Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakers Kindle Edition

Nick Offerman is a splendid humorist and a fine woodworker and I am fascinated by the dichotomy. Acting and woodworking seem so different, it feels rare to find someone not only interested in both fields but is extremely talented in both.I enjoy observing comedic artists and only recently have I tried to learn woodworking. I read Offerman’s first book Paddle Your Own Canoe and I was mesmerized by the whole thing. Offerman is hilarious wordsmith with a unique perspective.So naturally, I picked up his second book Gumption, but it didn’t live up to the high expectations I had. Is it funny? Yes. Is it interesting? Yes. However, there are plenty of tangents that felt like filler or fluff. I appreciate Offerman’s realistic portrayal of our founding fathers and the noticeable lack of founding mothers. He doesn’t adhere to an idealistic, saintly perspective of historical men and women.The book was more interesting when we started to discuss his modern heroes and contemporaries, people he has actually met and conversed with.I don’t think this is a bad book, it just didn’t capture my attention like his first.

Entertaining, enlightening and infuriating. Mr. Offer an's writing style is humorous to the point of chuckling out loud. He introduced me to some interesting Americans previously unknown to me. And his liberal views at time enraged me. If you're a conservative, an older white male or a Christian (which I am), be ready for a verbal beating. In the end, a worthwhile read which led to introspection.

So good. I only knew about half the people on his list, but I'm glad I got to know the others. For me, hearing about all these hard-working "troublemakers" has been a source of inspiration and it also helps to maintain my faith for a country mired in conflict. I keep this book close by for whenever I need motivation or an easy pick-me-up. His message is simple but powerful - Be kind, work hard, and "paddle your own canoe" (reference to his first book, which I also recommend).

While Nick pontificates, as he often does, with some thought provoking words, his choices of "Gumptioneers" are very interesting and thought provoking. Almost at every chapter, I would find myself thinking "Yeah, him/her too! Good Choice Nick". Some people I had never heard of and some I was impressed that he included. I was also impressed by his humbleness when meeting some of the characters that are among the living. Sometimes, I admit, I would fast forward through parts that to me were getting bogged down with details and words that I didn't want to look up in the dictionary, but overall, a good read.

Nick Offerman (TVs Ron Swanson) is a true American. He can do anything he wants with a tree. Whether it's craft a boat or write a hefty tome to adorn on the pages it provided. He could probably make the pages too. In his second offering Nick Offerman provides insight into those American's that one can model themselves after in order to become as great a person as he. I very much enjoyed reading his takes on the exploits of our Revolutionary fathers in the first portion of the book. The book also turned me onto several other authors and people I'll need to check out. Anyone that is a fan of the Ron Swanson characteristics that Mr. Offerman made famous on Parks and Recreation would do good to read this book. Preferably on a hand crafted canoe.

Very enjoyable read. Followed this one with Paddle Your Own Canoe by Mr. Offerman. Now I talk about the author as if I actually knew him. Highly recommend both books and most likely any and everything else by Nick Offerman. I don't recommend reading this book while in bed when your mate is trying to sleep. They'll be awakened by your uncontrollable laughter. Informative and funny. A great combination!

This book is, as the author self describes, a means to meet most the people the author admires. The writing is in the style of a self thought journal, but it doesn't make it any less "a good read" and down right hilarious at some points. It provides some great insights into some well known public figures as well. While I don't agree with all Mr. Offerman's view points, reading his atheist, pro-liberal rhetoric only serves to highlight my own beliefs to the contrary and doesn't hinder my ability to respect the man or his writing.

I really enjoyed Offerman's style - quite entertaining and vocabulary rich. Had me going to the dictionary on more than one occasion. I was a little turned off by the first two people highlighted, but each chapter was better than the one preceding. I enjoyed his sense of humor immensely, and even have curiosity about woodworking. Thoroughly enjoyable read.

As a fan of Nick's TV work, and his previous book, I was looking forward to giving this a go.I had been concerned that a book solely about great Americans might come across as a little too patriotic. My worries were completely unfounded. Offerman delivers a really interesting, funny, and fair look at some of America's greatest figures from the country's founding to its present day.

Another great book from my fellow Lagavulin lover.

I purchased this for my husband, a man who rarely feels inclined to read, and he loved it!

If you like Parks and Recreation,then this book is for you .The author is writing about people be admires in his own particular style

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