Nick Offerman is one of those people I find practically perfect in every way. His sense of humor, his love of actually doing things, his relationship with his wife, his honesty…He’s just one of those people who seems like he’s a solid person and someone I would want to hang out with. This book didn’t lessen that feeling at all. I was lucky enough to see his American Ham tour last year, and the book follows pretty solidly along the same structure of the show (which you can now view on Netflix!), but expanded a lot of the topics he covered. I wish I could say it was a book I picked up and couldn’t put down, but this was one that I read over a period of several weeks. Still, it was a great read.
Offerman has such a distinct style and voice and it really shines in his writing. He tells his life story, from growing up on a farm to landing the job on Parks and Rec and his work there. He tells you about meeting his wife, learning woodwork, and his acting struggles and triumphs. After reading about how important he finds it to have a hobby where you use your hands to make something, to be able to have some kind of skill, I went back and picked up cross stitching again, and have made some really cool pieces for friends. Thanks, Nick! That’s just the kind of writer he is; he makes you want to go out and do things.
For me, the best thing about this book was Offerman’s passion for living. He comes across as such a happy man who realizes just how lucky he got and really appreciates that. He knows it’s a combination of hard work and just being in the right place at the right time. There’s also some risk taking involved, too. He’s not laying out a plan for how to be a successful actor, this isn’t about “making it” in Hollywood. It’s about just being a good human being and recognizing that doing so is the best thing you can do for yourself. That, and to turn off your phone, go outside, and enjoy nature. Solid advice, Nick.