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Openly Karl
Openly Karl is a frank and generous memoir by one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most well-known media figures.
Dive into the private and public life of Karl Wells, as told in his own words. From his birth in Buchans and early life in St. John’s, to his rise in media and a 32-year career with Here and Now at the CBC, Openly Karl is a rare opportunity to bring the face and voice you know from your television back into focus. While he will forever be known as “the weatherman,” Openly Karl explores the expanse of Karl Wells’s career and the nuances of his personal life, including coming to terms with being gay during a less tolerant period of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and throughout the subsequent decades of social change. At times fascinating and funny, at others harrowing and heartbreaking, Karl’s story will keep readers tuned in.
Dive into the private and public life of Karl Wells, as told in his own words. From his birth in Buchans and early life in St. John’s, to his rise in media and a 32-year career with Here and Now at the CBC, Openly Karl is a rare opportunity to bring the face and voice you know from your television back into focus. While he will forever be known as “the weatherman,” Openly Karl explores the expanse of Karl Wells’s career and the nuances of his personal life, including coming to terms with being gay during a less tolerant period of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and throughout the subsequent decades of social change. At times fascinating and funny, at others harrowing and heartbreaking, Karl’s story will keep readers tuned in.
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 10, 2025
4.5 A fantastic read. Karl Wells will forever be fondly remembered as my childhood weatherman.
In this memoir, Karl chronicles his early life and happy memories with his family. He goes on to tell many wonderful stories of his long career with the CBC. I enjoyed learning about his career, special interviews and funny encounters while in journalism.
Karl was personal and honest in describing the hardships he faced in everyday life, and his career, being a gay man. He faced many rude and homophobic comments in his lifetime, but remained true to himself. The chapters discussing the loss of many gay friends to the AIDS crisis were heartfelt, and Karl's emotions were sincere.
Karl and Larry's love story was my favourite. So sweet and true and lovely to read about.
Karl's experience in journalism is evident, as the memoir was well written and honest. The photographs throughout added a personal touch to Karl's story. I highly recommend, especially to a local person. There are many places and events special to us Newfoundlanders written about.
In this memoir, Karl chronicles his early life and happy memories with his family. He goes on to tell many wonderful stories of his long career with the CBC. I enjoyed learning about his career, special interviews and funny encounters while in journalism.
Karl was personal and honest in describing the hardships he faced in everyday life, and his career, being a gay man. He faced many rude and homophobic comments in his lifetime, but remained true to himself. The chapters discussing the loss of many gay friends to the AIDS crisis were heartfelt, and Karl's emotions were sincere.
Karl and Larry's love story was my favourite. So sweet and true and lovely to read about.
Karl's experience in journalism is evident, as the memoir was well written and honest. The photographs throughout added a personal touch to Karl's story. I highly recommend, especially to a local person. There are many places and events special to us Newfoundlanders written about.
July 9, 2025
Karl tells a thoughtful and heartfelt story about growing up in old St John's and as a homosexual in the public eye in Newfoundland. His story is quite openly Karl and while I was an avid viewer growing up it is sad to know the abuse he received in his role both on a personal and professional level. Deep respect as a journalist and weather person and now as an author.
February 5, 2026
Openly Karl is a wonderfully written and beautifully genuine memoir.
March 22, 2026
Karl eloquently recounts his becoming into a household celebrity, attributed mostly to a simple commitment to just being himself.
Seamless stories recounted from his childhood in 1960s NL, family life, dear friends, highlights from his career on CBC, and LGBTQ life in 1980s, had me in knots and tears.
Karl was always iconic.
Seamless stories recounted from his childhood in 1960s NL, family life, dear friends, highlights from his career on CBC, and LGBTQ life in 1980s, had me in knots and tears.
Karl was always iconic.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews