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Parking the Moose: One American's Epic Quest to Uncover His Incredible Canadian Roots
A quarter-Canadian from Cleveland explores his roots--and melts your face with joy.
Most American children are taught that their country is the "best." But this idea never stuck with Dave Hill, despite being born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. His grandfather, you see, was from Canada. And every Sunday at dinner he'd remind Dave and anyone else within earshot that it was in fact Canada, this magical and mysterious land just across the mighty Lake Erie, that was the "best."
So while Dave's peers kept busy with football and baseball, Dave got into hockey, developed a preference for Canadian bacon, and was well-versed in the Canadian healthcare system by age nine (okay, the last one is not true). In later years he even visited Canada a couple of times. And then, inspired by a publisher's payment of several hundred dollars (Canadian) in cash, he travelled all over the country, reconnecting with his heritage in such places as Montreal, Moose Jaw, Regina, Winnipeg, Merrickville and of course Clinton, Ontario, meeting a range of Canadians, touching things he probably shouldn't and having adventures too numerous and rich in detail to be done justice in this blurb.
The result, he promises, is "the greatest Canada-based literary thrill ride of your lifetime."
Most American children are taught that their country is the "best." But this idea never stuck with Dave Hill, despite being born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. His grandfather, you see, was from Canada. And every Sunday at dinner he'd remind Dave and anyone else within earshot that it was in fact Canada, this magical and mysterious land just across the mighty Lake Erie, that was the "best."
So while Dave's peers kept busy with football and baseball, Dave got into hockey, developed a preference for Canadian bacon, and was well-versed in the Canadian healthcare system by age nine (okay, the last one is not true). In later years he even visited Canada a couple of times. And then, inspired by a publisher's payment of several hundred dollars (Canadian) in cash, he travelled all over the country, reconnecting with his heritage in such places as Montreal, Moose Jaw, Regina, Winnipeg, Merrickville and of course Clinton, Ontario, meeting a range of Canadians, touching things he probably shouldn't and having adventures too numerous and rich in detail to be done justice in this blurb.
The result, he promises, is "the greatest Canada-based literary thrill ride of your lifetime."
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2020
16 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Dave Hill
4 books187 followersDAVE HILL is a comedian, writer, musician, and man-about-town originally from Cleveland but now living in New York City in an apartment all by himself because he is a grown man. He has written for The New York Times, Salon, The Huffington Post, NY Daily News, Guitar World and a bunch of other people, too. He is a regular contributor to public radio’s This American Life and starred in his own TV series, The King of Miami, which was canceled, even though Dave really liked it. He has also appeared on Comedy Central, BBC America, MTV, and Adult Swim and is a regular host on HBO and Cinemax. Dave stages his own chat variety show, The Dave Hill Explosion, at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatres in New York and Los Angeles, and also in London, wherever it is tolerated. Dave plays in several rock bands and is so good at the guitar that most people can’t even handle it. Dave also smells really nice—ask anyone.
Here are some nice blurbs about Dave's book Tasteful Nudes:
“Dave Hill speaks, rocks, and now writes with a voice so powerful and funny and compelling that I’m pretty sure he's channeling some weird god from another dimension. Basically, this dude is a comedic Cthulhu, and when you read this book, you will either go COMPLETELY MAD or BECOME A SLAVE TO HIS MAD GENIUS. Pray for the latter.” —John Hodgman
"This book should affirm Dave Hill's rightful place as a major American humor writer. You will laugh.
Buy two and brighten a friend's life as well." —Dick Cavett
“I run into Dave Hill all the time at the coffee shop in our neighborhood. He's always unshaven and badly hungover, with some 16-year-old groupie from Cleveland in tow—and he's just as funny then as he is in Tasteful Nudes. He is my idol.” —Malcolm Gladwell
“We have Dave Hill on our radio show as much as we can because he's so winningly funny, and it's thrilling to see how well his sense of humor translates to the page. I've never seen a comedian quite like him: full of unjustified bravado, but also amazingly vulnerable. There's something very bare through all these stories that are so full of jokes and brags. He's a rocker who shreds his way through mindblowing solos while somehow also communicating to you that maybe he thinks the whole thing is just a little much. I don't say that as a metaphor, I've actually seen him do this. I enjoyed the hell out of this book.” —Ira Glass
"First of all, Dave Hill is a pathological liar, a fantasist, egoist, and unlicensed podiatrist. I cannot confirm the veracity of anything in this book, but my feet have never felt better. And as Dave always says, when you have your feet, you have everything." —Janeane Garofalo
“If you want to get inside Dave Hill’s head, then you have to go for it. Throw caution to the wind. Jump into the icy waters. Speed across the Bonneville Salt Flats. Trek the Himalayas. Take a solo flight around the globe. Or just read his new book, Tasteful Nudes, the most dangerous way to get there.” —Sandra Bernhard
"This book, in addition to being a hilariously fun read, is exactly the kind of book that will get Dave Hill totally laid." —Andy Richter
"Not only did Tasteful Nudes take me on an emotional journey through the seedy underbelly of Dave Hill’s life, but it also introduced me to a whole new slew of colorful and imaginative euphemisms for my pud. For this, I shall forever be in Mr. Hill’s debt." —Chris Elliott
Here are some nice blurbs about Dave's book Tasteful Nudes:
“Dave Hill speaks, rocks, and now writes with a voice so powerful and funny and compelling that I’m pretty sure he's channeling some weird god from another dimension. Basically, this dude is a comedic Cthulhu, and when you read this book, you will either go COMPLETELY MAD or BECOME A SLAVE TO HIS MAD GENIUS. Pray for the latter.” —John Hodgman
"This book should affirm Dave Hill's rightful place as a major American humor writer. You will laugh.
