While they might look at us library folks as "punk-a** book jockeys", we’re still big fans of the Parks and Recreation department of Pawnee, Indiana. As we don’t have any waffles from JJ’s Diner to celebrate Leslie Knope and her fearless crew, we thought some book recommendations might do the trick. 

You might think after the vitriol they've spewed at libraries we wouldn't waste our time finding them the perfect reading recommendations. You'd be wrong. With our signature grace and aplomb, we're happy to serve—it's the Library way.

Leslie Knope

Highly ambitious yet the shiniest example of a supportive friend, Leslie Knope is the largest heart and most passionate soul of Pawnee. Forever looking to better herself and learn from others, Leslie might look to NYPL Top Checkout, Becoming by Michelle Obama, or Represent: The Woman’s Guide to Running for Office & Changing the World.

• Represent: The Woman's Guide to Running for Office & Changing the World by June Diane Raphael
• Becoming by Michelle Obama
• Building Codes: Their Scope and Aims by The National Board of Fire Underwriters
• Queenship and the Women of Westeros: Female Agency and Advice in Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire by edited by Zita Eva Rohr and Lisa Benz
• Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon

Ron Swanson

A government-hating government employee, Ron Swanson is a bundle of paradoxes wrapped up in scotch, bacon, and a blanket of jazz. A relaxing evening for Ron might involve the novel which inspired his favorite movie, Bridge On The River Kwai, while also fortifying his knowledge of brown liquors and woodwork.

• Moby Dick, or, The Whale by Herman Melville
• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
• Shining Trumpets: A History of Jazz by Rudi Blesh
• Single Malt and Scotch Whisky: A Guide to Hundreds of Brands and Varieties by Daniel Lerner
• Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner
• Bridge On the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle

Ben Wyatt

Puzzles, Sci-Fi, Calzones —oh my! These interests (plus serving as the logical, emotional rock to his beloved Leslie), serve as the personality tenets for Ben Wyatt. We recommend adding a new fictional fantasy series to his repertoire, by way of N.K. Jemison’s Broken Earth Trilogy. It wouldn’t hurt for Ben to bone up on game theory for any of Leslie’s future political campaigns as well.

• The Office Romance: Playing With Fire Without Getting Burned by Dennis M. Powers
• Star Trek: Picard: The Last Best Hope by Una McCormack
• Dune by Herbert Frank
• A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
• Game Design Theory: A New Philosophy for Understanding Games by Keith Burgun
• Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat
• Broken Earth trilogy by N. K. Jemisin

Ann Perkins

Ann Perkins! Though she probably already has a stack of to-be-read books given to her by her BFF Leslie Knope, a few more wouldn’t hurt. Ann and Leslie might want to grab copies of cult-hit, My Brilliant Friend, while attempting to convince April and Donna to book-club it. Otherwise, a suite of self-improvement books might help Ann in keeping up with Leslie’s tornado of productivity.

• My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
• Be My Galentine: Celebrating Badass Female Friendship by Alicia Clancy
• Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth
• Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby
• The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
• Dot Journaling—A Practical Guide: How to Start and Keep the Planner, To-Do List, and Diary That'll Actually Help You Get Your Life Together by Rachel Wilkerson Miller
• The Love Gap: A Radical Plan to Win in Life and Love by Jenna Birch
• Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant To Be by Rachel Hollis

April Ludgate

Never without a sneer and a sassy comment, April Ludgate is Pawnee’s resident dark horse. By that we mean, April has a natural affinity for animals coupled with a resounding impatience for human beings. A book or two from Shirley Jackson’s repertoire would surely stoke her gothic tendencies, while Garfield would remind her to crack a hint of a smile.

• Your Killer Emotions: The 7 Steps to Mastering the Toxic Emotions, Urges, and Impulses That Sabotage You by Ken Lindner
• Garfield: The Monday That Wouldn't End by Jim Davis
• We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures by Amber Dusick
• Bloody Monday series by Ryou Ryumon, art by Kouji Megumi

Donna Meagle

The living embodiment of self-confidence, Donna Meagle taught us all that we are worthy of the utmost of treats. Whether it be romance, sunglasses, or financial security—Donna has all the answers. As she lounges at her lake house, keeping up with the latest financial information, as well as the going-ons of the rich and famous, would suit her just fine.

• Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer
• Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon
• An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
• So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know by Retta
• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
• Primates of Park Avenue: A Memoir by Wednesday Martin
• You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero

Chris Traeger

Maybe the only person with a darker disposition than April Ludgate… just kidding. A relentless optimist, with a passion for green juice and running, Chris Traeger is the prototype-influencer; with a new arsenal of smoothie recipes and motivational quotes, he’ll surely go viral.

• Power Smoothies: All-Natural Fruit and Green Smoothies to Fuel Workouts, Build Muscle and Burn Fat by Keith Sebastian
• Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy: 101 Stories About Creating Your Best Life by Amy Newmark
• Contagious Optimism: Uplifting Stories and Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking compiled by David Mezzapelle
• Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

Andy Dwyer

The living embodiment of a golden retriever puppy, Andy Dwyer is heart and charisma…awash in goofiness. Or maybe… he’s actually Captain Underpants? Either way, we’re sure Champion would enjoy a storytime starring the many characters of Andy Dwyer’s imaginative mind.

• Captain Underwear series by Dav Pilkey
• Karate: Japanese Empty Hand Combat by Garrison Wells
• Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
• I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays by Sloane Crosley

Tom Haverford

A veritable non-stop human shop of business pitches, questionable pick-up lines, and fine clothing, Tom Haverford somehow still manages to be endearing. As we know he’ll never change, he might as well add some one-liners to his repertoire, and dream even bigger thanks to the memoirs of some fellow entrepreneurs.

•  Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required by Kristy Shen
• You're So Fine, I'd Drink a Tub of Your Bathwater: Over 500 No-Fail Pick-Up Lines That Work on the Bus, in the Bar, in the Neighborhood Store by Stephan Dweck
• Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Philip H. Knight
• Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
• The Autobiography of Gucci Mane by Gucci Mane with Neil Martinez-Belki

Li'l Sebastian

We still miss you in the saddest fashion, you tiny horse.

• Just the Right Size: Why Big Animals are Big and Little Animals are Little by Nicola Davies
• Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand
• The Man Who Listens to Horses by Monty  Roberts
• Stuart Little by E.B. White

Garry “Jerry” Gergich

Oh, Garry Jerry Larry—you’re doing amazing, sweetie.

• The Coward's Guide to Conflict: Empowering Solutions for Those Who Would Rather Run Than Fight by Timothy E. Ursiny
• Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom
• Eat Your Way to a Healthy Heart: Tackle Heart Disease by Changing the Way You Eat in 50 Recipes by Dale Pinnock
• Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan
• Raising Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Grow Up Happy, Healthy, and Strong by Steve Biddulph
• Marrying Up: A Right Royal Romantic Comedy by Wendy Holden

NYPL has previously made book recommendations for Game of Thrones and the Avengers.

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