Reviews

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

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minty's review against another edition

3.0

I had no idea what this book was about before I started, and I was surprised to find it's short essays about notable Americans who Nick Offerman believes succeeded because of gumption. I knew most of the people featured, of course, but was definitely interested in hearing his take on the ones I did not know.

Of course, as a person who makes things, I am always tickled to hear him talk about the value of that kind of work, and I agree with him on most all of his points, so this book was a lovely little listen. (Audiobook highly recommended, of course.)

truse's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

linddykal's review against another edition

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informative slow-paced

3.0

roseybot's review against another edition

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3.0

I strongly recommend listening to the audiobook, especially if you like Nick Offerman's voice (who wouldn't?). Honestly, the audiobook version almost made me bump this up to a four, but then I was thinking about content that someone might read and figured that is what I should focus on.

Ultimately, this was an amusing book. However it was also a little slow, and having read quite a bit about American history, I found the analysis to be slightly shallow -- though not Offerman's fault as he obviously only had so much space. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I had felt like I was learning more...

mildhonestbonsai's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely awesome book. It made me look at different figures in a really great light. It actually has inspired me to check out some biographies written about most of these people mentioned in the book.

Certainly looking forward to Offerman's third book coming out this fall.

babsthebatgirl's review against another edition

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3.0

Not what I expected, much more of a history lesson than anything else, but a very enjoyable one as told from Offerman's perspective. Definitely made me respect the man a lot more, and still had some insightful notes about who he is and why he does what he does.