Buy two and brighten a friend's life as well." —Dick Cavett
“I run into Dave Hill all the time at the coffee shop in our neighborhood. He's always unshaven and badly hungover, with some 16-year-old groupie from Cleveland in tow—and he's just as funny then as he is in Tasteful Nudes. He is my idol.” —Malcolm Gladwell
“We have Dave Hill on our radio show as much as we can because he's so winningly funny, and it's thrilling to see how well his sense of humor translates to the page. I've never seen a comedian quite like him: full of unjustified bravado, but also amazingly vulnerable. There's something very bare through all these stories that are so full of jokes and brags. He's a rocker who shreds his way through mindblowing solos while somehow also communicating to you that maybe he thinks the whole thing is just a little much. I don't say that as a metaphor, I've actually seen him do this. I enjoyed the hell out of this book.” —Ira Glass
"First of all, Dave Hill is a pathological liar, a fantasist, egoist, and unlicensed podiatrist. I cannot confirm the veracity of anything in this book, but my feet have never felt better. And as Dave always says, when you have your feet, you have everything." —Janeane Garofalo
“If you want to get inside Dave Hill’s head, then you have to go for it. Throw caution to the wind. Jump into the icy waters. Speed across the Bonneville Salt Flats. Trek the Himalayas. Take a solo flight around the globe. Or just read his new book, Tasteful Nudes, the most dangerous way to get there.” —Sandra Bernhard
"This book, in addition to being a hilariously fun read, is exactly the kind of book that will get Dave Hill totally laid." —Andy Richter
"Not only did Tasteful Nudes take me on an emotional journey through the seedy underbelly of Dave Hill’s life, but it also introduced me to a whole new slew of colorful and imaginative euphemisms for my pud. For this, I shall forever be in Mr. Hill’s debt." —Chris Elliott
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 31, 2020
Pretending.....
as it’s the cool Canadian thing to do.....
Dave was fantasizing about driving a bright green pickup truck so that people would think that he was a fun approachable guy who gets invited to parties.
He is!!! Dave Hill ‘is’ fun - funny - a likable guy!! He’s invited to my social distancing party anytime!
Dave’s book worked like a charm! Warmed my heart - and gave me a few belly laughs ...
It’s not all hockey and beer in Canada.
Across from a Japanese Gospel Church, at midnight, in Calgary, freezing cold, 1°, a man was sitting in a folding chair, with a light hooded jacket—
The next day... a man was jogging along river in shorts and a T-shirt— 1° outside—
Dave felt like a wussy in his layers upon layers of clothes.
Yep, there’s something special about the folks in Canada. ( our Canadiandaughter too - missing her: borders aren’t open yet)
Great fun!!! Thanks Dave!
And a special thanks to the wonderful grandpa who first gave you a magnificent experience of Canada.
as it’s the cool Canadian thing to do.....
Dave was fantasizing about driving a bright green pickup truck so that people would think that he was a fun approachable guy who gets invited to parties.
He is!!! Dave Hill ‘is’ fun - funny - a likable guy!! He’s invited to my social distancing party anytime!
Dave’s book worked like a charm! Warmed my heart - and gave me a few belly laughs ...
It’s not all hockey and beer in Canada.
Across from a Japanese Gospel Church, at midnight, in Calgary, freezing cold, 1°, a man was sitting in a folding chair, with a light hooded jacket—
The next day... a man was jogging along river in shorts and a T-shirt— 1° outside—
Dave felt like a wussy in his layers upon layers of clothes.
Yep, there’s something special about the folks in Canada. ( our Canadiandaughter too - missing her: borders aren’t open yet)
Great fun!!! Thanks Dave!
