Take a photo of a barcode or cover
354 reviews for:
Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakers
Nick Offerman
3.73 AVERAGE
354 reviews for:
Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakers
Nick Offerman
3.73 AVERAGE
A great book to read when you are pressed for time. Short articles on various people Nic Offerman looks upto in a variety of fields. I learnt a lot about people ranging from presidents and world leaders to people I had never heard about including amazing woodworkers, boat builders. Woven into each of these mini articles were Offerman's own rants about various aspects of modern life ranging from our emphasis on materialistic pleasures and commercialization; our obsession with screens and "selfies" to post on social media; his take on religion and still prevalent racism etc. Two main reasons for taking one star off:
- my own jealousy: envious that he got paid to travel and talk to some absolutely amazing people (Michael Pollan, Wendell Berry etc) and learn about what makes a good life.
- more importantly: I wish he expanded on the "further reading" list. For example for Wendell Berry there is a long list of books but if only there was a guide on where to start; some commentary on what he learnt from some of the books etc. This would IMHO be a great addition to (future editions of) the book.
- my own jealousy: envious that he got paid to travel and talk to some absolutely amazing people (Michael Pollan, Wendell Berry etc) and learn about what makes a good life.
- more importantly: I wish he expanded on the "further reading" list. For example for Wendell Berry there is a long list of books but if only there was a guide on where to start; some commentary on what he learnt from some of the books etc. This would IMHO be a great addition to (future editions of) the book.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Easy & comfortable read. A relaxing recounting of stories on many interesting American figures; some obvious picks with a good mix of novelty. It has aged in an interesting manner being published in mid-2010s.
Wonderfully written and incredibly well researched.
For no other purpose than his own general passions, Offerman assembles this cross section of American icons of all backgrounds. In a voice resonating as both hilarious and highly intelligent, we are privy to not only history and backstory but wonderful anecdotes and tangential ramblings. This book is teeming with "HUH" moments and Offerman's vast knowledge of his subject's respective canonical works leave you with exponentially more options for further reading/listening. I myself, have added various works of/about Olmstead and George Saunders to my reading list.
For no other purpose than his own general passions, Offerman assembles this cross section of American icons of all backgrounds. In a voice resonating as both hilarious and highly intelligent, we are privy to not only history and backstory but wonderful anecdotes and tangential ramblings. This book is teeming with "HUH" moments and Offerman's vast knowledge of his subject's respective canonical works leave you with exponentially more options for further reading/listening. I myself, have added various works of/about Olmstead and George Saunders to my reading list.
“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
After attaining widespread fame as the curmudgeonly Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, actor Nick Offerman has spent the last several years being known for lauding hard work and living to your values. His second book is a peek at 21 historical figures, idealists, and creators who have inspired him and others with their gumption — what Offerman defines in part as “…a willingness, even a hunger, for one’s mettle to be challenged.”
I admit to not starting this book with the highest of hopes — oh look, a book about inspirational American figures where George Washington is first on the list and there’s only three women/people of color. But as Offerman acknowledges, early America was shitty and it made it harder for anyone except white dudes to contribute. Later chapters focus on authors and craftsmen with whom I’m less familiar, and give the reader interesting insights into Offerman’s view of the world. I was surprised, although I shouldn’t have been, to get a strong Stoicism vibe.
Read this if you want to learn about interesting people and are fond of Nick Offerman.
After attaining widespread fame as the curmudgeonly Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, actor Nick Offerman has spent the last several years being known for lauding hard work and living to your values. His second book is a peek at 21 historical figures, idealists, and creators who have inspired him and others with their gumption — what Offerman defines in part as “…a willingness, even a hunger, for one’s mettle to be challenged.”
I admit to not starting this book with the highest of hopes — oh look, a book about inspirational American figures where George Washington is first on the list and there’s only three women/people of color. But as Offerman acknowledges, early America was shitty and it made it harder for anyone except white dudes to contribute. Later chapters focus on authors and craftsmen with whom I’m less familiar, and give the reader interesting insights into Offerman’s view of the world. I was surprised, although I shouldn’t have been, to get a strong Stoicism vibe.
Read this if you want to learn about interesting people and are fond of Nick Offerman.
I imagine that listening to this in Offerman's own voice, over a fireside with a glass of whisky, might have made this collection of musings mildly tolerable, even enjoyable.
However, in print, it's a well-meaning but stylistically chaotic, meandering mess. Offerman tries to wear too many hats at once, freewheeling confusingly between flaunting his Ron Swanson alter-ego, spouting ideology like an earnest political spokesperson, and mocking himself and his efforts with cringing self-deprecation worthy of the worst 'dad jokes'.
This is unfortunate, because there's an interesting selection of American figures on offer, and in each section, at least some small slivers of insight. To wade through the dross and nonsense to uncover them, though, involved a wearisome slog and much jettisoning of awful prose. At times, you were left to wonder whether the text was actually edited, or whether the publisher had just left him alone with an audio recorder and a bottle of scotch, then simply transcribed his waffle.
If you enjoy Offerman/Swanson's curmudgeonly ramblings - and why wouldn't you? - this book seems like it'd offer them in plenty, but largely fails to deliver.
However, in print, it's a well-meaning but stylistically chaotic, meandering mess. Offerman tries to wear too many hats at once, freewheeling confusingly between flaunting his Ron Swanson alter-ego, spouting ideology like an earnest political spokesperson, and mocking himself and his efforts with cringing self-deprecation worthy of the worst 'dad jokes'.
This is unfortunate, because there's an interesting selection of American figures on offer, and in each section, at least some small slivers of insight. To wade through the dross and nonsense to uncover them, though, involved a wearisome slog and much jettisoning of awful prose. At times, you were left to wonder whether the text was actually edited, or whether the publisher had just left him alone with an audio recorder and a bottle of scotch, then simply transcribed his waffle.
If you enjoy Offerman/Swanson's curmudgeonly ramblings - and why wouldn't you? - this book seems like it'd offer them in plenty, but largely fails to deliver.
Short stories about America's great men told in Nick Offerman style. Most of the information already knew but it would be a quick entertaining read for someone who was unfamiliar with the characters of American history. Read a few, skimmed the rest.
funny
informative
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Fantasic list of people to learn more about. This is informative And entertaining.
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced