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Where the Deer and the Antelope Play

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

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Where the Deer and the Antelope Play

By: Nick Offerman
Narrated by: Nick Offerman
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About this listen

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 bestselling 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.
Americas Environment Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science State & Local United States Conservation Montana Comedy Heartfelt Witty Funny National Park

Critic Reviews

*An Amazon Best of the Month Pick*

“At once a travelogue, a manifesto, and a rousing call to get outside, Where the Deer and the Antelope Play is a breath of fresh alpine air, delivered by an amiable guide.” —Esquire

“The book is an amiable ramble outdoors, with Offerman sharing his assorted experiences in the wild and his musings on nature, land use, labor, agriculture, and community.” —USA Today

“Honest-to-God advice about how to enjoy nature.” —Outside magazine

“Offerman brings dry humor and a reverence for nature and physical labor to his growing understanding of capitalist and colonial horrors, all while maintaining hope for the future.”
Seattle Times

“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.”

“Funny, extremely sharp, and at the same time equally heartwarming, Offerman’s love for the Land of the Free shines.” —Forbes

“A timely hybrid travelogue/manifesto about the utter importance of touching grass, and so much more.” —Fast Company

"[An] insightful, witty look at his outdoorsy pursuits.” —New York Post

“A great mix of wit and perceptive observation from travels in the United States and the United Kingdom . . . with a surprising amount of history, nature, and ecology thrown in.”—Library Journal

"Laced with humor, intellect, and fierce passion, Where the Deer and the Antelope Play is an entertaining getaway to a variety of unexpected American vistas."—BookPage
All stars
Most relevant
really great up untill part 3 where it got political. enjoyed the storytelling about his travels but it lost me with the talk around covid and politics.

great storytelling

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Absolutely great. I loved his voice, his stories, makes me want to watch Devs again, climb a mountain trail and read James Herriot. Really enjoyable I hope he does more.

Top audio book ever

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He’s done the impossible, saved the world. I do hope another such book isn’t needed, though I would read it.

A redoubtable Offerman

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Fantastic is the first word I can say about this book. I will be listening to it again soon.

A much needed listen for everyone.

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Nick’s discussion of life and the world during the Covid pandemic, through the lens of his cross country trip was enlightening. If only the world was full of more people like him. Also, his voice is delightful. Thanks Nick

Thoroughly enjoyed

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