And a special thanks to the wonderful grandpa who first gave you a magnificent experience of Canada.
October 23, 2019
Thank you to Penguin Random House and Goodreads for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Dave Hill, the author, is hilarious. This book is funny from the first words to the end! During his journeys to Canada he noticed things that most Canadians either take for granted or no longer take notice of. He meets some whacky, kooky characters that will leave you shaking your head. His point of view cracked me up so many times that several times the tears were running down my face as I read. My two cats were looking at me like I was crazy!
Dave Hill's grandfather (deceased) was a Canadian. While he was living in the USA, he always believed that Canada was the best nation on the earth, and Dave (being born and raised in the US) decided to see for himself if this was true or not. Over a period of time he traveled from one city and community to another and documented the very Canadian things he experienced while on his journeys.
There are foot notes aplenty in this book and I actually found them very annoying and distracting at times. They really slowed me down and made me forget what I had just read.
The bantering about poutine was absolutely hilarious at times, and this went on throughout most of the book! This was my favorite part of the book.
This story had me in stitches! Dave Hill, where do you get such a great sense of humor from? Keep up the great work. I loved your book so much that now I have other family members wanting to read it. In fact, it will end up in a few Christmas stockings this year.
To all Canadians and Americans - you have got to read this book. It is hysterically funny and you will think about Canada in a very different light after you read it. I also found the book very educational and loaded with interesting information. I am planning to try poutine for the first time as soon as possible. Yes, I am Canadian and haven't tried it yet. Shame on me!
Dave Hill, the author, is hilarious. This book is funny from the first words to the end! During his journeys to Canada he noticed things that most Canadians either take for granted or no longer take notice of. He meets some whacky, kooky characters that will leave you shaking your head. His point of view cracked me up so many times that several times the tears were running down my face as I read. My two cats were looking at me like I was crazy!
Dave Hill's grandfather (deceased) was a Canadian. While he was living in the USA, he always believed that Canada was the best nation on the earth, and Dave (being born and raised in the US) decided to see for himself if this was true or not. Over a period of time he traveled from one city and community to another and documented the very Canadian things he experienced while on his journeys.
There are foot notes aplenty in this book and I actually found them very annoying and distracting at times. They really slowed me down and made me forget what I had just read.
The bantering about poutine was absolutely hilarious at times, and this went on throughout most of the book! This was my favorite part of the book.
This story had me in stitches! Dave Hill, where do you get such a great sense of humor from? Keep up the great work. I loved your book so much that now I have other family members wanting to read it. In fact, it will end up in a few Christmas stockings this year.
To all Canadians and Americans - you have got to read this book. It is hysterically funny and you will think about Canada in a very different light after you read it. I also found the book very educational and loaded with interesting information. I am planning to try poutine for the first time as soon as possible. Yes, I am Canadian and haven't tried it yet. Shame on me!
April 12, 2020
This book was a Christmas gift. After reading it, I am reminded of fruitcake:
- Cleverly deceptive wrapping. The celebrity endorsements raised my expectations. In hindsight, I don't believe any of them read a single page. You owe my mother $20 (Canadian), Malcolm Gladwell.
- Abundance of alcohol. At times, the author confesses that he was too impaired to remember worthwhile details of his journey. Picture a "next-morning" story told by your college roommate; one where he doesn't recall the night before, but his hands smell like cheese curds and gravy.
- Out of walnuts? Throw in some sawdust. Looking for self-indulgent asides and rambling filler? You'll find it in every chewy bite of this book.
- Relics of the past. There he is: the stereotypical beer-swilling, hockey-playing, overly-polite, lumberjack Canadian listening to the CBC from his chesterfield. All of the author's best insights can be found in a 1990's Molson commercial. Or "Great White North," 10 years before that. Let's move on.
I wonder: With so many talented and innovative writers struggling to get published, why does stuff like this get printed?
- Cleverly deceptive wrapping. The celebrity endorsements raised my expectations. In hindsight, I don't believe any of them read a single page. You owe my mother $20 (Canadian), Malcolm Gladwell.
- Abundance of alcohol. At times, the author confesses that he was too impaired to remember worthwhile details of his journey. Picture a "next-morning" story told by your college roommate; one where he doesn't recall the night before, but his hands smell like cheese curds and gravy.
- Out of walnuts? Throw in some sawdust. Looking for self-indulgent asides and rambling filler? You'll find it in every chewy bite of this book.
- Relics of the past. There he is: the stereotypical beer-swilling, hockey-playing, overly-polite, lumberjack Canadian listening to the CBC from his chesterfield. All of the author's best insights can be found in a 1990's Molson commercial. Or "Great White North," 10 years before that. Let's move on.
