I have very mixed feelings about Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America’s Gutsiest Troublemakers by Nick Offerman. I’ll start out by saying that I don’t think I would have gotten through it if I hadn’t been listening to the audiobook. His writing style is a little odd – he mixes humor and a very casual style with thesaurus-worthy big words that I think would feel disorienting in print. It continually struggles with the combination of self-depreciating humor about his intelligence/writing skills and very flowery, overly manipulated descriptions. But I think it works ok when he’s narrating it – because he’s Nick Offerman.
So then: the subject matter. He selects 21 Americans from the full range of our country’s history: George Washington through Conan O’Brien, and describes why he thinks they represent the American spirit in a positive way. He combines most of these biographic portraits with parallels to issues we’re struggling with in the present day. I think this is a pretty neat idea, but most of the portraits weren’t long enough to really satisfy my craving for a deeper, “meatier” look into the lives of those he’s featuring. There were a few exceptions: his section about George Saunders was pretty wonderful.
I also felt “talked down to” when he was describing some pieces of US history, in particular the internment of Japanese U.S. citizens during WWII, as if the reader had never heard about it before. (Granted – some readers probably haven’t.)
It left me thinking that maybe I’m not the right target for this one – I think it would make an excellent book for younger people – probably college age, who are starting to go through their own “giving-a-shit” (borrowing a phrase from Shaina) renaissance. I think if I had encountered it when I was 18 or 19 and just starting to think more deeply about politics and history, I would have gobbled it up and asked for more.
I’ve been pretty critical about this one thus far, so I’d like to add this: I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Nick Offerman. I think he’s a hardworking, curious, intelligent, top-notch dude, with a lot of gumption to boot. I love that he wanted to write a book like this, and that he did. I think we need more humans like him, especially ones using their celebrity / influence for such good. This one fell a little flat for me, but I still enjoyed listening to it. I hope he keeps writing more books, and keeps on being awesome.
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I’m glad you wrote this one up, but I’m sorry you had mixed feelings about it. I was so excited when I heard he was doing another book I have to admit I was a bit disappointed when I learned what it was about. I just want more Offerman being Offerman. But I’m curious to see, as a somewhat non-political person (as that term relates to someone interested in ‘poiitics,’ not issues) if I will feel the same or differently. I have no doubt but that Offerman will be teaching me more than he could teach you. and I do have the print version, so will report back for sure.
I agree – I really enjoyed his first book, and was optimistic about this one, but I wish it was more meaty.
I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that you, as someone who cares passionately about the world and social issues, might also find that his book is a little bit “preaching to the choir” – which isn’t always a bad thing. I just saw glimmers of the “more” that I wanted – especially in (as I mentioned) the George Saunders piece, but other places too. But I still enjoyed it – I hope that came through in the review… I’m not sure if it did or not. I liked walking to work having Nick Offerman chatting away in my ear about things he cares deeply about. I’m critical of it out of love. :D
I also wanted to note that I do hope you enjoy it when you read it! He’s a good one, our Nick Offerman.
I think it certainly came through, but your issues were also quite clear and distinct. I will keep you posted as to whether I”m part of the choir or not. :) Sob, my stack is so high, Emily!
I hear you Lauren, I hear you. In what lifetime will we ever get to poor William Least Heat Moon!?
Poor, poor, William. I hope he’s not holding his breath. Maybe we need to put it on our “Must Read” list for 2016 and do it in bits.
I thought about picking this one up the other day. I am new to the Parks and Rec bandwagon, so I am all about picking up the books/watching other projects of the cast.
I think it takes a discerning reader to know why things didn’t work for you but to realize what kind of readers would appreciate it. Great review!
I think it’s definitely worth reading with the right mindset, especially for fans of the show. You’ll feel like Ron Swanson is living and breathing and your pal (maybe a more socially conscious Ron Swanson) and it’s wonderful.
I’d also recommend Yes Please by Amy – a very fun read! I’ve heard the audiobook of that one is a treat too.