<sigh>
Nick Offerman, best known by some as surly local government antithetical perma-worker Ron Swanson on the most excellent television program "Parks and Recreation", and best known by others as a woodworker and proprietor of the Offerman Woodshop, is also a damned fine author. An author who giggles quite a lot at book readings.
"Gumption", Mr. Offerman's second book following "Paddle Your Own Canoe", is an exploration of 21 great Americans who, according to Nick, have an unshakable work ethic, a desire to succeed, and have achieved greatness through their accomplishments, either on on the grande scale end of the spectrum ala George Washington, or at the niche end, such as master tool maker Thomas Lie-Nielsen. All of the Americans profiled are, in their own way, tough sumbitches. Even the ladies. Yes, even Yoko Ono. (When you read Mr. Offerman's description of Yoko's toughness, you will look at her in a new light - guaranteed).
"Gumption" is divided into three sections "Freemasons", "Idealists", and "Makers". The "Freemasons" section includes George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Frederick Douglass. The Douglass chapter was very educational and enlightening for me, especially the story of how Douglass taught himself to read when it was illegal for him to do so.
While "Freemasons" was good, it was in "Idealists" that Mr. Offerman really hit his stride, especially the contemporary Americans whom he was able to meet and interview in person. There's a definite fanboy aspect to some of his selections for the book (a fact that Nick freely admits), especially author Wendell Berry. Yes, there is a chapter about Wendell Berry, the off-the-grid Kentuckian/farmer who writes about life in fictional Port William. There is a chapter, and then there are mentions and stories about Wendell Berry in every other chapter in the book, practically. Mr. Offerman's obsession with the man and love of his work is apparent.
"Gumption" continues into "Makers", including the aforementioned Thomas Lie-Nielsen, founder of Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco fame, boatwright Nat Benjamin, American Comedic Goddess Carol Burnett, and artiste Laurie Anderson. Mr. Offerman's passion for the works produced by these folks flows through his work. Giddiness drips from the pages.
The chapters are not merely biographical sketches of his subjects. Mr. Offerman offers plenty of humor, and plenty of his own opinions on topics such as religion, marriage equality, equal pay for women, and many more. It's an amazingly readable and enjoyable book cover to cover.
So, why am I damning Nick Offerman? Since reading "Gumption" (and getting to meet and briefly chat with him during his book signing), I have had to add several of Wendell Berry's books to my personal (overflowing) library. And I want to go check out Wilco. And I want to track down Laurie Anderson's work (I'm not unfamiliar - dug her back in my college days). And I want to binge-watch Carol Burnett on Youtube (Carol was a staple of Saturday night TV in my house when I was growing up). And, yeah, I need to binge-watch "Parks and Recreation" too. Thanks to Nick Offerman, I'l be spending money on more books and music that will take up room in my house. Damn.
"Gumption" is one of the best books of the year. Superbly entertaining, and you will learn a lot about many great Americans.
Amazon link
"Gumption" was purchased by the reviewer.
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