I was pretty intrigued by the idea of an actor who plays one of a hit show's minor characters writing a book about his experiences on the set. This one was enjoyable, but I was hoping for a little more behind-the-scenes action: memorable pranks, filming details, off-screen conversations. From someone who was there for every single episode, I expected to learn more than just how nice everybody was. Diehard Parks fans should like this, but my favorite book about the show is still 'Pawnee: The Greatest Town in America.'

A funny memoir with lots of interesting tidbits and insights from a favorite show. The anecdotes provide some laugh-out-loud moments.

Parks & Recreation will always be listed among my favorite television shows. I can't tell you how many times I quote it in my day-to-day life, or how I've taken on traditions from within the show (Galentine's Day, Treat Yo Self, etc). I think it might be the first real "feel good" comedy that I'd seen - and one that I often go back to and rewatch. It's a funny show with a lot of heart. But I'm not here to sell you on a show that you likely also love. I'm here to talk about Jim O'Heir's book, Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation.

Jim is one of the kindest, most thoughtful celebrities that I've ever had the chance to interact with. He has done a few shows at the New Theatre in Kansas City (where I live), and I ended up becoming Facebook friends with him. For the past three years, he has wished me a happy birthday. How cool is that? I'm sure it's something he does for everyone he's friends with, but dang. He doesn't have to do it, and it means so much to me that he does. I've started looking forward to it every year. I think this is a very indicative example of the kind of guy Jim is: friendly, kind, and thoughtful.

I enjoyed hearing all about Jim's experiences on Parks and Rec - and in the industry in general. It's very clear that the years spent on this show were a joy for Jim, and something that he is rightfully proud of. I really loved how he didn't just ask his costars to contribute to this book (there's additional writing provided from Rhetta, Adam Scott, Chris Pratt, etc) but also the show's creators and other "behind the scenes" contributors. O'Heir does tend to gloss over more tantalizing details (such as the departure of Paul Schneider) and give any strong takes, as he doesn't want to upset his friends. His storytelling doesn't go very deep - it's all light, surface-level warmth and nostalgia.

That being said, I do think this book is billed a little inaccurately. It's less of a Parks and Rec book and more of a Jim O'Heir memoir - which isn't necessarily a bad thing! I liked hearing about Jim's life and career and the challenges he's faced. As someone who is also plus size, I relate to the different treatment and insecurities that come with that. But this book was very clearly billed as a seemingly Parks and Rec-focued book, which it isn't. There are certainly stories from his time filming the show, but it's by no means the main focus. In fact, not even all of the cast of characters depicted on the cover are mentioned.

Another thing that bothered me was how much of a spotlight was shown on Chris Pratt - a man who has earned a lot of criticism because of his ethical stances. A lot of this book felt like Jim trying his best to show us that Chris is actually a very good person and hasn't done anything wrong - that he's one of the nicest guys in town. It felt weirdly pointed. I get where he's coming from as a friend - it's hard to reconcile someone who has been very kind to you and a good friend with their less-than-kind actions and stances. The rose-colored view of Chris depicted in this book makes me feel like Jim is okay with the stances Chris has taken - stances that I am firmly against.

I don't regret giving this audiobook a listen - it was very enjoyable. (Side note: I always love listening to autobiographies - they're generally included with a paid Spotify account and it's cool to hear the author read their own words). I recommend either getting a physical copy of the book or listening to the audiobook - I don't recommend an ebook (the layout of the pages doesn't translate well to ereaders). If you are a die-hard Parks fan - and a big fan of Jerry/Garry/Barry/Larry/Terry - I would pick this one up!

A delightful insider’s view to the wonder that was the beloved “Parks & Rec”. Garry/Larry/Jerry did a bang-up job here - high five.

While this seems like the perfect read for any die-hard Parks & Rec fan, I had a hard time being interested in it and didn't enjoy the writing style in particular -- not to mean that it's bad, just not one that may well work for everyone.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I am a huge fan of Parks and Recreation, and when I saw that this book would be released, I was excited to learn some behind the scenes stories from Jim O'Heir and a few other cast members. While the stories were entertaining, and I appreciated hearing from other actors and production staff who were involved, I did find that the stories were a bit scattered. It was difficult to follow a through-line from beginning to end at some points. Additionally, when the stories jumped from one person to the next, it was sometimes difficult to determine who was "speaking". Nonetheless, I did find myself reaching for this when I wanted to read something fun and light-hearted, and this was perfect for a Parks fan like me.

Every Parks and Rec fan needs to read this book. It’s a reminder of how incredible that show is and now I have the need to binge it all again.

The majority of the book is told from Jim O’Heir’s personal experience but there are also conversations with the producers and other members of the cast.

As a fan of Parks and Recreation, I knew Jim O’heir (one of my favorite characters on the show) would have a really interesting point of view regarding cast, scripts and funny bloopers! He didn’t disappoint us fans!

If you’re unfamiliar with the show, it is co-written by Michael Schur, the same person that co-wrote The Office. It shares a lot of the same type of antics as The Office, but in other ways it’s entirely different. I love both shows for so many different reasons!

In “Welcome to Pawnee” I could almost feel Jerry (or should I say Gary) stepping back into his role on the show. He explains that Parks and Recreation was really his first big show, and then shares how that impacted him so much.

His book includes many backstage stories and jokes, and probably some lesser known trivia of the show! If you’re a fan of the show or a fan of Jim O’heir, definitely give this one a read!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion. I rate this book as 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Very enjoyable, this was a delight to read. Wouldn't expect anything else from Jim O'Heir. Stories sometimes felt a little all over the place but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. A must-read for every Parks and Rec fan.

Not only is Jerry (among other names) a really nice guy on Parks and Recreation, clearly so is Jim O'Heir. There is a lot of great content about the making of the show, but don't expect a lot of dirt. It is an enjoyable and fun read and I appreciated learning more about him and the show.

Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

Welcome to Pawnee is a love letter to one of my all time favorite shows- Parks and Rec. Reading the book is like getting a coffee or a drink with Jim O'Heir and having him tell stories, plus we get some interviews or snippets of information from some of the creators and other cast members. I truly enjoyed reading it and it was lovely to hear how close the cast was and how they supported each other.

What a cute read! The stories did feel a little sporadic, I wish there was a bit more of an order to them. It was an easy read which was nice.

If Jerry / Garry / Larry had kept a syrup-soaked definitely spilled on but surprisingly well-crafted and meaningful scrapbook of the meta experiences of the Parks & Rec cast, it would be this book. O'Heir's old-white-dudeness comes through occasionally, but weirdly kind of adds to the charm.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this title in exchange for honest feedback

I met Jim O’Heir at ALA and he’s a delightful person, so I thought I would give this a try. I a lo love Parks and Rec. This was an interesting read, but if you’re expecting a full behind the scenes like the West Wing book, this doesn’t have that same level of detail. Still entertaining though.

Thanks to NetGalley, Jim O'Heir, and William Morrow for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Welcome to Pawnee. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As a Parks and Rec fan, this is a must read. Note though that it does seem to be about Jim O'Heir's life and background, which feels like this book is about him rather than being mainly about the show. He does mention a lot of behind the scenes tidbits and different things that were going on at the time of filming. It also features excerpts from various cast and crew, including Chris Pratt and Retta. It has a lot of humor and has quite a few photos to highlight certain parts.

I am a huge fan of Parks and Rec and I loved this book and perspective. I have already recommended it to friends of mine who I know are fans of the show. I loved Jim O'Heir's thoughts and point of view. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

I didn't finish this before it expired. I listened to the Parks and Rec podcast so a lot of the information was repeated. I still enjoyed what I read but didn't feel compelled to keep reading.

I love a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a movie or tv show that I enjoy watching, and it makes me so happy to see that there are so many podcasts and books devoted to exactly this! Anything Michael Schur and Greg Daniels work on (especially together) is bound to be hilarious and relatable in some way, and Parks and Recreation was no exception to this.

Through the book, Jim O’Heir (who played Jerry) walks us through the time span of the show from beginning to end, sharing tidbits about the cast and crew and making of its episodes. He also sprinkles in personal anecdotes about his own life, as well as interviews with other cast members and behind-the-scenes photos. There are many insights into the insecurities actors might feel, especially when they don’t perfectly fit into the stereotypical Hollywood aesthetic.

While I’ve read multiple books on other tv shows (ahem, about The Office), this was the first one I’ve read about Parks and Rec, so most of the stories were ones I hadn’t heard before. (I can’t promise you’ll feel the same if you listen to Jim’s podcast or have read other books about the show, though!) Overall I thought this gave some interesting insight into the show and I’d recommend it if you’re a fan!

I am a huge Parks and Rec fan, and I love these behind the scenes books so I was excited to see this book. The book was written by Jim O'Heir, but includes lots of guest spots of other characters telling their sides of stories. It was not the most well written book I've read. It seemed to jump all over the timeline which was rather annoying.

I received a digital ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. Because i got it as a digital ARC, it was a bit difficult to read due to the formatting and lack of pictures. I believe it would be much better to read with the actual book, which would make browsing it a lot easier.