The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There

by Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * One of Esquire 's Best Celebrity Memoirs of All Time An intimate, behind-the-scenes, richly illustrated celebration of beloved The Office co-stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey’s friendship, and an insiders' view of Pam Beesly, Angela Martin, and the iconic TV show. Featuring many of their never-before-seen photos. Receptionist Pam Beesly and accountant Angela Martin had very little in common when they toiled together at Scranton’s Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. But, in reality, the two bonded in their very first days on set and, over the nine seasons of the series’ run, built a friendship that transcended the show and continues to this day. Sharing everything from what it was like in the early days as the show struggled to gain traction, to walking their first red carpet—plus exclusive stories on the making of milestone episodes and how their lives changed when they became moms— The Office BFFs is full of the same warm and friendly tone Jenna and Angela have brought to their Office Ladies podcast.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Humor, Biography, Biography Memoir, Adult

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 17, 2022

About the author

Former receptionist, Mom of two, coffee mug collector, loves to travel.

Jenna Fischer is best known for playing Pam Beesly on the acclaimed television show The Office for which she received an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress and two SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Comedy.
She's also starred in a variety of films, including 'Blades of Glory' and 'Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.'

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s basically everything covered in The Office Ladies podcast. If you have listened to all of the podcast episodes you won’t be getting many new stories.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biggest question when it comes to this book is should you read it or listen to the audiobook. I did both! (Thank you library!)

The audiobook is narrated by the authors, Jenna Fischer (aka Pam) and Angela (aka Angela haha). As a bonus specifically to the audiobook there are guest appearances and that content isn't in the 'regular' book. The ebook/physical book however has a LOT of photos which of course the audiobook does not have. So my suggestion is to get both! If you are lucky like me you can get them both from the library if your library has both formats :) But if you had to pick just one, I would say go with the audiobook.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love the office! 😍 So, I knew I’d love this too. The audiobook is lovely, with guest appearances, that true office lovers will greatly appreciate!! 👍👍👍👍👍

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When you watch 'The Office' you are watching a group of people who are having fun and becoming good friends. We formed a deep bond with our castmates and crew during those nine years, and I think we passed that feeling on to our audience." -- actress/co-author Angela Kinsey, page 45

I guess we owe the genesis of this book to a bench on a TV studio soundstage in October 2004.

During the truncated first season of the The Office actresses Jenna Fischer (receptionist Pam Beesly) and Angela Kinsey (accountant Angela Martin) were filmed over several long days sitting at a picnic table to observe the basketball game between the fictional Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company's white-collar staff and the warehouse workers. Out of that B-roll footage developed a sincere real-life friendship that is still running strong eighteen years later. The Office BFFs is not really a complete overview of the 2005-2013 NBC sitcom - in fact, only a handful of episodes ('Booze Cruise,' 'Work Bus,' and the two-part series finale) are really discussed at length - and the earlier excellent books The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s and/or co-star Brian Baumgartner's Welcome to Dunder Mifflin present a somewhat more comprehensive take on the now-beloved series. However, if you are a fan of the Fischer and Kinsey-helmed The Office Ladies podcast you will have an idea of what is presented here - some 'fast facts,' some 'deep dives' into little known information, some humorous chapters on actors John Krasinski and Rainn Wilson (who portrayed the romantic counterparts for each of the ladies), a lot of respect given to series star Steve Carell (genuinely depicted as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood), and a fair amount of extracurricular activity (the actresses' actual pregnancies during the run of the show; their wacky experiences on the red carpet or at award shows, etc.). It may not necessarily bring a whole lot of new or exciting information to that oft-used conference room table, but it was still briskly-paced and enjoyable all the same.

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a fan of The Office? Authors of The Office BFFs, Jenna Fischer (receptionist, and later salesperson, Pam) and Angela Kinsey (accountant Angela), have the scoop on filming popular episodes such as the Halloween and Christmas episodes throughout the run of the show, the Booze Cruise, Pam & Jim’s wedding in Niagara Falls, plus lots of other details that fans of The Office will enjoy. Additionally, Fischer and Kinsey share candidly about their off-screen friendship, including how motherhood both challenged and strengthened their bond.

This book is best experienced by checking out the physical book, to see all the photographs, combined with listening to the audiobook version. The audiobook is read by Fischer and Kinsey in a very conversational style, plus you’ll be treated to guest readers (and musicians) such as Rainn Wilson, Steve Carell, Creed Bratton, Oscar Nunez, Brian Baumgartner, Ed Helms, Ellie Kemper, Kate Flannery and Jennifer Garner. – Diana F.

[Ann Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've listened to the Office Ladies podcast, you've read this book. I was really excited for the book, but I knew so many of the stories already just from being a podcast listener. The extra audio clips from guests were okay, although I thought Rainn Wilson's foreword was weird and Ellie Kemper's "these ladies love each other!" speech was a bit gratuitous. I mean...we know they love each other; they're writing a book called The Office BFFs. I kept waiting for the point when I would hear something new, but it really wasn't until the very end when they discussed the finale of the show... And now I feel like I've had a podcast spoiler. 😆🤷🏻‍♀️

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey do a terrific job with The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There. I listened to it on audiobook and it felt like I was sitting on a couch having a chat with my best friends.

Other than Steve Carell, the cast of The Office were primarily starving artists who had small acting parts and were struggling to eke out a living. They all became great friends and several of them had known each other. As an example, John Krasinski (Jim) and B.J. Novak (Ryan) grew up in the same MA neighborhood. Angela and Kate Flannery (Meredith) had done stand up improv at the same venue.

What created the magic of The Office was the continual collaboration and interaction with the cast and the crew, including the writers and directors. They were all on-set 12 hours/day. With other sitcoms, actors can retreat to their trailers between shots. But on The Office, they were needed as "background" at all times on the set because in an office environment, everyone is typically at their desk, in the conference room or in the kitchen.

B.J. Novak (Ryan) and Mindy Kaling (Kelly) were writers and actors on the show. Paul Lieberstein, (Toby in HR) was a writer without any acting experience and no desire to be an actor. He was written into the show and continued to be included in the show because his deadpan face worked well with Steve Carell's (Michael Scott's) antics.

Jenna and Angela share insights about some of the most popular episodes, such as Diversity Days, Halloween, Booze Cruise, Michael's Farewell, and several others.

This was a light-hearted, fun read. I rated it three stars because while I enjoyed it, it isn't something I would recommend except for those who love The Office.

[Emily B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

This was really fun and made me want to watch The Office all over again but with the knowledge of what I know now from this book.

I haven't listened to The Office Ladies Podcast yet so to me this was full of cool interesting stuff I didn't know and so wasn't repetitive.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun! Made me want to re-watch The Office :) And the Audiobook was read by Jenna and Angela was pretty great.

[Brandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Office is one of my favorite TV shows, a top fiver for me forever — I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Office BFFs by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. ⁣

Appropriately subtitled “Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There,” Jenna and Angela recount landing their roles of Pam and Angela, the start of the show, funny stories from filming throughout the show, and its well-done, emotional finale. ⁣

I liked The Office when it was airing live but I’ve come to love it in the past few years as a true comfort show. I know which episode it is in the first 30 seconds but that usually doesn’t stop me from rewatching or laughing like it’s one of my first 3-4 times seeing the episode.
⁣
What I didn’t know until recently is that Jenna and Angela are BFFs in real life, thanks to the show and working together on it for a decade. They now host the Office Ladies podcast, where they do deep dives into each episode of the show. I haven’t listened (yet) but I might check it out someday. The Office BFFs book is an entertaining listen for big fans of the show.

[exploraDora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every little thing about this book, it's just beautiful in every single way! ❤️❤️

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the LADIES! Don’t get me wrong, but I only rated this a three for a couple reasons.

1. They had to, HAD TO know a huge portion of their readers would also be listeners of their Office Ladies podcast. There is very little new material in the book. Hardly any insights can be found. The few new nuggets I gleaned were special, but they were from episodes they haven’t yet covered in the podcast, so probably just a preview of what’s to come.

2. The lack of captions on the photos drove me nuts! I know who a few behind the scenes people are, or I could have Googled every crew member to try to match people in the pics, but who has time for that? That’s what captions are for. Some pics had no context — or just not any I could decipher. If you’re publishing a behind-the-scenes photo bio and you’re saying you love and respect these people so much, credit them in the photos!

