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

Nick Offerman

Oct 2013 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Nick Offerman

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.

Ratings and reviews

I don't practice religion, however, he spent over 30 minutes trashing the Bible, people who do practice religion and people who believe in creationism, for: Presenting their "opinions" as facts. Then proceeded to arrogantly present his opinions on religion as though they were infallible truths, with the same lack of open-mindedness that he accused religious people of.

Incredible book! Hilarious and thought provoking. Even better when read by Nick himself. I highly recommend this book, and encourage others to ignore the negative comments from religious extremists... Nick, like everyone, has freedom of religion and he discusses his views in a thoughtful, kind, and open way. And if you can't get over someone having different religious thoughts, skip that chapter... though I recommend you give it a listen!

Wholesome, pleasant stories well told. Creates a warm, pleasant space to occupy while listening. You can discount the kookoo reviews from easily triggered evangelicals who have never heard Nick speak before. Even the fictional character Ron Swanson was comically extreme in his libertarian views. Challenge yourself to hear views different from your own.

About the author

Nick Offerman is a stage and screen actor and woodworker. He is married to the most beautiful and talented actress working today, Megan Mullally. They live in Los Angeles, CA with their three poodles. Nick is as good at using a broom as anybody you're likely to come across.