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Is Canada Even Real?: How a Nation Built on Hobos, Beavers, Weirdos, and Hip Hop Convinced the World to Beliebe
Do you know where Upper Canada is in relation to Lower Canada? Can you name the human cast members of The Littlest Hobo? Did you realize those were both trick questions?
Is Canada even real? It s a question that s being asked more and more, thanks to our waterproof, see-through, supposedly maple-scented currency and our improbably hot prime minister s assertion that Santa lives here.
In the age of Google Maps and #factcheck, how could the existence of Canada be questioned? And yet how could a nation built of toboggans, Drake, and KD exist in the same realm as, say, Belgium or Niger?
If you ve ever wondered:
Why is the inuksuk more revered than Wheelchair Jimmy? Does the iconic beaver really represent us better than The Littlest Hobo? Is everyone going canoeing without me or is canoeing way less of a thing than it s made out to be?
Then this book is for you.
Is Canada Even Real examines the cultural factors behind the 21st-century monolithic myth of Canada, a nation that is weird, lovable, and real if only in your imagination."
Is Canada even real? It s a question that s being asked more and more, thanks to our waterproof, see-through, supposedly maple-scented currency and our improbably hot prime minister s assertion that Santa lives here.
In the age of Google Maps and #factcheck, how could the existence of Canada be questioned? And yet how could a nation built of toboggans, Drake, and KD exist in the same realm as, say, Belgium or Niger?
If you ve ever wondered:
Why is the inuksuk more revered than Wheelchair Jimmy? Does the iconic beaver really represent us better than The Littlest Hobo? Is everyone going canoeing without me or is canoeing way less of a thing than it s made out to be?
Then this book is for you.
Is Canada Even Real examines the cultural factors behind the 21st-century monolithic myth of Canada, a nation that is weird, lovable, and real if only in your imagination."
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2017
2 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Villamere
1 book8 followersPop culture critic J.C. Villamere knew how to drive a Ski-Doo by age 8 and her body is 90 per cent maple syrup. She is the most Canadian woman in the world. Villamere was born in Arnprior and has lived in Ottawa, Sundridge, New Liskeard, Fonthill and Kingston, Ontario, plus Banff, Alberta, but it wasn't until she moved to Dublin, Ireland, that she realized how special Canada is. Her new book, Is Canada Even Real? is a funny social history of Canada as told through our pop culture icons. She now lives in Hamilton, Ontario, with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 16, 2017
First of all, it’s a bit scary when Word won’t save a title because it has a question mark in it, eh? It’s also scary that even though I lived through many of the iconic moments in this book – in Canada – I had no clue they existed. My weakest area: TV references. For over 12 years I was working or sleeping during the hours most of these referenced TV shows were on air. After that, from approx. 1990 onward, I chose not to have a TV at all. Instead, I started collecting DVD’s of shows I thought were interesting. Most of my collection came from Amazon.com and/or Amazon.ca – and maybe I wasn’t searching right, but I don’t recall ever coming across a CDN show on offer.
None of these factors (and others I won’t go into) diluted my 100% enjoyment of this book. It is funny, it is informative, and delightfully cringe-worthy in many places. (Yes, I am Canadian. I know how to cringe.)
At one point the author mentions how people outside Canada were amazed (after Wikipedia launched in 2001) how many of their favorite entertainers were actually – gasp – Canadian. (It’s okay, though – many Canadians gasped, too.) Personally, I can only think of one main reason this happened: (excuse the mashed up quote) – Being Canadian is something to rise above. (Okay – altogether now – cringe). Oh, and, just in case you find this hard to believe, read about Alix Spiegel’s opinions regarding Peter Jennings’ origins. (Cringe lessons on offer for free, unless you are Canadian, in which case you don’t need lessons). Yes, Peter Jennings was Canadian grown and hosted a major American TV show. Scandalous stuff.
One of the funniest (laugh out loud kind) quiz answers: “If you guessed e) all of the above, please be advised that these quizzes are not designed as a drinking game.” And with that, I will stop with the excerpts. If I were to address every topic and neat turn of phrase or startling revelation, this review would be as long as the book.
