. In fact, more people than not consider themselves stuck with a "bad boss." But short of remaining miserable or quitting a job, what can be done about it?

A Survival Guide for Working with Bad Bosses provides readers with savvy, practical advice for coping with managers and supervisors who are mean, incompetent, unethical, and worse. The book includes powerful strategies for not only working with—but thriving under—such bad boss types as: The Great Betrayers—how to defend yourself against a corporate backstabber; The Know-Nothing Bosses—what to do when a boss is clueless; The Bad Communicators—how to respond when a boss is consistently unclear. Whether a boss is high-strung, incompetent, or a power-mad tyrant, this book has the solution.

Why? Between Dwight accidentally causing him to have a heart attack and Michael consistently stressing him out, it’s a wonder Stanley made it to retirement. We think reading titles like these probably helped.

Toby Flenderson (played by Paul Lieberstein)

"I have six roommates, which are better than friends because they have to give you one month's notice before they leave."

Anything on this list of 5 Films Noir Inspired by Novels

Anything on The Jury Duty Reading List

Why? HR representative, Toby Flenderson, was always the scapegoat of Michael’s ire. He gained some attention for being on the jury of the Scranton Strangler trial, then proceeded to talk about nothing else for the rest of the show. He also used any opportunity to mention the mystery novels he was always in the midst of writing, featuring hardboiled detective Chad Flendermen. We thought anything on these lists would suit Toby just fine.