It surprises me as much as it surprises the next person that Nick Offerman has published not one but TWO books (and actually, I think a third, but that was written with his wife). For those who don’t know, Nick Offerman played the hyper-masculine Ron Swanson (with the best mustache) on NBC’s critical darling Parks and Rec.
The reason it surprises me that Offerman has written two books is because he seems like someone who would constantly be working on other things. I read his first book (Paddle Your Own Canoe) on my honeymoon, and a year later I found myself with his second publication: Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with American’s Gutsiest Troublemakers.
This is *not* a super deep history book. If you’re looking for truly scholarly material, you’re better off elsewhere. This book, while reasonably well researched, is an in depth look at people Offerman personally admires, who also have done some pretty great things for the United States (which is part of the reason Offerman likes them). I especially liked Offerman’s chapters on Wendell Berry and Teddy Roosevelt. (‘Bull Moose: Balls Deep’ is the election slogan we’re all looking for, honestly.)
As I said, this is a book of essays by Offerman about people Offerman admires. I enjoyed it tremendously, but only because I wasn’t expecting a scholarly history book with no opinions in it, apparently. Some of the complaints I’ve seen leveled at it are completely bizarre to me – like valuing hard work but espousing principles “opposite of the entrepreneurial spirit” which I think means the reviewer rejects Offerman’s opinion that our corporate overlords (who he doesn’t trust) should pay workers a living wage for honest work.
Offerman definitely has some opinions about things like cellphones being a pain in the ass. While he does go overboard with some of his points (clearly for comedic effect), he also uses that humor to make points. Sometimes life *is* better when your cellphone isn’t an appendage of your arm. Sometimes technology, while also being pretty great, really fucking sucks. This is part of Offerman’s personal brand as well as a real point – he’s obviously a slight curmudgeon (somewhat purposefully) but again, I’m not sure what people were expecting here regarding Offerman himself being part of the book. I expected opinions and comedy.
This book was fun, lighthearted, and humorous (which apparently some people don’t like). Offerman narrates the audiobook himself, which is adds another layer of humor, as Offerman is a very good, understated comedian. If you don’t enjoy Offerman’s brand of humor (or pretty mainstream left leaning political opinions, like “Democrats and Republicans, but especially Republicans, all kind of suck”) you’re not going to enjoy this book.
Tag Archives: authors: nick offerman
Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America’s Gutsiest Troublemakers
Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man’s Fundamentals for Delicious Living
Nick Offerman’s Paddle Your Own Canoe was the other book I read on my honeymoon. It was beachier reading than Smoke, for sure. It was way less dense and funny.
For those who don’t know, Nick Offerman played hyper-masculine Ron Swanson on NBC’s little-engine-that-could comedy Parks and Recreation. I have only seen a few episodes of Parks and Recreation, so I know very little about Ron Swanson, but I did know of him, and I feel that speaks to the popularity of the character and the actor.
Anyway, Paddle Your Own Canoe is, basically, a memoir. Offerman reflects on his life growing up in Bumblefuck, Illinois. I apologize profusely for referring to wherever Offerman grew up as Bumblefuck, but I can’t remember the actual name and Offerman himself said it was a very small Illinois town that was hours from the nearest city. So again, my apologies to Bumblefuck, Illinois for not remembering its real name.
It chronicled how Offerman got into acting and comedy, and gave bits of life advice that are obvious but quite a bit invaluable in many ways, especially when stated so plainly. Example: find something you can do that you enjoy or makes you money or both. Offerman learned carpentry and this skill kept him from completely starving to death during his “paying his dues” years in “the business.” He still spends a lot of time making things out of reclaimed wood. It’s a hobby turned business that he deeply enjoys. And while this seems like and obvious tidbit, it really clicks when someone actually says it.
The book also tells the story of how Offerman met his wife, Megan Mullalley (Karen on Will and Grace) and their life together.
Paddle Your Own Canoe was a really fun read. I enjoyed it immensely because (while he insists otherwise) Offerman is clearly a funny, intelligent man who thinks for himself and whose life philosophy is, basically, the same one I subscribe to: don’t be an asshole. He also seems to have the same quiet pride in his country that I do, which basically boils down to “It’s not perfect, but it has its own, original brilliance of a governement experiment to be proud of, its ideals for us to reach for, and we’re working on it.”
So me and Nick Offerman are basically the same person, except he has way better facial hair. So…I wrote Paddle Your Own Canoe. You should read it. I also starred in Parks and Recreation. You should watch it. I’m taking credit for it now.
words in scarlet ink 