For sheer entertainment value (as in laughs, information, chuckles, head-nodding, great quizzes, and even cringing) this book is a must-read for all Canadians, all wannabe Canadians (all two of you), and anyone who might want to know more about Canadians and their culture – particularly the fine art of the perfect cringe.
None of these factors (and others I won’t go into) diluted my 100% enjoyment of this book. It is funny, it is informative, and delightfully cringe-worthy in many places. (Yes, I am Canadian. I know how to cringe.)
At one point the author mentions how people outside Canada were amazed (after Wikipedia launched in 2001) how many of their favorite entertainers were actually – gasp – Canadian. (It’s okay, though – many Canadians gasped, too.) Personally, I can only think of one main reason this happened: (excuse the mashed up quote) – Being Canadian is something to rise above. (Okay – altogether now – cringe). Oh, and, just in case you find this hard to believe, read about Alix Spiegel’s opinions regarding Peter Jennings’ origins. (Cringe lessons on offer for free, unless you are Canadian, in which case you don’t need lessons). Yes, Peter Jennings was Canadian grown and hosted a major American TV show. Scandalous stuff.
One of the funniest (laugh out loud kind) quiz answers: “If you guessed e) all of the above, please be advised that these quizzes are not designed as a drinking game.” And with that, I will stop with the excerpts. If I were to address every topic and neat turn of phrase or startling revelation, this review would be as long as the book.
For sheer entertainment value (as in laughs, information, chuckles, head-nodding, great quizzes, and even cringing) this book is a must-read for all Canadians, all wannabe Canadians (all two of you), and anyone who might want to know more about Canadians and their culture – particularly the fine art of the perfect cringe.
April 4, 2017
A huge thank you to JC Villamere, Dundern Press, and Netgalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I was attracted to this book because, oddly enough, my best friend lives thousands of miles away from me in Calgary.
This book was a riotous romp of fun! I had the best time reading about the pop culture of Canada, the country known for the apology. I had no idea that all of the celebrities mentioned were Canadians. I also took this opportunity to quiz my bestie about his country to learn more about where he lives. Reading this book was a unique learning experience. I can tell the author really enjoyed himself writing this. It's a very short read, but it inspires one to do further research. Yes, Canada does exist, and it's rich in tradition and uprightness. And maybe a few laughs
This book was a riotous romp of fun! I had the best time reading about the pop culture of Canada, the country known for the apology. I had no idea that all of the celebrities mentioned were Canadians. I also took this opportunity to quiz my bestie about his country to learn more about where he lives. Reading this book was a unique learning experience. I can tell the author really enjoyed himself writing this. It's a very short read, but it inspires one to do further research. Yes, Canada does exist, and it's rich in tradition and uprightness. And maybe a few laughs
February 11, 2017
Did you know that Canada is a real country? That 2017 marks her 150 year of independence? Did you know they have their own tv and government and have hosted the olympics?
As an American I know how horribly ignorant we our of our neighbors to the north. And you are probably wondering how different they could be
This book pokes fun at those differences. You don't need to know Canadian history or culture to enjoy this book. You don't need to know who was the first prime minister or what tv shows they have had. In fact the book is written with the assumption that you do not know any of these things.
Don't expect to read it to learn anything non trivial though. This is all weird trivia and totally fun. We learn there is a cartoon character called Peter the Puck to promote hockey. We learn about a pair of mascots for the Calgary olympics called Hidy and Howdy, pollard bears even though there are no polar bears living in Calgary. And we learn that the name of the Hudson Bay Company magazine fit years was called The Beaver.
Each chapter ends with a quiz with the answers, which are also amusing.
Would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about the weirder facts of Canada
Thanks to Netgalley for making this available for an honest review
As an American I know how horribly ignorant we our of our neighbors to the north. And you are probably wondering how different they could be
This book pokes fun at those differences. You don't need to know Canadian history or culture to enjoy this book. You don't need to know who was the first prime minister or what tv shows they have had. In fact the book is written with the assumption that you do not know any of these things.
Don't expect to read it to learn anything non trivial though. This is all weird trivia and totally fun. We learn there is a cartoon character called Peter the Puck to promote hockey. We learn about a pair of mascots for the Calgary olympics called Hidy and Howdy, pollard bears even though there are no polar bears living in Calgary. And we learn that the name of the Hudson Bay Company magazine fit years was called The Beaver.