3. There were chapters about Jim and Dwight, but Michael didn’t get his own chapter?!? I’m really scratching my head on that one.

4. I get that they have to give the audio book something to differentiate itself. Why they chose not to provide the photo PDF attachment, I really don’t know. But money is tight for people these days. They have an audio picture book with no pictures but special guests and a print/digital book with the photos, but no special guests. Wouldn’t it have just made more sense to up the price on each (audio/print/digital) by $3-$4 each. Readers could have had the special guests in print (averting the deja vu of podcast regurgitation) and listeners could have seen the photos in their picture book. How much does it cost to create a PDF? (Not much.)

Overall, it was an entertaining, fast read — one I could skim in huge parts, because some were nearly word-for-word from Office Ladies. I don’t mind that I read it or have it in my collection. The Office crew will always have a special place in my heart, so I am happy to support their projects. But Boss Ladies, learn from this one.

[Christopher Febles · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was during the pandemic that we had The Office on Comedy Central on loop in the background. After a while, it just became a routine. And in the routine, we got to know the characters practically like family. A dysfunctional, flawed, and thoroughly weird family, but still. I probably scarred my young daughter with some PG-13 humor, and I still haven’t explained what’s meant by, “That’s what she said.”

Then, this Thanksgiving, we took a little trip to the Poconos. We flipped through those pamphlets you see in hotel lobbies, and saw that Cooper’s Seafood, Michael’s favorite place for lobster, wasn’t far away. And they had an Office Gift Shop! Oh, we just had to.

As for Cooper’s, I had a great seafood linguini and a scrumptious lobster bisque. That was breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then, my daughter got a Dundee for her teacher, and I got a small poster of the lost Michael Scott film, Threat Level Midnight .



Browsing the place, I saw this book in the corner of my eye. I’d heard that “Pam” and “Angela” were BFFs in real life and that they had a podcast. I skimmed a few pages and did what any cheapskate would do: I scanned the Brooklyn Public Library page and reserved my copy. I got the audiobook and the hardcover, the latter having been appropriated by my daughter.

It’s just about the happiest, most positive behind-the-scenes look you’ll ever read. Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey have that perky vibe that only friendship can generate. I’ve never felt like more of a jaded New Yorker than in the midst of their joyful missives. And maybe for that reason I felt it was a little…much?

“Oh, my God! You guys? That colonoscopy? It was. The best!”



OK, I’m the only one writing about the medical procedure that’s been on my to-do list for 2 years. But there was an optimistic, energetic spin to just about everything. They both swear there was no drama, and I’m inclined to take them at their word. They describe the atmosphere as fun, intimate, and diverse. It takes special people to see the good in their coworkers and paint the workplace accordingly (see what I did there?!?). Even as I dodged Idiots on Parade on NYC’s cratered highways, I couldn’t help but smile.

The authors have a down-to-earth, everywoman style. They were big stars once upon a time, but they’re about the humblest stars I’ve ever read. They describe both getting the gig and the rise to prominence as strokes of good fortune. They show appreciation for not just co-stars, but for the crew and directors. Seemed like a fun place to work.

As expected, there’s lots of episode description. They key on two: Booze Cruise and Work Bus. Plenty of fun details and on both occasions some dangerous happenings. But how Jenna describes her scene with “Jim” (John Krasinkski) on the boat was even more special than the real thing. Don’t expect too much juice or gossip, because they either don’t spill or it didn’t happen, but they do a good job of bringing scenes to life.

Then, of course, is the big friendship. I thought they were friends before The Office, but no. It came together during the Basketball episode, while they sat on the sidelines. From there, I can only surmise that the supportiveness and care that the authors already had in stores evolved and grew. They both had some hard health times, and on each occasion the other was there. I enjoyed their plan to have Halloween for their kids despite the shooting schedule, and “fake pregs.” I was kinda hoping they’d explain or explore that the characters they played were enemies, and how that played out, but I didn’t see it. Oh well.

But it’ll leave you satisfied and smiling. You’ll wanna do it all day long. Once it’s in your hands, you won’t wanna put it down.

I just set you up. Leave in the comments what you should say next!

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

That's what she said- Michael Scott

Love the show! This was the show as seen through Angela & Jenna’s eyes.

