Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America’s Gutsiest Troublemakers

Offerman explores some of his favorite historical and present-day people, all under the theme of gumption: an ability to charge ahead, be one’s own person, and find not just the right way but one’s own unique way in the world. His list begins with figures of American history such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Theodore Roosevelt, but evolves to include some unexpected and fascinating characters such as landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, furniture maker George Nakashima, and comedian Conan O’Brien. Offerman has a deep and projective voice that is lovably languid. He’s in no rush to relay his thoughts and clearly relishes the telling. His enthusiasm for his subjects is always evident but never over-the-top. Several mistakes in the production of the second half of the audiobook (such as background noise and repeated lines) distract from an otherwise entertaining performance by Offerman. [em]A Dutton hardcover. (May) [/em]