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A Newfoundlander in Canada: Always Going Somewhere, Always Coming Home
Following the fantastic success of his bestselling memoir, Where I Belong , Great Big Sea front man Alan Doyle returns with a hilarious, heartwarming account of leaving Newfoundland and discovering Canada for the first time.
Armed with the same personable, candid style found in his first book, Alan Doyle turns his perspective outward from Petty Harbour toward mainland Canada, reflecting on what it was like to venture away from the comforts of home and the familiarity of the island.
Often in a van, sometimes in a bus, occasionally in a car with broken wipers "using Bob's belt and a rope found by Paddy's Pond" to pull them back and forth, Alan and his bandmates charted new territory, and he constantly measured what he saw of the vast country against what his forefathers once called the Daemon Canada. In a period punctuated by triumphant leaps forward for the band, deflating steps backward and everything in between—opening for Barney the Dinosaur at an outdoor music festival, being propositioned at a gas station mail-order bride service in Alberta, drinking moonshine with an elderly church-goer on a Sunday morning in PEI—Alan's few established notions about Canada were often debunked and his own identity as a Newfoundlander was constantly challenged. Touring the country, he also discovered how others view Newfoundlanders and how skewed these images can sometimes be. Asked to play in front of the Queen at a massive Canada Day festival on Parliament Hill, the concert organizers assured Alan and his bandmates that the best way to showcase Newfoundland culture was for them to be towed onto stage in a dory and introduced not as Newfoundlanders but as "Newfies." The boys were not amused.
Heartfelt, funny and always insightful, these stories tap into the complexities of community and Canadianness, forming the portrait of a young man from a tiny fishing village trying to define and hold on to his sense of home while navigating a vast and diverse and wonder-filled country.
Armed with the same personable, candid style found in his first book, Alan Doyle turns his perspective outward from Petty Harbour toward mainland Canada, reflecting on what it was like to venture away from the comforts of home and the familiarity of the island.
Often in a van, sometimes in a bus, occasionally in a car with broken wipers "using Bob's belt and a rope found by Paddy's Pond" to pull them back and forth, Alan and his bandmates charted new territory, and he constantly measured what he saw of the vast country against what his forefathers once called the Daemon Canada. In a period punctuated by triumphant leaps forward for the band, deflating steps backward and everything in between—opening for Barney the Dinosaur at an outdoor music festival, being propositioned at a gas station mail-order bride service in Alberta, drinking moonshine with an elderly church-goer on a Sunday morning in PEI—Alan's few established notions about Canada were often debunked and his own identity as a Newfoundlander was constantly challenged. Touring the country, he also discovered how others view Newfoundlanders and how skewed these images can sometimes be. Asked to play in front of the Queen at a massive Canada Day festival on Parliament Hill, the concert organizers assured Alan and his bandmates that the best way to showcase Newfoundland culture was for them to be towed onto stage in a dory and introduced not as Newfoundlanders but as "Newfies." The boys were not amused.
Heartfelt, funny and always insightful, these stories tap into the complexities of community and Canadianness, forming the portrait of a young man from a tiny fishing village trying to define and hold on to his sense of home while navigating a vast and diverse and wonder-filled country.
244 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2017
49 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
Alan Doyle
4 books142 followersALAN DOYLE is a Canadian musician and actor, best known as a lead singer in the Canadian folk-rock band Great Big Sea. In 2012, Doyle released his first solo album, Boy on Bridge, which made the top twenty on the Canadian Albums chart. Alan lives in St. John's, Newfoundland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
October 3, 2017
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway.
Alan Doyle delivers a truly delightful read as he takes you across Canada as he and the boys in Great Big Sea discover the country in their early tours as band. The book is structured with a chapter for each province that is followed by a story back in Newfoundland. This allows the reader to discover the country with the author while at the same time understanding the importance of "home". While Great Big Sea are often the characters in the book and are the reason for the cross country tour, this is not a book about the band and can be enjoyed by readers unfamiliar with their music (all you need to know is they play really amazing traditional Newfoundland and original tunes).
