Thursday, October 13, 2011

Pawnee: The Greatest Town In America/"Leslie Knope," Nate Di Meo

Pawnee: The Greatest Town In America; written, compiled, researched, typed, collated, proofread, and run through spell check by Leslie Knope, with Nate DiMeo and the creative team of Parks and Recreation; 240p

Basically, if you are not watching Parks and Rec, you'll miss 90% of why this book is utterly hilarious. Also if you're not watching Parks and Rec you have earned my eternal scorn. Kidding, kidding! This is an excellent tie-in for the show, particularly since the book, and Leslie's frantic efforts to get it in the local bestseller-guaranteed book club, were featured in a recent episode. And it was hilarious! Good times were had by all.

The level of detail this book goes into, presenting all the minutiae and useless history of a fictional podunk town is, shall we say, obsessive. And that's exactly how Leslie Knope is, and the work put into the book shows both the character's love for her town and the creators' love for their show. Good work done by all!
I have to say, my absolute favorite aspect of the book are the footnotes, sometimes long and rambling and filled with hidden comedic gems, sometimes brief snarky back and forth exchanges between co-workers.
Also the appendices (plural!) offer the reader that legendary treasure, the holy of holies, the Ron Swanson Pyramid of Greatness. Words cannot describe its majesty, its deep spiritual meaning for every human being. You simply have to experience it for yourself.

Basically, this is a show you should be watching (since it's pretty much the best scripted show on tv right now, IMO) and if you're watching the show, you should read this book. At least to tide you over until the next episode.

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