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    Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living
    Unavailable
    Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living
    Unavailable
    Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living
    Audiobook10 hours

    Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living

    Published by Penguin Random House Audio

    4/5

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    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Parks and Recreation actor Nick Offerman shares his humorous fulminations on life, manliness, meat, and much more in his first book.

    Growing a perfect moustache, grilling red meat, wooing a woman--who better to deliver this tutelage than the always charming, always manly Nick Offerman, best known as Parks and Recreation's Ron Swanson?  

    Combining his trademark comic voice and very real expertise in woodworking -- he runs his own woodshop -- Paddle Your Own Canoe features tales from Offerman's childhood in small-town Minooka, Illinois -- "I grew up literally in the middle of a cornfield" -- to his theater days in Chicago, beginnings as a carpenter/actor and the hilarious and magnificent seduction of his now-wife Megan Mullally.   It also offers hard-bitten battle strategies in the arenas of manliness, love, style, religion, woodworking, and outdoor recreation, among many other savory entrees.

    A mix of amusing anecdotes, opinionated lessons and rants, sprinkled with offbeat gaiety, Paddle Your Own Canoe will not only tickle readers pink but may also rouse them to put down their smart phones, study a few sycamore leaves, and maybe even hand craft (and paddle) their own canoes.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateOct 1, 2013
    ISBN9780698135710
    Unavailable
    Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living

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    Reviews for Paddle Your Own Canoe

    4/5

    356 ratings28 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Started this as an audiobook with my daughter as we drove from Massachusetts to NYC and back during a little father-daughter Broadway excursion for her 19th birthday. We made it through the first half of the book, and once I flew home I finished it off in the printed form as the audiobook narration had mentioned I was missing out on illustrations.Offerman is a pretty easy guy for me to relate to as we both grew up Catholic in the rural Midwest, just three years apart in age and 150 miles in distance. From the book, I find that we have a lot of attitudes in common when it comes to politics and other people. His drinking, drug use and asshole hijinks though remind me more of my brothers.Anyhow, this is a pretty straightforward and entertaining celebrity memoir, fluffed out with some philosophizing sure to please Ron Swanson fans. I was a little surprised that Parks and Recreation is mentioned almost in passing with Offerman getting cast on the show in only the last 40 pages or so. Perhaps he was planning on getting a second volume out of his experiences there at a later time?So don't go into this expecting a lot of celebrity gossip, as Offerman spends most of the time writing about his family, and his high school and college years. Still fun though.
    • 4/5
      Nick Offerman graced our screens for seven wonderful seasons as Ron Swanson on the much-loved TV show Parks and Recreation. In Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man’s Fundamentals for Delicious Living, he regales the reader with the years prior to and including part of that happy period, which happen to be just as fascinating and hilarious as you would expect.

      In his memoir and guidebook, Offerman provides wise words of advice for all members of society, particularly adults in the working world. While his bluntness about his personal beliefs and political affiliations could be off-putting to some, he makes it very clear that he does not want to push his opinions on the reader, which I found to be very admirable and refreshing. Offerman also touches upon his experimentations with drugs, which fascinates to say the least, but in my opinion, is probably not ideal for the ears and eyes of children.

      If you were not already aware, the man is the epitome of funny. His tales of woe, happiness, and…well, downright stupidity (we all have those moments), massively amuse. You can parse out a lot of wisdom from his mistakes and successes. Offerman frequently acknowledges his ultimate triumph, obtaining the love and affection of his lovely wife, Megan Mullally. Frankly, his adoration for her takes the breath away. Forget Wesley and Buttercup, adios Romeo and Juliet, the love between Nick and Megan is the ultimate love story.

      If you’re an aspiring actor, this is also the book for you. Offerman’s path to success was not an easy one, and he charged through many obstacles on his way to obtaining the elusive network television show contract. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll scream at the studio executives (that’s normal, right?), but at least you’ll know that it doesn’t end in failure.

      Offerman is also a huge proponent of self-reliance and fulfillment. He does not molly-coddle or beat around the bush when it comes to following your passion as a career. Few careers “pay off” right away, some careers take time, and many will never be your primary source of income. In fact, he proudly considers himself both an actor and a wood-worker. Ultimately, Offerman emphasizes that if you use your brains, talent and creativity to find a job that you like, and if you are willing to apply grit and hard-work to that chosen profession, you’ll live a full and happy life.

      Nick Offerman’s Paddle Your Own Canoe gifts the reader with a thought-provoking look into a professional actor’s life and work. While he shares many similarities with his most well-known character, do not expect to hear from Ron Swanson. In fact, Offerman’s life provides an even deeper sense of entertainment and wisdom because it’s real. Grab a beer, grill some bacon, sit back, relax, and give this one a read!
    • 5/5
      Loved it! Offerman is a straight-talking, no nonsense, artistic, sensitive, manly, artist.
    • 4/5
      A refreshing, charming and no-nonsense memoir-cum-advice manual in Offerman's distinctive voice. This is no surprise to anyone familiar with Offerman's stage show ("American Ham"), but those who mostly know him as Ron Swanson (of _Parks and Recreation_) may be pleasantly surprised by the wit and creativity of Offerman's book.
    • 5/5
      A fantastic take on the "how to be a man" genre combined with a charming memoir. And yes, plenty of advice on delicious living for 2014.
    • 4/5
      I went into this book thinking that it was going to be a Ron Swansonish sort of book. I was wrong, but pleasantly so. I found his way of writing to be easy to understand and become involved with him as a person. You really get the sense that Nick Offerman is more than just a man's man. He is more like a giant teddy bear in all senses of the word. Passionate and determined, Nick Offerman brings you through his life of ups and downs. Heartfelt and meaningful with healthy doses of humor, I would recommend this book to any and all comers.
    • 5/5
      Good advice mixed with hilarious good advice. You absolutely must listen to the audiobook though, Offerman's timing and delivery completely sells the humor.
    • 3/5
      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.
    • 4/5
      Also known as the Tao of Nick. Though he sort of goes all over the place and follows tangents for some time, the book is funny and interesting at the same time. It is not just a tale of how he became to represent all that is being a man but also profers suggestions as to sucking the marrow from this life. At times inspiring, informative and funny, I look forward to more work from Nick.
    • 4/5
      In this book Nick Offerman sold me on Nick Offerman. It challenged me in few ways due to our similar views on things but I am ok with that. This was an entertaining memoir-ish book written by a comedian and actor so I wasn't expecting revelation what I was expecting was a much more fun commute and it's exactly what I got.
    • 3/5
      I'm a big Ron Swanson fans and I was expected a book written in the style of that character. I don't know why, but I did. And it sort of starts out like what you'd expect, with a childhood on a farm, a love of woodworking and a strong stance on the separation of Church and State. There is some humor, but since this is an autobiography of Offerman's life, not Swanson's, it's the bio of a nerdy drama geek, and I hate to say it, but a lot of it is just boring.
    • 1/5
      I just couldn't get into this. Maybe if I had ever seen the TV show that made the author famous it would help? I don't know.
    • 4/5
      Great book - those looking for a book of Ron Swanson-isms may be disappointed but if you're interested in Nick Offerman, biographies, general life and/or humour then you'll be sure to enjoy reading this one.
    • 4/5
      Offerman talks with a modern, yet old fashioned tone. He displays his beliefs and reasoning with a solemn rhythm. Beliefs that are never zealous, but have passion behind them. And despite his public demeanor, he is never overly masculine, but is still a fair bit.

      He is a fine fellow, and I eagerly await my partaking of his other book, Gumption as I hear him use more big, $10 words like gumption.
    • 5/5
      More than just a funny read (or listen if you tuned in to the audiobook as I did), Offerman offers a unique and refreshing take on modern masculinity and what it's like to love and live as a part of the entertainment industry.
    • 5/5
      This book is so funny and informative . He knows how to live ???
    • 4/5
      Nick Offerman merges Thoreauvian self-suffiency tips for living with his memoir in this unique and engaging book. His writerly voice is wryly delightful. I especially enjoyed the second half of the book, when he talked about Megan Mullally and Parks and Recreation.
    • 2/5
      Ugh, this was not what I expected at all. First, I gotta say that I love Parks & Recreation. I think Ron Swanson from P&R and Dwight Schrute from The Office are two of the best, enduring characters of this generation of television.

      So, when my husband and I saw this book, we were giddy. We looked forward to some Ron Swanson awesomeness. I was aware it's not about Ron Swanson the character, but about the actor, Nick Offerman. However, I was expecting something along the lines of "BossyPants," "A Girl Walks Into A Bar," "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?," or "Let's Pretend This Never Happened." Some funny chapters about childhood, college, breaking into the business, and inspirations.

      And there's elements of that...but in the first half of the book I got annoyed by his constant focus on his political and religious views. Seriously, it started to seem more like the writings of a political commentator than a comedian. And not even a political satirist like John Stewart or Stephen Colbert. I wanted some fun, laugh-out-loud reading, what I got was Nick Offerman's views in the face. Oh and seeing how the majority of the human race loses their virginity at some point, I really wasn't interested in his descriptions.

      I wanted to like and laugh at this book, but it clearly wasn't for me.
    • 5/5
      loved it
    • 5/5
      And absolutely amazing fun intelligent and well put together book. I have nothing negative to say about it and I got some pearls of wisdom. I know next to nothing about Nick Offerman I have enjoyed some of his work but that is the extent of it. I can now say I am a hard-core fan of this lucky funny eloquent eclectic renaissance man.
    • 5/5
      A hilarious and surprisingly insightful guide to living. Offerman is amazing.
    • 4/5
      Such a pleasing listen.
    • 4/5
      If you're looking for a part memoir/part life guide written by a wordsy, funny, contemplative follicly gifted man of the world...this is it!

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      If you are unsure how to treat your significant other read this book and Nick Offerman will lay it out for you in delicious detail. I am going to make my boyfriend read this book. His love for his wife in all aspects is inspiring. He doesn't hide his lust for her, but her intelligence and humor are also showcased. He also emphasizes that they are friends which is so important. He has a passage in there about love that I am seriously considering using in my wedding.

      He is hilarious, honest, and incredibly hardworking. He fully admits that he has lucked into a lot of his success and then explains that he kept it by working hard. He also is sincerely grateful for all the people he has encountered and all the opportunities they have given him. I love his emphasis on spending time with friends and enjoying life. He also explains the difference between a character one plays and ones personal life.

      I loved this book and want to buy a physical copy to keep in my apartment. He is a wordsmith, that made me blush, cry and want to share with everyone. I might even pick a quote to cross stitch. He is my new celebrity crush.
    • 5/5
      entertaining and honest.
    • 5/5
      I didn't think I could like anyone more than Ron Swanson, I now have a new idol nick offerman.
    • 5/5
      A very good audiobook, funny yet insightfull at times.
    • 5/5
      Listen to this now. The book is fantastic.