No good gossip or personal tidbits, not even their divorces or anything "someone said" or how someone may have behaved. Got kinda boring. I would only recommend this to Super Fans, not regular fans.

The kids, husband, and I started watching this as an in between show or when we were bored as a family. Then the kids got really into it. My daughter couldn't stand Michael but when he left the show she got annoyed because Andy was trying too hard to fill in his spot.

Anyway, once the show was done I decided to read this book. Nothing new is learned and while they would hint at gossip they never revealed anything, which is nice of them, but what is the point of a podcast and a book about the exact same thing? Making money from their 15 minutes of fame, good for them because I don't think I've seen them in anything else.

Things I learned from Googling some of them:::
Angela was married to Toby's brother.
John Krasinki is brother-in-law to Stanley Tucci.

Now onto Parks & Rec or Brooklyn 99!

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars
This was such a fun duo memoir that celebrated the friendship between a group of iconic actors. Even though I have read the previous office memoir, I was pleased that this new one offered new insights and information. I highly recommend the audiobook version because it was narrated by the two actresses.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It was a pleasure for us to make the show, and I think because of that, it is a pleasure to watch."


This one! ❤️ This show means so much to so many of us, and now this book will forever hold a special place in our hearts! Loved getting to peek at these profound bonds that were made during the run of this show and this best friendship is a beauty all it's own!

[Brittany McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun! The audio is great and so is the physical book. Jenna & Angela read it to you in the audio version and the physical version has lots of fun photos worth checking out.

Don't miss this one if you are a fan of the Office. Lots of cameos from other characters.

Easy 5 Stars!

[Katie Ziegler (Life Between Words) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried throughout this entire book. I know without a doubt that I am absolutely RIDICULOUS—it’s not a sad book! But this show, The Office, kept me company during my pregnancy with Marigold, the lonely months of postpartum, and then the isolation of the pandemic. I’d watched the show before—I’ll never forget, in fact, my first time seeing it. I was a senior in college, back in 2006, and after sharing a meal with my professor’s family, we all sat down in his living room to watch a show that he couldn’t stop talking about. But during these last few years, the show has sunk into my bones. I love it. I love it so much.

So I was bound to love this book—and I did. I loved reading about the experience Jenna and Angela had while making it. I loved hearing about their relationships with the cast and crew. I felt like I was right there with them on the set—and in a very small way, a part of their amazing friendship.

Anyway. I’m gonna go cry some more nostalgic tears about how much this show means to me, and by extension, these two amazing women.

[Reads With Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discuss it here: https://youtu.be/zST9SCH1He0

If you liked the office you will like this.
If you had an unhealthy obsession with the office in high school that honest to god consumed you, like me, you’ll end up giving it five stars because listening to the audio made you feel transported back to those days.

If you didn’t watch the office you’re going to be bored though, it’s def not the book for people who didn’t watch.

I really appreciated their love for the crew who worked on the show. Gave me an insight into that part of something I loved that I’d never thought of before. Now I have a deeper appreciation for the show.

Did this deserve to win goodreads choice comedy of 2021? No. Still a good book for office fans, but no.

[Gretchen Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful book. Behind-the-scenes at the iconic TV comedy The Office, stories of best friendship, Hollywood stories, and more.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frequent listeners of the “Office Ladies” podcast won’t learn anything new by reading this book (because they’ve pretty much covered these stories already) but curious fans of the U.S. version of “The Office” will likely find this book to be an entertaining collection of behind-the-scenes stories written by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey.

The selling point for me was the collection of pictures that accompany these stories (putting faces with names). Be warned, however, the pictures (at least in the Kindle version of the book) are all credited (“Courtesy of Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey” over and over) but NONE of them are captioned. You have to make assumptions about who is in the photo and when/why, etc. Doing this a few times seems fine but doing this hundreds of times is not fun. It was tedious. I’m familiar with the Who’s Who of actors, writers, sometimes directors but I don’t know which guy is the boom operator or the props creator. It would be so nice to have a caption that reads something like “Pictured left to right: John Doe, Joe Schmoe on the first day of filming!”.

