Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I miss Parks and Recreation! I loved reading this book because it gave a great behind the scenes glimpse into the man behind the legend that is Ron Swanson. Offerman shows how tough it can be for an actor in Hollywood to get cast in even the most simple of roles (bro in a beer commercial) and then once you're cast to overcome typecasting (i.e. stage actor in a Shakespearean drama to TV actor in multiple camera situation comedy). He's done it all with great panache and hasn't lost his Midwestern common sense in the process.
Full of life wisdom and plenty of laughs, I appreciated his warm generosity toward his fellow performers and his love of the theatre. And of course, his love for his multitalented wife Megan shines through on each page she is mentioned (lots). Their courtship is one of the highlights of this book. Good to see a "man's man" who knows how to romance a lady!
If you're a Parks and Rec fan, a lover of theatre, or even just someone who enjoys a good bio from someone who's achieved success, pick up this book. Please and thank you.
Full of life wisdom and plenty of laughs, I appreciated his warm generosity toward his fellow performers and his love of the theatre. And of course, his love for his multitalented wife Megan shines through on each page she is mentioned (lots). Their courtship is one of the highlights of this book. Good to see a "man's man" who knows how to romance a lady!
If you're a Parks and Rec fan, a lover of theatre, or even just someone who enjoys a good bio from someone who's achieved success, pick up this book. Please and thank you.
medium-paced
This book was hysterical, sweet, and not for those who dislike strong language. I was delightfully charmed by Nick Offerman!
I played the game of How Long Can I Listen to Nick Offerman Say Vaguely Funny Things without Wanting to Punch Myself in the Face and I LOST, big time. I did not finish this, nor do I intend to. 2 stars for O.K. with an extra tacked on for impressive vocabulary.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
I wanted to like this more than I did. Paddle Your Own Canoe is not without its charms, and I even agreed with some of what he had to say about his approach to life (this is not a traditional memoir; it's what Offerman terms a "guide to delicious living"). Offerman clearly adores his wife, and has some fun anecdotes and some amusing turns of phrase. I listened to this in audiobook, and that's probably the best medium for it.
Yet the book could easily have been edited down by a third and been the better for it. Nor does it help that while Offerman is upfront (almost performatively so) about the fact that most people are assholes and he is no exception, he doesn't always seem aware of ways in which he has been an asshole. For instance, I don't think stalking your ex-girlfriend and following her all the way to Jamaica is as amusing a story as Offerman does. The tale of how he and his male co-workers used to compete to see who could masturbate most during the work-day made me really uncomfortable for his female co-workers, and no, Mr Offerman, you weren't just "lucky" when you got away with getting high and shop-lifting when you were in college. You were a straight, white, middle-class guy in central Illinois.
Yet the book could easily have been edited down by a third and been the better for it. Nor does it help that while Offerman is upfront (almost performatively so) about the fact that most people are assholes and he is no exception, he doesn't always seem aware of ways in which he has been an asshole. For instance, I don't think stalking your ex-girlfriend and following her all the way to Jamaica is as amusing a story as Offerman does. The tale of how he and his male co-workers used to compete to see who could masturbate most during the work-day made me really uncomfortable for his female co-workers, and no, Mr Offerman, you weren't just "lucky" when you got away with getting high and shop-lifting when you were in college. You were a straight, white, middle-class guy in central Illinois.
I really enjoyed this book. I had no clue Nick Offerman started on the stage. I know him as Ron Swanson so trying to picture him on a stage is a little hard because I know one facet of him. It would be so interesting to see him in a play. I don't think I will read/listen to any of his other work but this one was good!
I’m so thrilled to be done with this book. It was a slog to get through. I like Nick Offerman a lot in Parks and Rec, and in The Last of Us, so I was looking forward to his funny memoir. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very funny, and it was more self-help/to-do listy than memoir. There are shiny moments where he talks about his wife and his career, but the rest of the book is a snoozefest.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
This really fell flat for me. I ended up disliking Offerman and his sense of humor. He is too preachy and full of himself.