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Paddle Your Own Canoe
Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living | Nick Offerman
When it comes to growing a robust mustache, masticating red meat, building a chair, or wooing a woman, who better to educate you than the always charming, always manly Nick Offerman, best known as Parks and Recreations Ron Swanson? Combining his trademark comic voice and very real expertise in carpentry, Paddle Your Own Canoe features tales from Offermans childhood (born, literally, in the middle of an Illinois cornfield) to his theater days in Chicago to the, frankly, magnificent seduction of his wife, Megan Mullally. Offerman also shares his hard-bitten battle strategies in the arenas of manliness, love, styles, and religion, and invaluable advice on getting the utmost pleasure out of woodworking, assorted meats, outdoor recreations, and other palatable entrees.
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Kris10H
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Bailedbailed

To clarify... I didn't bail, the library took it away before I had a chance to finish. That's what happens when you have multiple books on the go. I will definitely borrow it again (I'm on the wait list). I enjoy Offerman's views on things like religion, politics, and basic human decency, among other things. Image borrowed from Google, uncredited

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KristenDuck
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Pickpick

Nick Offerman is without a doubt one of my favorite actors - thank goodness I found Parks and Rec at the start of this pandemic!

The sound of his voice is magical. Without a doubt, this book is one that MUST be listened to in order to enjoy its full potential because its true that having Offerman narrate made all the difference.

He talks about his childhood, family, work... but I feel like his parts about his wife were undoubtedly the best.

Scochrane26 I like Gumption the best out of his books. Partly because he wrote a chapter devoted to my favorite author, who is also his fave. 4y
TuesdayReviews I‘m listening to him read a collection of Wendell Berry essays now. He really does have a great voice for audiobooks. 4y
peanutnine If you love hearing about his relationship with his wife, you should listen to the audiobook for their book they wrote together. They narrate it together and it's more like a conversation. It's hilarious 4y
Rollinsfan1 I read this and loved it! 4y
cmastfalk Loved his narration of Tom Sawyer. 4y
84 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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midath75
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Mehso-so

I‘ve enjoyed Mr. Offerman‘s other works and I‘m a big fan of his work but this one was a little flat for me. Still entertaining at times though and will give you a good Ron Swanson giggle at times.

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Scochrane26
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Pickpick

I ❤️Ron Swanson. I like Nick Offerman because he‘s a fan of Wendell Berry & nature. This is his first book, & while it kept me reading, I didn‘t love it. Maybe because I already know a lot of his story from The Greatest Love Story Ever Told. Maybe because he spends too much time on acting tips that I don‘t care about. I enjoyed some chapters more than others. A lot of profanity for those who aren‘t into that. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ElaineR As much as I love Ron Swanson (and Nick Offerman) not sure I could read this. May be one to look out for in charity shop sometime. Good 5y
Scochrane26 @ElaineR I liked his book, Gumption, better. 5y
31 likes2 comments
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Kalalalatja
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Panpan

So, I love Nick Offerman. And I thought I would enjoy this, which I did in certain places. However, this felt a little dated, especially regarding meat consumption vs. the enviroment. Offerman is progressive on certain issues, but after a while, it got to the point where Offerman‘s voice was just background noise for my other engagements. He does have a killer audio narrator voice, though, and I could listen to him talk about his wife all day!

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faelinwolf
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Visiting the University of Illinois for a confernce & got to see a good friend who took me the this awesome park. Nick Offerman built this gazebo & donated it! It's near the Japan House that his sensei started. So cool! & I got to see a bunch of turtles & giant koi! It's gonna be a good conference. 😄

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faelinwolf
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Found a new park to go walking in! Had a lovely walk this morning. #audiowalk

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StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
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Getting off my butt to enjoy a book & a view. 🎧📖 #yyc

92 likes1 stack add
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StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
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Audio walking, in my bookish duds. 🎧📚

umbrellagirl Looking good! 5y
Christine Love both the look and the book! 5y
106 likes3 comments
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8little_paws
Panpan

This is a 2 star read, bumped up by good narration. I learned far more about Offerman's sex life than I had any desire to, and he spends a lot of time griping about office jobs and how you should follow your passion..... that unrealistic advice always grates. How do you expect society to function if everyone followed this advice? Pass. I loved his book recently released with his wife though.

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SpacePepper
Pickpick

Fantastic, hilarious, inspirational. The man speaks truths

britt_brooke Loved this! 6y
CoffeeNBooks Welcome to Litsy! 📚 6y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 📖💙 6y
See All 6 Comments
Slajaunie Welcome to Litsy! 📖📚💚 6y
AlwaysForeverReading Welcome to Litsy!!💜📚 6y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🌺 6y
14 likes6 comments
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kidamy
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A portion of the books I ordered off of book outlet today. Of course, I can't just order books without telling @janeycanuck about it!

When it comes to buying books, we're like women on a diet who invite each other over to save each other by eating half the dessert.

janeycanuck That reminds me - I have a bourbon apple pie that I shouldn‘t eat on my own. 6y
kidamy @janeycanuck on my way! 6y
30 likes2 comments
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alvingregorio
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Pickpick

He is so delightful. A refreshing blend of old- and new-school values. Audiobook is highly recommended. Hearing him giggle makes this a winner.

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alvingregorio
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Just started and already loving it.

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GlitterGirl
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Starting on this!!! Super excited!😎😎😎😎😎

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shaynarae
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Now that I‘m driving to/from work, I‘m making a big switch to audiobooks. How could I resist Nick Offerman reading to me for 8 hours? Despite not always being my jam, I picked this up because I wanted to hear about Nick Offerman from Nick Offerman, and that‘s exactly what I got. No disappointments here!

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Bibliogeekery
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First paddle of the year! 🛶

KimHM This is beautiful! Where is it? 7y
Melissa_J Were the blackflies bad? They were awful at my parent‘s cottage in Eastern Ontario - we couldn‘t go outside for more than 15 mins without a bug suit on 😢 7y
Bibliogeekery @KimHM Muskoka, Ontario 7y
Bibliogeekery @Melissa_J They were very present! They weren't bad out on the water, though. We had bug hats with us at all times though! 7y
61 likes4 comments
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LadyChristy
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The result of today‘s #audiobaking: Banoffee Pie! 🍌🥧 Blame it on the Great British Bake-off. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Now where‘s my Hollywood Handshake? 🤝

Mommamanzi Omg yeeeeeees please!! 😍😍😍 7y
Ingerella Yum! I'm hooked on a show on Netflix called Zumbo's just desserts. It's like the Great British Bake off but in Australia...so fun to watch! 7y
ReadingEnvy Nice 7y
48 likes3 comments
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danimgill
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Pickpick

Nick Offerman has had such an interesting life and I love his bonkers grasp on vocabulary. This book makes me want to throw my phone into a mountain river that I am also canoeing down while whittling but I think I‘ll settle for starting to hike when the weather improves 😜

britt_brooke Loved this one! I‘m listening to Gumption now on audio. 7y
danimgill @britt_brooke Ooh I‘ll have to add that to my TBR! Audio definitely seems like the way I‘ll go for his other books 😊 (edited) 7y
britt_brooke @danimgill He‘s such a great narrator. 👍🏻 7y
59 likes3 comments
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kyraleseberg
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Pickpick

This was an entertaining read about Nick Offerman's road to Parks and Rec. I enjoyed his dry humor, reading about his start in acting (though I found myself only skimming the chapter of college stories), and finding that he is equal parts Ron Swanson and hippie (and not because of the copious amounts of weed discussed).

20 likes2 stack adds
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kyraleseberg
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🙌

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kyraleseberg
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Can't. Stop. Laughing. 😂😂😂

AllenTStClair Perineum‘s Bane and The Pigfucker! 😂🤣🤣😂🤣 7y
kyraleseberg @AllenTStClair 😂😂😂 The entire book is hilarious and these random illustrations just make it better! 7y
AllenTStClair @kyraleseberg TBR‘d simply due to this post! 7y
kyraleseberg @AllenTStClair You will not be disappointed 😂 7y
25 likes1 stack add4 comments
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britt_brooke
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Pickpick

“Pursue decency in all dealings with your fellow man and woman. Simply put? Don‘t be an asshole.”

I‘ve seen never seen an episode of Parks and Rec (I know, I‘m lame!), but I knew Offerman was a funny and I love memoirs, so why not?? I‘m a fan now. I particularly loved his candid, intelligent, funny comments on religion. This was funny and brash, but there were some very thoughtful bits, too. I want to hang out with him and Megan Mullally so bad.

britt_brooke 📷: People 7y
SheReadsAndWrites I‘m listening to his book, Gumption, and it is awesome. He is so great ♥️ 7y
Librariana I will need to listen to this! I love Megan as the voice of Gayle on Bob's Burgers 😊💙🍔 And I believe he lent his voice to a character, too? I'd have to double check... But yeah, I'm with you on needing to watch Parks and Rec. 7y
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Cspen113 Definitely check out Parks and Rec!Especially once they really got rolling, it is a favorite of mine. His character is particularly fantastic! Added this one to my stack!! 7y
That-Bookish-Hiker I jus finished binge watching Parks & Rec. I never watched it when it was on TV and now I love it. He is my favorite part of the show. 7y
saresmoore From what I know of him, he is an exemplary human. 7y
alvingregorio Treat yo' self! to Parks and Rec (P&R reference) 7y
emilyhaldi You must watch Parks & Rec!!! 🙌🏻 7y
britt_brooke @SheReadsAndWrites I just placed a hold for that one on Overdrive! 👍🏻 7y
britt_brooke @Librariana I‘ve not seen Bob‘s Burgers either. But I love her a Karen Walker so much! 7y
britt_brooke @Cspen113 @That-Bookish-Hiker @alvingregorio @emilyhaldi I promise I will! Looks up my alley anyway. Not sure why I didn‘t watch it when it was new. 7y
britt_brooke @saresmoore He definitely seems like it! 💚 7y
TNbookworm I am a huge Parks and Rec fan! Love Ron Swanson❤ 7y
vivastory Have you seen the pictures of him as Ignatius J. Reilly? He was in a play & the pictures look great 7y
britt_brooke @vivastory Yes!! He looked pretty perfect. 7y
LazyDays How do you read so fast!🌈👏 Ron Swanson is the best character ! I feel that Nick Offerman is mostly really like that!😄 7y
britt_brooke @LazyDays Haha, so with really good audiobooks, I end up listening almost all day while doing all the stay at home parent things I need to do (gym, laundry, dinner). And think I sped this up to 1.5x so that helped! 😉 7y
LazyDays Oh what a great idea! 👏🌈 7y
britt_brooke @LazyDays It‘s a total #blameitonlitsy thing! I didn‘t start listening to audiobooks until a few months ago, and only because of this fine place. ☺️ 7y
LazyDays I love to blame listy!🙆💞 This is the best website out there! 7y
britt_brooke @LazyDays Absolutely! It‘s my favorite place. Such a positive community of readers. Since joining (nearly 2 years ago), I‘ve never read more or with more vigor. Good influences! 😄🙌🏻 7y
LazyDays @britt_brooke RIGHT?! I used to read so much. But no one I know really cares about books 📚🙆🎉 But listy....listy gets me 😂✌ now I'm back on my book wagon! Everyone is so nice and thoughtful! Its amazing, so many book clubs, Pen Pals, really a cool place 😎✌🌟🌈 7y
britt_brooke @LazyDays These are our people! 🤗💚🙌🏻 7y
128 likes9 stack adds23 comments
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britt_brooke
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I‘m sharing this because I personally agree with Nick Offerman, not because I‘m saying you have to feel the same way.

#NickOfferman #audio #overdrive #quote #quotes

bibliobliss Well said, Ron (I mean, Nick!) Lol 7y
Rachellynnwright Love this!! 7y
britt_brooke @Readage 😆🙌🏻 7y
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Carolyn11215 👍 7y
LauraJ 💯❗️ 7y
LeahBergen 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 7y
OrangeMooseReads 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 a little louder for those in the back 7y
britt_brooke @OrangeMooseReads 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻😆 YES. 7y
LauraJ @britt_brooke Also, best Funko ever? Ron Swanson with a coffee mug! 7y
britt_brooke @LauraJ Ha, I googled it and it‘s fantastic! 7y
Librariana But I SOOOO feel the same way! 7y
britt_brooke @Librariana 💚💚💚 7y
Jess7 💙💙💙 Yes! (edited) 7y
britt_brooke @Jess7 🙌🏻 7y
122 likes7 stack adds16 comments
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britt_brooke
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umbrellagirl I love him! 7y
britt_brooke @umbrellagirl I have to admit, I‘m not all that familiar with him, but I am LOVING this book. 7y
114 likes7 stack adds2 comments
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eachwishrezigned
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Pickpick

It took 4 hours and 11 minutes of reading today, but I finally finished this book. Started it last year but took some breaks and detours along the way. Now I need to rewatch American Ham and Summer of 69. And make something out of wood.
#24in48 #watchmeburn

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eachwishrezigned
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I don‘t know why this book is taking me so long to read. Or why I read so slowly to begin with. I‘ve been reading for an hour and have only gotten through 32 pages... I‘m not very good at this. Also, I‘m going to try to see how much I can get done for #24in48 but the forms on the website are too laggy, so I probably won‘t do too much official stuff, but I still plan on reading as much as I can this weekend!

