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Talking to Canadians: A Memoir
INSTANT #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Canada's beloved comic genius tells his own story for the first time.
What is Rick Mercer going to do now? That was the question on everyone's lips when the beloved comedian retired his hugely successful TV show after 15 seasons--and at the peak of its popularity. The answer came not long after, when he roared back in a new role as stand-up-comedian, playing to sold-out houses wherever he appeared.
And then Covid-19 struck. And his legions of fans began asking again: What is Rick Mercer going to do now? Well, for one thing, he's been writing a comic masterpiece. For the first time, this most private of public figures has turned the spotlight on himself, in a memoir that's as revealing as it is hilarious. In riveting anecdotal style, Rick charts his rise from highly unpromising schoolboy (in his reports the word 'disappointment' appeared a fair bit) to the heights of TV fame. Along the way came an amazing break when, not long out of his teens, his one-man show Show Me the Button, I'll Push It. Or, Charles Lynch Must Die, became an overnight sensation--thanks in part to a bizarre ambush by its target, Charles Lynch himself. That's one story you won't soon forget, and this book is full of them.
There's a tale of how little Rick helped himself to a tree from the neighbours' garden that's set to become a new Christmas classic. There's Rick the aspiring actor, braving the scariest thing I have ever done in my life by performing with the Newfoundland Shakespeare Company; unforgettable scenes with politicians of every variety, from Jean Chretien to George W. Bush to Stockwell Day; and a wealth of behind-the-scenes revelations about the origins and making of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made in Canada, and Talking to Americans. All leading of course to the greenlighting of that mega-hit, Rick Mercer Report . . .
It's a life so packed with incident (did we mention Bosnia and Kabul?) and laughter we can only hope that a future answer to What is Rick Mercer going to do now? is: Write volume two.
Canada's beloved comic genius tells his own story for the first time.
What is Rick Mercer going to do now? That was the question on everyone's lips when the beloved comedian retired his hugely successful TV show after 15 seasons--and at the peak of its popularity. The answer came not long after, when he roared back in a new role as stand-up-comedian, playing to sold-out houses wherever he appeared.
And then Covid-19 struck. And his legions of fans began asking again: What is Rick Mercer going to do now? Well, for one thing, he's been writing a comic masterpiece. For the first time, this most private of public figures has turned the spotlight on himself, in a memoir that's as revealing as it is hilarious. In riveting anecdotal style, Rick charts his rise from highly unpromising schoolboy (in his reports the word 'disappointment' appeared a fair bit) to the heights of TV fame. Along the way came an amazing break when, not long out of his teens, his one-man show Show Me the Button, I'll Push It. Or, Charles Lynch Must Die, became an overnight sensation--thanks in part to a bizarre ambush by its target, Charles Lynch himself. That's one story you won't soon forget, and this book is full of them.
There's a tale of how little Rick helped himself to a tree from the neighbours' garden that's set to become a new Christmas classic. There's Rick the aspiring actor, braving the scariest thing I have ever done in my life by performing with the Newfoundland Shakespeare Company; unforgettable scenes with politicians of every variety, from Jean Chretien to George W. Bush to Stockwell Day; and a wealth of behind-the-scenes revelations about the origins and making of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made in Canada, and Talking to Americans. All leading of course to the greenlighting of that mega-hit, Rick Mercer Report . . .
It's a life so packed with incident (did we mention Bosnia and Kabul?) and laughter we can only hope that a future answer to What is Rick Mercer going to do now? is: Write volume two.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2021
163 people are currently reading
1829 people want to read
About the author
Rick Mercer
6 books81 followersRick Mercer is Canada’s sharpest and funniest political satirist. He first came to fame with Show Me the Button I’ll Push It, or Charles Lynch Must Die, a one-man show that toured across Canada. He co-created and was a resident performer on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and was the host of The Rick Mercer Report, the Corporation’s highest-rated comedy show, for fifteen seasons. Rick is co-chair of the Spread the Net campaign, dedicated to preventing the spread of Malaria in Africa, and has also campaigned for the Canadian AIDS Society’s The Walk for Life project. His many honours include 21 Geminis and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. He is from St. John’s and currently resides in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 527 reviews
January 5, 2022
If you like large helpings of humour with your autobiographies, Talking to Canadians by Rick Mercer is the one for you. I have had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, read by the author, which by itself adds more comedy to the book: Mercer retells stories of his life with tongue firmly planted in cheek. He begins with stories of family life when he was a child, then on to school days, and then of his life as he navigated his career in comedy. Each chapter deals with a different part of his life and spending time with this book has proven to be hilarious and enchanting. This is a book well worth reading during a pandemic or at any other time. Highly recommended.
November 16, 2021
American TV has always treated Canada with patronizing goodwill and stereotypes, but what choice did Canadian viewers have but to endure yet another igloo and maple syrup joke? Watch low budget Canadian content? We weren't that desperate! My mom would always insist Canadian movies were just as good, better even, as they weren't so "Hollywood". I didn't buy it. It was just another one of those mom lines like: "Cleaning your room can be fun with the right attitude" and "Homemade pizza tastes the same as Pizza Hut."
But then along came--22 Minutes--Funny, fast as a rocket, and unabashedly Canadian. Sure, as a kid I didn't get the Preston Manning jokes, but a few seconds later, a crazy warrior princess would burst into the Prime Minister's office--that I understood! The subversiveness of it all made me giddy! And when Talking to Americans came out in 2001, it changed the nation itself. Don't even try to deny it, we all lost our goddamn minds. Sure it started this somewhat toxic trend of shit-talking Americans, but hey! After Gretzky retired, Canada needed a new national pastime.
"Talking to Canadians" was such a fun read, and it reminded me of how much Rick Mercer and "22 Minutes" meant to me when I was growing up. As an adult I have sort of discounted Rick Mercer as a pale, Canadian imitation of a satirist. He is a milquetoast Jon Stewart, who blunted his comedic rapier in middle age for the sake of pandering TV segments that tugged on the heart strings.
A lot of these misgivings melted away as I read the book. I related way too much to young Rick to dismiss him completely--His terrible grades, his only skill being his ability to talk loudly and quickly into a camera, and most of all--his flair for being a spiteful, conniving pain in the ass.
He tells one story about starting his own school newspaper called "The Competition" just to spite the teachers for kicking him out of the school paper (after he stacked the vote with randos to become editor in chief). The rival paper becomes wildly popular, selling out multiple runs, and gets Mercer in huge trouble with the principal. However, having made his point, he loses all interest and disbands "The Competition" immediately. I've never identified more with a person in a story than I have with Rick in that one.
But then along came--22 Minutes--Funny, fast as a rocket, and unabashedly Canadian. Sure, as a kid I didn't get the Preston Manning jokes, but a few seconds later, a crazy warrior princess would burst into the Prime Minister's office--that I understood! The subversiveness of it all made me giddy! And when Talking to Americans came out in 2001, it changed the nation itself. Don't even try to deny it, we all lost our goddamn minds. Sure it started this somewhat toxic trend of shit-talking Americans, but hey! After Gretzky retired, Canada needed a new national pastime.
"Talking to Canadians" was such a fun read, and it reminded me of how much Rick Mercer and "22 Minutes" meant to me when I was growing up. As an adult I have sort of discounted Rick Mercer as a pale, Canadian imitation of a satirist. He is a milquetoast Jon Stewart, who blunted his comedic rapier in middle age for the sake of pandering TV segments that tugged on the heart strings.
A lot of these misgivings melted away as I read the book. I related way too much to young Rick to dismiss him completely--His terrible grades, his only skill being his ability to talk loudly and quickly into a camera, and most of all--his flair for being a spiteful, conniving pain in the ass.
He tells one story about starting his own school newspaper called "The Competition" just to spite the teachers for kicking him out of the school paper (after he stacked the vote with randos to become editor in chief). The rival paper becomes wildly popular, selling out multiple runs, and gets Mercer in huge trouble with the principal. However, having made his point, he loses all interest and disbands "The Competition" immediately. I've never identified more with a person in a story than I have with Rick in that one.
November 15, 2021
This book had me laughing at loud many times! Rick Mercer starts with stories of his childhood and his parents. These tales are funny and sweet. As he moved through his life I got to know a bit of what makes him tick. Rick's early forays into theatre as a stage manager are hilarious. Thank goodness a teacher and mentor recognized his writing talent and steered him in that direction. When he gets older and his career and TV life are getting established this book is a treasure trove of CBC history. The "Talking to Americans" bits are hilarious....and a bit sad. Really folks - learn about the world outside your borders!
This book is about Rick Mercer - his life and his career. It's told with wit, humour and honesty. I strongly recommend that you get this book and enjoy it anytime you want to read about a life that has been lived fully and is ready for more!
This book is about Rick Mercer - his life and his career. It's told with wit, humour and honesty. I strongly recommend that you get this book and enjoy it anytime you want to read about a life that has been lived fully and is ready for more!
November 26, 2021
*4.5 This makes me miss the Mercer Report even more… such a great Canadian talent! Love this guy!
December 28, 2021
I’ve watched Rick Merced for years, and laughed lots at his performances. Reading about his life and how hard he worked to produce skits and shows had me frequently in stitches.
December 3, 2021
It’s been a while since I stayed up stupidly late to read a book, I simply had a hard time putting it down. It hit so many nostalgic memories & references for growing up in Newfoundland and in Canada, especially with news, politics, & pop culture. It was also fascinating to read the trajectory of Rick Mercer’s career.
March 18, 2022
On my recent trip to Boston, I brought a couple of audiobooks for the 10+ hour drive and one of them was Rick Mercer's Talking to Canadians. Fans will know Mercer from his long-time stint on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Rick Mercer Report and other popular Canadian TV shows where he brings satirical humour, and political knowledge to his famous rants and memorable characters.
This memoir begins with his life as a boy in Newfoundland from his rise through the east coast theatre circuit to his years on popular TV shows. Mercer is private about his private life but does mention that he is a proud gay man who is married to his long-time love and business partner Gerald Lunz but much of this memoir focuses on his rise to fame. I enjoyed hearing him talk about his support of Canadian Peacekeepers and some of his more iconic moments that lead him to become a Canadian household name as the clever, unabashedly Canadian, and funny with a side of snark comedian.
My favourite part of this book (by far) was the chapter on Talking to Americans. Beginning on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, this segment quickly became popular and had Rick going to the US and asking Americans on the street (including students and even a prof at Harvard!) intentionally erroneous questions about Canada. It's a bit mean spirited but their answers are hilarious as hell and illustrates how little some Americans know about us. Questions like "Would you sign a petition to decrease the number of elderly that Canada sends off on ice floes each year?", "Would you congratulate Canada on finally learning how to alphabetize?" or "How do you feel about the Saskatchewan Seal Hunt?" (a province that does not border an ocean). He even got President George W Bush to comment on a fictitious Canadian PM who Mercer referred to as Jean Poutine (instead of the PM at the time Jean Chrétien who Bush had met). Any American was fair game!
This memoir is funny, candid, heartwarming and oh-so-Canadian. I enjoyed seeing how this famous Newfoundlander comedian and satirist got his start, how he changed Canadian TV and became a household name. Mercer is as Canadian as poutine, butter tarts and Mr. Dress-Up sportin' a toque and a pack of TimBits, eh! I look forward to listening to more of his books.
November 8, 2021
Loved it! I have so missed my weekly dose of The Mercer Report, this filled the gap for a few days.
Already put the audiobook on hold, so I can listen to Rick's narration. I'll ration out the chapters this time. Already looking forward to Volume Two!
Already put the audiobook on hold, so I can listen to Rick's narration. I'll ration out the chapters this time. Already looking forward to Volume Two!
May 26, 2024
Rick Mercer is someone I’ve obviously seen for a long time on Canadian television as he was a staple for many years, however I did not know a lot about the man and his upbringing.
I always hate to rate someone’s life story but to be honest it was a little boring and I slugged through this for many days. Near the end when he gets to his life in tv was a little more interesting, but how he got there was a bit of a snooze.
I was a little surprised to learn that he is openly gay, something I’d never heard before surprisingly. There were some entertaining anecdotes, but a lot of this was just uninteresting. 3 and a half stars.
I always hate to rate someone’s life story but to be honest it was a little boring and I slugged through this for many days. Near the end when he gets to his life in tv was a little more interesting, but how he got there was a bit of a snooze.
I was a little surprised to learn that he is openly gay, something I’d never heard before surprisingly. There were some entertaining anecdotes, but a lot of this was just uninteresting. 3 and a half stars.
December 20, 2022
I think that I commented in my last review of a Rick Mercer book that my partner Miles had me move to sleep in the guest room because I could not stop laughing, shaking the bed during the previous, and keeping him awake. This time I mixed my reading between the eaudiobook and the book. I could hear Rick’s voice during both and refrained from reading in bed this time. [I had received the book as a gift during our Jólabókaflóð and encouraged hubby to read it before me. Problem solved! He laughed so hard and had to read me so many passages.] There is nobody like Rick Mercer for speaking the truth about Canada and Canadians (and Americans too). Please write more Rick!
November 9, 2021
Now, I'm no Charles Lynch, but I'm here to tell you that you should not walk, but run to read Talking to Canadians! It's everything I wanted it to be and more. I had the pleasure of listening to an audio ARC so thank you to Libro.fm for offering me the opportunity to spend the whole book waiting for a call from the landlord to tell me I was disrupting the neighbours. That's right, I laughed so loudly and so often that I am confident I frightened the neighbour's cat. It all started with a comment about a boiler, a corkscrew, and a glowstick.
In addition to some truly hilarious one liners, this memoir is full of heartwarming stories about Rick Mercer's childhood and time spent learning the ropes of theatre, television, and interviewing strangers on the streets of America. There's no sensationalizing, or scandalous tell-all aspects to this book. Instead, it's a love letter to everyone who has ever inspired him. It's a lovely comedic meditation on a life lived well, with joy and gratitude, that I will most certainly read again. Seriously, do not be fooled by the taciturn looking gentleman on the cover. I heard the smile in his voice throughout the entire book.
Also, I do believe that this memoir is mistitled. A more accurate title would be Rick Mercer Thanks Canadians. Yes, Gerald. I paid attention. Rick's name is on the top of the bill.
In addition to some truly hilarious one liners, this memoir is full of heartwarming stories about Rick Mercer's childhood and time spent learning the ropes of theatre, television, and interviewing strangers on the streets of America. There's no sensationalizing, or scandalous tell-all aspects to this book. Instead, it's a love letter to everyone who has ever inspired him. It's a lovely comedic meditation on a life lived well, with joy and gratitude, that I will most certainly read again. Seriously, do not be fooled by the taciturn looking gentleman on the cover. I heard the smile in his voice throughout the entire book.
Also, I do believe that this memoir is mistitled. A more accurate title would be Rick Mercer Thanks Canadians. Yes, Gerald. I paid attention. Rick's name is on the top of the bill.
November 29, 2021
I like reading bios/autobios and I like Rick Mercer and that's why I read this book.
Rick Mercer was born 50+ years ago in St. John's, Newfoundland and these are his stories of his family, friends, career and spouse.
