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Canada Is Awesome
A personal essay about what makes Canada awesome from Neil Pasricha, the international-bestselling author of The Book of Awesome, and the Audible Original, How to Get Back Up.
Audible Audio
First published October 9, 2018
1 person is currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Neil Pasricha
29 books887 followersHey Goodreads peeps,
Pass me a drink. Let's chill on the ripped couch at the back. I love this place. Book lovers are my favorite people. (And my favorite lovers.)
My name is Neil Pasricha (pass-REACH-ah) and I'm the New York Times / #1 int'l (blah blah blah!) bestselling author of ten books on living an intentional life including THE BOOK OF AWESOME (gratitude), THE HAPPINESS EQUATION (happiness), TWO-MINUTE MORNINGS (habits), and the poorly-titled YOU ARE AWESOME (resilience.) My books are published in a lot of languages I can't read and sold a couple million more copies than anyone was expecting.
My background? Well, trust me: Nobody expected me to be writer. Least of all me. My parents aren't jazz trumpet players and watercolorists who raised me in Manhattan. They're hardcore Indian immigrants from Punjab and Nairobi who arrived in Canada scraping to get by. I was supposed to be a doctor! That was the life plan. But after my wife left me and my best friend took his own life in my late 20s I started a blog to cheer myself up. That blog was called 1000awesomethings.com and basically turned into everything else I've done and am doing.
If you want to hang out without social media algorithms in between us (no offence, algorithms! please don't punish my search results!) then join the thousands and thousands of good-hearted kindred spirits globally who get my newsletters. I put a lot of work into my newsletters -- they're sort of my weird digital babies -- and they contain my book recommendations, my new articles, my podcasts, and, of course, my daily awesome things (which I've been writing for 15 years now!). Sign up at www.neil.blog/newsletters
Hit me up if you wanna be friends! I love this clunky old site because it feels like my old hometown library somehow.
Shall we both get back to reading now?
XOXOXO
Neil
neil@globalhappiness.org
Pass me a drink. Let's chill on the ripped couch at the back. I love this place. Book lovers are my favorite people. (And my favorite lovers.)
My name is Neil Pasricha (pass-REACH-ah) and I'm the New York Times / #1 int'l (blah blah blah!) bestselling author of ten books on living an intentional life including THE BOOK OF AWESOME (gratitude), THE HAPPINESS EQUATION (happiness), TWO-MINUTE MORNINGS (habits), and the poorly-titled YOU ARE AWESOME (resilience.) My books are published in a lot of languages I can't read and sold a couple million more copies than anyone was expecting.
My background? Well, trust me: Nobody expected me to be writer. Least of all me. My parents aren't jazz trumpet players and watercolorists who raised me in Manhattan. They're hardcore Indian immigrants from Punjab and Nairobi who arrived in Canada scraping to get by. I was supposed to be a doctor! That was the life plan. But after my wife left me and my best friend took his own life in my late 20s I started a blog to cheer myself up. That blog was called 1000awesomethings.com and basically turned into everything else I've done and am doing.
If you want to hang out without social media algorithms in between us (no offence, algorithms! please don't punish my search results!) then join the thousands and thousands of good-hearted kindred spirits globally who get my newsletters. I put a lot of work into my newsletters -- they're sort of my weird digital babies -- and they contain my book recommendations, my new articles, my podcasts, and, of course, my daily awesome things (which I've been writing for 15 years now!). Sign up at www.neil.blog/newsletters
Hit me up if you wanna be friends! I love this clunky old site because it feels like my old hometown library somehow.
Shall we both get back to reading now?
XOXOXO
Neil
neil@globalhappiness.org
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 18, 2018
I think the beginning of this 30 mins listen was beautiful, the vivid and breathtaking depiction of the scenery of Canada and it’s changes of seasons, and it made me wish I grew up in a country where there are four seasons. However, things went downhill pretty fast after that. The rest of the audio felt pretty much like a propaganda of how everyone should become a Canadian and how awesome Canada is. The author’s narration was quite good and I’m a sucker for authors narrating their own books but unless you are fond of propagandas, I don’t think anyone would like this audio.