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eachwishrezigned
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1. Started last year, hoping to finish it at least this month.
2. Thin book to make me feel like I‘ve read more.
3. A classic I‘ve never read and which will fit in my vest pocket at work. (They haven‘t told me it‘s okay to read there, and I haven‘t asked, so I‘m just testing the waters until someone says something. It can‘t be coincidence that my left pocket is the perfect size for a mass market paperback, right?)

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Leelee08
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Saw Nick Offerman at the Louisville Palace last night! Nice little vacay for me and the hubby!❤️🍳🥓#ronswanson #parksandrecreation

MaleficentBookDragon I ❤️ him! 7y
MrBook 😁👏🏻 7y
AmyG Must have been wonderful. 7y
64 likes3 comments
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tracyrowanreads
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Pickpick

I don‘t really know if you‘ll love this book the way I do. I hope so. I hope you will love it and leave a message saying, “We must be kindred spirits.” Because there‘s nothing better in the world.

tracyrowanwrites.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/review-paddle-your-own-canoe-by-nick-offerman/

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tracyrowanreads

Nick Offerman is my soul mate.

Okay, not really, but a kindred spirit. This is a great book.

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TongueTiedSLP11
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It's summertime which means time for light and ridiculous reads.

ruthemmielang I love him! 7y
5 likes1 stack add1 comment
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monalyisha
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Hope all you American Littens got outside & had a Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

(I'll be honest... my husband mostly paddled the canoe. 😂)

Megann886 He should be the poster boy for a follow up book...perhaps "Carve Your Own Oars". 7y
27 likes1 comment
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Bibliogeekery
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First paddle of the year! 🛶😍❤️

Lacythebookworm That looks amazing! 😊 8y
Melissa_J Beautiful! It's overcast here today, with rain expected. 8y
Bibliogeekery @Melissa_J it was from yesterday. It's rainy and overcast here too 8y
Texreader Oh so awesome! 8y
melbeautyandbooks Beautiful! 8y
91 likes5 comments
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Josie
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Mehso-so

There is nothing I can pinpoint that I hated about this book. However, I didn't really enjoy it either. I enjoyed learning about Offerman's upbringing and how he came to be on Parks and Rec. I feel like I may have enjoyed this more if I was a man. #litsyatoz #LetterO

Cspen113 I love him on Parks and Rec though!! 8y
87 likes1 stack add2 comments
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AlexandraGriffin
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This is the first year I'll be spending Christmas in a new city, completely alone. My parents sent me some presents and I've got them set up under the great Nick Offerman and his Yule log. Now to find my own bottle of lagavulin...... 🥃🎄🎁

Leelee08 Yes!!!! 8y
MrBook Alone?! Aww 😕. Next year if you're alone, come spend it with me and @BookBabe 😊👍🏻. #LitsyFamily 8y
27 likes2 comments
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angrylilasian
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Pickpick

#bestblurbs EVER!
I am a huge fan of Nick Offerman/Ron Swanson (because sometimes those two personalities blend) and his relationship with Megan Mullally is 💖💖💖.

This is another book best read in audiobook form. It's read by the author and his giggle is ridiculously cute.
#seasonsreadings2016
@RealLifeReading

AmandaL I'll read anything blurbed by Gandalf and/or a sugar maple tree. 😂 8y
Suet624 That's hysterical. 8y
jessicarenee I think this wins as #bestblurbs 😂😂 8y
42 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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Emily92Bibliophile
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#SOSLitsyAudiobookListeners. •Question of the evening: Which audiobook &/or which comedian should I listen to while getting a root canal this Wednesday?• As fun as dental work is (who am I kidding?! Lies!!) I can't bear to hear the sound of the dentist working on my tooth, giving me a couple gum numbing shots,& all the other loveliness that goes along with a root canal😳. ANYHOO which would YOU recommend listening to during this scenario? And GO!

Emily92Bibliophile Ps haven't bought either yet, but if either were to make dental visits/ root canals a little better/ less uncomfortable, I don't mind paying the $24 for it. 8y
Jessicav Nick Offerman is just so relaxing to listen to, and the book was hilarious and thoughtful. I loved Yes Please as well, but it's a little bit less chill, and more laugh out loud which might not be exactly what you're going for in this situation. Good luck! 8y
BeththeBookDragon Go with Offerman! 8y
Emily92Bibliophile 🎉Offerman it is! Thanks for the suggestions! @Jessicav haha that's good to know- that was another concern I had 😂 8y
24 likes4 comments
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booksbaconglitter
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Pickpick

Finished this audiobook in the middle of my 5.5 mile walk this morning. Nick Offerman made me laugh through many miles this week. I can't recommend the audiobook enough!

lynneamch Sounds like just what I need to get out walking again. Love it when I get so hooked that I want to walk for "just one more chapter. " ☺ 8y
16 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Smangela
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Pickpick

#Booktober Day 12 #LongTitle a toss up between these two...
I loved Nick Offerman's book - I related a lot to his personal mantras so to say and it was interesting to hear more about his relationship with Megan Mullally. Plus I appreciated that he made sure to state he is different than Ron Swanson (whom I love, don't get me wrong) because it's important to separate yourself from your work whether it's at a desk job or an actor.

Smangela As for Holly Madison's book - I thought it was well-written and an interesting look into a lifestyle I might not fully understand. 8y
RanaElizabeth @Smangela We actually read this once for book club and it was an amazing discussion. The book is obviously fluffy but there was some really fascinating/scary/horrible things. 8y
Smangela @RanaElizabeth yes!! There is always more than meets the eye especially with "reality" TV. I could easily see how it would prompt some great discussion! 8y
23 likes3 comments
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Ellsbeth
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Pickpick

I listened to this on audio, narrated by the author. It is, as you might expect, full of funny stories and witty advice. I particularly loved the section about the importance of good teachers (of course). Offerman is very much in love with his wife, and it is fun to hear him talk about her with such affection. Caution: If you are adverse to any sort of dirty humor, this may not be the book for you.

25 likes4 stack adds
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michaeltraps
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If you need a Parks and Recreation fix and have already watched the series 5+ times, look no further than this beauty on audiobook. It's as if Ron Swanson is whispering life advice in your ears for 10 hours.

4 likes2 stack adds
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Books_Wine_Repeat
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Pickpick

I'm in love with Nick Offerman, his sense of humor, his singing/speaking voice and I want to build my own canoe. 🚣🎭🎤💕

SaraFair @Books_Wine_Repeat - how is the language in this? An idea for my reading niece since she loves him too. 8y
Ellsbeth I'm listening to this right now and I'm really enjoying it. 8y
Books_Wine_Repeat @SaraFair He drops the occasional F/MF bomb. I'd say PG13 with adult content and drug references. 8y
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Books_Wine_Repeat @Ellsbeth I watched some of his stand up on YouTube last night. His goofy laugh kills me. 😆😆😆 8y
Ellsbeth He does have a great laugh. I love that he laughs at his own jokes. I work at the same place as my husband & my colleagues decided I am married to Ron Swanson. I think they are right. :) 8y
Books_Wine_Repeat @Ellsbeth That's awesome! 😀👍 8y
Ellsbeth We used to watch Parks & Rec and I'd just laugh because Ron would say things my husband already said at some point. 8y
65 likes5 stack adds7 comments
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Books_Wine_Repeat
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Needing a change of pace. This will do. 😆😆😆

Leelee08 This is a good one.😀 8y
LauraBeth This looks good 😀 8y
razmanda I saw him and his adorable wife in concert last week! They're the best! 8y
See All 6 Comments
becausetrains @razmanda lmao "him [Offerman] and his adorable wife" cracks me up, because based on their relative age and her longer career, I'd be more likely to say "Megan Mullaly and her adorable husband." ?? 8y
BookishFeminist This is so much fun on audio! 8y
BookishFeminist @becausetrains YEP. Also she's had a career for longer than he has! Megan Mullaly is so badass. We need to go to one of his comedy shows again. 🤓 8y
58 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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WordWaller
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AND WE'RE BACK (from the theaters seeing Star Trek Beyond, whoops!) Got a lot of catching up to do. Goal is still to hit 8 hours today and get to page 300 in IT, but then I saw this on my shelf unfinished and wanted something light... 😂💗📘 Just under 7 hours logged right now!

BookishFeminist You're way ahead of me on hours logged! You rock!! 8y
WordWaller @BookishFeminist thanks! I feel behind though when looking at other people's totals. I'm too competitive 😂 8y
39 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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CaseyMoore
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Pickpick

His books are not what I thought they would be, but I really like them. This one is more biography. It is still a nice kick in the pants (and I would strongly recommend it for any actors out there).

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Bry
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Pickpick

A humourous memoir with a dose of self-help (at least, for me). Made me want to get out and enjoy this beautiful planet. The narration on the audio was great, too.

Erik_The_Read Loved this book and his follow up, "Gumption", was equally hilarious and inspiring! 8y
15 likes8 stack adds1 comment