School wasn't his thing but once he discovered entertaining, he knew it was what he wanted to do. After being part of some groups, he hit it big with a one-man show with the name of a journalist in the title ... and it caught the attention of the journalist who staged mock confrontations, which publicized it even more. From there he went on to create and be a part of This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Made in Canada. He tells of heading to the U.S. for Talking to Americans segments and was amazed at how much the Americans really don't know much about Canada. It was interesting to read about his experiences with the members of our Armed Forces. The book ends just before The Rick Mercer Report.
I liked the writing style. It was honest and amusing at times ... I could "hear" Rick's voice in the writing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/11...
Rick Mercer was born 50+ years ago in St. John's, Newfoundland and these are his stories of his family, friends, career and spouse.
School wasn't his thing but once he discovered entertaining, he knew it was what he wanted to do. After being part of some groups, he hit it big with a one-man show with the name of a journalist in the title ... and it caught the attention of the journalist who staged mock confrontations, which publicized it even more. From there he went on to create and be a part of This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Made in Canada. He tells of heading to the U.S. for Talking to Americans segments and was amazed at how much the Americans really don't know much about Canada. It was interesting to read about his experiences with the members of our Armed Forces. The book ends just before The Rick Mercer Report.
I liked the writing style. It was honest and amusing at times ... I could "hear" Rick's voice in the writing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/11...
December 6, 2021
Rick Mercer is as Canadian as spicy Clamato with a side of butter tart. This gentle and gently humorous retelling of his life is as warm and witty as he is. There must be something in the water in Newfoundland. Some lovely laugh out loud moments, peppered with some behind the scene stories that include Jean Chretien, Stockwell (Doris) Day, Canadian George W Bush and Canadian Peacekeepers.
February 17, 2022
Rick Mercer always makes me laugh and this memoir is no exception.
January 4, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded down
This is, ostensibly, the memoir of one of Canada's greatest satirists and comedians. In reality, as the title suggests, it's more about Canada and Canadians. Rick loves Canada and loves its people, despite all our problems, and it's obvious he takes immense joy in both.
The stories and jokes come fast and I found myself laughing out loud a lot -- and even tearing up a couple of times. It's extremely entertaining, especially for fans of Mercer and/or Canadian politics. So why did I round down? There was a certain lack of vulnerability on his own part. I mean, he is definitely self-deprecating and does discuss growing up gay in the 70s and 80s, but there's something a little impersonal about it all. I was hoping to get to know him a little better, but every paragraph has to end with a quip. Still, that's all I can fault it for.
This is, ostensibly, the memoir of one of Canada's greatest satirists and comedians. In reality, as the title suggests, it's more about Canada and Canadians. Rick loves Canada and loves its people, despite all our problems, and it's obvious he takes immense joy in both.
The stories and jokes come fast and I found myself laughing out loud a lot -- and even tearing up a couple of times. It's extremely entertaining, especially for fans of Mercer and/or Canadian politics. So why did I round down? There was a certain lack of vulnerability on his own part. I mean, he is definitely self-deprecating and does discuss growing up gay in the 70s and 80s, but there's something a little impersonal about it all. I was hoping to get to know him a little better, but every paragraph has to end with a quip. Still, that's all I can fault it for.
July 30, 2025
This was a well paced and informative memoir read by the author, Rick Mercer. It seems he felt more lucky than talented but he was able to build a career with many collaborations. It ends just as he was starting his own show in which he celebrates Canada rather than satirize it negatively. He wonders if he became less cynical with age. I listened to it at 1.40 % which may have helped with pacing. I didn’t know much about Rick Mercer but now I want to watch some This Hour has 22 minutes and Made in Canada now that I’ve heard the background. I would recommend this audiobook.
