I feel a little guilty about going to this book signing because I have never seen Parks & Recreation…before you flood me with the deluge of “Oh god! How could you have missed…” blah, blah, blah. Hey, I do like the guy, I just know him from The Lego Movie, Bob’s Burgers and skits. Hell, he’ll be the dad in the upcoming Me, Earl and the Dying Girl. Nick did make it worth every effort with the kajillion people who showed up; Book People’s AC gets easily taxes when several hundred people are jammed into the Pop Culture, Kids and Technology sections.
I was pretty impressed with Nick’s wit, especially during the Q&A since crowds of people often result in inane questions or people who enjoying themselves yammer. The parts he read about from his new book Gumption were clever. I liked how he framed it as a mix tape of his favorite people, I think they’re all Americans, I don’t have it on me so I’ll have to check later.
While I was waiting in queue to get my copy signed and say hi to the Metalbeard I brought, I was conversing with Brian over my whereabouts and doings. My brother chimed in about how Nick attended Illinois around the same time he was there (1988-92) plus Minooka was where the star grew up. The former explains the connection to Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.
So as you can see, I had a little face time. I brought up what Brian told me (before then I knew he was from rural Illinois or what we city slickers call, Northern Kentucky). Nick said yeah. I asked if he knew my cousin Jason.
Nick: Jason?
Me: Maki.
Nick: Oh yeah, he was in my class. How is he?
Me: He’s in Chicago last I heard. He’s a plumber.
Nick: Jason used to sell me the best weed. Give him my best.
Oh family, the gift that keeps on giving! Well, I can only hope I brought him a little joy over his youth.
I was pretty stoked that he told me Metalbeard will return in the Lego sequel! I think his book is next up on my list when I finally finish my current, depressing Science/Current Events tome. I better put P&R on my Netflix queue soon to avoid a smack down from friends as well.
Here’s a picture of Nick Offerman, sans mustache, to prove it was him I met, not just some random guy in a flannel shirt signing books.