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Rick Mercer Report: The Book
Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, prepare yourself for the next big thing in publishing – Rick Mercer Report: The Book.
After a decade-long absence from our book stores, Canada’s preeminent satirist returns with a new collection of rants, writings, and comic encounters with the great and good of politics, showbiz, and literature. (Yes, relive Pierre Berton offering advice on rolling a joint, and Margaret Atwood showing off her hockey skills as a goalie.) Rick, a tremendous writing talent as well as a verbal one, has selected the best of his rants from the first four seasons of RMR, sprinkled in choice moments from his interviews, added a generous helping of other material that has never been broadcast, and arranged the whole into revealing themes and groupings with all-new introductions, reflections, and updates. Who knew that Stephen Harper was quite so preoccupied with gay sex? That Paul Martin could be so forgetful? That politicians could be so sleazy? Well, no doubt most of us did — but it’s wonderful to have it pointed out again by this brilliantly funny and charismatic talent.
After a decade-long absence from our book stores, Canada’s preeminent satirist returns with a new collection of rants, writings, and comic encounters with the great and good of politics, showbiz, and literature. (Yes, relive Pierre Berton offering advice on rolling a joint, and Margaret Atwood showing off her hockey skills as a goalie.) Rick, a tremendous writing talent as well as a verbal one, has selected the best of his rants from the first four seasons of RMR, sprinkled in choice moments from his interviews, added a generous helping of other material that has never been broadcast, and arranged the whole into revealing themes and groupings with all-new introductions, reflections, and updates. Who knew that Stephen Harper was quite so preoccupied with gay sex? That Paul Martin could be so forgetful? That politicians could be so sleazy? Well, no doubt most of us did — but it’s wonderful to have it pointed out again by this brilliantly funny and charismatic talent.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2007
12 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Rick Mercer
6 books81 followersRick Mercer is Canada’s sharpest and funniest political satirist. He first came to fame with Show Me the Button I’ll Push It, or Charles Lynch Must Die, a one-man show that toured across Canada. He co-created and was a resident performer on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and was the host of The Rick Mercer Report, the Corporation’s highest-rated comedy show, for fifteen seasons. Rick is co-chair of the Spread the Net campaign, dedicated to preventing the spread of Malaria in Africa, and has also campaigned for the Canadian AIDS Society’s The Walk for Life project. His many honours include 21 Geminis and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. He is from St. John’s and currently resides in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 17, 2012
A good read, but definitely dated. I hear he's writing another book of rants that comes out this autumn, and I will definitely pick that up. That said, these are his rants up to 2008. And, I mean, if you can stand the fact that you know that important stuff happened after that, and it's not in here, it's a witty, interesting read. And really? Even if you *can't* stand that fact, you need to read it anyway. It's Canadian political humour at its best! What more could you want?
October 31, 2010
I would watch Rick Mercer read the phonebook. He's fabulous.
The premier voice in Canada when it comes to politics, Mercer has carved himself a spot in Canadian identity - he is an integral voice and a national treasure.
His collection of rants on a variety of topics is wonderful, albeit they are more enjoyable when watched rather than read, as they are meant to be received that way.
The premier voice in Canada when it comes to politics, Mercer has carved himself a spot in Canadian identity - he is an integral voice and a national treasure.
His collection of rants on a variety of topics is wonderful, albeit they are more enjoyable when watched rather than read, as they are meant to be received that way.
February 14, 2011
Really funny stuff. Much of it a repeat of previously aired "Rants," but I didn't mind experiencing them again. Does anyone care more about Canadian politics than Rick Mercer? He makes me want to care.
August 5, 2011
If you are Canadian, you should read this book. It's smart and funny. I laughed frequently and heartily throughout this book. Highly recommended.
March 2, 2012
Newfoundland comedian Rick Mercer first popularized his short, pithy "rants" on the idiocies of Canadian politics on the ensemble show This Hour Has 22 Minutes and made them the centrepiece of his own half-hour news parody, The Rick Mercer Report. This book gathers together some of his most incisive rants from RMR, along with a sprinkling of camera stills and transcribed dialogue of memorable moments with the Canadian "celebrities" brave enough to accept the invitation to appear on his show.