The story telling flows freely resulting in the read feeling they are sitting across the table hearing these tales straight from the authors mouth. The stories selected often had me laughing out loud while at the same time providing insight into the psyche of one particular Newfoundlander (the author) and the psyche of the country as a whole.
Canada is a country that struggles with what it means to be Canadian and each region has its own views and prejudices about whatever they consider to be the rest of Canada. This book does a great job of highlighting the view of a Newfoundlander heading out to the mainland and discovering that this country is able to embrace and celebrate culture from coast to coast.
This is definitely an enjoyable read that will give you an insight into this country that few of us will ever experience on our own.
Alan Doyle delivers a truly delightful read as he takes you across Canada as he and the boys in Great Big Sea discover the country in their early tours as band. The book is structured with a chapter for each province that is followed by a story back in Newfoundland. This allows the reader to discover the country with the author while at the same time understanding the importance of "home". While Great Big Sea are often the characters in the book and are the reason for the cross country tour, this is not a book about the band and can be enjoyed by readers unfamiliar with their music (all you need to know is they play really amazing traditional Newfoundland and original tunes).
The story telling flows freely resulting in the read feeling they are sitting across the table hearing these tales straight from the authors mouth. The stories selected often had me laughing out loud while at the same time providing insight into the psyche of one particular Newfoundlander (the author) and the psyche of the country as a whole.
Canada is a country that struggles with what it means to be Canadian and each region has its own views and prejudices about whatever they consider to be the rest of Canada. This book does a great job of highlighting the view of a Newfoundlander heading out to the mainland and discovering that this country is able to embrace and celebrate culture from coast to coast.
This is definitely an enjoyable read that will give you an insight into this country that few of us will ever experience on our own.
May 10, 2018
Another great memoir by Alan Doyle. In the book he describes his travels across Canada with Great Big Sea and it really is a delight. It's great how he intersperses his tales from across the country with tidbits from around the island. I strongly suggest the audiobooks for both his memoirs as he narrates them and does it really well. Both his books are written in a conversational tone, which is why they seem to work so well in audio.
December 19, 2020
Oh I so adore Alan Doyle . He’s the best kind of fellow! I’m lucky to have seen him perform many times . Got a great pic with him while he performed in Texas , where I am resident at present . I was born and raised in Newfoundland and his story is so on the mark . Listening to him read it on audible was such a treat!
June 2, 2018
I am a huge Great Big Sea so I really enjoyed this read. I have been to all provinces in Canada except Newfoundland, which I hope to do in the next couple of years.
I was hoping there would be a little bit more about the band itself, but maybe that is a topic for another book. The chapter dealing with his seat on the airplane beside the baby had me rolling on the floor laughing.
I was hoping there would be a little bit more about the band itself, but maybe that is a topic for another book. The chapter dealing with his seat on the airplane beside the baby had me rolling on the floor laughing.
July 11, 2020
It's an entertaining and interesting read. If you're interested in Canadian history, Newfoundland culture, or what its like to grow up in tiny Canadian fishing village perched on the edge of the North Atlantic, and come of age into a Canadian rock star, of the Celtic folk rock variety, then I highly recommend this book. It's well-written and full of great stories.
August 28, 2017
I won a copy of this book through a First Reads giveaway.
I was excited to get this as a Canadian stuck in the middle, this book allowed me to have an insight into the unique world of a Newfoundlander.
This was easy to read and quite enjoyable! I have always loved hearing Alan sing but this was just so much better.
Thank you Alan and please write more!
I was excited to get this as a Canadian stuck in the middle, this book allowed me to have an insight into the unique world of a Newfoundlander.
This was easy to read and quite enjoyable! I have always loved hearing Alan sing but this was just so much better.
Thank you Alan and please write more!
