Reviews

Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakers by Nick Offerman

shelbyl's review against another edition

funny informative lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

Smart, funny, clever, wordsmith.  Though a staunch feminist, not enough women examples in this book.  

dmfsharp's review against another edition

informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

karrama's review against another edition

5.0

I listened to the audiobook, so hearing Nick Offerman's voice express his admiration for these inventors and creators was one of the draws of this book for me. It invigorated my interest in creation overall.

kristenbritt's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

I really like Nick Offerman's writing and I love his voice.

helenburak's review against another edition

2.0

I like the idea for this book, and I think it started out well, but as it went on each chapter grew less and less about the actual subject and more just general thoughts in the vicinity of that person. I don't feel that I came away with a good understanding of who most of these subjects were.

tilleigh's review against another edition

medium-paced

3.0

kcrouth's review against another edition

5.0

Ok, i'm now officially a fan of Mr. Nick Offerman. "Paddle Your Own Canoe" got my attention, but "Gumption" sealed the deal. Gumption is a thoughtful, intelligent, funny, inspirational, and very grounded collection of interviews and essays about 21 of Mr. Offerman's heros, both historic and contemporary. Among these persons, i found a few of my own heroes, but also adopted some of his, meeting them for the first time through these essays. Nick (may i call you by your first name?) has a grounded, well informed, intelligent, and compassionate view on life, politics, work, and our world in general. It makes my heart and mind warm and happy to read his thoughtfully reasoned comments on these his heroes, and on their affect on him and our world, and how he builds upon their work and art. I'm looking forward to reading more from Mr. Offerman, as well as reading some of these newfound heroes found in this book. Gumption is a great uplifting and heartwarming read, especially in the context of the insanity we see in the news and on the internet daily. Two thumbs up!!!

protoman21's review against another edition

4.0

This is not at all what I expected it to be. I admit, that I mostly just know Offerman from Parks and Rec, but inferring from the title, I expected a heaping dose of 'Murica, but instead what I got was a very intelligent and balanced look at some historical figures and a collection of Americans whom Offerman admires. Offerman is an absolute pleasure to get to know better and the fact that he narrated the audiobook makes it even better. He has strong opinions on things and isn't shy about expressing them, but he isn't confrontational at all. I found myself wanting to check out a lot of the works of the people he mentioned in the book, which is a sign of a great writer.

elizabethpero's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

annaj2143's review against another edition

informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

3.5