Nick Offerman

Let me just say, Daddy Nick can whisper sweet musings into my headphones as I walk the beach at Myrtle Beach anytime he wants. Where the Deer and the Antelope Play is a beautifully reflective audiobook, delivered by the man himself, Nick Offerman. If I didn’t already have a crush on him, this book would definitely seal the deal. He brings such charm and warmth to the narration—it’s like he’s right there hiking alongside you, sharing his deep thoughts about nature, society, and the show more delicate balance between the two.

This book was written during the pandemic, and you can feel Nick’s contemplative side as he takes us on hikes across the country, from the remote wilderness to farming homesteads across the pond. His reflections on the morality of modern life and its intersection with the natural environment hit home in a meaningful way. It’s a beautiful meditation on the way we live and the consequences of how we treat the planet and one another.

One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the book is Nick’s call to shop local and be mindful of the environmental burden we place on the Earth, especially when it comes to sourcing our food. He advocates for sustainability, for slowing down, and for taking the time to connect with nature. As someone who loves the outdoors, I appreciated how these ideas resonated with me, especially as I walked the beach, reflecting on the importance of slowing down and truly appreciating the world around us.

On a personal note, I also have to say that while Daddy Nick is everything, I think the only thing I might love more than him is Lady Offerman herself, Megan Mullally. Their relationship is everything.

In summary, Where the Deer and the Antelope Play is a heartwarming, thought-provoking read (or listen) that pairs perfectly with a peaceful stroll through nature. Nick Offerman’s storytelling style is engaging, humorous, and thought-provoking, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in nature, sustainability, and finding deeper meaning in our modern lives. show less

I wanted to like this more than I did. Paddle Your Own Canoe is not without its charms, and I even agreed with some of what he had to say about his approach to life (this is not a traditional memoir; it's what Offerman terms a "guide to delicious living"). Offerman clearly adores his wife, and has some fun anecdotes and some amusing turns of phrase. I listened to this in audiobook, and that's probably the best medium for it.

Yet the book could easily have been edited down by a third and been show more the better for it. Nor does it help that while Offerman is upfront (almost performatively so) about the fact that most people are assholes and he is no exception, he doesn't always seem aware of ways in which he has been an asshole. For instance, I don't think stalking your ex-girlfriend and following her all the way to Jamaica is as amusing a story as Offerman does. The tale of how he and his male co-workers used to compete to see who could masturbate most during the work-day made me really uncomfortable for his female co-workers, and no, Mr Offerman, you weren't just "lucky" when you got away with getting high and shop-lifting when you were in college. You were a straight, white, middle-class guy in central Illinois. show less

Listened to this on audio, read by Offerman himself. First, I'd listen to him narrate the phone book, he's excellent. Second, I loved this book, but from reading some of the reviews afterword, I might be in the minority, but this book so worked for me. In the first section he tells the tale of his trip to Glacier National Park with Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) and George Saunders. The second part is the experiences he and his wife, Megan Mullaly have with a new RV as they travel across the country to show more visit their families during the pandemic. Sure he's part of the "liberal elite", he recognizes his privilege in his stories and he wear's his politics on his sleeve. But his love of nature and his pull no punches, folksy style was very engaging for me. Recommend show less

Honestly, I wasn't aware of Offerman's various public personae of actor, comedian, writer, and boatbuilder. Had I been, I might have enjoyed this book even more. The first section, relating his sojourn in Glacier National Park with two also-famous and creative friends, was particularly enjoyable. It being the 2020's, politics and political culture definitely find their way into the content. This may put some people off. But IMO, to ignore it would have rendered the book pale and lifeless, show more like a mannequin that is sort of like a living thing but really isn't.
[Audiobook note: Offerman reads the book himself, which is a delight.] show less