The rants cover the years from early 2004 – just after Paul Martin's ascension to the Liberal throne – to the spring of 2008 when Steven Harper's minority Conservative government readied itself for another election and liberal-minded Canadians began to develop a serious case of Obama-envy. I'd forgotten just how depressing it was to watch a scandal-plagued Paul Martin earn himself the sobriquet Mr. Dithers from The Economist and make a hash of his election campaign, and and how frustrated it made me to watch the gradual rise to power of Steven Harper's Conservatives. It's a credit to Mercer that he made me laugh even as he brought those dreary days back to mind.
Unfortunately, anyone who isn't Canadian – and a fair number of people who actually are – wouldn't be likely to get a lot of laughs out of this book, even if it wasn't four years out of date. Many of the punchlines require a knowledge of Canadian politics or history beyond what is explained in the lead up and I definitely had to dig deep in my memory to remember some of the details. But if you have the requisite background knowledge, Mercer is hilarious, with a knack for hitting the nail squarely on the head.
And for some, the camera stills and quotes might be worth the price of admission. I deeply regret that I missed the episode that saw Margaret Atwood don a pair of skates and a Montreal Canadiens goalie uniform to discuss players who try to "deke" the goalie. The guffaw-inducing photograph provided an entirely new perspective on Canada's first lady of belles lettres.
I've always been amazed at what Mercer can talk his guests into doing – and vice versa. He has parachuted out of an airplane with Canadian Army commander Rick Hillier, skinny-dipped with former NDP premier and current Liberal party leader Bob Rae, and had a sleepover at 24 Sussex Drive, the home of Canada's Conservative prime minister Steven Harper. And, more often than not, Mercer and his audience are laughing with his guests, not at them.
And while Mercer loves to poke fun at our Canadian politicians, he isn't above poking fun at Canadians themselves. After eight years of George Bush, some of us had become more than a little smug. But in the spring of 2008, as the primaries heated up in the US and Canadians prepared to go to the polls for the second time in as many years, Mercer deftly punctured our inflated sense of superiority:
I haven't had television for almost five years so I had no idea if The Rick Mercer Report was still on the air but according to the CBC web site, RMR recently celebrated its 150th episode. I'm glad to know that Mercer is still out there taking the piss out of Canadian politicians. He may not be as well known as David Sedaris, but in my opinion his talent is just as huge, maybe even more so. It's definitely as huge as Canada.
The rants cover the years from early 2004 – just after Paul Martin's ascension to the Liberal throne – to the spring of 2008 when Steven Harper's minority Conservative government readied itself for another election and liberal-minded Canadians began to develop a serious case of Obama-envy. I'd forgotten just how depressing it was to watch a scandal-plagued Paul Martin earn himself the sobriquet Mr. Dithers from The Economist and make a hash of his election campaign, and and how frustrated it made me to watch the gradual rise to power of Steven Harper's Conservatives. It's a credit to Mercer that he made me laugh even as he brought those dreary days back to mind.
Unfortunately, anyone who isn't Canadian – and a fair number of people who actually are – wouldn't be likely to get a lot of laughs out of this book, even if it wasn't four years out of date. Many of the punchlines require a knowledge of Canadian politics or history beyond what is explained in the lead up and I definitely had to dig deep in my memory to remember some of the details. But if you have the requisite background knowledge, Mercer is hilarious, with a knack for hitting the nail squarely on the head.
And for some, the camera stills and quotes might be worth the price of admission. I deeply regret that I missed the episode that saw Margaret Atwood don a pair of skates and a Montreal Canadiens goalie uniform to discuss players who try to "deke" the goalie. The guffaw-inducing photograph provided an entirely new perspective on Canada's first lady of belles lettres.
I've always been amazed at what Mercer can talk his guests into doing – and vice versa. He has parachuted out of an airplane with Canadian Army commander Rick Hillier, skinny-dipped with former NDP premier and current Liberal party leader Bob Rae, and had a sleepover at 24 Sussex Drive, the home of Canada's Conservative prime minister Steven Harper. And, more often than not, Mercer and his audience are laughing with his guests, not at them.
