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Gumption

Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakers

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About this listen

The star of Parks and Recreation and author of the New York Times bestseller Paddle Your Own Canoe returns with a second book that humorously highlights twenty-one figures from our nation’s history, from her inception to present day—Nick’s personal pantheon of “great Americans.”

To millions of people, Nick Offerman is America. Both Nick and his character, Ron Swanson, are known for their humor and patriotism in equal measure.

After the great success of his autobiography, Paddle Your Own Canoe, Offerman now focuses on the lives of those who inspired him. From George Washington to Willie Nelson, he describes twenty-one heroic figures and why they inspire in him such great meaning. He’ll combine both serious history with light-hearted humor—comparing, say, George Washington’s wooden teeth to his own experience as a woodworker. The subject matter will also allow Offerman to expound upon his favorite topics, which listeners love to hear—areas such as religion, politics, woodworking and handcrafting, agriculture, creativity, philosophy, fashion, and, of course, meat. Americas Literature & Fiction Politics & Government Satire United States World Comedy Witty Funny Thought-Provoking Celebrity Biography

Critic reviews

Praise for Paddle Your Own Canoe:

“[Offerman] explores his Paul Bunyan-like image with tongue-in-cheek lessons on manliness, complete with illustrations and advice . . . [and] hilarious anecdotes from his career.” —Entertainment Weekly

“Take it from us; Offerman’s take on American history is worth reading.” —Vanity Fair

“[T]hought-provoking, profane, and frequently hilarious.” —Publishers Weekly

“Filled with advice on how to woo a woman, grill meat, and grow a perfect moustache, this book makes for perfect reading around the campfire.” —Parade

“Just try to resist the myriad manly charms of . . . [Offerman’s] memoir about woodworking, eating, acting, cultivating the perfect moustache, and seducing Megan Mullally.” —Vulture.com
All stars
Most relevant
Just brilliant and engaging. Just like all of his books/readings.

Keep them coming! thank you

Delightful

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Nick Offerman is always incredibly enjoyable to listen to. This was really fun, informative and unexpected. I too am married to Jeff Tweedy.

Good Fun!

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I absolutely loved this book. The first half was filled with names I knew and stories about them I didn't. I'm not American so Eleanor Roosevelt was just a President's wife until this.

The second half of the book I was absolutely entranced by. There is nothing quite like listening to an enthusiast talk on their favourite subject. I find it utterly fascinating. If you had told me that I would have stayed sitting in the car listening to the end of a chapter on a guy who makes hand tools for woodwork I would have laughed in your face but somehow the genuine passion and respect that he has for the chosen subjects absolutely hooked me.

I have recommended this book to just about everyone I have spoken to since I finished it. I recommend it to you too.

Fascinating

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Ensure you take the time to enjoy the audio book to really saviour the dulcet tones of Mr Nick Offerman, they go down like a smooth glass of lagavulin. The book is really eye opening into some of the more lesser known historical figures selected by Mr Offerman. It really has inspired me to show more gumption in my daily life, the tales are those of American figures with gumption and as a Brit I still enjoyed it.

A pleasure as always

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There is just something very soothing and relaxing about mr. Offermans voice talking about hand tools and people he admires. it really shines through.

absolute wonderful.

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