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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Nick's humor definitely isn't for everyone, but this is more like a deep conversation with his personality shining brightly. I agree with another reviewer (I couldn't find again or I would link) about this is something that is better as a listen instead of a read. I doubt I would have finished it if I had been reading it, but as an audio book it works great.
I listened to the audio version of this, narrated by the author. I enjoyed it, but Offerman is a little too verbose for my tastes, and some chapters are better than others. Still, hearing Offerman himself tell the stories in his own voice (and his occasional gleeful chuckle) makes it worth a read (listen).
A bit too long with no clear direction, but still, Nick Offerman has his own voice and is generally fun to read. A refreshing change from the usual ghost-written celeb memoir genre.
Meh.
Offerman narrates the audible version himself though, and giggles from time to time, to me, that's worth the three stars alone.
Offerman narrates the audible version himself though, and giggles from time to time, to me, that's worth the three stars alone.
the irony of reading a book where nick offerman keeps telling me to get out there and do things while i'm stuck here in quarantine is not lost on me lol
A bit unfocused and at times crass, but I connect with some of Offerman's stories and agree with many of his life philosophies, particularly those encouraging more making and living and less sitting in front of screens.
Rated R, for Adults with a Sense of Humor.
If you can't handle a book liberally laced with expletives and nearly per-page references to sex organs (euphemistic and otherwise), then move along, gentle reader. This book is not for you.
Offerman is, of course, one of the stars of the now-defunct Parks and Recreation, which I personally just recently finished binge-watching. But he is not Ron Swanson. Actually, Offerman is a much gentler soul, with a more liberal mindset than I would have anticipated. And that is precisely why I loved this book.
I couldn't get into how often he waxed rhapsodic on his wife's vagina, and his (their) occasionally uber-ribald brand of humor didn't really resonate. However, he did offer excellent advice for delicious living.
My personal favorites boil down to two statements.
On religion: "Don't be an asshole."
On the separation of church and state: "Time to re-up that shit!"
Offerman offers serious advice for would-be Hollywood stars, which I am not, but the advice was solid and I appreciated his no-nonsense view on that nonsensical world.
Offerman details his mid-Western upbringing in the yearn-filled remembrances one expects from someone who has moved away from that world. It occasionally made me wish I had grown up on a farm.
Essentially, Paddle Your Own Canoe made me appreciate the non-Swanson side of Offerman (though one cannot escape hearing the rumbling timbre of his voice while reading). Here is a man who has cemented himself firmly in the identity of "manly," and yet, he is not. He giggles, repeatedly, the idea of which was enough to make me giggle aloud at the thought of it. He extolls the virtues of smoking weed, which one can never imagine Swanson doing. At least, not purposefully. An accidentally ingested pot brownie, on the other hand.
If you want to know more about Offerman's road to television stardom, then read this book. If you want to see what it is like to hear from a man who literally worships his wife, read this book. If you want to laugh out loud as poignant witticisms and well-placed use of capital letters, READ THIS BOOK.
If you want Nick Offerman and Ron Swanson to be the same guy...you'll be disappointed.
If you can't handle a book liberally laced with expletives and nearly per-page references to sex organs (euphemistic and otherwise), then move along, gentle reader. This book is not for you.
Offerman is, of course, one of the stars of the now-defunct Parks and Recreation, which I personally just recently finished binge-watching. But he is not Ron Swanson. Actually, Offerman is a much gentler soul, with a more liberal mindset than I would have anticipated. And that is precisely why I loved this book.
I couldn't get into how often he waxed rhapsodic on his wife's vagina, and his (their) occasionally uber-ribald brand of humor didn't really resonate. However, he did offer excellent advice for delicious living.
My personal favorites boil down to two statements.
On religion: "Don't be an asshole."
On the separation of church and state: "Time to re-up that shit!"
Offerman offers serious advice for would-be Hollywood stars, which I am not, but the advice was solid and I appreciated his no-nonsense view on that nonsensical world.
Offerman details his mid-Western upbringing in the yearn-filled remembrances one expects from someone who has moved away from that world. It occasionally made me wish I had grown up on a farm.
Essentially, Paddle Your Own Canoe made me appreciate the non-Swanson side of Offerman (though one cannot escape hearing the rumbling timbre of his voice while reading). Here is a man who has cemented himself firmly in the identity of "manly," and yet, he is not. He giggles, repeatedly, the idea of which was enough to make me giggle aloud at the thought of it. He extolls the virtues of smoking weed, which one can never imagine Swanson doing. At least, not purposefully. An accidentally ingested pot brownie, on the other hand.
If you want to know more about Offerman's road to television stardom, then read this book. If you want to see what it is like to hear from a man who literally worships his wife, read this book. If you want to laugh out loud as poignant witticisms and well-placed use of capital letters, READ THIS BOOK.
If you want Nick Offerman and Ron Swanson to be the same guy...you'll be disappointed.
I probably wouldn’t have liked it as much had I not listened to it, but it was a chill / easy thing to listen to
I didn't finish this book, but wanted to share my thoughts...
I am a pretty curious person and read a wide variety of material. I think it is important to shape my beliefs by reading and then discussing opinions different from my own (typically in person).
The book in question is Paddle Your Own Canoe, a memoir by comedian Nick Offerman (of Parks and Recreation fame). My problem with this book came in the second or so chapter. Offerman is very clear in his disdain for religion. I get that not everyone chooses to believe in a greater being, or the Bible, or anything for that matter; but I find it childish when adults choose to resort to name calling.
Offerman calls the Bible a book of fairytales that teach morality that is only believed by idiots. Calling a group of people idiots for believing in something you don't is straight up bullying and I am tired of it.
There are books and web sites and news stations that I refuse to watch or read because of this type of behavior (even when it comes to ideas that I agree with). I find it very unpalatable to engage in anything that stoops to name calling. I wouldn't allow my son to call other people names and I wouldn't continue a conversation with someone who was resorting to calling people names.
So, I didn't finish this book and have no intentions to, nor would I recommend it. The world is full of great content, I am not going to waste my time with someone who resorts to name calling while insisting their own beliefs are superior.
I am a pretty curious person and read a wide variety of material. I think it is important to shape my beliefs by reading and then discussing opinions different from my own (typically in person).
The book in question is Paddle Your Own Canoe, a memoir by comedian Nick Offerman (of Parks and Recreation fame). My problem with this book came in the second or so chapter. Offerman is very clear in his disdain for religion. I get that not everyone chooses to believe in a greater being, or the Bible, or anything for that matter; but I find it childish when adults choose to resort to name calling.
Offerman calls the Bible a book of fairytales that teach morality that is only believed by idiots. Calling a group of people idiots for believing in something you don't is straight up bullying and I am tired of it.
There are books and web sites and news stations that I refuse to watch or read because of this type of behavior (even when it comes to ideas that I agree with). I find it very unpalatable to engage in anything that stoops to name calling. I wouldn't allow my son to call other people names and I wouldn't continue a conversation with someone who was resorting to calling people names.
So, I didn't finish this book and have no intentions to, nor would I recommend it. The world is full of great content, I am not going to waste my time with someone who resorts to name calling while insisting their own beliefs are superior.
I am so glad I opted for the audio version on this one! I truly enjoyed Mr. Offerman’s musings on life infused with wisdom and humor.