Where the Deer and the Antelope Play

The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside

By: Nick Offerman

Narrated by: Nick Offerman

Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A humorous and rousing set of literal and figurative sojourns as well as a mission statement about comprehending, protecting, and truly experiencing the outdoors, fueled by three journeys undertaken by actor, humorist, and New York Times best-selling author Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman has always felt a particular affection for the Land of the Free - not just for the people and their purported ideals but to the actual land itself: the bedrock, the topsoil, and everything in between that generates the health of your local watershed. In his new book, Nick takes a humorous, inspiring, and elucidating trip to America's trails, farms, and frontier to examine the people who inhabit the land, what that has meant to them and us, and to the land itself, both historically and currently.

In 2018, Wendell Berry posed a question to Nick, a query that planted the seed of this book, sending Nick on two memorable journeys with pals - a hiking trip to Glacier National Park with his friends Jeff Tweedy and George Saunders, as well as an extended visit to his friend James Rebanks, the author of The Shepherd's Life and English Pastoral. He followed that up with an excursion that could only have come about in 2020 - Nick and his wife, Megan Mullally, bought an Airstream trailer to drive across (several of) the United States. These three quests inspired some “deep-ish" thinking from Nick, about the history and philosophy of our relationship with nature in our national parks, in our farming, and in our backyards; what we mean when we talk about conservation; and the importance of outdoor recreation, all subjects very close to Nick's heart.

With witty, heartwarming stories and a keen insight into the human problems we all confront, this is both a ramble through and celebration of the land we all love.

©2021 Nick Offerman (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

An Amazon Best of the Month Pick

"I found the book both entertaining and inspiring...[it] has depths you may not expect from an actor/comedic performer/woodworker who goes to great lengths to entertain the audience, but also has me thinking about the choices I make as I live in the world." (John Warner, Chicago Tribune)

"Offerman's thoughtful and hilarious musings at the nexus of human life and nature, particularly through the lens of John Muir and Aldo Leopold ... serves another welcome reminder that nature is for all." (Smithsonian Magazine)

Politics as artistic expression

While Mr.Offerman is an amiable sort, his heavy handed political diatribes are rather offputting. He certainly has a right to his own opinion but the choice to pontificate about the state of our society in the midst of a book about enjoying the outdoors seems, well, arrogant and self righteous. Think of it in the terms of "prose as cudgel". If that sounds fun, this is a book for you.

Even better than I hoped.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Especially when narrated by Nick himself. I feel there were many times that I was able to pick up on jokes I might have otherwise missed if I had not listened to the book rather than read it. Nick makes many well thought out points about our current society that are both obvious, but also routinely ignored by a large portion of our country. I will definitely be reading his other books.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

How fun to listen to this wonderful thought provoking book, in Nick Offerman’s own voice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to listen again very soon. Now I have to go back and get all his other titles! Thanks Nick! & Meghan.

Fantastic and entertaining

Throughly enjoyed this book. loved the winding trails and interjection of little side tales as that's how I talk. His vocabulary is astonishing and loved the oration style. Now I'm a big fan!

A great listen!

I've only ever seen Nick Offerman on TV shows and was interested in checking out his books after listening to him on a podcast. He does a great job of mixing in his experiences with nature with his views on people and their relationship with nature.

Amazing Story

Haven’t had a book quite as hard to put down (figuratively) as this one on a long time. This boom gave me a lot to reflect on. Beautifully written, great performance as always. -l

-Some schmuck in that eye sore Sedona, Arizona

I’d listen to Nick Offerman read the phone book, BUT…

This book is better. A whole lot better. I knew Nick Offerman was a great narrator, but he’s a great author too. Thoughtful and funny. I highly recommend this book.

An auditory masterpiece

Nick Offerman's dulcent tones only enhance the stories he recalls, and whether I feel down about the current state of things, he is one I know I can turn to for everything from guidance to belly laughs.

excellent

Nick Offerman spins a good yarn. Very 8 listen. Entertaining and fun perspective on the current state of things.

Insightful and humorous

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. This was my first Nick Offerman read. I will definitely check out his others. To those saying it was too political, I think you missed the point and that's disappointing because he was talking to you. It's not all politics though, so don't let that discourage the rest of you.