I wonder: With so many talented and innovative writers struggling to get published, why does stuff like this get printed?
July 21, 2019
I received Parking The Moose in a Goodreads giveaway. Dave Hill is an American who had a Canadian grandfather, so he decides to explore his Canadian roots and visits twelve Canadian cities. He writes about his experiences in each city as he takes in the local culture whether it is a concert or a hockey game. He really wanted to discover what makes Canada and its citizens tick. As a Canadian it was interesting read. I found there were things I take for granted that Dave, as an American, found out of the norm for him. I do whole heartedly agree with his assessment of our Maple Leaf shaped cookies.
January 20, 2020
This started out amusing, but about half to two-thirds, just became repetitious and boring. The epilogue was nice, but not enough to make up for the lather, rinse, repeat sense of at least the last third of the book.
July 23, 2020
3,5 stars.
This was a fun read, but I think you need to take your time reading it. Read one chapter, read another book, come back for another chapter, etc.
Dave Hill is a funny guy - had more than a few LOL moments (I laugh very easily too...).
This was a fun read, but I think you need to take your time reading it. Read one chapter, read another book, come back for another chapter, etc.
Dave Hill is a funny guy - had more than a few LOL moments (I laugh very easily too...).
September 1, 2019
Parking the Moose is an entertaining, hilarious and wholesome accounting of one man's quest to capture his Canadian roots. I'm not going to hold his unhealthy obsession with poutine against him though (Sorry, Dave, poutine is just pure yuck! This Canadian just doesn't enjoy it at all.) His stories and forays into small-town Canada are pure joy. I've had many, many laugh-out-loud moments and am delighted to have read an ARC copy, thanks to Goodreads Giveaways.
February 2, 2020
A mildly amusing turn of phrase occasionally is not enough to make this pointless and rambling set of excursions to a random assortment of Canadian cities worth reading. Not only does the author not discover anything about his family, he doesn’t even try; and the same goes for discovering anything about Canada or Canadians. He simply rocks up in a ragtag assortment of cities chosen for no discernible reason, visits the occasional tourist attraction, complains about his accommodation and eats a lot of poutine. Sadly I will never get back the time spent reading this, but hopefully I can save you from the same mistake.
February 13, 2020
I know of Dave Hill through seeing him with Rhett Miller at Sketchfest where he does a bit of standup and a bit of guitar shredding, but this book is from a slightly different persona, I'm guessing similar to his radio show (which I didn't even know about). It's very funny, a little bit silly, and occasionally tedious. I had to take a break because it's a bit repetitious but when I picked it up again after a few days I eagerly finished the book, like somehow it was funnier with a bit of distance I could come back and enjoy the very consistent humor.
October 19, 2019
I like Dave Hill, so I found this charming, but if he's not your thing, this book won't be either.
February 26, 2020
Dave Hill is an American comedian, radio host, writer, musician and actor born in Cleveland, OH. One of his grandfathers was from Clinton, ON, and every Sunday when Dave was a child, he'd remind everyone that Canada was the best. As such, Dave grew up thinking the same way and loved everything Canadian from bacon to music to hockey and more.
After a while, Dave's Canadian roots could no longer be denied and his desire to connect to his Canadian heritage grew stronger. So he decided to head to different places in Canada and write the definitive book on Canada by a non-Canadian.
Here are the places he visited and wrote about:
1. Toronto, ON
2. Clinton, ON (where his grandfather was from)
3. Quebec City, QC
4. Merrickville, ON
5. Victoria, BC
6. Winnipeg, MB
7. Halifax, NS
8. Montreal, QC
9. St. John's, NF
10. Moose Jaw and Regina, SK
11. Calgary, AB
Most trips were made with his friends, girlfriend and podcast and/or social media fans. In these places, he tried to experience life as the residents did ... plus feed his poutine addiction and buy local knickknacks and souvenirs. I've been to many of the places Dave had visited so it was interesting to get his take on them.
To be honest, I'd never heard of Dave before I read this book. I had come across a review somewhere for the book and it sounded interesting ... and it was and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style. It was funny and I can imagine it is how Dave really is ... being sarcastic, telling stories and going off on tangents.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/02...
After a while, Dave's Canadian roots could no longer be denied and his desire to connect to his Canadian heritage grew stronger. So he decided to head to different places in Canada and write the definitive book on Canada by a non-Canadian.
Here are the places he visited and wrote about:
1. Toronto, ON
2. Clinton, ON (where his grandfather was from)
3. Quebec City, QC
4. Merrickville, ON
5. Victoria, BC
6. Winnipeg, MB
7. Halifax, NS
8. Montreal, QC
9. St. John's, NF
10. Moose Jaw and Regina, SK
11. Calgary, AB
Most trips were made with his friends, girlfriend and podcast and/or social media fans. In these places, he tried to experience life as the residents did ... plus feed his poutine addiction and buy local knickknacks and souvenirs. I've been to many of the places Dave had visited so it was interesting to get his take on them.
To be honest, I'd never heard of Dave before I read this book. I had come across a review somewhere for the book and it sounded interesting ... and it was and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style. It was funny and I can imagine it is how Dave really is ... being sarcastic, telling stories and going off on tangents.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/02...
April 2, 2020
Dave seems like he might be a nice guy to travel with, but his fondness for Canada, and Canadians, seems to be described in a way that make us sound like a stereotype. Nice, land p, and all about beer p, poutine, and hockey. Hmm. Not really.
May 8, 2021
Funniest book on Canada written by an American.
August 8, 2020
This book had me shaking with laughter at times, and I just loved it. It was such a good-natured, sweet look at Canada by a man who clearly loves the place. If nothing else, the chapter about Quebec City, and especially the dog sled drive, is worth the cost of the book. I've never heard of Dave Hill before I read this, but I'll read more by him soon. Utterly hilarious.
November 19, 2019
I hope Dave got a check from Airbnb for mentioning them so frequently.
I probably would have given this 4 stars had a spread it out instead of reading it over two days as some of Dave's shtick can be a bit repetitive (but still funny)
The St John's chapter provided the most cringe worthy moment for me as he goes to Mallard Cottage which is actually a terrific restaurant and mistakes it for a pub and has chicken wings. It also provided a couple of the most beautiful and affecting pages of travel writing you'll ever read at the very end of the chapter.
I probably would have given this 4 stars had a spread it out instead of reading it over two days as some of Dave's shtick can be a bit repetitive (but still funny)
The St John's chapter provided the most cringe worthy moment for me as he goes to Mallard Cottage which is actually a terrific restaurant and mistakes it for a pub and has chicken wings. It also provided a couple of the most beautiful and affecting pages of travel writing you'll ever read at the very end of the chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2020
Dave Hill attempts (unsuccessfully*) to make his mundane trips to multiple Canadian cities interesting, witty and humorous. He is no David Sedaris.
*He also has a habit of being unable to tell his story in the main body of the text, but seemingly must add completely unnecessary footnotes nearly every other page to supplement his anecdotes, which might be funny if used sparingly, but as presented is simply annoying (didn't anyone edit this book?)
*He also has a habit of being unable to tell his story in the main body of the text, but seemingly must add completely unnecessary footnotes nearly every other page to supplement his anecdotes, which might be funny if used sparingly, but as presented is simply annoying (didn't anyone edit this book?)
December 10, 2020
It aspires to be the funniest book about Canada ever written by a non-Canadian. He shoots...and it's wide! What's delivered, by middle-aged headbanger-journalist Hill, is a lighthearted 'Fear and Loathing,' spent largely in sports bars and thrift shops, sampling endless variations of poutine and procuring Canuck knick knackery like Guy Lafleur's disco album. Like its subject, it's likable enough but shy on highlights. Meh, eh?
October 26, 2020
Juvenile, lazy, self-centered, careless, insulting look at some parts and some people of Canada. What else would you expect? Forced myself to read four chapters, skimmed two, read the fawning epilogue. Lost hours.
January 29, 2021
I will follow Dave to the ends of the earth. A story about Canada, kind of, but like everything with Dave— the undercurrent is self acceptance and being your weirdo self. He’s a good guy. It’s like a good guy telling you some funny stories.
January 20, 2020
Full disclosure: I know Dave. We're not super close or anything but I know him well enough that if I ran into him I could probably pull off some awkward small talk with him. Onlookers and passersby might think we go way back. I've done a few minutes of talking on stage in efforts to amp up a crowd at a show Dave was headlining. One time his band Diamondsnake was opening for Reverend Horton Heat in NYC and Dave got me and my friend Kevin inside. Once inside, we kinda got drunk and yelled at Moby a little bit about how cool it was that we were drunk at a bar next to Moby. Then this lady in the band on stage started playing the washboard and lit her steel gloves aflame while she did it. I wish I could remember the name of that band.
Look, even if I didn't know Dave or get his sense of humor, this book would hit home for me. Not that I'm Canadian. Pfft, I wish. I'm from upstate NY. I'm from so far upstate that I might as well be Canadian. I grew up in a town between Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. They played The Tragically Hip on the radio all the time. We ate cheese curds by the pound. When my friends and I turned 19, we all crossed the border to Kingston and got plastered legally. So, as a guy from as close to Canada as you can be without actually being from Canada, this book is a real nostalgia fix. Plus, I'm really enjoying hockey lately. I like it because it's the only major sport where the human body is entirely disconnected from the field of play and players are discouraged from bodily interaction with the object of play. Seems Canadian if a sport ever were. In this book Dave's no slouch with the classic hockey references. There’s either a reference to hockey or a Canadian rock and roll musician on every page. What I’m saying is, he did his homework.