Each chapter ends with a quiz with the answers, which are also amusing.
Would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about the weirder facts of Canada
Thanks to Netgalley for making this available for an honest review
April 19, 2017
I saw the title of this book and started laughing immediately.
It was then that I realized that I must read this.
The rest of the book wasn't as laugh-out-loud funny, which is what I was hoping for, but it had some of the strangest fun facts.
Included within: A-lister snowmen, Closet-Canadian celebrities, and a seance held by a Prime Minister to summon the spirit of another Prime Minister.
Is this what you expected from polite, kind, maple-leaf Canada? Probably not. Canada is a strange place, guys, and I didn't know it until I read this book
The book was divided into categories, say Hip-Hop and Mascots, and each chapter in a section highlighted one of Canada's strangest examples of the topic. There would be a few chapters per section, and at the end of each chapter was a quiz.
Now, I am not Canadian, so I had no chance to do well on these quizzes. However, I enjoyed reading the answers to these questions. The answers were shorter fun-facts.
There were a few questions that, though some of the answers seemed too bizarre to even be realistic, I noticed myself seriously considering them.
Canada is so odd, that I wouldn't even be surprised if a Lobster was named Youppi! because it rode an ATV.
If you want to learn more about this seemingly normal country, look no further. If you want your perception of Canada changed (for the better!), then this is still the book for you.
It would make a fun gift for someone, wouldn't it?
It was then that I realized that I must read this.
The rest of the book wasn't as laugh-out-loud funny, which is what I was hoping for, but it had some of the strangest fun facts.
Included within: A-lister snowmen, Closet-Canadian celebrities, and a seance held by a Prime Minister to summon the spirit of another Prime Minister.
Is this what you expected from polite, kind, maple-leaf Canada? Probably not. Canada is a strange place, guys, and I didn't know it until I read this book
The book was divided into categories, say Hip-Hop and Mascots, and each chapter in a section highlighted one of Canada's strangest examples of the topic. There would be a few chapters per section, and at the end of each chapter was a quiz.
Now, I am not Canadian, so I had no chance to do well on these quizzes. However, I enjoyed reading the answers to these questions. The answers were shorter fun-facts.
There were a few questions that, though some of the answers seemed too bizarre to even be realistic, I noticed myself seriously considering them.
Canada is so odd, that I wouldn't even be surprised if a Lobster was named Youppi! because it rode an ATV.
If you want to learn more about this seemingly normal country, look no further. If you want your perception of Canada changed (for the better!), then this is still the book for you.
It would make a fun gift for someone, wouldn't it?
May 19, 2017
This one was OK. It had interesting little tidbits of information that made me homesick. I thought it would be funnier than it was, but the quizzes were a nice touch!
May 23, 2017
via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
A 1997 broadcast of the long running Chicago based radio show This American life unveiled the shock and discomfort Americans felt when they were told that many- so many- of the people at the epicentre of American culture were Canadian. The most outrageous reaction was reserved for the anchor of ABC World News Tonight Toronto-born Peter Jennings. “I can’t believe it,” said Peabody- winning This American Life producer Alix Spiegel. “He delivers information about America to Americans. He interprets our culture for us. It’s like having some Czechoslovakian as your vice president. It’s just wrong.”
What? Really? My fellow Americans, I ask you- do you really dislike Canadians so much? Particularly when all most Americans admit to knowing about Canadians are Hockey, moose, beavers, Justin Bieber, Jim Carrey and Mike Myers. The tasty hors d’oeuvres of facts in this book had me laughing and surprised. Drake starred in a Canadian soap opera? This is the strangest bit of trivia questions I’ve read. Weird mascots, strange children’s shows, a certain famous singer’s cut hair worth $40,000, truly! And what was the song Informer by Snow about anyway? Don’t lie, you know what song and you probably liked it!
This book is fun, silly and just for kicks. It ‘takes this piss’ out of Canada. What I did know was so much less than what I didn’t. I’m one of those Americans interested in Canada, my husband’s background is French Canadian (with a last name like Dandeneau, you bet). Laugh all you want, we Americans have plenty to laugh about in regards to our pop culture too. It’s okay Canada, we love you for your quirky nature!
For a fun read that makes you wonder, Is Canada for real?
Out Now!
Dundurn
A 1997 broadcast of the long running Chicago based radio show This American life unveiled the shock and discomfort Americans felt when they were told that many- so many- of the people at the epicentre of American culture were Canadian. The most outrageous reaction was reserved for the anchor of ABC World News Tonight Toronto-born Peter Jennings. “I can’t believe it,” said Peabody- winning This American Life producer Alix Spiegel. “He delivers information about America to Americans. He interprets our culture for us. It’s like having some Czechoslovakian as your vice president. It’s just wrong.”
What? Really? My fellow Americans, I ask you- do you really dislike Canadians so much? Particularly when all most Americans admit to knowing about Canadians are Hockey, moose, beavers, Justin Bieber, Jim Carrey and Mike Myers. The tasty hors d’oeuvres of facts in this book had me laughing and surprised. Drake starred in a Canadian soap opera? This is the strangest bit of trivia questions I’ve read. Weird mascots, strange children’s shows, a certain famous singer’s cut hair worth $40,000, truly! And what was the song Informer by Snow about anyway? Don’t lie, you know what song and you probably liked it!
This book is fun, silly and just for kicks. It ‘takes this piss’ out of Canada. What I did know was so much less than what I didn’t. I’m one of those Americans interested in Canada, my husband’s background is French Canadian (with a last name like Dandeneau, you bet). Laugh all you want, we Americans have plenty to laugh about in regards to our pop culture too. It’s okay Canada, we love you for your quirky nature!
For a fun read that makes you wonder, Is Canada for real?
Out Now!
Dundurn
July 2, 2017
BookTrail the locations in the book - link: Is Canada real?
image:
The writer is well known in Canada for being 90% made of maple syrup and I totally believe that - what she doesn't know or love about Canada isn't worth knowing. She's fun and has a unique way of writing and compelling you to answer questions in fun quizzes getting you to see what you know and what you didn't know you should. It's tongue in cheek, funny and very very Canadian. This for me brought back lots of happy memories, unique canadian tidbits and that funny Canadian humour. Even when I was in Canada I wondered how it coped with being so overshadowed at times by its big American neighbour - this is the book to show how that little mouse not only squeaks but roars!
On another note - II loved the Littlest Hobo and I wanted to be that dog when I was little. Still do if I'm honest as the sense of adventure he had - the people he met and the places he saw and the facts he learned? Felt a bit like that reading this book.
Totally loved this. And I got a lot of the quizzes right. Do I get a maple leaf medal? It's amazing what I learnt here as well! Brilliant and fun.
image:
The writer is well known in Canada for being 90% made of maple syrup and I totally believe that - what she doesn't know or love about Canada isn't worth knowing. She's fun and has a unique way of writing and compelling you to answer questions in fun quizzes getting you to see what you know and what you didn't know you should. It's tongue in cheek, funny and very very Canadian. This for me brought back lots of happy memories, unique canadian tidbits and that funny Canadian humour. Even when I was in Canada I wondered how it coped with being so overshadowed at times by its big American neighbour - this is the book to show how that little mouse not only squeaks but roars!
On another note - II loved the Littlest Hobo and I wanted to be that dog when I was little. Still do if I'm honest as the sense of adventure he had - the people he met and the places he saw and the facts he learned? Felt a bit like that reading this book.
Totally loved this. And I got a lot of the quizzes right. Do I get a maple leaf medal? It's amazing what I learnt here as well! Brilliant and fun.
February 16, 2017
Full review to come!
April 16, 2017
(An ARC from Net Gallery)
A celebration of the crazy country that is Canada.
Not sure of a political policy? Get a medium to summon a ghost and check with him!
Got a beloved snowman mascot? Hope he isn't hiding drugs in that head!
Also a range of rappers, dancers and beautifully haired political leaders.
(I did have some problem with the copy on my Kindle as the layout moved about with the pictures and the end of chapter quizzes had the answers smashed into one another.
Hopefully this is not an issue in the print copy.)
A celebration of the crazy country that is Canada.
Not sure of a political policy? Get a medium to summon a ghost and check with him!
Got a beloved snowman mascot? Hope he isn't hiding drugs in that head!
Also a range of rappers, dancers and beautifully haired political leaders.
(I did have some problem with the copy on my Kindle as the layout moved about with the pictures and the end of chapter quizzes had the answers smashed into one another.
Hopefully this is not an issue in the print copy.)
July 20, 2017
A great read!
July 29, 2017
A funny book! With great Canadian trivia!
October 8, 2020
Is Canada Even Real?: How a Nation Built on Hobos, Beavers, Weirdos, and Hip Hop Convinced the World to Beliebe by J.C. Villamere is a look at that other side of Canadian history that usually doesn't make it into the history books. Villamere knew how to drive a Ski-Doo by age eight and her body is 90 percent maple syrup. She is the most Canadian woman in the world. Villamere writes to remind you that your country is wise and weird and you‘re in charge of keeping it that way. She is the publisher of Villamere: The Lowbrow Magazine of High-End Can Lit. She lives in Hamilton.
Canada is a country with a rich history but little of it gets south of the border. The history presented here is more of a cultural history. The Littlest Hobo a series that ran six years is a cross between Lassie and Scooby-Do. It was the 1980s videotaped show with a dog helps a person plot to secret agent dog. Although sounding a bit corny it had a wide range of guest stars from Abe Vigoda to Mike Myers. This ties into the real hobos of Canada and the rise of yodeling music...aka Canadian country music and the rise of the original singing cowboy (not the one who sang about Rudolf). Music continues to be a theme covering Canadian pop music to the rise of Degrassi star turned rapper Drake and his being genuine in his music and not trying to be a gangster rapper without the cred like Vanilla Ice and Hammer.
Politics and political characters play a role in the book from McDonald to Trudeau and his hair (Bieber's hair has a tie-in to). It seems Reagan was not the only modern world leader with ties to the supernatural. Canada's Mackenzie King followed and ask to be communicated with after he died; CTV complied. Politics gives way to mascots including Peter Puck and Quebec's Bonhomme who made it to the cover of McLeans.
Villamere takes the reader on an interesting tour of things Canadian and pop culture. Each section is followed by a quiz to test your knowledge of related subjects. Not being Canadian myself, I could follow along quite well with the stories told. Villamere does an excellent job explaining the background of the material she covers. The quizzes at the end of the chapter are not completely covered in the text, but the answers are well explained. The book flows well with the chapters leading into the next smoothly. A well done, informative and fun book on our neighbors to the north.
Canada is a country with a rich history but little of it gets south of the border. The history presented here is more of a cultural history. The Littlest Hobo a series that ran six years is a cross between Lassie and Scooby-Do. It was the 1980s videotaped show with a dog helps a person plot to secret agent dog. Although sounding a bit corny it had a wide range of guest stars from Abe Vigoda to Mike Myers. This ties into the real hobos of Canada and the rise of yodeling music...aka Canadian country music and the rise of the original singing cowboy (not the one who sang about Rudolf). Music continues to be a theme covering Canadian pop music to the rise of Degrassi star turned rapper Drake and his being genuine in his music and not trying to be a gangster rapper without the cred like Vanilla Ice and Hammer.
Politics and political characters play a role in the book from McDonald to Trudeau and his hair (Bieber's hair has a tie-in to). It seems Reagan was not the only modern world leader with ties to the supernatural. Canada's Mackenzie King followed and ask to be communicated with after he died; CTV complied. Politics gives way to mascots including Peter Puck and Quebec's Bonhomme who made it to the cover of McLeans.
Villamere takes the reader on an interesting tour of things Canadian and pop culture. Each section is followed by a quiz to test your knowledge of related subjects. Not being Canadian myself, I could follow along quite well with the stories told. Villamere does an excellent job explaining the background of the material she covers. The quizzes at the end of the chapter are not completely covered in the text, but the answers are well explained. The book flows well with the chapters leading into the next smoothly. A well done, informative and fun book on our neighbors to the north.
February 10, 2018
“It is particularly this kind of conundrum—where the government is a) planning a fiftieth birthday party for a commercial, and b) cannot find the commercial—that inspires the wonderment of this book’s title.”
As a frequent visitor to the Great White North, I figured I was well-versed in things Canuckian, but there was a lot of stuff in here I’d never heard of. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly as funny as promised, as well as being thoroughly uneven in its entertainment value.
Thankfully there was some humor, as right away the author, J.C. Villamere, tells that the last name rhymes with “spill-a-beer.” The first “hoser” also comes early.
The first chapter is about Canadian music. Neither Rush nor Stan Rogers is mentioned. That puts this writer’s qualifications in serious doubt. Didn’t know if I should bother continuing, but I persevered. Rush is eventually mentioned, about halfway through, but the damage had been done.
There’s a whole section on mascots, particularly the former Montreal Expo guy and some snowman. But there’s a lot that’s completely uncipherable, probably to a lot of younger Canadians as well. And it doesn’t help that there’s quizzes, which I hated.
Despite the links at the end, keep going so you don’t miss the photo of the happy/relieved-looking mascot coming out of the porta potty. If only this book had such high humorous standards throughout.
Guess I’m not as much of a Canucklehead as I thought. . .
2.5 pushed up to 3/5
As a frequent visitor to the Great White North, I figured I was well-versed in things Canuckian, but there was a lot of stuff in here I’d never heard of. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly as funny as promised, as well as being thoroughly uneven in its entertainment value.
Thankfully there was some humor, as right away the author, J.C. Villamere, tells that the last name rhymes with “spill-a-beer.” The first “hoser” also comes early.
The first chapter is about Canadian music. Neither Rush nor Stan Rogers is mentioned. That puts this writer’s qualifications in serious doubt. Didn’t know if I should bother continuing, but I persevered. Rush is eventually mentioned, about halfway through, but the damage had been done.
There’s a whole section on mascots, particularly the former Montreal Expo guy and some snowman. But there’s a lot that’s completely uncipherable, probably to a lot of younger Canadians as well. And it doesn’t help that there’s quizzes, which I hated.
Despite the links at the end, keep going so you don’t miss the photo of the happy/relieved-looking mascot coming out of the porta potty. If only this book had such high humorous standards throughout.
Guess I’m not as much of a Canucklehead as I thought. . .
2.5 pushed up to 3/5
December 21, 2017
A very fun and zany book about inane Canadian culture. There were several laugh at loud lines, and many lines to grin at. I thought the concept would get tired by the end of the biok, especially with the quizzes, but the author did a great job of keeping every chapter fresh, not flogging any of the running jokes to death (not even the Lorne Greene one), and astutely making small references to earlier notes in a way that acknowledged the reader and writer are on a journey together through the book, not separate. Even the introduction to each quiz was nearly segued!
For any Canadian Gen-Xer, this book is an enjoyable read. Others will like the trivia, too, but may not get all the cultural references. Speaking of which, my best criticism of the book is that it is clearly relevant TODAY and will quickly date itself with some of its references. Too bad, because it would make a cool souvenir or coffee table book.
I'd love to know how the author dreamt up the idea for the book and how long it took her to do all the research! And what did NOT back it to the book but lies in the cutting room floor? Those questions would be the quiz at the end of this review, if only I had the answers.
For any Canadian Gen-Xer, this book is an enjoyable read. Others will like the trivia, too, but may not get all the cultural references. Speaking of which, my best criticism of the book is that it is clearly relevant TODAY and will quickly date itself with some of its references. Too bad, because it would make a cool souvenir or coffee table book.
I'd love to know how the author dreamt up the idea for the book and how long it took her to do all the research! And what did NOT back it to the book but lies in the cutting room floor? Those questions would be the quiz at the end of this review, if only I had the answers.
May 30, 2017
Author J.C. Villamere suggestions you are the not only the keeper of the great and weird that makes up Canada, but you are encouraged to continue the tradition. The book talks about all things Canada - The Littlest Hobo, prime ministers that make dad jokes and appear on TV shows and mascots that are willing to promote not one, but two Canadian sports teams. The book has so much information in it, much of which I didn't know, and each chapter ended with a quiz that, thankfully, provides the answers. The information is funny as is author J.C. Villamere's delivery of it.
June 10, 2017
I loved reading this book! It had so many interesting facts about my country I didn't know - and was fun to read more indepth about a couple I did. Really happy to have received this book via Goodreads Giveaway - thank you!
May 15, 2017
A terrific Canada 150 book that is filled with readable historical moments and a Q&A following each entry. Who doesn’t love Canadian trivia! Includes illustrations.
July 30, 2017
Interesting information about the history of Canadian icons and folklore. Good for reading in short spurts when I was busy or tired.
November 5, 2017
If you ever wanted to know 'How many university degrees did Mackenzie King earn' or 'Why was The National Film Board created' - this book is for you.
January 9, 2018
A light bit of Canadian trivia. Not as funny as the title seems to suggest, but still a fun book.
March 21, 2017
Pretty funny, full of facts, presented in an interesting manner.
going into this book I was certain Canada was real (Being born and lived majority of my life here) now.. I am not so sure.
going into this book I was certain Canada was real (Being born and lived majority of my life here) now.. I am not so sure.
March 12, 2017
I give it a 3.5. I love a book that pokes fun at Canadian culture and this was a light, quick read. We Canadians like to poke fun at our culture and are proud of those things that separate us from other countries and that is really what this book takes on.
While the writing style makes it seem as though it is marketed for the 18-34 age demographic, there was a lot of content in here that is much earlier than my 35 year old self was around for or can remember. And I think that is where there is a disconnect in this book. But, as a result of this, there was a lot for me to learn about the culture of my own country.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley.
While the writing style makes it seem as though it is marketed for the 18-34 age demographic, there was a lot of content in here that is much earlier than my 35 year old self was around for or can remember. And I think that is where there is a disconnect in this book. But, as a result of this, there was a lot for me to learn about the culture of my own country.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley.
February 13, 2017
Note: Received a copy of this book from NetGalley
Funny, but a little bit too scattered for me. I know the goal was to show off some perhaps less known Canadian things and people, or at least things that we would associate with our culture more than a canoe, but I just didn't feel like it worked. It seemed to be marketed towards people around my age (early 30s), but a lot of the references were from the 70's or older and didn't hold as much nostalgic value. Also I think the little quizzes at the end of each chapter were unnecessary and that information probably could have been worked into the actual chapter itself. Ultimately a decent read for Canadians but I doubt anyone else who picks this up would get much out of it at all.
Funny, but a little bit too scattered for me. I know the goal was to show off some perhaps less known Canadian things and people, or at least things that we would associate with our culture more than a canoe, but I just didn't feel like it worked. It seemed to be marketed towards people around my age (early 30s), but a lot of the references were from the 70's or older and didn't hold as much nostalgic value. Also I think the little quizzes at the end of each chapter were unnecessary and that information probably could have been worked into the actual chapter itself. Ultimately a decent read for Canadians but I doubt anyone else who picks this up would get much out of it at all.
August 6, 2017
This book has a huge subtitle which made me laugh already. "How a Nation Built on Hobos, Beavers, Weirdos, and Hip Hop Convinced the World to Beliebe" A person who manages to stuff Beavers and Justin Bieber in one sentence gets extra points.
This book is fun to read. There are so many references to historical facts but most of them recent. I really liked the idea to understand a counties identity with more recent facts and important people. I do know Canada is just 150 years old but still.
The chapters are filled with fun pictures and facts binding everything together. Each chapter ends with a quizz with even more information about the things discussed in the chapter or connected to other chapters.If you grew up in Canada this book will be a party to read.
For the best enjoyment I would advice to get the book in paper.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher *
This book is fun to read. There are so many references to historical facts but most of them recent. I really liked the idea to understand a counties identity with more recent facts and important people. I do know Canada is just 150 years old but still.
The chapters are filled with fun pictures and facts binding everything together. Each chapter ends with a quizz with even more information about the things discussed in the chapter or connected to other chapters.If you grew up in Canada this book will be a party to read.
For the best enjoyment I would advice to get the book in paper.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher *
Want to read
April 19, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
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