And while Mercer loves to poke fun at our Canadian politicians, he isn't above poking fun at Canadians themselves. After eight years of George Bush, some of us had become more than a little smug. But in the spring of 2008, as the primaries heated up in the US and Canadians prepared to go to the polls for the second time in as many years, Mercer deftly punctured our inflated sense of superiority:
We Canadians think of ourselves as part of this progressive, diverse nation and yet who's running for the top job in big, bad, backwards America? A woman, a black man, a Libertarian, a Mormon with big hair, and some dude who was in a bamboo cage in Vietnam for five and a half years. Meanwhile in Canada, we're gearing up for yet another race between a pudgy white guy and a skinny white guy and some other white guy.
I haven't had television for almost five years so I had no idea if The Rick Mercer Report was still on the air but according to the CBC web site, RMR recently celebrated its 150th episode. I'm glad to know that Mercer is still out there taking the piss out of Canadian politicians. He may not be as well known as David Sedaris, but in my opinion his talent is just as huge, maybe even more so. It's definitely as huge as Canada.
February 27, 2012
"Canada is weird. Why would the government allow that?" My university friend's words have been in my head for a long time now. Her bafflement was directed at the strange government policy to allow (and support through corporations like CBC) satire and undermining of the government itself. My answer at the time was, “It's because Canadians want it”.
Year later, Rick Mercer is still in the business of doing just that – poking fun at other strange government policies – but also doing something else very important: Building interest and awareness for Canadian politics.
His collection of “rants” in “The Book” is barely able to contain his love for Canada and politics, and the fact that Canadians really should be paying more attention.
The collection is organised by theme, and further sprinkled with photos and quotes from the show. There is a part of me that probably would have benefitted from a more chronological listing of the collection – so to see just how much (or how little) things had changed from the time periods presented.
Five years (since publishing) is a long time, and yet, much of what Mercer documented and ranted about still holds true. We’re definitely due for a new collection. Or even better - a full length analysis.
Year later, Rick Mercer is still in the business of doing just that – poking fun at other strange government policies – but also doing something else very important: Building interest and awareness for Canadian politics.
His collection of “rants” in “The Book” is barely able to contain his love for Canada and politics, and the fact that Canadians really should be paying more attention.
The collection is organised by theme, and further sprinkled with photos and quotes from the show. There is a part of me that probably would have benefitted from a more chronological listing of the collection – so to see just how much (or how little) things had changed from the time periods presented.
Five years (since publishing) is a long time, and yet, much of what Mercer documented and ranted about still holds true. We’re definitely due for a new collection. Or even better - a full length analysis.
July 16, 2016
Only about half of the 242 pages are numbered. In one stretch, ten pages in a row had no numbers. Any book that makes you do math to discover which page you are on deserves to lose a star.
Rick's satire is clean and acerbic. He's a tidy, almost formulaic writer. Yes, much is funny, but after about halfway through, I felt I was reading the same joke over and over again. I never thought I'd get tired of hearing how dumb and misaligned to the job our politicians are, but I did.
Timeliness had to play a part in my not feeling the wit. It is past-tense and has lost its edge. How many youth have any idea who Paul Martin was or who Rona Ambrose is? Belinda Stronach is not on anybody's radar anymore. And while Jason Kenney is still a dink. Who really cares about these people? That is beside they may send my life into either a socialist or conservative hell. In the end he questions what is to become of Harper. Yeah. We know the ending to this book.
Yet it is well-written, funny, and educational. Most of us do not hang around parliament or watch our politicians engage in their business. We see the news points, and Mercer gives us his honest if tainted-by-satire view from the inside of the big walls of government. And he is fair. He blasts everybody, as he should.
Rick's satire is clean and acerbic. He's a tidy, almost formulaic writer. Yes, much is funny, but after about halfway through, I felt I was reading the same joke over and over again. I never thought I'd get tired of hearing how dumb and misaligned to the job our politicians are, but I did.
Timeliness had to play a part in my not feeling the wit. It is past-tense and has lost its edge. How many youth have any idea who Paul Martin was or who Rona Ambrose is? Belinda Stronach is not on anybody's radar anymore. And while Jason Kenney is still a dink. Who really cares about these people? That is beside they may send my life into either a socialist or conservative hell. In the end he questions what is to become of Harper. Yeah. We know the ending to this book.
Yet it is well-written, funny, and educational. Most of us do not hang around parliament or watch our politicians engage in their business. We see the news points, and Mercer gives us his honest if tainted-by-satire view from the inside of the big walls of government. And he is fair. He blasts everybody, as he should.
December 11, 2014
I grew up watching Rick Mercer, he is one of my all time heroes, and I know that anything he does I will enjoy so this was a no brainier.
For anyone outside of Canada, Rick Mercer hosts a CBC comedy show called the Rick Mercer Report (RMR) where he jokes about the current state of Canadian politics through skits and one-liners while anchoring the show with travel segments where he goes coast to coast meeting interesting Canadians and experiencing new things. However, one of his most important segments would be Rick's Rants. It's in these short rants Rick voices his concerns, questions, and frustrations about Canadian politics and society. This is primarily what this book focuses on. Rick's Rants are normally very topical and of the moment so the book comes across as a bit of a time casual of the time. If you're not already somewhat familiar with the state of Canada at the time these rants were written then you're in for a bit of a disjointed experience.
I personally loved reading this book because I love Rick's format. He's knows how to get across his point and I enjoyed using this as a bit of a refresher of the past.
For anyone outside of Canada, Rick Mercer hosts a CBC comedy show called the Rick Mercer Report (RMR) where he jokes about the current state of Canadian politics through skits and one-liners while anchoring the show with travel segments where he goes coast to coast meeting interesting Canadians and experiencing new things. However, one of his most important segments would be Rick's Rants. It's in these short rants Rick voices his concerns, questions, and frustrations about Canadian politics and society. This is primarily what this book focuses on. Rick's Rants are normally very topical and of the moment so the book comes across as a bit of a time casual of the time. If you're not already somewhat familiar with the state of Canada at the time these rants were written then you're in for a bit of a disjointed experience.
I personally loved reading this book because I love Rick's format. He's knows how to get across his point and I enjoyed using this as a bit of a refresher of the past.
September 14, 2015
I picked this up at the thrift shop after an awful day and thought "I might as well laugh." And I did. I laughed a bunch at the snide sarcastic remarks written by Rick about the state of the Canadian government from as early as 2004 -2007. Sure, I may not know who everyone was because I was still young at the time to get into politics but the fact is is that so many of these people are still present in the Canadian government today. I felt like I had a better understanding of the political parties and it's members and really, the drama we have in our house of parliament. Pick it up for a light read over the weekend. You'll thank yourself for it.
December 2, 2012
Rick Mercer is a well-known Canadian comedian, political satirist and news junkie, having co-created and performed on "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" as well as the eponymous "The Rick Mercer Report."
One feature of both shows are his 3-4 minute one-camera rants against the Canadian government and parliamentary system. "Rick Mercer Report: The Book" contains a selection of these rants, as well as excerpts from his interviews with politicians. Short comments are also included to tie it all together.
Recommended for fans of the RMR, as well those interested in sharp, witty political commentary.
One feature of both shows are his 3-4 minute one-camera rants against the Canadian government and parliamentary system. "Rick Mercer Report: The Book" contains a selection of these rants, as well as excerpts from his interviews with politicians. Short comments are also included to tie it all together.
Recommended for fans of the RMR, as well those interested in sharp, witty political commentary.
March 7, 2008
I love Rick Mercer. Through Rick, I learned about Canadian politics, the players, the serious issues, the absurdity. Rick is the sharpest political wit in Canada and his "rants" are famous. This book includes a number of them, as well as a slice of his blogging and other writings, all loosely organized by broad topics. If you like political humor combined with sharp insight, Rick's the man for you too!
June 23, 2009
OK - so I need to qualify this entry because the references in this book won't have the same effect if you aren't familiar w/ the political and cultural workings of Canada. It's hilarious - I laugh myself silly reading this and I read it aloud to my family because it's so freakin' funny. Now I can't give it 5 stars because I'm a Booker Prize snob at heart but I think it's a good read for pure entertainment.
January 5, 2013
Bought this to have it signed by Rick a few weeks ago, without realizing the book is about five years old. Oh well. Have never been a big follower of politics in my life, so is it bad that I learned a bit from him? LOL When I watch the show, same thing. My favorite part of the book is toward the end when he's discussing his experiences in Afghanistan. I imagine his newer hard cover is more along those lines of personal stories, etc. so I may pick that one up at some point.