The impetus for Dave's journey across the great land up north is the knowledge that his grandfather was Canadian. He feels the gnawing at his soul that he must discover more about his grandfather's homeland by going there and mingling with locals and getting drunk with them, among other things. I never knew my own family so I couldn't really relate to that part of it. However, a couple of years ago, my wife did one of those Ancestry tests where you spit in the tube and they trace your biological roots. Guess what? Canada, bitch. Maybe after reading this book, you'll feel a little more Canadian yourself.
Look, even if I didn't know Dave or get his sense of humor, this book would hit home for me. Not that I'm Canadian. Pfft, I wish. I'm from upstate NY. I'm from so far upstate that I might as well be Canadian. I grew up in a town between Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. They played The Tragically Hip on the radio all the time. We ate cheese curds by the pound. When my friends and I turned 19, we all crossed the border to Kingston and got plastered legally. So, as a guy from as close to Canada as you can be without actually being from Canada, this book is a real nostalgia fix. Plus, I'm really enjoying hockey lately. I like it because it's the only major sport where the human body is entirely disconnected from the field of play and players are discouraged from bodily interaction with the object of play. Seems Canadian if a sport ever were. In this book Dave's no slouch with the classic hockey references. There’s either a reference to hockey or a Canadian rock and roll musician on every page. What I’m saying is, he did his homework.
The impetus for Dave's journey across the great land up north is the knowledge that his grandfather was Canadian. He feels the gnawing at his soul that he must discover more about his grandfather's homeland by going there and mingling with locals and getting drunk with them, among other things. I never knew my own family so I couldn't really relate to that part of it. However, a couple of years ago, my wife did one of those Ancestry tests where you spit in the tube and they trace your biological roots. Guess what? Canada, bitch. Maybe after reading this book, you'll feel a little more Canadian yourself.
July 10, 2025
I do and don’t understand the negative reviews of this book. This has to be the kind of thing you’re looking for. It’s not a mainstream travelogue. This is not about the landmarks of Canada or famous places but about Hill trying to learn about the people of these places—mostly through drinking in taverns and eating poutine—and finding the more outlandish things to see and do at the places he goes. In the latter way, it kind of reminds me of Travel Man where Richard Ayoade grabs a (usually minor) celebrity (mostly from the UK) and goes to a city for a weekend where he finds the odder things the city has to offer.
Along the way, Hill does talk about some Canadian history or interesting facts, many about hockey or random things like where poutine was invented or the correct pronunciation of Newfoundland. I love that he goes to smaller cities like Victoria instead of the nearby Vancouver, or Regina and Moosejaw instead of spending much time in Saskatoon. Those places are covered in other travel books and this is off the beaten path.
He does drink a lot and talks about being Metal but the he has such a mild manner and not-deep voice that he sounds sweet no matter what he says. He is endlessly positive, too, and while a lot of it is tongue-in-cheek, he really does appreciate all the Canadians he meets even though he often comes across like Forrest Gump.
And he’s funny. He’s definitely very funny. I laughed out loud many times while listening to the audiobook, which I highly recommend since he narrates it and infused it with his own brand of humor. Not all authors can narrate their books but he’s fantastic.
I’ve already marked his other books as to-read and looked for them at my library. (Sadly, no.) Maybe Audible?
I’ve already mentioned how great a narrator he is. I think the next step is to find some recorded content. He’s listed as a comedian so maybe he has a stand-up show. (Not that I can find but he’s been a writer for a couple of my favorite shows.)
Along the way, Hill does talk about some Canadian history or interesting facts, many about hockey or random things like where poutine was invented or the correct pronunciation of Newfoundland. I love that he goes to smaller cities like Victoria instead of the nearby Vancouver, or Regina and Moosejaw instead of spending much time in Saskatoon. Those places are covered in other travel books and this is off the beaten path.
He does drink a lot and talks about being Metal but the he has such a mild manner and not-deep voice that he sounds sweet no matter what he says. He is endlessly positive, too, and while a lot of it is tongue-in-cheek, he really does appreciate all the Canadians he meets even though he often comes across like Forrest Gump.
And he’s funny. He’s definitely very funny. I laughed out loud many times while listening to the audiobook, which I highly recommend since he narrates it and infused it with his own brand of humor. Not all authors can narrate their books but he’s fantastic.
I’ve already marked his other books as to-read and looked for them at my library. (Sadly, no.) Maybe Audible?
