THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD

In an oral history that reads like playful conversation, two popular TV stars discuss how they came together and stayed together.

If the Captain & Tennille talked a little naughtier in public, their “Love Will Keep Us Together” could serve as a theme song for this extended ode to marital harmony. The book is nonchronological, proceeding in chapters focusing on topics including religion, sex (and previous relationships), art, awards ceremonies, and fame in general. When they met in 2000 while rehearsing for a play, Mullally was already successful with Will & Grace, while Offerman (Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop, 2016, etc.) was as much a carpenter as an actor. It wasn’t love at first sight, at least on her end, but, he says, “we recognized a kindred spirit in our performance styles, if you will. And senses of humor.” She had been married and had rushed into other relationships that didn’t work out, while he had come from a large, loving Midwestern family and had those values instilled in him. “You’re not the kind of guy who had a million women and was a dog,” she tells him. “I always hated those kind of guys.” The authors’ banter occasionally edges toward pillow talk, and they come across like perennial honeymooners. The age difference (she’s nearly 12 years older) was never an issue, and it doesn’t appear that he was bothered by her success, though his breakthrough role in Parks and Recreation has leveled the playing field. If there is a secret to their love, it is perhaps best distilled in Mullally’s solo chapter of beauty tips, where she advises, “just try to be the best version of what you are naturally.” They amuse themselves, Offerman explains, by “doing jigsaw puzzles while simultaneously listening to audiobooks.”

Readers are likely to enjoy the authors’ company almost as much as they seem to enjoy each other’s.