January 6, 2022
This could be a 4.5. I’d forgotten about how much I loved these shows, 22 minutes, Talking to Americans, Made in Canada and The Mercer Report. Rick Mercer is a cool guy…I think we’d be good friends 😂
February 17, 2022
I love these types of behind the scenes stories from Canadians I "grew up with". I really enjoyed learning about how 22minutes started and how some of Rick Mercer's iconic moments were whims or shots in the dark but also backed with guts and grit. Enjoyable, easy read. I like his clever and snarky humour but I don't particularly find it funny - I sniggered out loud a couple times but often I felt like he was trying a bit too hard to make a joke. I also felt there was some false humility behind the presentation of some of the stories. 4 solid stars.
September 25, 2025
Excellent. Interesting and funny read (listen).
January 8, 2022
Funny, heartfelt and just a really great read. The Bosnia story brought tears to my eyes. It was fun reading about Rick’s school years and growing up in my home province. I’m not super political but I enjoyed those stories as well - especially the one with former Prime Minister Jean Chretien.
What an incredible life and in sharing the stories, I like him even more. Rick gets softer, kinder and a little more compassionate over time - I love that. Looking forward to Volume 2.
What an incredible life and in sharing the stories, I like him even more. Rick gets softer, kinder and a little more compassionate over time - I love that. Looking forward to Volume 2.
January 17, 2022
This book made me laugh… and made me cry, more than once!
He had me right from the very start. This is a feel good book, one that takes someone of my vintage down memory lane… although I’ll admit that I don’t think I ever watched Made in Canada… and while I have watched most every episode of the Rick Mercer Report that has only been in my post-retirement life in re-run thanks to my trusty PVR. (What TV days I might have had pretty much ended in 1997 with having a kid and working full-time… and I never really cared much for TV anyway… so I fit right in with the Mercer parental units).
This book has heart - a great big heart. Like his shows - in his ‘less cynical’ middle age - this book is a celebration of all things Canadian. Yes, it is ‘about’ Rick Mercer, but it is about so much more. And yes, Rick Mercer is at the centre - but really, he is just the vehicle through which the story is told.
And yes, Rick Mercer most definitely does wear his heart on his sleeve, as you would expect.
This is the story of a nation told through one particular lens… about we as a nation - small and large… about how community is built, and about how we come to consensus on the shared values that truly matter to us both as individuals and as a nation. And about the ways in which we don’t take ourselves too seriously - how we are able to poke good natured fun at each other, and why that is so important. This is Rick bringing us together, helping us to remember that we are all more alike than we are different.
Warning, it took me a lot longer to read this than it should have - because I kept popping out to the web to find various segments or episodes and watch them again while I was reading.
Highly recommended. Watching for the publication date for Volume Two to be announced.
He had me right from the very start. This is a feel good book, one that takes someone of my vintage down memory lane… although I’ll admit that I don’t think I ever watched Made in Canada… and while I have watched most every episode of the Rick Mercer Report that has only been in my post-retirement life in re-run thanks to my trusty PVR. (What TV days I might have had pretty much ended in 1997 with having a kid and working full-time… and I never really cared much for TV anyway… so I fit right in with the Mercer parental units).
This book has heart - a great big heart. Like his shows - in his ‘less cynical’ middle age - this book is a celebration of all things Canadian. Yes, it is ‘about’ Rick Mercer, but it is about so much more. And yes, Rick Mercer is at the centre - but really, he is just the vehicle through which the story is told.
And yes, Rick Mercer most definitely does wear his heart on his sleeve, as you would expect.
This is the story of a nation told through one particular lens… about we as a nation - small and large… about how community is built, and about how we come to consensus on the shared values that truly matter to us both as individuals and as a nation. And about the ways in which we don’t take ourselves too seriously - how we are able to poke good natured fun at each other, and why that is so important. This is Rick bringing us together, helping us to remember that we are all more alike than we are different.
Warning, it took me a lot longer to read this than it should have - because I kept popping out to the web to find various segments or episodes and watch them again while I was reading.