I’ve already mentioned how great a narrator he is. I think the next step is to find some recorded content. He’s listed as a comedian so maybe he has a stand-up show. (Not that I can find but he’s been a writer for a couple of my favorite shows.)
July 4, 2024
At this point it is difficult for me to recall precisely where it is I first heard about Dave Hill, but once I did a little digging I was impressed by his various credits and titles, I mean the guy is a serious rock and roller and genuine Metal Head, or Slave to Metal, as he would self-identify, a comedian, a radio host, podcaster and author. I found him to be a very easy-going and funny personality, mostly gathered through his various podcasts (which I would recommend you look into) so I was very curious to get into his written material. I was only able to track down one of his books from my library, but since I am increasingly curious about Canada and the prospect of moving there, I figured a book about the Canadian experience, as detailed by a NON-Canadian, seemed like the perfect perspective to start out with.
The book offers some chuckles here and there, Dave's dry and sarcastic sense-of-humor mostly leaps off the page, but can also come across as a bit TOO dry and even negative or pretentious. It's not as rewarding or educational as I was hoping but it does offer a nice street-level perspective that I appreciate.
Gotta give it credit for turning me on to some pretty cool Canadian Rock bands, which I would play in the background as I read through Dave's journey to various Province's throughout the Great White North.
The book offers some chuckles here and there, Dave's dry and sarcastic sense-of-humor mostly leaps off the page, but can also come across as a bit TOO dry and even negative or pretentious. It's not as rewarding or educational as I was hoping but it does offer a nice street-level perspective that I appreciate.
Gotta give it credit for turning me on to some pretty cool Canadian Rock bands, which I would play in the background as I read through Dave's journey to various Province's throughout the Great White North.
April 25, 2020
Dave Hill is one funny guy. You could do worse than read this highly entertaining book about his unrelenting quest to discover his 3/8ths Canadian heritage. To him I say: Welcome, Dave, thanks for adding more colour to our already illustrious country!
Hi face is familiar to me from the book jacket but, honestly, no clue really about what he does. Now I know and what I do know is he is primarily very funny and secondly, he has a unique way with words tapping into our very selves, and, thirdly, he embraces his inner 12 year old like no one else except maybe our very own Craig Davidson in Precious Cargo. So there.
Did I laugh out loud, yes, I did, and often. In fact, early on in the book I called my pal Joanne because what I was reading was just so effing funny and it reminded me of shared humour.
Dave deliciously pokes fun without even doing it and does it in a sincere and innocent way which, I think, is a big part of his, shall I say, dorky demeanor, and which endears the reader to him especially the Canadian reader which is the whole point of this book.
Dave has parked the moose and I suggest you all read this hilarious expose of many things Canuck.
And, Dave, I am waiting for the sequel, just saying...
Hi face is familiar to me from the book jacket but, honestly, no clue really about what he does. Now I know and what I do know is he is primarily very funny and secondly, he has a unique way with words tapping into our very selves, and, thirdly, he embraces his inner 12 year old like no one else except maybe our very own Craig Davidson in Precious Cargo. So there.
Did I laugh out loud, yes, I did, and often. In fact, early on in the book I called my pal Joanne because what I was reading was just so effing funny and it reminded me of shared humour.
Dave deliciously pokes fun without even doing it and does it in a sincere and innocent way which, I think, is a big part of his, shall I say, dorky demeanor, and which endears the reader to him especially the Canadian reader which is the whole point of this book.
Dave has parked the moose and I suggest you all read this hilarious expose of many things Canuck.
And, Dave, I am waiting for the sequel, just saying...
July 7, 2020
Straight off I want to say that I have only read about 3 chapters of this book, so my opinions are only based on that portion of it. Additionally, I am 65 and female. What attracted me was the great title and plenty of curiosity.
Acknowledging that, reading this book reminded me of my younger days of beer, bars and silliness and is best read by someone ALOT younger. TRUE, Dave Hill shares many "neat" bits of Canadian culture and uniqueness but, WAY too many sub-notes*. The chapters are titled by each city he visited and the adventures therein, but got a bit tedious in spots**. So, I've decided to quit while I'm ahead and, sadly, will never know how to "Park the Moose" or why. But, if you are younger than I, read on. It'll be worth the guffaws.
* Which really ARE funny but gave me a headache from looking up and down so much. May I suggest parentheses, Dave?
**Yep, started each day with breakfast.
Acknowledging that, reading this book reminded me of my younger days of beer, bars and silliness and is best read by someone ALOT younger. TRUE, Dave Hill shares many "neat" bits of Canadian culture and uniqueness but, WAY too many sub-notes*. The chapters are titled by each city he visited and the adventures therein, but got a bit tedious in spots**. So, I've decided to quit while I'm ahead and, sadly, will never know how to "Park the Moose" or why. But, if you are younger than I, read on. It'll be worth the guffaws.
