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The Mother of All Degrassi: A Memoir
When a schoolteacher decides to teach her Grade 8 class about filmmaking and creates a documentary that ends up being broadcast internationally, she sets in motion a career of storytelling for an age group largely ignored by TV executives . . . and creates one of the most-loved television franchises of all time
Linda Schuyler, co-creator and executive producer of the long-running Degrassi series, shares her personal stories about the grit and determination necessary to make it as a woman entrepreneur in the bourgeoning independent Canadian television industry of the early 1980s.
After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 1968, Linda found her life continuing to veer in unexpected directions, ultimately leading her to use her innate abilities as an educator to become a successful storyteller and businesswoman.
Linda's deep fondness for teenagers has made her a champion for adolescents. In The Mother of All Degrassi, she shares her strong belief that television is all about the story, and a good story is all about making the political personal. Through anecdotes and introspection, Linda examines her philosophy to dream big, think small, meet life head-on, and always keep an open heart.
Linda Schuyler, co-creator and executive producer of the long-running Degrassi series, shares her personal stories about the grit and determination necessary to make it as a woman entrepreneur in the bourgeoning independent Canadian television industry of the early 1980s.
After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 1968, Linda found her life continuing to veer in unexpected directions, ultimately leading her to use her innate abilities as an educator to become a successful storyteller and businesswoman.
Linda's deep fondness for teenagers has made her a champion for adolescents. In The Mother of All Degrassi, she shares her strong belief that television is all about the story, and a good story is all about making the political personal. Through anecdotes and introspection, Linda examines her philosophy to dream big, think small, meet life head-on, and always keep an open heart.
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First published November 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 27, 2025
4.0 stars
This is a must read for any mega fan of Degrassi. I loved learning the behind the scenes behind the creation of this iconic Canadian show. Linda's life was equally compelling. I appreciated her opening up about her infertility and surviving that horrific car crash. My only criticism is that some of the story is told out of chronological order which often lead to moments of temporary confusion. Otherwise I loved spending more time in the world of Degrassi. Such a shame that HBO just dropped the reboot.
This is a must read for any mega fan of Degrassi. I loved learning the behind the scenes behind the creation of this iconic Canadian show. Linda's life was equally compelling. I appreciated her opening up about her infertility and surviving that horrific car crash. My only criticism is that some of the story is told out of chronological order which often lead to moments of temporary confusion. Otherwise I loved spending more time in the world of Degrassi. Such a shame that HBO just dropped the reboot.
September 21, 2023
3.5/5
I have mixed feelings about this book. This is absolutely a book specifically for Degrassi fans and there’s probably little in here for anyone who isn’t a bit obsessed with the show.
This was fun to read! I loved learning the backstory behind one of my favourite shows. Schuyler is a respectable memoirist for someone who isn’t a print author by trade. Any flaws with the writing style and structure will be easy to overlook for fans of Degrassi.
That said, I struggled with three things:
First, Schuyler doesn’t reflect on areas where Degrassi came up short (even if only in retrospect). Off the top of my head, I would have liked to see her address Adam being portrayed by a cis girl instead of just praising herself for including a trans character. There are other, smaller, plots that I think are pretty flawed too (looking at the portrayal of weed used to manage chemo side effects, for example) that I would have loved to see her address.
Second, Schuyler doesn’t reflect on her own behaviour very often and when she does, she appears to believe she is being unfairly critiqued and/or victimized. Her response to the backlash about her bizarrely anti-union sentiments struck me as really self pitying. I was also really put off by the section where she addresses the relationship between WE/Free The Children and Degrassi. She was told prior to going “to build a school” in a lower-income country that it smacked of white saviourdom and went (alongside others from Degrassi) anyways. After she learns that WE was a scam, she still emphasizes that her and the Degrassi team had a good interaction with WE and that she doesn’t regret the relationship and hopes the cast feels the same way. Sorry, bestie but WHAT?
Third, this is small and loops into some of what I mentioned in point one. But Schuyler glosses over, or is truly unaware of, the fact that Degrassi went from being a realistic teen drama to being an aspirational teen drama. My personal preference is towards realistic but that’s not the problem I have with this book. The problem is, by all accounts, she seems to think that the messaging and impact of the show wasn’t affected by this shift (if she’s even aware of it). The shift started around the the introduction of Peter but became more noticeable throughout season 8-9. It’s borderline delusional to imagine that a show that centres on Trying To Get Famous in LA and Modelling Contracts is somehow connecting with teens on the same level that Degrassi Junior High or Season 1 of TNG did. I would have loved to see her directly admit that, in some later TNG plot lines, she’d lost touch with the original intent of the show.
All in all, an easy read and I recommend this to anyone who Really Likes Degrassi but probably not to anyone else.
I have mixed feelings about this book. This is absolutely a book specifically for Degrassi fans and there’s probably little in here for anyone who isn’t a bit obsessed with the show.
This was fun to read! I loved learning the backstory behind one of my favourite shows. Schuyler is a respectable memoirist for someone who isn’t a print author by trade. Any flaws with the writing style and structure will be easy to overlook for fans of Degrassi.
That said, I struggled with three things:
First, Schuyler doesn’t reflect on areas where Degrassi came up short (even if only in retrospect). Off the top of my head, I would have liked to see her address Adam being portrayed by a cis girl instead of just praising herself for including a trans character. There are other, smaller, plots that I think are pretty flawed too (looking at the portrayal of weed used to manage chemo side effects, for example) that I would have loved to see her address.
Second, Schuyler doesn’t reflect on her own behaviour very often and when she does, she appears to believe she is being unfairly critiqued and/or victimized. Her response to the backlash about her bizarrely anti-union sentiments struck me as really self pitying. I was also really put off by the section where she addresses the relationship between WE/Free The Children and Degrassi. She was told prior to going “to build a school” in a lower-income country that it smacked of white saviourdom and went (alongside others from Degrassi) anyways. After she learns that WE was a scam, she still emphasizes that her and the Degrassi team had a good interaction with WE and that she doesn’t regret the relationship and hopes the cast feels the same way. Sorry, bestie but WHAT?
Third, this is small and loops into some of what I mentioned in point one. But Schuyler glosses over, or is truly unaware of, the fact that Degrassi went from being a realistic teen drama to being an aspirational teen drama. My personal preference is towards realistic but that’s not the problem I have with this book. The problem is, by all accounts, she seems to think that the messaging and impact of the show wasn’t affected by this shift (if she’s even aware of it). The shift started around the the introduction of Peter but became more noticeable throughout season 8-9. It’s borderline delusional to imagine that a show that centres on Trying To Get Famous in LA and Modelling Contracts is somehow connecting with teens on the same level that Degrassi Junior High or Season 1 of TNG did. I would have loved to see her directly admit that, in some later TNG plot lines, she’d lost touch with the original intent of the show.
All in all, an easy read and I recommend this to anyone who Really Likes Degrassi but probably not to anyone else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2022
I’ve been a fan of Degrassi for almost 20 years at this point. So when I saw that Linda Schuyler, one of the creators of the Degrassi franchise, wrote a memoir I knew I had to read it. It was so interesting to read about her journey starting out in media, the other shows and documentaries she created, and of course all of the behind the scenes information about the different versions of Degrassi over the years.
I loved learning about the different things in her life that inspired different storylines in the show. I think that fans of Degrassi will definitely enjoy this memoir. It is by far the main focus of the book and there are so many fun tidbits about the series.
Linda Schuyler highlights a lot of the different progressive storylines that Degrassi had and how it tackled topics that weren’t always seen in other shows for young audiences. However, I wish she spent time in the book reflecting on the ways that Degrassi fell short. For example, she writes a lot about having Adam as a trans character on the show. But she doesn’t mention how it could’ve been better if he was played by a trans actor instead of a cis actress. Or she could’ve addressed the criticism of how Hazel and Terri were always underutilized. Don’t get me wrong, I love Degrassi, but I just wanted a bit more critical analysis of the show from a modern perspective.
But overall this was a great reading experience, if you loved any iteration of the franchise then I definitely recommend picking this up.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved learning about the different things in her life that inspired different storylines in the show. I think that fans of Degrassi will definitely enjoy this memoir. It is by far the main focus of the book and there are so many fun tidbits about the series.
Linda Schuyler highlights a lot of the different progressive storylines that Degrassi had and how it tackled topics that weren’t always seen in other shows for young audiences. However, I wish she spent time in the book reflecting on the ways that Degrassi fell short. For example, she writes a lot about having Adam as a trans character on the show. But she doesn’t mention how it could’ve been better if he was played by a trans actor instead of a cis actress. Or she could’ve addressed the criticism of how Hazel and Terri were always underutilized. Don’t get me wrong, I love Degrassi, but I just wanted a bit more critical analysis of the show from a modern perspective.
But overall this was a great reading experience, if you loved any iteration of the franchise then I definitely recommend picking this up.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
Beautiful, inspiring, and so authentic. This novel energized me and reminded me of the many possibilities out there, ones that I may not even know about yet. The narrator was amazing and sounded like it could have been Linda herself. Great work!
November 8, 2022
I was introduced to “Degrassi” by my daughter. I was still trying to find my way around Canadian culture when my daughter, born here, was already living it. As I watched the scenes unfold on screen, I found myself drawn more and more into the lives of the children and teenagers. Admiration for them crept in. Gradually, I began to understand, some of the things my daughter wouldn’t talk about but surely was going through herself. Perhaps that was a big reason why she wanted me to watch the show with her.
I applaud author Linda Schuyler’s determination to make it as a successful entrepreneur in a mainly male-dominated Canadian television scene of that time. Her deep concern for teenagers and the challenges they faced in that era is apparent in all the stories. She used children and teenagers, not actors, from the real world making each story relatable, and bringing home the point that television is all about the story, and a good story is about making the political personal. She fought for important storylines that affected teenagers including teen pregnancy, abortion and the difficult choices women made.
I loved reading The Mother Of All Degrassi, a memoir by Linda Schuyler. Highly recommend.
I applaud author Linda Schuyler’s determination to make it as a successful entrepreneur in a mainly male-dominated Canadian television scene of that time. Her deep concern for teenagers and the challenges they faced in that era is apparent in all the stories. She used children and teenagers, not actors, from the real world making each story relatable, and bringing home the point that television is all about the story, and a good story is about making the political personal. She fought for important storylines that affected teenagers including teen pregnancy, abortion and the difficult choices women made.
I loved reading The Mother Of All Degrassi, a memoir by Linda Schuyler. Highly recommend.
June 28, 2022
I have liked "Degrassi" for as long as I can remember. In the 80s and 90s I devoured Degrassi Junior High and then High School. I watched Degrassi Next Generation and Next Class. And Degrassi is coming back in 2023 and I can't wait. Degrassi is like a warm hug of familiarity and growth. Author Linda Schuyler was the writer, creator and director or Degrassi and she weaves a great story in her memoir, taking us through Degrassi, the difficulty of being a women in television in the 70s, life lessons, infertility and acceptance of people where they are at. Linda has always been a champion of teenagers, since she started as a junior high school teacher and made her first film. She calls Degrassi, "the world's longest running anti-bullying campaign" and I would agree. Degrassi has repeatedly tackled everything from abortion to gay and gender fluid story lines with grace and empathy. This was a very interesting read and I am so glad I got a chance to read an advanced reading copy. Thank you to @ecwpress for the advanced reading copy. Watch for it when it comes out in October, especially if you are a Degrassi fan! Joey Jeremiah forever!
August 5, 2024
she has a super interesting life and career and of course i love all things degrassi. and speaking of, can i just say, i would give up a degrassi reboot for a degrassi oral history in a HEARTBEAT??
though i will say, i agree with other reviewers that there was a bit of a missed opportunity to address some of the aspects where the show failed, such as sidelining the characters of color, casting a cis girl to play a trans boy, killing off said trans character, romanticizing toxic relationships, etc. there really isn’t any looking back in hindsight and thinking, “we could’ve done better there.”
content/trigger warnings; discussions/mentions of nazism, antisemitism, bullying, queerphobia, hate crimes, f slur, coming out, hiv/aids crisis, police brutality, racism, colonialism, genocide, cancer, loss/grief, death of loved one, alcoholism, ableism, r slur, teen pregnancy, abortion, anti-abortion protestors, alcohol consumption, drug use, painful periods, endometriosis, infertility, fatal car crash, survivor’s guilt, blood, injury, mass shooting, suicide, domestic abuse, misogyny, cheating, drunk driving, anxiety, divorce, terrorist attack, 9/11, postherpetic neuralgia, chronic pain, covid pandemic, sex, sexual harassment, sexual assault/rape,
though i will say, i agree with other reviewers that there was a bit of a missed opportunity to address some of the aspects where the show failed, such as sidelining the characters of color, casting a cis girl to play a trans boy, killing off said trans character, romanticizing toxic relationships, etc. there really isn’t any looking back in hindsight and thinking, “we could’ve done better there.”
content/trigger warnings; discussions/mentions of nazism, antisemitism, bullying, queerphobia, hate crimes, f slur, coming out, hiv/aids crisis, police brutality, racism, colonialism, genocide, cancer, loss/grief, death of loved one, alcoholism, ableism, r slur, teen pregnancy, abortion, anti-abortion protestors, alcohol consumption, drug use, painful periods, endometriosis, infertility, fatal car crash, survivor’s guilt, blood, injury, mass shooting, suicide, domestic abuse, misogyny, cheating, drunk driving, anxiety, divorce, terrorist attack, 9/11, postherpetic neuralgia, chronic pain, covid pandemic, sex, sexual harassment, sexual assault/rape,
December 31, 2022
I don’t really have much to say other than this is a must read for every Degrassi fan. Linda Schuyler is literally my hero. The story did bounce around a little bit in the timeline but I understand why it was done that way for the story, I didn’t find it overly confusing though and it didn’t take me out of the narrative. 4.5 stars rounded up
February 2, 2023
This book <3. If you grew up watching Degrassi on Mondays at 8:30 pm on CBC, then you must pick up The Mother of All Degrassi. I randomly found this as an audiobook on my library app, and it kept me fully engaged. Nostalgic, heartwarming and inspiring, I adored this book and appreciate Linda Schuyler so much.
July 8, 2025
Celebrity audiobooks are my new hobby. Unfortunately I did really enjoy this
May 8, 2025
(3.5/5)
As a HUGE Degrassi fan, I was so excited for this look at Linda Schuyler’s life and creation of the Degrassi franchise. I loved seeing how different parts and relationships of her life influenced different storylines. I found her relationships with Kit Hood and Stephen Stohn especially fascinating. There were fun anecdotes about Aubrey Graham’s (yes, Drake) audition for Jimmy Brooks, coming up with the lyrics for the iconic theme song after 9/11 and how they named Emma after the Emmy that the show won for Spike’s pregnancy episode. I did find that the focus was mainly on the production side of Degrassi instead of storylines and cast members, which was a little disappointing, but at the same time, I do recognize that this was about Linda and Degrassi, not just Degrassi. We certainly didn’t need a gossipy tell all of who liked or didn’t like who, but I would have liked more of a look on how and why they chose different storylines, the casting process, developing characters and such. I would have LOVED an in depth look at Cam Saunders and his story specifically. I will say though, I had tears in my eyes when Linda talked about filming Time Stands Still (the school shooting episode) and how jarring it was to see Jimmy fall and then get right back up to film again. There were a few times she would be telling a story in the “present” and then next paragraph, start a memory from the 70s which was a little jarring at times and did take me out of the original story. Overall, it was different than I was expecting, but I did find Linda’s life and story beyond Degrassi very interesting and inspiring. I think fans of any Degrassi reiteration will take something away from it.
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!
As a HUGE Degrassi fan, I was so excited for this look at Linda Schuyler’s life and creation of the Degrassi franchise. I loved seeing how different parts and relationships of her life influenced different storylines. I found her relationships with Kit Hood and Stephen Stohn especially fascinating. There were fun anecdotes about Aubrey Graham’s (yes, Drake) audition for Jimmy Brooks, coming up with the lyrics for the iconic theme song after 9/11 and how they named Emma after the Emmy that the show won for Spike’s pregnancy episode. I did find that the focus was mainly on the production side of Degrassi instead of storylines and cast members, which was a little disappointing, but at the same time, I do recognize that this was about Linda and Degrassi, not just Degrassi. We certainly didn’t need a gossipy tell all of who liked or didn’t like who, but I would have liked more of a look on how and why they chose different storylines, the casting process, developing characters and such. I would have LOVED an in depth look at Cam Saunders and his story specifically. I will say though, I had tears in my eyes when Linda talked about filming Time Stands Still (the school shooting episode) and how jarring it was to see Jimmy fall and then get right back up to film again. There were a few times she would be telling a story in the “present” and then next paragraph, start a memory from the 70s which was a little jarring at times and did take me out of the original story. Overall, it was different than I was expecting, but I did find Linda’s life and story beyond Degrassi very interesting and inspiring. I think fans of any Degrassi reiteration will take something away from it.
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 2, 2022
I’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I’ve been a fan of Degrassi since I was a little girl in the 80s so this book was great, offering behind the scenes stories and information and how and what was going on with her life at that time.
February 23, 2023
wow lol so much to say. for any older millennial who grew up in canada and was even a casual fan of degrassi - it’s a must read. I have so many things to say both good and bad (this will probably be my longest book review ever)
one personal thing i was blown away by - i worked with the man who made the sale for degrassi next generation?!?? i worked at an animation studio in vancouver from 2005-2007 five years after my boss apparently sold the reboot and i had no idea, it never came up and we never talked about it?!?
i wish linda schuyler, even for a sentence or two, talked about how many ppl watched degrassi junior high and degrassi high specifically because it was CAMP!! she doesn’t seem to understand that so many of us watched it ironically for the dated factor or the extremely non-model, realistic teens that were cast, many of whom could barely act.
i also found her to be a bit arrogant. she constantly took credit for being responsible for the trend of making realistic, down-to-earth television, but then she didn’t seem to embrace realness herself. instead, she plays the victim card a lot in her stories and doesn’t own up to any mistakes. it’s not very degrassi of her.
having said that, i really loved hearing about linda’s life, where she came from, why and how she started degrassi, etc etc. her work is so iconic and she has been a household name to me for my whole life but i knew NOTHING about her at all and she made one of my fav shows of all time! all the canadiana she talks about — speakers corner, canadian government funding and grants, the banff tv retreat — it’s all so interesting to me.
another household name from watching the credits of degrassi my whole life is kit hood, who she had a very fraught relationship with. her ability to make little digs about him within every sentence was quite impressive!
another complaint i have is the way the book was written, bouncing back and forth between years. it didn’t really make much sense to me - i don’t see why it wasn’t just written in sequential order like a normal history?
still, degrassi is one of the most unique and rough around the edges shows of all time, so it’s kind of perfect that this book is pretty messy. maybe it’s because i’m who i am and i love degrassi so much, but i just have to give it 5 stars.
one personal thing i was blown away by - i worked with the man who made the sale for degrassi next generation?!?? i worked at an animation studio in vancouver from 2005-2007 five years after my boss apparently sold the reboot and i had no idea, it never came up and we never talked about it?!?
i wish linda schuyler, even for a sentence or two, talked about how many ppl watched degrassi junior high and degrassi high specifically because it was CAMP!! she doesn’t seem to understand that so many of us watched it ironically for the dated factor or the extremely non-model, realistic teens that were cast, many of whom could barely act.
i also found her to be a bit arrogant. she constantly took credit for being responsible for the trend of making realistic, down-to-earth television, but then she didn’t seem to embrace realness herself. instead, she plays the victim card a lot in her stories and doesn’t own up to any mistakes. it’s not very degrassi of her.
having said that, i really loved hearing about linda’s life, where she came from, why and how she started degrassi, etc etc. her work is so iconic and she has been a household name to me for my whole life but i knew NOTHING about her at all and she made one of my fav shows of all time! all the canadiana she talks about — speakers corner, canadian government funding and grants, the banff tv retreat — it’s all so interesting to me.
another household name from watching the credits of degrassi my whole life is kit hood, who she had a very fraught relationship with. her ability to make little digs about him within every sentence was quite impressive!
another complaint i have is the way the book was written, bouncing back and forth between years. it didn’t really make much sense to me - i don’t see why it wasn’t just written in sequential order like a normal history?
still, degrassi is one of the most unique and rough around the edges shows of all time, so it’s kind of perfect that this book is pretty messy. maybe it’s because i’m who i am and i love degrassi so much, but i just have to give it 5 stars.
November 15, 2022
I remember watching Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High when I was growing up. I remember thinking even for a TV show the issues that they were dinner with at the time it was made really reflected what was happening in general life. Linda Schuyler's memoir brought this all back, so much so I binged watched DJH!
Linda created a groundbreaking show that pushed boundaries and addressed particular issues. Her book delved into how some of these issues were researched and formed into episodes and some backlash against some of them as well. Linda was also a strong person, working in a very male centric industry in the 1970s and 1980s. She didn't Take no for an answer and she really made sure that she thought hard what she believed in. She stood firm on her beliefs, even among those she closely worked with.
Linda covered a lot of her own life and her journey into becoming interested in film and also her heartbreak in not being able to have children. She became the mother to all the kids in the Degrassi series', and took the interests of the children casted in the TV shows to heart. Her passion is captured in every page as well as in her drive to secure funding for every series. Her accolades printed at the end of the book stream for pages and reflect Linda's determination to succeed and make an impact in Canadian TV and film industry. Loved reading about her collaboration with Kevin Smith too!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Published today- if you are a Degrassi fan, grab it today!
Linda created a groundbreaking show that pushed boundaries and addressed particular issues. Her book delved into how some of these issues were researched and formed into episodes and some backlash against some of them as well. Linda was also a strong person, working in a very male centric industry in the 1970s and 1980s. She didn't Take no for an answer and she really made sure that she thought hard what she believed in. She stood firm on her beliefs, even among those she closely worked with.
Linda covered a lot of her own life and her journey into becoming interested in film and also her heartbreak in not being able to have children. She became the mother to all the kids in the Degrassi series', and took the interests of the children casted in the TV shows to heart. Her passion is captured in every page as well as in her drive to secure funding for every series. Her accolades printed at the end of the book stream for pages and reflect Linda's determination to succeed and make an impact in Canadian TV and film industry. Loved reading about her collaboration with Kevin Smith too!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Published today- if you are a Degrassi fan, grab it today!
January 15, 2023
As a Degrassi mega-fan (I have watched every single episode at least 10 times and own box sets on DVD), I knew I had to read this. I was not disappointed. I loved reading about Linda's inspirations and how hard she worked to make Degrassi into what it became. I learned so much about the goings on behind the scenes. I appreciated Linda opening up about her personal life and her struggles with infertility and use them or address those issues in Degrassi. I will always treasure Degrassi and the way it covered societal issues of the time (abortions, AIDS, drugs, suicide, etc). It's also a testament that a woman from small town Ontario was able to create such a cultural phenomenon back in the 70's when she couldn't even get a bank loan without a husband. This memoir spoke volumes to me that I dont quite know how to put down on paper.
Now I'm headed out to the bookstore to buy a real copy because all proceeds from this book go directly to Kids Help Phone.
Now I'm headed out to the bookstore to buy a real copy because all proceeds from this book go directly to Kids Help Phone.
Read
October 26, 2023I've been wanting to read since it came out and I've been trying to wait patiently for it to arrive to Libby. It took a bit, but I finally got to check it out!
The TV show, Degrassi, was and is my show. I've been watching it since I was like 10 years old. It taught me things when I was younger that was never brought up by any of the adults around me. This show brought attention to a lot of serious topics. Also, the characters have always been such a comfort! Since I've been watching it for so long the show and characters just feel like home.
It was great getting to know the person behind the show, and hearing a little bit more about the show itself. Any fan of Degrassi will like this one.
The TV show, Degrassi, was and is my show. I've been watching it since I was like 10 years old. It taught me things when I was younger that was never brought up by any of the adults around me. This show brought attention to a lot of serious topics. Also, the characters have always been such a comfort! Since I've been watching it for so long the show and characters just feel like home.
It was great getting to know the person behind the show, and hearing a little bit more about the show itself. Any fan of Degrassi will like this one.
November 9, 2022
I am a fan of the first generation of Degrassi and was aware of the newer versions but have only watched one or two of these versions but I still wanted the back story of the woman who helped me tackle several problems in my childhood. The show, for me and I'm sure for many people growing up over the years, helped you understand that, no matter what, someone else is having the same problems as you and that was the beauty of the show; it helped you feel normal. Kudos to Linda Schuyler for her unending devotion to get the real story out and keep it real. This story showcased so many of these different scenarios and gave a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came together. Recommended for fans of the show, the stars, and/or television production; there's a lot to learn here and it's all great.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
November 16, 2022
Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is primarily for fans with an interest in Degrassi, a legacy of Canadian television. Anyone with interest in filmmaking may also find some appeal. As a longtime Degrassi fan from way back in the days of Degrassi Junior High, it was fun to read the story of its origins; the casting, the behind the scenes, the drama-behind-the-drama. It also led me to some related shows and episodes of talk shows I was unaware of. A treasure trove of nostalgia for all Degrassi fans!
This book is primarily for fans with an interest in Degrassi, a legacy of Canadian television. Anyone with interest in filmmaking may also find some appeal. As a longtime Degrassi fan from way back in the days of Degrassi Junior High, it was fun to read the story of its origins; the casting, the behind the scenes, the drama-behind-the-drama. It also led me to some related shows and episodes of talk shows I was unaware of. A treasure trove of nostalgia for all Degrassi fans!
July 9, 2024
"The Mother of all Degrassi" is a candid exploration of the impact and legacy of the iconic Canadian teen drama series, Degrassi. Woven through with the themes of impactful storytelling, Schuyler shows the evolution of the show from its humble beginnings to its cultural significance. Read by Linda Shuyler, they discuss many taboo topics such as teen pregnancy, drug abuse, and 2SLGBTQ+ issues. This book is a must-read (or listen)!! Would highly recommend the audiobook to anyone!
January 16, 2023
An absolute must read for any and all Degrassi fans. I cannot put into words the love I have for this book and Linda. I was constantly laughing or crying as Linda was simultaneously walking us through her life and the production of Degrassi. It was so interesting to see how her life directly impacted the stories seen on screen.
April 22, 2023
Be still my Degrassi loving heart… The development of Degrassi and Linda’s career is fascinating and well worth reading about! Don’t expect it to go in-depth into every aspect of Degrassi but there certainly were some interesting anecdotes about Aubrey Graham and the character of Jimmy Brooks, the school shooter storyline development, and the priorities of having an age appropriate casting of characters and developing important storylines regarding heavy hitting topics without sensationalizing them. I loved this book and teared up many times.
August 6, 2023
This woman is a Canadian icon but I had no idea what an incredible, talented, badass producer /creator she is or how long and successful her career has been. This book made me incredibly nostalgic (OMG, I loved the original Degrassis, especially DH and School's Out), but it was also inspiring and I'm so happy to learn more about the Mother of all Degrassi! Thank you for teaching me so much!
May 3, 2023
Great look at a Canadian women in the television industry. Insights into the creation of the best tv show in history that deals with topics that some think are taboo. Must read for any degrassi fan.
June 3, 2024
We undervalue Linda Schuyler so much. Shes absolutely a person to consider a role model. I hope I grow up to be like her (I’m 28 years old).
November 25, 2023
Informative
I bought this to see if the pastor who complained about onscreen mix-racing was mentioned further, but fairly it’s not given much mention outside of the caption. I appreciate Linda not being willing to give her detractors too much attention, I hadn’t realised how much her projects overlapped, there are some great bts stories and it fills in a lot of knowledge gaps for fans. I don’t know how accurate the dialogue is, those parts give a storytime feel to it even when the subject matter is darker. Linda also doesn’t shy from giving her account of her relationship with Kit Hood, so expect to see him differently. I didn’t wind up skipping the non Degrassi parts as this is engaging without getting too bogged down in info or linear narratives.
I bought this to see if the pastor who complained about onscreen mix-racing was mentioned further, but fairly it’s not given much mention outside of the caption. I appreciate Linda not being willing to give her detractors too much attention, I hadn’t realised how much her projects overlapped, there are some great bts stories and it fills in a lot of knowledge gaps for fans. I don’t know how accurate the dialogue is, those parts give a storytime feel to it even when the subject matter is darker. Linda also doesn’t shy from giving her account of her relationship with Kit Hood, so expect to see him differently. I didn’t wind up skipping the non Degrassi parts as this is engaging without getting too bogged down in info or linear narratives.
November 18, 2022
As the title suggests, a memoir of Linda Schuyler, who created Degrassi. Although this was a good read, I was fairly disappointed as this focused on the production of Degrassi and not any storylines. I know it's her memoir, so I can't be too disappointed, but what I really wanted was a Degrassi Tell All. It was also jarring as she often switched back and forth between timelines instead of staying linear.
Read
November 10, 2024Degrassi my heart. I had to read it just because.
I admit I skimmed through any chapter that wasn’t about Degrassi though.
I admit I skimmed through any chapter that wasn’t about Degrassi though.
January 26, 2024
Felt sanitized.
November 28, 2022
To learn where the Degrassi teen series came from, you must start from the source, The Mother of All Degrassi, Linda Schuyler. This is also the name of the book by the creator of Degrassi who doubles as the author. In this book, you'll find out about the origin of the famed Canadian teen show and how it has evolved throughout the years and continues to enthrall teen and adult viewers alike.
I, for one, could not wait to get my hands on this book because, since the series began in the mid-1980s, when I was a teen, I watched it. A co-worker friend and I used to meet up at the bookstore where we worked to discuss plotlines and characters. She even subscribed to a newsletter, provided by PBS, that detailed upcoming episodes and more. Fast-forward to 2002, and I caught the Next Generation series on cable. Now my daughter and I binge-watch old and newer episodes and cannot wait for its latest iteration on HBO Max next year.
Linda Schuyler is a dynamic woman who pioneered this series from the beginning. She started out as a teacher and began documenting some of her students in a film that focused on students who had immigrated from parts of Africa to Canada--a true culture shock down to the snow. From that point, she was drawn toward telling the stories of what we now call tweens and teens to help them and give them a voice regarding the many serious topics that infiltrate their lives and those of their friends and family.
What Schuyler did was revolutionize television to include everyone. Her ingenuity in plotting the series, finding ways to get it made, and building her own sometimes faltering confidence was inspiring. She immigrated herself from England and felt secondary but understood adjusting to a new culture and new place. She confronted traumatic situations in her past and present from a serious car accident to her struggles to have children. She can relate to teens who struggle with their own issues, no matter how minor or major they may be. And she doesn't treat them like they're secondary.
Even if you have no knowledge of her other TV series that, I believe, only aired in Canada, you'll marvel at how she put these shows together, faced cancellations, and earned multiple awards. Amid those failures and successes, she learned about the TV industry and how to succeed. She's very humble about her success and grateful for it, and she's an excellent role model for women. Obviously, she couldn't do all this alone, but with her colleagues, her family, and her friends, she kept fighting to accomplish her goals. When they didn't work out, she went back to square one and devised a new path despite any roadblocks in her way.
Although a lot of the book covers Degrassi, I really wanted to hear more about the episodes, the issues in more controversial stories, and how the kids she worked with felt. You do get an inside look at Aubrey Graham's comical audition (yes, I'm talking about Drake). It's Schuyler's book, but I was hungry to hear about Degrassi in more detail. But she does cover quite a bit about the series, so fans will be satisfied to a degree. This calls for a dedicated Degrassi book that covers the entire series if anyone's game to tackle this with multiple seasons, tons of actors, and episodes over 30+ years.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and think other fans of the Degrassi series should take a look. Schuyler is a force in the television industry and should inspire other women with her incredible list of accomplishments.
Thank you, ECW Press, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It was a pleasure!
I, for one, could not wait to get my hands on this book because, since the series began in the mid-1980s, when I was a teen, I watched it. A co-worker friend and I used to meet up at the bookstore where we worked to discuss plotlines and characters. She even subscribed to a newsletter, provided by PBS, that detailed upcoming episodes and more. Fast-forward to 2002, and I caught the Next Generation series on cable. Now my daughter and I binge-watch old and newer episodes and cannot wait for its latest iteration on HBO Max next year.
Linda Schuyler is a dynamic woman who pioneered this series from the beginning. She started out as a teacher and began documenting some of her students in a film that focused on students who had immigrated from parts of Africa to Canada--a true culture shock down to the snow. From that point, she was drawn toward telling the stories of what we now call tweens and teens to help them and give them a voice regarding the many serious topics that infiltrate their lives and those of their friends and family.
What Schuyler did was revolutionize television to include everyone. Her ingenuity in plotting the series, finding ways to get it made, and building her own sometimes faltering confidence was inspiring. She immigrated herself from England and felt secondary but understood adjusting to a new culture and new place. She confronted traumatic situations in her past and present from a serious car accident to her struggles to have children. She can relate to teens who struggle with their own issues, no matter how minor or major they may be. And she doesn't treat them like they're secondary.
Even if you have no knowledge of her other TV series that, I believe, only aired in Canada, you'll marvel at how she put these shows together, faced cancellations, and earned multiple awards. Amid those failures and successes, she learned about the TV industry and how to succeed. She's very humble about her success and grateful for it, and she's an excellent role model for women. Obviously, she couldn't do all this alone, but with her colleagues, her family, and her friends, she kept fighting to accomplish her goals. When they didn't work out, she went back to square one and devised a new path despite any roadblocks in her way.
Although a lot of the book covers Degrassi, I really wanted to hear more about the episodes, the issues in more controversial stories, and how the kids she worked with felt. You do get an inside look at Aubrey Graham's comical audition (yes, I'm talking about Drake). It's Schuyler's book, but I was hungry to hear about Degrassi in more detail. But she does cover quite a bit about the series, so fans will be satisfied to a degree. This calls for a dedicated Degrassi book that covers the entire series if anyone's game to tackle this with multiple seasons, tons of actors, and episodes over 30+ years.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and think other fans of the Degrassi series should take a look. Schuyler is a force in the television industry and should inspire other women with her incredible list of accomplishments.
Thank you, ECW Press, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It was a pleasure!
January 5, 2024
Degrassi fans, you need to read this. There is probably no piece of media closer to my heart than Degrassi. I've seen every second of it over and over, from Degrassi Junior High through the more recent Next Class that I was admittedly too old for when it aired. But that's the funny thing about this world: it's not an easy show to just stop watching. Just as your favourite characters are ready to graduate, a new bunch arrives and you connect with them so well that you have to keep going after the old bunch has gone. This world is easy to connect with. After watching it so many times, I thought that I knew it inside and out, but Linda Schuyler provides us with the behind-the-scenes story: her career as a schoolteacher and the first documentary that she made with students who inspired her; the initial idea for The Kids of Degrassi Street from a children's book about a cat; casting young actors and connecting with them to discover the stories that they needed to tell; the show's connection with teens and adults around the world; outrage from small-minded people at the bold stories that Degrassi dared to tell.
It took a bold woman to create this universe, and I was so comforted as I learned more about the wonderful woman who made this happen. She's bold, but she's also kind, determined, open to learning new things, willing to speak up for herself, committed to telling real truths with no more bullshit. The depth of her commitment to getting real stories right, and treating teenagers with dignity and agency is not to be pushed aside. This woman is an advocate for young people through and through - no doubt, why she received the Order of Canada.
While the focus of this story is obviously on Degrassi, the book is also peppered with stories of her youth: her immigration to Canada from England, and the kids who teased her accent. The car accident in her 20s that caused life-altering injuries. The marriage to her still-husband and creation of their blended family. Her development of other TV shows, which will be at least somewhat familiar to any Canadian.
If you're a Degrassi fan, this is your bible. Get to know Linda, get to know the actors who played your favourite characters, get to know why she told these particular stories, and then do a rewatch because you'll never look at the show the same after this - you'll probably love it even more.
It took a bold woman to create this universe, and I was so comforted as I learned more about the wonderful woman who made this happen. She's bold, but she's also kind, determined, open to learning new things, willing to speak up for herself, committed to telling real truths with no more bullshit. The depth of her commitment to getting real stories right, and treating teenagers with dignity and agency is not to be pushed aside. This woman is an advocate for young people through and through - no doubt, why she received the Order of Canada.
While the focus of this story is obviously on Degrassi, the book is also peppered with stories of her youth: her immigration to Canada from England, and the kids who teased her accent. The car accident in her 20s that caused life-altering injuries. The marriage to her still-husband and creation of their blended family. Her development of other TV shows, which will be at least somewhat familiar to any Canadian.
If you're a Degrassi fan, this is your bible. Get to know Linda, get to know the actors who played your favourite characters, get to know why she told these particular stories, and then do a rewatch because you'll never look at the show the same after this - you'll probably love it even more.
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