The Bassoon King

My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy

By: Rainn Wilson

Narrated by: Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson’s memoir about growing up geeky and finally finding his place in comedy, faith, and life.

For nine seasons Rainn Wilson played Dwight Schrute, everyone's favorite work nemesis and beet farmer. Viewers of The Office fell in love with the character and grew to love the actor who played him even more. Rainn founded a website and media company, SoulPancake, that eventually became a best-selling book of the same name. He also started a hilarious Twitter feed (sample tweet: “I'm not on Facebook” is the new “I don't even own a TV”) that now has more than four million followers.

Now, he's ready to tell his own story and explain how he came up with his incredibly unique sense of humor and perspective on life. He explains how he grew up “bone-numbingly nerdy before there was even a modicum of cool attached to the word”. The Bassoon King chronicles his journey from nerd to drama geek (“the highest rung on the vast, pimply ladder of high school losers”), his years of mild debauchery and struggles as a young actor in New York, his many adventures and insights about The Office, and finally, Wilson's achievement of success and satisfaction, both in his career and spiritually, reconnecting with the artistic and creative values of the Bahá’í faith he grew up in.

©2015 Rainn Wilson (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Rainn Wilson narrates his own story with such perfection that the only disappointment is the fact that it ends. The memoir is smart, inspirational, and funny, so the addition of Wilson's performance adds delectable icing to a tasty cake." (AudioFile)

"Quirky, witty, literate." (Washington Post)

"Rainn Wilson's memoir captures essence of his offbeat humor." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Yes, you'll love it.

Anyone who is: a fan of The Office, a nerd, an actor who has struggled with rejection, an artist who struggles with her faith, a lover of punk rock, a person who likes well written and honest biographies, a believer in love and God, or self conscious of his overly large head should absolutely read The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson. (Actually, listen to it and hear his voice through his actual voice.) I loved every second of it.

More than just stories from "The Office".

What made the experience of listening to The Bassoon King the most enjoyable?

As I enjoyed "The Office", I also enjoyed the stories of the other opportunities he had as an actor. The book made you enjoy a mixture of "The Office" and all the other acting gigs.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Himself: He reminds us that he has a little "Dwight Schrute" in him. Otherwise, he wouldn't be where he is today.

What does Rainn Wilson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His character brings the book to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me laugh. His intention throughout the book wants to make you laugh.

Laugh Out Loud!

What made the experience of listening to The Bassoon King the most enjoyable?

I laughed, a lot. If you didn't already love Rainn Wilson for his insane talent on The Office, or my first appreciation of him in Six Feet Under, you soon will. Sure, I purchased the book expecting a few laughs, and in that it sure did deliver. Unexpectely, however, I'm inspired by his kindness, generosity, and faith. All surprising twists and really cool stories of his youth will make you laugh out loud!

Fun and satisfying

So many of my questions were answered regarding the production of the Office that I am guessing a lot of people must have asked these questions of him if they had the opportunity to meet and chat. Great fun as well as lots of depth without becoming tedious. The reading of the work is also flawless and a treat for anyone who misses DWS as I do.

Surprisingly both serious and funny

Great story, great narrative. A wonderful and deep look into the kooky mind of Rainn Wilson.

Loved this!

I knew Rainn Wilson from Six Feet Under and Backstrom - both of which I loved - so took a chance on this. So glad I did - Wilson is an interesting person, with an interesting life, which he talks about with humor and grace. It's a pleasure to hear from someone who is self-aware, grateful for what life has given him, and who has meaningful relationships. His descriptions of his years on The Office sent me to Netflix, where I binge watched the entire series over a period of a couple of months, and was sad when I reached the end. I feel as though I got a two-fer with the book and the series!

Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica (and everything in between)

I am whole heartedly obsessed with this book. Rainn's explanation of his childhood, falling in love, his career, living in New York, the Office, the Baha'i faith, and even playing the bassoon are so well written and enjoyable that I can't accurately explain my joy. He had one fascinating life, and I'm so happy I got to read about it.

Amazing book

This book! Great book! I enjoyed this book very much and plan to read again in a few months!

Interesting..

..and entertaining! The time line jumps around a bit but it’s descriptive and funny. Enjoyed

So Good!

It was really fun to get to know rRainn Wilson. What an incredible person he is. Had no idea. I’d love it if he wrote another book would like to learn more about him!