* Which really ARE funny but gave me a headache from looking up and down so much. May I suggest parentheses, Dave?
**Yep, started each day with breakfast.
December 10, 2019
My first Dave Hill book. Top points for style and substance. I felt the same way reading Dave as I did when I first read Douglas Adams. You can tell that both authors work(ed) really, really hard to make their narratives seem effortless. The subject matter - Canada and all things Canada (with special emphasis on hockey and music (though I am nowhere near as metal as Dave)) - resonated immediately. Dave's skill here made me feel like I knew the places I'd never been (Victoria, Moose Jaw, Calgary) as well as the places I had (Clinton, Merrickville, Winnipeg, Quebec City). Add to this the fact that the guy is genuinely funny (and, let's face it, you WANT to like him) and you have my reasons for a 5* rating. Maybe I'll go back and read his other books or maybe I should just quit while I'm ahead.
October 18, 2024
First off Dave, you will never be Canadian
Dave hill should remove writer and comedian from his credits as this book is very poorly written and couldn’t even coax a small chuckle out of me.
The book has at least 5 errors (missing words, etc) throughout the book which just goes to show that even his publisher knew this book was a piece of garbage and couldn’t be bothered to proofread it!
I know he jokes about making his word count in the book but the writing style is that of a junior high student desperately trying to fill the page (maybe I can make the margins slightly bigger…)
It’s a shame that this book was ever printed as there are certainly more talented writers looking for that opportunity.
All celebrity endorsements of this book are appalling and they should be embarrassed, especially you Samantha Bee!
Dave hill should remove writer and comedian from his credits as this book is very poorly written and couldn’t even coax a small chuckle out of me.
The book has at least 5 errors (missing words, etc) throughout the book which just goes to show that even his publisher knew this book was a piece of garbage and couldn’t be bothered to proofread it!
I know he jokes about making his word count in the book but the writing style is that of a junior high student desperately trying to fill the page (maybe I can make the margins slightly bigger…)
It’s a shame that this book was ever printed as there are certainly more talented writers looking for that opportunity.
All celebrity endorsements of this book are appalling and they should be embarrassed, especially you Samantha Bee!
January 26, 2020
Take off A! Was it just that hockey is not my thing that I found this book annoying? Wait. Our friendly neighbours believes all Canucks live and breath at the hockey rinks! Wayne Gretsky has a restaurant in many locations but it is not the "Mecca" of Canada. Funny, it was not. Offended, no not really. The Canadian humor is regional. Political humor is so "politically incorrect" that it borders on offensive! But we laugh out loud when others cringe. Hell we even legalized "devils grass". The book was flat. If the USA believes that Canucks live and breath hockey then so be it. ( Have you ever smelt a hockey bag!) Avoid if you can! Later. Keep Reading.
January 29, 2020
I picked up the book because my wife brought it home from the library and it looked interesting. It was much funnier than I expected - I don't know Dave Hill, but these kinds of books are usually good for a couple of chuckles and that's about it. I really enjoyed this book - I liked his approach, and I actually laughed out loud several times. I don't know it the book is objectively funny, or if Hill's style just really appealed to me, but I really enjoyed it. It might be the best book on Canada that I've read by a non-Canadian. It's definitely better than Mike Myers' Canada, written by a former Canadian.
April 2, 2020
Laugh out loud Hilarious !!!! I would best describe the overall writing style as the ramblings of Dave Hill as he and his friends travel to different unique places in Canada looking through a unique lens that often involves beer goggles.
Despite the style I could not help but laugh out loud and often uncontrollably throughout the entire book. If you are looking for an accurate portrayal of Canada, you may read a couple of other books, but if you are looking for a book to lift you up, make you laugh, and take you to places in Canada that you need to hear about, then this one is a top notch !!
Despite the style I could not help but laugh out loud and often uncontrollably throughout the entire book. If you are looking for an accurate portrayal of Canada, you may read a couple of other books, but if you are looking for a book to lift you up, make you laugh, and take you to places in Canada that you need to hear about, then this one is a top notch !!
July 10, 2020
"The definitive book on Canada by a non-Canadian." This is another hilarious work of non-fiction by author/podcaster/comedian/musician Dave Hill. I've loved Dave's standup, storytelling and writing for years but had been slow to get to this one. For whatever reason, I've never wanted to go to Canada, so perhaps that's why it took me so long to get to this book. After reading of Dave's adventures into many provinces and towns in Canada though, I now think the place might be kinda nice to visit. It sounds like it might be worth it for the poutine alone! I highly recommend this lighthearted read for these crazy times!
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