Audiobook listeners will be treated with bits of bonus content. Ed Helms plays banjo at end of Chapter 7. Rain Wilsonn’s congratulatory voicemail to Angela Kinsey on her wedding day is a charming treat. A brief conversation with Jennifer Garner introduces the the audiobook’s final chapter.

This book reminds me of sitting down with a friend and going through their yearbook. It’s nothing fancy but I think fans of the show will appreciate the recollection.

[Lindsay (pawsomereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! Fans of The Office will love this look back at the series as a whole with the insight that Angela and Jenna provide. If you’re an Office Ladies listener, some parts are repetitive from being featured on the podcast but there are also a few new nuggets included throughout. I love the friendship between these two! Their parts in such an amazing show can’t be overlooked but their friendship really shines through in this.

[myo ⋆｡˚ ❀ * · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so much fun and i loved the way they structured the book being that it has two authors <3 so sad knowing there could’ve been 11 seasons BUT i think it was for the best

[My_Strange_Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this book. I listened to the audiobook which Jenna and Angela read, and there are SO MANY FUN SURPRISES!

I haven’t listened to their podcast yet, but I already know I will love it! This book was upbeat, honest and full of so many fun stories and insights.

Love them? Love the office? Love a fun, light-hearted and earnest audiobook? Give it a listen!! 🎊♥️

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a huge fan of the American version of The Office, and when I saw Pam and Angela (Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey) had a book out together I was sold. And of course, there was no other way to go than audio! Not only do the authors narrate the entire thing, but they also have special guests as well. The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There covers all angles of the show as well as Fischer and Kinsey's friendship and individual lives. It was so fun to get all the behind-the-scenes details as well as a look into what it was like for them together and apart and how they became fast friends as well as podcast cohosts!

The book itself is also full of tons of photos among some other fun things and would make a great coffee table book if that's your thing. I went in without any real expectations and The Office BFFs far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Fischer and Kinsey are hilarious together, but they also didn't shy away from the hard parts of their careers or friendship either. They discuss motherhood as well as feeling a bit like a fish out of water when the show blew up, but a lot of people still had no idea who they were (either that or they just weren't impressed). If you are even remotely a fan of the show and these amazing ladies this is definitely worth the read, and the listen even more.

I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Christina Pilkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Office being one of my all time favorite comedy TV series, The Office BFFs went straight on my tbr the minute I heard about it. I had read The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom on the 2000's two years ago and really enjoyed it, and I had a feeling I would like this book even more.

And I was right. I loved it!

It's a perfect combination of anecdotes, personal reflection and images. The chapters bounce back and forth between Angela and Jenna. The two also dialogue back and forth with each other throughout the book, too, which if you listen to the audiobook makes it feel like a podcast. Appropriate seeing as how Jenna and Angela now co-host a successful podcast together!

If you haven't watched the show, I don't think this will be anything special. But.. if you loved the show, you need to pick up this book! You will love it!

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. I got a little tired of The Office stories near the end, but their offscreen best-friendship is beautiful, they have an amazing energy, and there are a lot of funny parts.

[book bruin]

This audiobook was so much fun! It's clear Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey are amazing friends and it was wonderful to hear how their relationship began, grew, stumbled, and flourished. I loved getting the behind the scenes details and insights into the show and characters. The little cameos from cast members and friends (the song from Creed!) were great and I especially loved the insight about the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood and then as a working mother. The chapter about walking the red carpet for the first time and the helpful tips was one of my favorites and had me laughing so hard. I haven't listened to the Office Ladies podcast, so the majority of the information shared was new to me. I imagine if you've listened to the podcast that this might be a bit repetitive, but fans of The Office will love this one.

I will not be giving a star rating since this is a nonfiction title.

*I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this book*

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read fiction, but this book has been one of my favorites of the year. I enjoy The Office, but would consider myself a casual fan, but I love this book. I can only imagine how much diehard fans of the show will like it.

I really like Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey's honest and humorous writing style and the insider's look at the making of the show, the cast, and certain episodes. There are great photos of the cast both on and off the set. They also talk about important moments in their friendship and their lives outside of "The Office." Some of these sections are so touching and are just as important to the story as the information about the show. I would highly recommend this book.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife and I had just finished all 9 seasons of “The Office” when I found this book. Such a fun addition to the series! History, backgrounds, truths and hilarity. For all super fans of this must see tv.