January 12, 2018
This was a very enjoyable book. Mr. Doyle is a fantastic storyteller. The chapter entitled “Worst Seat Ever” is one of the funniest passages I have read in a long time. Highly recommend this light, entertaining, hilarious read.
November 25, 2017
With tales of woe like the 1997 Parliament Hill debacle, or funny moments like the Fantasy Elevator party in Saskatoon, Alan Doyle delivers another bout of fantastic story-telling. This time around, his stories encapsulate the band’s travels across Canada and his pride in representing his home province of Newfoundland. Now I’ll have to wait patiently for the next audio book....
July 30, 2019
This was funny and fantastic
I really loved Doyle’s voice in the book
I really loved Doyle’s voice in the book
November 13, 2025
I always love Alan Doyle’s books. This one has been the most enjoyable, so far. It made me laugh out loud several times. I love that he narrates his own audiobooks. ❤️
September 16, 2018
It's been awhile that a book made me laugh aloud. This book did just that and reminded me of the beautiful landscape and tapestry of people that make each Canadian province so unique and wonderful. Of course being a Great Big Sea fan made this book an even more enjoyable read.
June 4, 2018
An enjoyable read. Not as good as his first book however. This time, it was focused more on the band, and their travels off the Island to various parts of Canada. Each province they visited had it's own chapter. I've always loved Great Big Sea, and this book about their beginnings didn't disappoint. I've never seen them live, which I would have loved to. I was particularly touched by his chapter on Saskatchewan, where I'm from and the bunny hug incident. Alan writes "That was my first indication that Saskatchewan, like Newfoundland, had a vocabulary of its own. They abbreviate their town names like we do...It would turn out that Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador had much in common. I recognized their work-hard, play-hard attitude and survivalist mentality. I got the immediate sense that people here were used to difficult times and solving problems for themselves. There was no waiting on the army to clear the road after a snowstorm. These folks jumped in their tractors, grabbed shovels, and did it themselves...Saskatchewan is the fraternal twin to Newfoundland. Separated at birth." I could go on, but I think you know what I mean. I love reading about Canada, my home and native land.
July 17, 2025
Alan Doyle is one of the members of the folk musical group from Newfoundland, Great Big Sea. This chronicles when GBS first formed and was just starting to tour in the early/mid-1990s. They started in Newfoundland, and slowly made their way across Canada to bring their Newfoundland folk music style to the rest of the country.
Alan has written a few memoirs now, and although there is humour here and there in this one, it wasn’t as funny as the others. But then, it might have also made a difference that I listened to the others on audio (narrated by Alan, himself). He has good things to say about every place GBS has visited, and it was especially fun to read about Saskatchewan (where I grew up) and Alberta (where I live now). I also loved the chapter on language, as Newfoundlanders have their own “style” when it comes to language. It also reminds me of a very good friend I had just after I finished university, who remembers Alan from high school (though he was a few years older than the two of us). Also, the language and the accents remind me of her, as well.
Alan has written a few memoirs now, and although there is humour here and there in this one, it wasn’t as funny as the others. But then, it might have also made a difference that I listened to the others on audio (narrated by Alan, himself). He has good things to say about every place GBS has visited, and it was especially fun to read about Saskatchewan (where I grew up) and Alberta (where I live now). I also loved the chapter on language, as Newfoundlanders have their own “style” when it comes to language. It also reminds me of a very good friend I had just after I finished university, who remembers Alan from high school (though he was a few years older than the two of us). Also, the language and the accents remind me of her, as well.
October 9, 2017
A memoir from Great Big Sea front man Alan Doyle about the band's early days on the road, as they make their way from Newfoundland to B.C.,. I'll confess to not being a fan of GBS, and there is something smug about Doyle that basically makes me want to punch him. So given the significant obstacles to my enjoyment of this book, I was pleasantly surprised at how entertained I was by his remembrances. The Rock might not be very good for spuds, but Newfoundland does grow a lot of great storytellers, and Doyle is one of them. While I'm not about to go out and buy a Great Big Sea album now, there's a strong chance I'll pick up his first book, Where I Belong.
December 28, 2018
I rarely give five stars to a book, nor do I often read non-fiction but this was a wonderful holiday read. Alan Doyle’s humour and everyman approach to earning his success gives us all a little piece of the Canada we know and love. Though few get to experience the country the way he has, we can all see bits of our own experiences in his story. I enjoyed revisiting parts of the country I have known and loved and his unique voice left me wanting more... the expression “the woman could knit an arse in a cat” will stick with me for a while!
September 12, 2023
4.5
His stories are the kind that you'd hear at 2 am over a game of cribbage in the AlgomaTrad dining hall. I love reading about places I've been to, and there's always a little spark of delight to see "Sault Ste Marie" written in a book. He is such an incredible storyteller.
His stories are the kind that you'd hear at 2 am over a game of cribbage in the AlgomaTrad dining hall. I love reading about places I've been to, and there's always a little spark of delight to see "Sault Ste Marie" written in a book. He is such an incredible storyteller.
January 27, 2020
The audio book is so much fun to listen to. Such an enjoyable read with countless opportunities for laughs and chuckles. Yet it also introduces moments of sentiment. Give it a read! (Or rather, a listen)
September 5, 2021
Alan Doyle really knows how to write a good book. In a love letter to Canada and Newfoundland, he kept me laughing throughout the book and had me shed a tear in his last story. Thank you, Alan!
December 26, 2017
I borrowed this a e book for my tablet from the NB electronic library website. I enjoyed reading it. It is the second book I read by Alan Doyle. It is about how the band he is in (Great Big Sea) is famous and their adventures across Canada. I am a fan of this band and a fan of both books that Alan wrote so far.
Read
February 24, 2018Loved it! Read it because it's one of four books in the first ever NLReads by NLPublicLibraries. This one may just have one my vote. Got it from the library through ILL but I think I'm going to have to purchase a copy.
May 23, 2022
Okay I'm only a third through but I really have to share. First, Alan Doyle writes exactly as he speaks, complete with Newfoundland accent and slang. For someone who has spent as many years on the east coast as I have its a wonderful Sachay down memory lane to my university days when I knew many folks who sounded just the same. But just enough translation is provided to make it accessible to any reader with a sense of humour and a desire to follow the thread.
And speaking of funny, this is the funniest book I have read in a long time. I often read in the bath because it's the one place I can get through a sentence undisturbed. Tonight I think I splashed a good deal of water about the room. Alan, if your reading this, I just met Joan.
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What is immediately evident when you finish this book is just how pleasant a person Alan Doyle is. He avoids some of the seamier aspects of band life in favour of his wide-eyed awe and appreciation of Canadian culture which he was discovering for the first time.
This is a good book, convincingly and charmingly written in Alan's own voice. As a Canadian I have loved meeting my country, through which I have extensively travelled, all over again. The way he describes the provinces and leading cities in familial terms makes sense and avoids a discussion of regional disputes.
Yes b'y.
And speaking of funny, this is the funniest book I have read in a long time. I often read in the bath because it's the one place I can get through a sentence undisturbed. Tonight I think I splashed a good deal of water about the room. Alan, if your reading this, I just met Joan.
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What is immediately evident when you finish this book is just how pleasant a person Alan Doyle is. He avoids some of the seamier aspects of band life in favour of his wide-eyed awe and appreciation of Canadian culture which he was discovering for the first time.
This is a good book, convincingly and charmingly written in Alan's own voice. As a Canadian I have loved meeting my country, through which I have extensively travelled, all over again. The way he describes the provinces and leading cities in familial terms makes sense and avoids a discussion of regional disputes.
Yes b'y.
