Topherlytle
Where the Deer and the Antelope Play is an interesting, albeit unbalanced, work. I'm a big fan of Nick Offerman. Generally, I appreciate his humor, observations, thoughts, and desire for nuance. This book is at its best when his passion comes through with humor and humility rather than biting cynicism. I don't disagree with much of what Offerman asserts, and I certainly found myself chortling many times throughout.
However, he often falls into the same trap he critiques, speaking unkindly about people or groups as he groups them together as a monolith. Some portions of the book, particularly the last section, already haven't aged well. That doesn't mean it isn't filled with incredible nuggets and thoughtful challenges, it absolutely is, but the imbalance is most clearly seen in those later chapters. I wouldn't call it hypocritical, but when one of the book's core themes is nuance and a desire to understand, that gets a bit lost as frustration and anger begin to take the lead.
Overall, I appreciate this book. It brings up hard realities and challenging questions with humor and aplomb, even if it's clear who Offerman believes the villains are. I disagreed with several things and would genuinely love to have a real-life conversation with him about it.
If you're politically homeless, a Christian, a keyboard warrior, someone with little work ethic, a whiner, or a conservative, you'll probably feel uncomfortable at times—and I think that's okay. If you're a Trumpian conservative, a Christian nationalist, or a far-right Republican, you're likely going to hate this book. You should read it anyway.
3.5 stars.
Where the Deer and the Antelope Play is an interesting, albeit unbalanced, work. I'm a big fan of Nick Offerman. Generally, I appreciate his humor, observations, thoughts, and desire for nuance. This book is at its best when his passion comes through with humor and humility rather than biting cynicism. I don't disagree with much of what Offerman asserts, and I certainly found myself chortling many times throughout.
However, he often falls into the same trap he critiques, speaking unkindly about people or groups as he groups them together as a monolith. Some portions of the book, particularly the last section, already haven't aged well. That doesn't mean it isn't filled with incredible nuggets and thoughtful challenges, it absolutely is, but the imbalance is most clearly seen in those later chapters. I wouldn't call it hypocritical, but when one of the book's core themes is nuance and a desire to understand, that gets a bit lost as frustration and anger begin to take the lead.
Overall, I appreciate this book. It brings up hard realities and challenging questions with humor and aplomb, even if it's clear who Offerman believes the villains are. I disagreed with several things and would genuinely love to have a real-life conversation with him about it.
If you're politically homeless, a Christian, a keyboard warrior, someone with little work ethic, a whiner, or a conservative, you'll probably feel uncomfortable at times—and I think that's okay. If you're a Trumpian conservative, a Christian nationalist, or a far-right Republican, you're likely going to hate this book. You should read it anyway.
3.5 stars.