Welcome to Pawnee cover art

Welcome to Pawnee

Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation

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Welcome to Pawnee

By: Jim O'Heir
Narrated by: Jim O'Heir, George Newbern, Eva Kaminsky, Janina Edwards, Roger Wayne, Jim Meskimen, Adam Verner
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About this listen

Jim O’Heir, who played Jerry (or Garry or Larry) on Parks and Recreation and co-hosts the hit podcast Parks and Recollection, brings fans a heartfelt behind-the-scenes look at one of America’s most beloved sitcoms, brimming with never-before-told stories featuring the cast and crew!

For seven seasons, Leslie Knope and the Parks and Recreation gang charmed millions of viewers with their quirky antics and unwavering positivity. The sitcom continues to be a fan-favorite for streaming services today, nearly a decade after its finale. Now for the first time, Jim O’Heir, who played the lovable Jerry (or, well, Garry/Larry/Terry/Barry, depending on the episode), invites readers back to Pawnee for an exclusive look behind the scenes.

Joined by some of his Parks and Rec pals, including Chris Pratt, Retta, Rob Lowe, and showrunners Greg Daniels and Mike Schur, O’Heir reveals how this “little show that could” came to be, thanks to the tireless dedication and comedic genius of Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, and the rest of the gang. As the show found its footing, the cast quickly bonded into a tight-knit family. Here O’Heir shares all his favorite unforgettable memories both on and off camera, from hilarious unscripted moments and epic dance-offs in the hair and makeup trailers, to iconic birthday parties at Rashida Jones’s house and quiet bonfires in Nick Offerman’s backyard.

Welcome to Pawnee is O’Heir’s loving tribute to Parks and Recreation, imbued with the same warmth and humor that endeared the show to millions.

Direction & Production Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV History & Criticism Comedy Witty Funny

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All stars
Most relevant
Just great to hear all about how it was on that amazing programme! Best ever!

Thankyou Garry!

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Having just finished P&R for the first time, and not wanting the journey to end, this book is a perfect cap to a wonderful show.

Jim’s writing and performance is fantastic and a joy to listen to.

Only slight negative was the disconcerting nature of the Retta and Pratt parts being imitators and not the real thing. The performers still did a great job but when the voices are so well known it’s noticeable.

I would also echo another review that pointed out this is half a P&R biography and half a Jim autobiography. This isn’t a criticism at all as I enjoyed all the stories, but I agree it’s worth noting.

A wonderful listen

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I loved parks and recreation and it was nice to hear some of the behind the scenes stories from the people who made it as amazing as it was.

Jim's enthusiastic reading of the book

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Overall, I liked this book. But it’s not really just about the show. It’s the authors experiences on the show, and outside the show. So it’s part autobiographical woven into the timeline of the show. It’s good, but it’s not like other books about hit shows which are about that. The description doesn’t quite match what it was. It’s not particularly long though and the author is an excellent narrator, so is worth your audible credit if you’re a fan of the show and have nothing more urgent sitting in your wish list.

Not as Parks-centric as the details suggest

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I finished @therealjimoheir book #welcometopawnee on @audible last week on my way to the studio.

To be a journeyman actor like Jim is the absolute dream, he currently has over 250 credits on IMDB.

What struck me first and foremost is the vulnerability that Jim brings to storytelling. Sharing about Acting/auditions, wardrobe fittings, feeling left out, his uncertain future, but also his pinch me 'this can't be real' moments. The thoughts could have been pulled out of my own neurotic actor brain, but he lays them out in a way that's not only funny, but very relatable.

Learning that everyone on #parksandrecreation was just as lovely as you'd hope they would be definitely made me happy.

I believe that movies and TV can change the world, that's why I work behind the scenes and as an actor. And I think Parks and Rec is a prime example of that. Its relationship driven plots always left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and this book is no different.

I am a little ashamed to admit that I put off watching the final episode of Parks and Rec for two years when the show ended. Because for me in some weird way, it meant the show, the characters I loved, were still there, still alive, having crazy adventures.

I was even a little apprehensive about finishing this book for the same reason. But Jim's writing and narration style made it feel like I was a wide eyed kid listening to a bedtime story, one that would be continued tomorrow, one that I didn't need to worry about it ending. One where I knew, no matter what the ending was going to be one of happily ever after.

Three cheers for the Mayor of Pawnee.

A lovely heart felt book

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