2.5 I’m disappointed stars
⭐️⭐️💫
2.5 I’m disappointed stars
⭐️⭐️💫
February 25, 2019
Sure, that's right, I'm finished. This one is so short I almost feel guilty listing it here at all. Since I just finished a pretty long one, I'll say it evens out.
This is a pleasant little reminder, in the midst of a long, cold winter, that Canada is not a half bad place to call home. This presentation is a little eye-rolling sometimes but it's harmless enough and it was free, so there you go.
I was amused when I saw that one reviewer referred to it as feeling like "propaganda." That's right folks, it's all part of a fiendish plot to convince people in the rest of the world that Canada is a nice place to live. Are we succeeding? Are you convinced? Some people seem to believe that there are other countries, like in Scandinavia for instance, that are better. Well, all I can say to that is maybe, whatever.
I'm not planning to move anytime soon.
This is a pleasant little reminder, in the midst of a long, cold winter, that Canada is not a half bad place to call home. This presentation is a little eye-rolling sometimes but it's harmless enough and it was free, so there you go.
I was amused when I saw that one reviewer referred to it as feeling like "propaganda." That's right folks, it's all part of a fiendish plot to convince people in the rest of the world that Canada is a nice place to live. Are we succeeding? Are you convinced? Some people seem to believe that there are other countries, like in Scandinavia for instance, that are better. Well, all I can say to that is maybe, whatever.
I'm not planning to move anytime soon.
July 20, 2023
I mistakenly thought that this would be about wonderful oddities of Canadian culture, a la Souvenir of Canada or Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw, but instead it's a brief burst of propaganda the likes of which you'd get from a elementary school textbook. Canada is a country of immigrants! The treatment of Indigenous peoples was not so bad! (Brief awkward aside about Residential Schools.) It's very aspirational and bootstrappy in a way I recognize as an American. (Not a compliment.)
Look, I get that Pasricha is the child of immigrants and has bought into the Myth of Canada in a big way, but he really doesn't need to pass it on like this.
Look, I get that Pasricha is the child of immigrants and has bought into the Myth of Canada in a big way, but he really doesn't need to pass it on like this.
October 13, 2018
This was free on my audible account and I figured I would give it a listen.
There are a few gem moments, like when he comments on how very Canadian it is to own multiple ice scrapers but never have one in your car for the first few snow falls. Me. Every year.
The problem with this book though, is that it reminded me too much of the Canada that I was taught about in middle year’s social studies. The Canada that, with gratitude and love, accepts all people. If I were to ask the majority of the people that I encounter on a daily basis something like, “what are your thoughts about Canada’s immigration policy?” I would get an earful. And it wouldn’t be of acceptance. And many would start with the time honoured, “I’m not racist but...” And when it comes to politics, to each their own, right. However, to say that Canada welcomes all people is a bit of a stretch, I think.
There are also comments about things like our universal access to clean water that we have to be grateful for; apparently he doesn’t know that there are thousands of Indigenous Canadians who have lived under boil water advisory’s for years.
It’s supposed to be light and inspirational. I guess if you turn on your ignorance for a few parts, it can be just that.
There are a few gem moments, like when he comments on how very Canadian it is to own multiple ice scrapers but never have one in your car for the first few snow falls. Me. Every year.
The problem with this book though, is that it reminded me too much of the Canada that I was taught about in middle year’s social studies. The Canada that, with gratitude and love, accepts all people. If I were to ask the majority of the people that I encounter on a daily basis something like, “what are your thoughts about Canada’s immigration policy?” I would get an earful. And it wouldn’t be of acceptance. And many would start with the time honoured, “I’m not racist but...” And when it comes to politics, to each their own, right. However, to say that Canada welcomes all people is a bit of a stretch, I think.
There are also comments about things like our universal access to clean water that we have to be grateful for; apparently he doesn’t know that there are thousands of Indigenous Canadians who have lived under boil water advisory’s for years.
It’s supposed to be light and inspirational. I guess if you turn on your ignorance for a few parts, it can be just that.
February 22, 2024
I love my country but this was some delusional optimism. And not once did he mention Saskatoon.