May 18, 2018
Man, I've been on a bit of a roll with Canadian non-fiction this year. Add this one to the list. It was 244 pages of the sweetest, funniest, most heart-felt prose I've seen in ages. I loved Doyle's first book, Where I Belong, and this one is an impressive second work. There were times I was laughing so hard that it caught the attention of others in the house (asking for directions, PEI vs. Newfoundland). There were also moments of deep poignancy (flying home from Fort Mac). Most of all, what I took away from this book was the depth of Doyle's love for not only Newfoundland but Canada overall, and how much fun he has in life. It's not all easy; he and the other members of Great Big Sea have paid their dues. Doyle is a natural writer and raconteur. I hope he has more to come.
January 12, 2018
Alan Doyle is first and foremost an entertainer. Whether he's singing on stage or writing a book, you can't help but smile along singing or reading. I was laughing out loud reading his stories about the evil baby TJ on a plane, or his never-ending supply of Cadbury Creme Eggs. His second book however was not only a collection of funny anecdotes but also a guide across Canada, as seen through the eyes of a new Newfie band on the road for the first time. The way Alan relates every province as a different family member to Newfoundland just makes you proud to be a part of the Canadian family. Can only hope he'll keep up this writing career! I'd read any old story he chooses to share.
February 7, 2018
While reading this book, I spent my drives home from work listening to A Week at the Warehouse, Alan's latest solo album. I highly recommend this combination, I think it's what pushed my rating from a 4 to a 5 - it felt like an experience rather than just reading a book. Alan's humour is fantastic and he has a real knack for story-telling. The Canada he describes is my Canada, even though it may not always shine through in all of our citizens. Alan's account of his time spent touring Canada is so entertaining, I would highly recommend A Newfoundlander in Canada.
January 8, 2021
Full of heart, song, and laughter, Doyle’s writing kept me captivated from start to finish. His storytelling is that of a close friend regaling you with tales of their adventures at 2 AM in the morning. You can’t help but believe everything even while you simultaneously think to yourself... “could that really be true?”
I loved the structure Doyle chose to relate his story, moving each chapter through the provinces and then back home. It was wonderful to read and hear about Canadian cities and landmarks - I experienced an enjoyable twinkle of recognition at some mentions (notably the Olde Dublin Pub in Charlottetown - one of my favourite spots!)
Overall, while simple in design and execution, I thought this was a fabulous book and a unique view into both Great Big Seas journey from humble beginnings to nationwide fame, and what it means to be an artist away from home.
I loved the structure Doyle chose to relate his story, moving each chapter through the provinces and then back home. It was wonderful to read and hear about Canadian cities and landmarks - I experienced an enjoyable twinkle of recognition at some mentions (notably the Olde Dublin Pub in Charlottetown - one of my favourite spots!)
Overall, while simple in design and execution, I thought this was a fabulous book and a unique view into both Great Big Seas journey from humble beginnings to nationwide fame, and what it means to be an artist away from home.
May 4, 2020
I love Alan Doyle. Love his music and love his Newfie outlook. My best friend in nursing school was so like him, also from the Avalon Peninsula, so grounded and down to earth. Loved life for the moment - always. This book was like a love letter to Canada or a very fond liking. I laughed out loud and giggled at certain references. What fun. I really hope we in Toronto get to see Alan and his Beautiful Beautiful band in January and COVID-19 decides to take a back seat. Enjoy this read. You will learn a little more about Canada and those wonderful Newfoundlanders too.
March 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book partly because I’m a fan of great big sea and also because I’ve travelled across Canada and could appreciate his views of all these provinces.I thoroughly enjoyed all these delightful stories, Especially the fantasy elevator story. I laughed out loud on many an occasion.
January 20, 2019
A fast and enjoyable read. Doyle is genuine in his descriptions of his encounters with Canadians during their first trip across Canada. He is able to weave his encounters into a great story and I highly recommend this read.
April 13, 2022
Great book - I love the format of going province by province and telling different stories about his experience in each province.
i highly recommend listening to the audiobook, especially for the parts when he's talking about accents etc.
i highly recommend listening to the audiobook, especially for the parts when he's talking about accents etc.
March 25, 2018
Quick! Somebody nominate this treasure for next year's Canada Reads!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews