Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakers by Nick Offerman

For his second book, Nick Offerman wanted to bring attention to some of his favorite Americans, some of whom have been long dead and others he has had the enormous pleasure of meeting in person. In Gumption, each chapter is dedicated to one of these individuals, giving a brief biography of where they came from and what they're known for, followed by Offerman's personal reflections on the person's significance and how their ideas can make our country better.

The first section, "Freemasons," brings up founding fathers George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison, as well as slave-turned-orator Frederick Douglass. The second part is titled "Idealists" and runs the gamut from two separate Roosevelts, to a few great authors. Then the third section, "Makers," has the widest scope, from woodworkers to entertainers. The book is sprinkled with several mentions of Offerman's show Parks and Recreation and his wife Megan Mullally but this doesn't overshadow his point. He also uses humor to make the pill of biographical insight go down easier, though the repeated joke in the Jeff Tweedy chapter that the singer is his husband, is one bit that falls flat.

Even as a fan of Offerman and his writing style, I struggled to get into this book at first, as historical figures aren't usually something I find fun to read about. When he profiles Thomas Lie-Nielsen (owner of a tool company), Nat Benjamin (maker of wooden boats), and woodworker George Nakashima, I couldn't help feeling that Nick was being self-indulgent (he actually admits that one of the reasons for writing this book was to meet some of his heroes), and to be honest I largely skimmed those chapters.

In contrast, his words about Wendell Berry, Michael Pollan and George Saunders made me decide to seek out the books written by those fine gentlemen. One may find themselves with a newly evolved opinion of Yoko Ono, and a realization that Willie Nelson has more to him than his love of marijuana. I also learned about a few notable Americans I'd never heard of, like the Central Park designer Frederick Law Olmstead, and Laurie Anderson, a performance artist with an incredible array of talents.

I think this book turned out exactly as Offerman intended it, even if it does fall a bit outside mainstream interests, and for that I admire his gumption. He clearly feels strongly about the issues he raises and that these people deserve recognition, and with that I agree. However, I think implying via the title that all of them are "gutsy troublemakers" is a bit misleading. They are simply Americans who each did something worthwhile, and were modest about their accomplishments.

Except Conan O'Brien, that blowhard.


For more information about Nick Offerman, his books, or his woodshop, visit offermanwoodshop.com.