Highly recommended. Watching for the publication date for Volume Two to be announced.
November 16, 2021
Rick Mercer does not disappoint! A hilarious yet informative reflection on his career in acting and television, from his start on stage to This Hour Has 22 Minutes. I laughed out loud as he recounted stories about his Talking to Americans segments. I remember watching those on TV and laughing but also being shocked about how ignorant some Americans were about Canada. I rewatched the special on YouTube and laughed some more. I recommend listening to the audiobook as Rick narrates it and you get the full effect of his stories.
December 8, 2021
This was a fun and light read that felt a bit like exploring my own path with Mercer. He came to fame with 22 Minutes as I was coming of age so his musings and experiences with Canadian history and politics resonated well with me. I read this as an audiobook and really enjoyed hearing it in Mercer’s own voice.
September 7, 2022
I can't count how many times I laughed out loud listening to this hilarious and interesting memoir! Rick can say anything and it's always so witty, comedic and accurate. He writes similes that are perfectly crafted and completely resonate in such memorable ways, always making the moments and stories he's recalling become richer and more real much like a Seinfeld episode:) I loved learning about his childhood, how he became an actor, writer, and ranter! I loved the Charles Lynch play recollections and hearing about Rick's beginnings on "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" which I remember watching very religiously every week with my husband. His "Talking to Americans" segments were even more funny after hearing the behind the scenes stories and I still cannot believe he was able to capture such ridiculous interviews with some very ignorant, un-informed and gullible Americans! Could not stop laughing at this part of the book and remember watching tv shows live back in the day. Equally moving were the touching pieces on Bosnia and the Cape Breton Christmas lobster drop-off to our Canadian soldiers and the very heartwarming segment on our Afghanistan troops in Kabul. Rick truly is a compassionate and comedic Canadian and I couldn't love his stories more! Highly recommend this read on audiobook!
January 20, 2023
This is my first time reading a memoir about a career I'm very familiar with, with events I witnessed live and even participated in, and it made me feel very old! hahaha
As a Rick Mercer fan, this book was a must-read. I did the audiobook version so I could hear him read it. The memoir is sprinkled with humour, gratitude, and a surprisingly grounded view of a spectacular career. It was fascinating to see behind-the-scenes viewpoints of moments I remember well. Highly recommended for Rick Mercer fans.
As a Rick Mercer fan, this book was a must-read. I did the audiobook version so I could hear him read it. The memoir is sprinkled with humour, gratitude, and a surprisingly grounded view of a spectacular career. It was fascinating to see behind-the-scenes viewpoints of moments I remember well. Highly recommended for Rick Mercer fans.
March 2, 2023
Rick Mercer is the Canadian we all wish to be, and this shines through in this memoir. Surely he ran into horrible people, but those stories aren't in here. He doesn't have dirt to sling, but boy, has he got a lot of great stories! Listening to the book on audible was a great way to get the stories and hear the voice I've missed having in my living room since the Mercer Report went off the air. He is, of course, self-deprecating. My only quibble? He stops just as he's flying off to shoot the first episode of the Mercer Report. Let's hope that's coming up soon in Volume 2!!!
December 28, 2021
As A big fan of Rick Mercer- I enjoyed the book- however it ended chronologically before the Mercer Report/ which I would love to have heard more about.
Skimmed a bit of the book- but some lovely details about This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
Skimmed a bit of the book- but some lovely details about This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
August 20, 2022
Fans of Rick Mercer's content will really enjoy TALKING TO CANADIANS. At times, I would have appreciated a little more detail... especially concerning Mercer's engagement with the political class of Canada. But overall, a great read.
March 24, 2025
Loved it! Very engaging and funny and I loved how Canadian the book is. Much of this took place before my time and before I understood Canadian politics, so it helped fill in some Canadian cultural gaps. Great read!
March 1, 2022
Liked this more than I thought. Mercer is nothing if not charismatic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 527 reviews