August 21, 2019
So impressed by this entertaining little beauty that I put everything he has written on my wishlist.
The voice is poetic while the topic and surface tone are anything but. Instead it’s enjoyably prosaic, and effortlessly humorous and human.
A deft sensory journey through childhood cultural memories and contemporary cultural reflections. Nothing highbrow or precious, yet wonderful intelligence underlying simple observations about the everyday. But, as I said, it actually hit me like the best poetry all the way through.
The subject is Canada, and I’m already a fan. But lots of the cultural memories were fun memories for me too simply as a North American. The ones I didn’t have any experience with were enjoyable for that reason—the pleasure of noticing how very different the everyday can be in a different place, and how gently revealing that can be of the people there.
I hope Pasricha wows me as much with the next one on my list.
The voice is poetic while the topic and surface tone are anything but. Instead it’s enjoyably prosaic, and effortlessly humorous and human.
A deft sensory journey through childhood cultural memories and contemporary cultural reflections. Nothing highbrow or precious, yet wonderful intelligence underlying simple observations about the everyday. But, as I said, it actually hit me like the best poetry all the way through.
The subject is Canada, and I’m already a fan. But lots of the cultural memories were fun memories for me too simply as a North American. The ones I didn’t have any experience with were enjoyable for that reason—the pleasure of noticing how very different the everyday can be in a different place, and how gently revealing that can be of the people there.
I hope Pasricha wows me as much with the next one on my list.
July 1, 2020
Happy Canada Day!
Review of the Audible Original audiobook edition (2018)
This was a short fun memoir with many inside-baseball Canada references and anecdotes, which those who grew up in Canada will be able to relate to. The author is most known for his Awesome brand in his books and social media.
The audio version was available free on Canada Day July 1, 2020 through Amazon and Audible Canada at https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/ref=...
Review of the Audible Original audiobook edition (2018)
This was a short fun memoir with many inside-baseball Canada references and anecdotes, which those who grew up in Canada will be able to relate to. The author is most known for his Awesome brand in his books and social media.
The audio version was available free on Canada Day July 1, 2020 through Amazon and Audible Canada at https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/ref=...
May 8, 2022
Good sentiment w/a few thought-provoking lines but I think it would've benefited from a professional narrator. I'm unsure if it was an accent, lisp, or just his manner of speaking, but the author/narrator had a tendency to quickly slur his words together, which made some parts of the story a bit unintelligible so that I had to rewind and listen again to get the exact meaning he was trying to convey.
It was obvious in the beginning of the book that Pasricha was stringing adjectives attempting to ensnare the reader's senses; when done well, this is a neat truck which can evoke memory and draw the reader into the literary journey...but here it felt ham-handed and I enjoyed the book much more when he primarily stopped the practice in the meat of the narrative.
Still, I don't regret getting this book. It's a quick read and I enjoyed Pasricha's "Kumbaya" cultural-togetherness ideals, especially when so many others in current international forums seem to do all they can to magnify divisiveness.
It was obvious in the beginning of the book that Pasricha was stringing adjectives attempting to ensnare the reader's senses; when done well, this is a neat truck which can evoke memory and draw the reader into the literary journey...but here it felt ham-handed and I enjoyed the book much more when he primarily stopped the practice in the meat of the narrative.
Still, I don't regret getting this book. It's a quick read and I enjoyed Pasricha's "Kumbaya" cultural-togetherness ideals, especially when so many others in current international forums seem to do all they can to magnify divisiveness.
February 11, 2021
Warm feel good capsule about Canada.
August 9, 2019
Some neat observations and reminders about what it means to be Canadian. A good read for July 1. Too bad it's August 8. But maybe every day can include some nationalism.
October 2, 2020
4.5 stars, because I wish it was longer. “Canada is Awesome” is a quick and highly enjoyable audiobook, that begins with memories from the author, and continues on with interesting facts about Canada. As the second-largest country in the world, I’m impressed by how it thinks of “us” and “we”, and takes care of the health, education, and wellbeing of its people. Also, Canada is made up of forty percent of citizens from other countries and prides itself on creating global citizens for the world. “Forever curious, forever searching, and always remembering how lucky we are.