July 12, 2015
- selected 'Rants' from the first four seasons of C.B.C.'s "Rick Mercer Report"
- a good deal of the rants are on political in-fighting and either go right over my head...or I'm just not interested
- he has a razor-sharp wit, and is so concise when making his point
- I honestly believe that a great many politicians are afraid of him and that they grant him unbelievable access out of this fear (...better the devil you know...)
- I honestly laughed out loud a few times
- a good deal of the rants are on political in-fighting and either go right over my head...or I'm just not interested
- he has a razor-sharp wit, and is so concise when making his point
- I honestly believe that a great many politicians are afraid of him and that they grant him unbelievable access out of this fear (...better the devil you know...)
- I honestly laughed out loud a few times
July 30, 2011
Very entertaining read! Rick Mercer's humour surrounding Canadian politics makes for a "laugh out loud" book. It can be confusing as the book is compiled by topics and not chronologically; this makes for a better read, but can be confusing as the timespan includes multiple elections and Liberal party leaders.
September 1, 2011
Rick Mercer always represents comedy to me, but this book showed and often unseen sensitive side. I expected my favourite part to be something funny or cynical, but it ended up being what he wrote about our armed forces in Afghanistan. It was surprisingly moving and made me swell with pride to be Canadian. Just one more reason to call Rick a National Treasure!
July 3, 2014
Love this book. Rick is a brilliant satirist, and even though the book is no longer current, the themes about politics, parties, and ludicrous goings on are all still relevant. If only Canada could have a boring old honest, ethical leader, with educated, capable people in his/her party. The down side would be Rick being put out of a job, probably not worth the sacrifice.
May 10, 2009
Rick Mercer's rants uncover the hypocrisy, spin, and politicians' weird and delusional behaviour with uncanny accuracy. Oh, and they're very funny too!
I wish more interviews had been included as the few included were even funnier than the rants.
I wish more interviews had been included as the few included were even funnier than the rants.
March 3, 2015
A love letter, really, to Canada and its risible politics. I share Mercer's enjoyment of Canadian politics as theatre, so I enjoyed reading his short essays, which are all astute even if the fact that they were written for television makes them sound more than a bit pat on the page.
July 10, 2011
Despite only being a collection of Rick Mercer's rants from his TV show, the rants are so darn good that they are worth revisiting. Mercer is very witty and clever when he writes, making you laugh out loud while reading along. Enjoyed it.
May 3, 2015
This is not a book I could read cover to cover, as it in made up of rants that have aired on his show. Its also a little outdated as its from 2007- But it is a good pick up when you have a moment kind of book. I love his humour, so if you like Rick Mercer you'll like his book.
January 31, 2013
What is there to say about Rick Mercer? He is definitely a funny and engaging Canadian who knows no boundries. He proved that when he went skinny-dipping with Bob Rae. Keep doing what you do best Rick and we will always enjoy and look forward to our Tuesday nights!
June 5, 2013
loved this book!! It was funny, and insightful. I really felt like I was sitting across from him while he was talking to me about all fo this, instead of reading a book. Well written, and well put together.
August 19, 2013
I love the Rick Mercer Report so I was very excited to read this even though it contained rants from 2004 all the way to 2007. I wasn't very familiar with most of the stuff I read, but I still enjoyed the book with all the satire in it! :)
September 4, 2015
I would have like more stories or him talking about the stuff he's done and being rick mercer. I think he's awesome so the fact this book was a lot of rants was disappointing. if I wanted to hear ten year old rants I would YouTube them instead where I can hear his voice an emotion and see his face.
November 29, 2007
If you are a Canadian, you will get it. If you aren't, then that's unfortunate for you.
December 21, 2007
Laugh out loud funny
January 9, 2008
Funny in parts but overall light on content. Meh.
March 21, 2008
I love Rick Mercer. The book is undoubtably one of the funniest I've read in a long time. I did find that I needed to take a breather in the middle of the book. All that humour can be intense.
May 2, 2008
Laugh out loud funny. The guy has the coolest outlook on politics in Canada. So very funny. ADD boy and bipolar man....and Harper being creeped out by people......oh Mercer, how you make me laugh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews