Review by Ben Moore -- The Ultimate Guide For The Avid I...

[Ben Moore]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Ultimate Guide For The Avid Indoorsman" by John Driver.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Human history can be summarised as the quest to create and refine the perfect indoor living environment to protect us from the outdoors. Almost all innovation and discovery can be ascribed to this quest. That, at least, is the premise that John Driver presents in his book The Ultimate Guide For The Avid Indoorsman. In this handy guide to indoor life, John Driver offers us wisdom on how best to arrange our shelters, how to dress appropriately, and how to deal with social interaction among other things.

Parallel to this indoor guidance, Driver shows us the follies and foolishness of those who choose the outdoor lifestyle (Outdoorsmen). His goal is to inform, educate, and protect people from the dangers of both the outdoors and poorly managed indoor environments.

This is one of the few books I've ever read that has made me laugh out loud whilst sitting by myself (indoors, obviously). There's a wonderful wit and charm running through the chapters that I found irresistible. None of the sections are drawn out too long or overdone. I have given The Ultimate Guide For The Avid Indoorsman a rating of 4 out of 4.

If you like comedy that's observational and easy to relate to, this book is perfect. The successive chapters take us through different aspects of indoor and outdoor life and apply the author's experience and advice to them. Sections include footwear, beards, furniture, pets, and transportation (also known as portable indoors). Some of the sections feel so familiar and apply so closely to my own experience as an Indoorsman that I almost felt personally attacked. It's brilliantly funny and painfully accurate. Almost everybody (including Outdoorsmen) will find something in this book that resonates with them.

I did feel that, while none of the sections were too long, some felt to short. Some of them could be improved by receiving the same detailed and thorough treatment as the other sections did. It's not that the quality of the content in these shorter sections is worse, but they just seemed to be lacking the exhaustive nature of the others.

On a practical level, this was a brilliantly written and edited book. I didn't notice any typos or errors at all. The amusing illustrations work well and are used sparingly to great effect.

I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to either develop their own indoor lifestyle or simply understand their Indoorsmen friends better. Those looking for a good laugh that isn't too mentally taxing will also enjoy The Ultimate Guide For The Avid Indoorsman.

The author hints that this book should not be seen as complete and more information and knowledge is inevitably going to come to light eventually. I, for one, hope that John Driver can continue to produce further handy guides, perhaps delving further into particular areas of indoor life. I will await future volumes eagerly, from the comfort of my home. I will also order them off the internet rather than leave my house to visit a bookshop. Safety first.

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The Ultimate Guide For The Avid Indoorsman
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[Erin Painter Baker]

I definitely think you took the message of this book to heart, though I suspect you were already an "indoorsman" before picking it up. I love the idea of transportation of "portable indoors", though I would have to ask if this applies to public transportation.... This sounds like a really fun take on modern life.

[Ben Moore]

I definitely think you took the message of this book to heart, though I suspect you were already an "indoorsman" before picking it up. I love the idea of transportation of "portable indoors", though I would have to ask if this applies to public transportation.... This sounds like a really fun take on modern life.

Public transportation is obviously less than ideal as you have to share it with others. It lacks the security of the true indoors. That being said, it’s certainly better than the true outdoors where, as the author points out, there is the ever present danger of a flood which would, in turn, allow the Loch Ness Monster to swim up your street. It’s all a balance, I suppose.

[InStoree]

And here I am! on your lawn. hihi!

I already added the book on the bookshelf. I can't afford to miss such an opportunity to laugh. Plus, I certainly agree with being safe because you never know when you "trip over flat surfaces." Your review has a calm and relaxing tone; I enjoyed reading it. Thank you!

[Wyland]

Its interesting the author found material to write based on such a premise. I hope to read it especially on the account of the humor. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[Ben Moore]

Its interesting the author found material to write based on such a premise. I hope to read it especially on the account of the humor. Thanks for the wonderful review.

My favourite game reading this book was working out what was a true historical fact and what was made up! It’s really very funny so I hope you get the chance to read and enjoy it!

[Wanjugush]

As an indoor person, this is definitely a book I would enjoy reading. Thanks for the insightful review.

[Ben Moore]

As an indoor person, this is definitely a book I would enjoy reading. Thanks for the insightful review.

May it aid you in achieving levels of indoorsmanship you never imagined were possible!