"Canada Is Awesome" was an entertaining audiobook about Neil Pasricha's memories about Canada while also discussing some interesting facts along the way. One interesting fact was that Canada is populated by forty percent of people from other countries. Wish it was longer but was a great story.
"Canada Is Awesome" was an entertaining audiobook about Neil Pasricha's memories about Canada while also discussing some interesting facts along the way. One interesting fact was that Canada is populated by forty percent of people from other countries. Wish it was longer but was a great story.
April 23, 2019
I couldn’t have chosen a better Audiobook to listen to on my first-ever journey from Toronto to Kitchener. It was quite poetic listening to the author reflect on his childhood in Canada, the experience of the changing seasons and the beautiful landscape and its people. Being able to look out the window and see the changing landscape whilst soaking in this little book’s descriptive tales of Canada was in itself an awesome experience. I really enjoyed the picture it painted of a country that I myself am experiencing for the first time.
May 25, 2020
4.5 stars, because I wish it was longer. “Canada is Awesome” is a quick and highly enjoyable audio book, that begins with memories from the author, and continues on with interesting facts about Canada. As the second largest country in the world, I’m impressed by how it thinks of “us” and “we”, and takes care of the health, education and wellbeing of its people. Also, that Canada is made up of forty percent of citizens from other countries, and prides itself In creating global citizens for the world. “Forever curious, forever searching, and always remembering how lucky we are.”
November 28, 2020
It’s a pleasant reminder of what makes Canada great. Lovely imagery, anecdotes of the country’s beginnings, and even talks about the immigrant experience. Funny little stories we can also identify with such as having too many snowbrushes or ice scrapers, and playing with the deposit and withdrawal slips at the bank while we wait for our parents. However I knocked off two stars as it leans a little too much towards propaganda. It’s too bad as it’s the perfect length for listening to during a drive or when you need a quick break from the epic you’re reading or listening to.
February 9, 2019
Книги-«подкасты» (потому что короткие) на Audible хорошо заходят. По подписке в месяц 3 бесплатно.
Эта про Канаду. Легкая, теплая, с глубокой любовью к стране. 35мин всего. Расскажет историю семьи автора, предысторию почему Канада называется Канадой, и немного разного про еду, культуру, быт, настрой, людей.
Canada is always we, us. We come here running from something, or towards something. Always curious, always searching, always grateful for how lucky we are 🇨🇦❤️🥰
Эта про Канаду. Легкая, теплая, с глубокой любовью к стране. 35мин всего. Расскажет историю семьи автора, предысторию почему Канада называется Канадой, и немного разного про еду, культуру, быт, настрой, людей.
Canada is always we, us. We come here running from something, or towards something. Always curious, always searching, always grateful for how lucky we are 🇨🇦❤️🥰
April 13, 2020
This story makes me homesick for Canada. I miss sour chews so much, do they still sell it? It's been so long since I've been home in Ontario. I needed something I wasn't sure what but this felt right. I miss that unique sense community that you only fine in Canada. It was a bit preachy but come on the title is "Canada is AWESOME", you have to go in expecting it to be. Overall, the book is good for a Canadian feeling homesick or someone who just wants to know all the great things about Canada.
January 9, 2024
A personal essay about what makes Canada awesome from the prospective of Neil Pasricha.
It begins with vivid descriptions and personal tidbits. Pasricha is pro-immigration, carbon copy bank deposit slips of yore, and no having everything figured out. The few base facts provided do not support his overwhelming sense of nationalism and it can be a bit difficult to invest in the memoir given the short length.
It begins with vivid descriptions and personal tidbits. Pasricha is pro-immigration, carbon copy bank deposit slips of yore, and no having everything figured out. The few base facts provided do not support his overwhelming sense of nationalism and it can be a bit difficult to invest in the memoir given the short length.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2019
This isn't a book - it's just an essay, but (just like Canada, apparently) it was Awesome! I listened to the Audible original recording, and would highly recommend. Getting a feel for the unique place that is our closest neighbor, through the wonderful writing (and best consonance I've witnessed) was a pure pleasure. "Forever curious, forever searching, and always remembering how lucky we are."
