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squid_vicious 's review for:
Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living
by Nick Offerman
If you are anything like me, you first heard about this book because you've watched more "Parks and Rec" than is strictly reasonable, and Ron Swanson has made you laugh and cringe. While I don't always agree with the cantankerous character, he is nevertheless my favorite and I love Offerman's deadpan delivery. I was very curious to know what a guy who can pull off such a fantastic mustache would have to say about delicious living...
Now if you plan on reading this, my advice is: don't. Get the audiobook, read by Offerman. His voice, gravitas and occasional giggles make this memoir/manifesto/collection of hilarious and excellent advice an incredibly entertaining experience. I also think that his writing style might feel a bit ponderous on the page, as where read out loud, it is quite charming and fun. Also, easily offended ears beware: there's a lot of cussing, many discussions on the topic of oral sex and some very strong opinions about religion (A lot of reviewers seem to have gotten their panties in a twist about that aspect of the book: I didn't, but mostly because I actually agree with his thoughts on organized religion in general, and the weird fucked up version of Christianity too often encountered in certain regions of the US of A specifically. He was preaching to the choir with me - pun intended - but I can see how anyone attached to their fixed ideas on faith and the Church would get upset by his thoughts.).
I already liked Offerman, and listening to 10 odd hours of his thoughts made me like and respect him even more: the man is hilarious, smart, hard working, kind-hearted and a hopeless romantic. I loved hearing his stories about growing up in rural Illinois, learning his craft in college, and eventually in Chicago and LA, meeting his wife Megan Mullally - and of course, growing epic facial hair. He also takes care to make sure his listeners know that despite a common love of pork products and fine scotches, he is most definitely not Ron Swanson: he eats salads, for one thing, and does not punch socialists.
Offerman is quite opinionated, but also humble, more than willing to admit that a lot of luck was necessary for his life to unfold the way it did, and spends a lot of time expressing his gratitude to everyone who helped, supported and encouraged him. His love for art, his family, the various crafts he is passionate about and his darling wife really shines through (his "Rainbow Song"! My heart!). While his advice can occasionally feel a tad preachy, it comes form a reasonable and well-meaning place; it's just loaded with smart-assery and sarcasm, which I appreciate tremendously.
I had a lot of fun listening to this! 4 and a half stars.
Now if you plan on reading this, my advice is: don't. Get the audiobook, read by Offerman. His voice, gravitas and occasional giggles make this memoir/manifesto/collection of hilarious and excellent advice an incredibly entertaining experience. I also think that his writing style might feel a bit ponderous on the page, as where read out loud, it is quite charming and fun. Also, easily offended ears beware: there's a lot of cussing, many discussions on the topic of oral sex and some very strong opinions about religion (A lot of reviewers seem to have gotten their panties in a twist about that aspect of the book: I didn't, but mostly because I actually agree with his thoughts on organized religion in general, and the weird fucked up version of Christianity too often encountered in certain regions of the US of A specifically. He was preaching to the choir with me - pun intended - but I can see how anyone attached to their fixed ideas on faith and the Church would get upset by his thoughts.).
I already liked Offerman, and listening to 10 odd hours of his thoughts made me like and respect him even more: the man is hilarious, smart, hard working, kind-hearted and a hopeless romantic. I loved hearing his stories about growing up in rural Illinois, learning his craft in college, and eventually in Chicago and LA, meeting his wife Megan Mullally - and of course, growing epic facial hair. He also takes care to make sure his listeners know that despite a common love of pork products and fine scotches, he is most definitely not Ron Swanson: he eats salads, for one thing, and does not punch socialists.
Offerman is quite opinionated, but also humble, more than willing to admit that a lot of luck was necessary for his life to unfold the way it did, and spends a lot of time expressing his gratitude to everyone who helped, supported and encouraged him. His love for art, his family, the various crafts he is passionate about and his darling wife really shines through (his "Rainbow Song"! My heart!). While his advice can occasionally feel a tad preachy, it comes form a reasonable and well-meaning place; it's just loaded with smart-assery and sarcasm, which I appreciate tremendously.
I had a lot of fun listening to this! 4 and a half stars.