June 19, 2020
I’m not sure what exactly I thought this would be. Maybe something that highlighted specific things in Canada, like things to do or places to visit.
It was enjoyable enough. I would describe this to someone more as an essay of the author’s positive perception of the country rather than an actual book about Canada. I would rate this between 2.5 and 3 stars.
It was enjoyable enough. I would describe this to someone more as an essay of the author’s positive perception of the country rather than an actual book about Canada. I would rate this between 2.5 and 3 stars.
July 12, 2023
So many memories, so many things I had forgotten, so many things to be grateful for. I already knew Canada was great but this made me remember so many new things and learn some other things. I think every Canadian needs to read this. It will give you a truely greater appreciation of what we have and you will be so much more grateful ypu have the opportunity to be part of this Country.
November 5, 2023
#CanadaIsAwesome by #NeilPasricha Book #66 of the year 2023
Everyone loves their country. An immigrant loves their adopted country doubly. One understands that. Pasricha is a second generation Canadian immigrant, enthral of the country.
Reading the book one can't see why Canada is Awesome. It's freezing for 70% of the year. Their major product is Maple Syrup! That's about it.
Everyone loves their country. An immigrant loves their adopted country doubly. One understands that. Pasricha is a second generation Canadian immigrant, enthral of the country.
Reading the book one can't see why Canada is Awesome. It's freezing for 70% of the year. Their major product is Maple Syrup! That's about it.
January 2, 2025
This was an option in the free, in-flight entertainment from American Airlines, in audiobook form. I'm planning a trip to PEI this summer and was hoping to get some insight to the Canadian culture from reading this book. It does a good job highlighting the differences between Canada and other countries, especially the U.S. The author clearly loves his country, and for good reasons.
October 31, 2018
It wasn’t exceptionally entertaining but it also wasn’t boring. I thought it was okay. I liked the facts about Canada sprinkled throughout this short audiobook. I just don’t know what to make of the whole production. Heh. Next!
August 2, 2019
Only an Audible book and only 35 minutes long.
It does sound like a commercial for Canada and if you do not like propaganda, that is probably why you have turned off the TV and spend more time reading books.
Neil Pasricha has other books I will probable add to my wish list.
It does sound like a commercial for Canada and if you do not like propaganda, that is probably why you have turned off the TV and spend more time reading books.
Neil Pasricha has other books I will probable add to my wish list.
December 11, 2019
Points in favour:
- refers to Canada's residential school program as what it actually was, a cultural genocide
- it's short
- it's heartwarming
Points against:
- seems pretty Ontario- and coastal-centric
But yes, we live in a mostly good place.
- refers to Canada's residential school program as what it actually was, a cultural genocide
- it's short
- it's heartwarming
Points against:
- seems pretty Ontario- and coastal-centric
But yes, we live in a mostly good place.
May 13, 2020
I picked this up as one of my monthly freebies from Audible. I've only been to Canada twice and agree, Canada is awesome! This book definitely captures some of Canada's awesomeness, but there is so much more that makes the country awesome! A very enjoyable listen! Great narration by the author!
October 6, 2020
Kanada je jedna z mojich najobľúbenejších krajín a keď som videl túto knihu, povedal som, že si ju určite musím vypočuť. Je to skvelá knižka, ktorá opisuje Kanadu veľmi ľúbivo a mám pocit, že aj po vypočutí mám ešte väčšiu chuť túto krajinu raz navštíviť :)
October 30, 2020
On the verge of 2020 election, I don't know that I should have listened to this little book about Canada. I was doing laundry. I thought about getting my suitcase out, should I need an evacuation bag.
December 2, 2021
This audiobook was an amazing reminder of the beauty around us that we often take for granted. This country is beautiful and has so much to offer and so much history. Some good some bad but we learn from our history and move forward witha great way of life.
December 31, 2022
This short Audiobook taught me a little something about Canada. It was narrated well.
Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to or will listen to multiple times.
Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to or will listen to multiple times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews