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Angus & Me #2
The High Road
This deeply funny satire continues the story of Honest Angus McLintock, an amateur politician who dares to do the tell the truth.
Just when Daniel Addison thinks he can escape his job as a political aide, Angus McLintock, the no-hope candidate he helped into Parliament, throws icy cold water over his plans. Angus has just brought down the government with a deciding vote. Now the crusty Scot wants Daniel to manage his next campaign.
Soon Daniel is helping Angus fight an uphill battle against "Flamethrower" Fox, a Conservative notorious for his dirty tactics. Together they decide to take "The High Road" and—against all odds—turn the race into a nail-biter with hilarious ups and downs, cookie-throwing seniors, and even a Watergate-style break-in. But that's only the beginning. Add a political storm in the capital and a side-splitting visit from the U.S. President and his alcoholic wife, and Terry Fallis's second novel is a wildly entertaining read full of deft political satire and laugh-out-loud comedy.
Just when Daniel Addison thinks he can escape his job as a political aide, Angus McLintock, the no-hope candidate he helped into Parliament, throws icy cold water over his plans. Angus has just brought down the government with a deciding vote. Now the crusty Scot wants Daniel to manage his next campaign.
Soon Daniel is helping Angus fight an uphill battle against "Flamethrower" Fox, a Conservative notorious for his dirty tactics. Together they decide to take "The High Road" and—against all odds—turn the race into a nail-biter with hilarious ups and downs, cookie-throwing seniors, and even a Watergate-style break-in. But that's only the beginning. Add a political storm in the capital and a side-splitting visit from the U.S. President and his alcoholic wife, and Terry Fallis's second novel is a wildly entertaining read full of deft political satire and laugh-out-loud comedy.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
63 people are currently reading
1327 people want to read
About the author
Terry Fallis
13 books722 followersTerry Fallis is the award-winning author of ten national bestsellers, including his latest, The Marionette, all published by McClelland & Stewart (Penguin Random House). His debut novel, The Best Laid Plans, won the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and was crowned the 2011 winner of CBC Canada Reads as the "essential Canadian novel of the decade." In January 2014, CBC aired a six-part television miniseries based on The Best Laid Plans earning very positive reviews. In September 2015, it debuted as a stage musical in Vancouver. The High Road was published in September 2010 and was a finalist for the 2011 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Terry's third novel, Up and Down, was released in September 2012. It debuted on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, was a finalist for the 2013 Leacock Medal, and won the 2013 Ontario Library Association Evergreen Award. In June 2013, the Canadian Booksellers Association presented Terry with the Libris Award for Author of the Year. Terry's fourth novel, No Relation, hit bookstores in May 2014, opened on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, and won the 2015 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Poles Apart was released in October 2015, immediately hit the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, and was a finalist for the 2016 Leacock Medal. One Brother Shy (2017), Albatross (2019), Operation Angus (2021), A New season (2023), an The Marionette were all instant bestsellers upon publication.
Terry Fallis earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University and then spent several years working in federal and Ontario politics. In 1995, he co-founded Thornley Fallis, a full service communications and digital agency with offices in Toronto and Ottawa. He blogs at www.terryfallis.com and his twitter handle is @TerryFallis. Subscribe to his Substack posts here: https://terryfallis.substack.com
Terry Fallis earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University and then spent several years working in federal and Ontario politics. In 1995, he co-founded Thornley Fallis, a full service communications and digital agency with offices in Toronto and Ottawa. He blogs at www.terryfallis.com and his twitter handle is @TerryFallis. Subscribe to his Substack posts here: https://terryfallis.substack.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
September 13, 2010
I quite liked this.
May 15, 2025
Terry Fallis delivers a great follow-up political thriller mixing in some humour in this piece set north of the 45th Parallel! In the second of the trilogy, Fallis tackles the Canadian electoral system once again. Daniel Addison helped late-minute Liberal candidate, Angus McLintock, defy the odds in the last election, sending him to Ottawa. After bringing down the government, it’s back to the streets, as McLintock made the unexpected choice to run again. The campaign will be tough, but Angus is now in the game and ready to win. Vying for the role of Member of Parliament in this long-time Conservative riding, Angus McLintock is ready for anything, but vows to play by the rules. After an intense election night, surprises ensue and Angus McLintock is tasked with a unique opportunity. Fallis entertains once again and keeps the reader well educated in Canadian electoral politics.
Daniel Addison feels that he did all that was asked of him when he watched Angus McLintock bring down the Conservative Minority Government on a matter of confidence. As a new election is called and political candidates hit the streets, Angus McLintock makes the surprising decision to run once more. Everyone is surprised, none more than Daniel. However, Angus is happy to represented the Liberals and seeks to run a clean campaign. Working as hard as possible, Angus and Daniel gather a handful of key volunteers to ensure the riding had a reasonable representative. Angus will have to fend off pressure from the right, as the riding had been Conservative forever. But, as Angus has said repeatedly, he cannot forget his morals and must run based on the issues, not tossing mud.
With two viable conservatives, Daniel will have to make sure the candidate does not fail to impress. Angus shows his moxie and heads into Election Night confident with his possibilities. While the returns come in, a bridge collapses that connects Ottawa with Quebec. The Prime Minister relies on Angus to help, using his background as an engineer, examining everything and repetition back post haste. What Angus discovers is sure to stir up trouble, but it is free of political spin. Add to this, an international delegation comes to town and wants Angus involved. It will be a busy time for Angus and Daniel is here to help. Terry Fallis works well to keep the story exciting and entertaining until the final page.
I love Canadian politics and was happy to see Terry Fallis write about it with his tongue-in-cheek style. Fallis builds on his series debut and presents a narrative that clips along once more, mixing education with entertainment when it comes to Canadian aspects of the political world. As the story builds, there is a great collection of perspectives on the election trail, including a diary penned by Angus McLintock. The characters are wonderfully crafted and show much experience in parliamentary politics. Plot points keep the reader guessing, as Fallis builds on the 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' theme to one where the campaign takes a front seat. I am eager to find out what happens in the final novel of the series, to see what Angus McLintock will discover next.
Kudos, Mr. Fallis, for helping breathe life into Canadian politics.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Daniel Addison feels that he did all that was asked of him when he watched Angus McLintock bring down the Conservative Minority Government on a matter of confidence. As a new election is called and political candidates hit the streets, Angus McLintock makes the surprising decision to run once more. Everyone is surprised, none more than Daniel. However, Angus is happy to represented the Liberals and seeks to run a clean campaign. Working as hard as possible, Angus and Daniel gather a handful of key volunteers to ensure the riding had a reasonable representative. Angus will have to fend off pressure from the right, as the riding had been Conservative forever. But, as Angus has said repeatedly, he cannot forget his morals and must run based on the issues, not tossing mud.
With two viable conservatives, Daniel will have to make sure the candidate does not fail to impress. Angus shows his moxie and heads into Election Night confident with his possibilities. While the returns come in, a bridge collapses that connects Ottawa with Quebec. The Prime Minister relies on Angus to help, using his background as an engineer, examining everything and repetition back post haste. What Angus discovers is sure to stir up trouble, but it is free of political spin. Add to this, an international delegation comes to town and wants Angus involved. It will be a busy time for Angus and Daniel is here to help. Terry Fallis works well to keep the story exciting and entertaining until the final page.
I love Canadian politics and was happy to see Terry Fallis write about it with his tongue-in-cheek style. Fallis builds on his series debut and presents a narrative that clips along once more, mixing education with entertainment when it comes to Canadian aspects of the political world. As the story builds, there is a great collection of perspectives on the election trail, including a diary penned by Angus McLintock. The characters are wonderfully crafted and show much experience in parliamentary politics. Plot points keep the reader guessing, as Fallis builds on the 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' theme to one where the campaign takes a front seat. I am eager to find out what happens in the final novel of the series, to see what Angus McLintock will discover next.
Kudos, Mr. Fallis, for helping breathe life into Canadian politics.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 23, 2016
Not that I have a particularly strong interest in Canadian politics, but Fallis' Best Laid Plans was charming enough to want to see what happened next. And so I did, although, like so many sequels, High Road is slightly inferior than its predecessor and absolutely unnecessary. It pretty much hits all the same notes again, not really offering something new and primarily riding on the strength and the aforementioned charm of its rugged hirsute unflaggingly principled and indomitably honest hero, Angus McLintock and his physically uncoordinated, yet otherwise quite able and equally versed in proper grammar, executive assistant/friend. This time around Angus decides to properly win a seat in the office and singlehandedly save the Canadian infrastructure. It's a cute book, but the novelty is gone this time around, there's much too much politics and not enough humor. Might have been more of a wild concept back when it was published under the conservative Canadian government of 2010, but not so much now with their new uber liberal feminist distractingly good looking prime minister. Entertaining enough.
August 25, 2013
It simply kills me to give Terry Fallis' comic sequel, The High Road two stars. Throughout the entire reading, and subsequent post-deliberation, I kept wondering why it was did I not only find Fallis' humour lacking, but sometimes outright condescending, and what was it about the story arc left me feeling as though I needed a real, fully-balanced meal instead of some meal replacement drink.
We again spend time with many of the main characters to whom Fallis introduced us in The Best Laid Plans. They walk on and off stage without much further development, little by way of evolution, and so Fallis leaves the interest and momentum of the novel to the plot. Which is perfectly fine. The plot, however, again looks vaguely familiar, with another unlikely campaign and election happening, the usual bout of falling on ice (instead of dog droppings), misadventures and misdemeanours. It's all rather deus ex machina.
The humour, however, devolves much in the way Canadian parliamentary procedure and decorum has devolved, smacking somehow of insincerity, self-service, and partisan posturing. This go round humour comes at the expense of anything or anyone ill-fitted to white male, middle-class, liberal privilege. The two keen youths, endearingly monickered Pete1 and Pete2, are ridiculed for architectural and colourful hair, body art, as well as artistic expression in their clothing choices. Fat people are shoved into stereotypes and ridiculed. Middle-aged women are likewise labelled. After awhile the entire slap-stick, heavy-handed humour wears thin to the point I kept listening for the percussive ba-doom-ching of the vaudeville band.
Along with what is, in my opinion, failed humour, is a condescension by way of education and literacy which in itself became humorous, simply because our erstwhile hero, Angus McLintock, on his way to correcting the abuse of the English language to any who dare speak, was foiled by poor copy-editing and proof-reading. There were many instances of a missing comma in dialogue, or a mis-spelling. Normally I would simply read over these omissions and forgive them as the foibles of human nature. But when you have a main character painstakingly particular about correct grammar and punctuating skills, well, you had better bloody well be sure the grammar and punctuation is perfect. Terry, your self-published first novel was better-edited than this sequel, I'm sorry to say.
All considered, a disappointing sequel to what had been a brilliant debut.
We again spend time with many of the main characters to whom Fallis introduced us in The Best Laid Plans. They walk on and off stage without much further development, little by way of evolution, and so Fallis leaves the interest and momentum of the novel to the plot. Which is perfectly fine. The plot, however, again looks vaguely familiar, with another unlikely campaign and election happening, the usual bout of falling on ice (instead of dog droppings), misadventures and misdemeanours. It's all rather deus ex machina.
The humour, however, devolves much in the way Canadian parliamentary procedure and decorum has devolved, smacking somehow of insincerity, self-service, and partisan posturing. This go round humour comes at the expense of anything or anyone ill-fitted to white male, middle-class, liberal privilege. The two keen youths, endearingly monickered Pete1 and Pete2, are ridiculed for architectural and colourful hair, body art, as well as artistic expression in their clothing choices. Fat people are shoved into stereotypes and ridiculed. Middle-aged women are likewise labelled. After awhile the entire slap-stick, heavy-handed humour wears thin to the point I kept listening for the percussive ba-doom-ching of the vaudeville band.
Along with what is, in my opinion, failed humour, is a condescension by way of education and literacy which in itself became humorous, simply because our erstwhile hero, Angus McLintock, on his way to correcting the abuse of the English language to any who dare speak, was foiled by poor copy-editing and proof-reading. There were many instances of a missing comma in dialogue, or a mis-spelling. Normally I would simply read over these omissions and forgive them as the foibles of human nature. But when you have a main character painstakingly particular about correct grammar and punctuating skills, well, you had better bloody well be sure the grammar and punctuation is perfect. Terry, your self-published first novel was better-edited than this sequel, I'm sorry to say.
All considered, a disappointing sequel to what had been a brilliant debut.
April 12, 2011
Saddly panned by a lot of reviews, "The High Road" was an enjoyable read for me. It reminded me of my stint in rural-Ontario media and restored my faith in politics. (Well, almost)
-from pg 302
"We cannot make the infrastructure investment that you seek, Mr. McLintock, for two reasons. Number one, we promised we'd cut taxes. And number two, we need the tax cuts to stimlate the crashing economy, and that's what will be in tomorrow's Budget. Period, full stop, end of story."
Angus had been calm up to that point but the flickering flame behind his eyes seemd suddenly to burst into an inferno. He was on him in an instant, yet kept his gaze fixed on the PM.
'Speakin' of number two, minister, with great respect, your argument is full of' - Angus paused - 'it.'
Snickering from many ministers had Coulombe (the finance minister) glaring. But now Angus was too angry to care.
'Is there no beginnin' to your common sense, sir? Have you not been readin' the advice that's been comin' from economists across the country? Have you not spoken to your own officials? Economists don't agree on much, but there seems to me to be a clear consensus that investment in infrastructure renewal is a better way to stimulate the economy that much ballyhooed tax cuts. It will put more people back to work, it will do it all faster, and in the end, we'll have the infrastructure this country deserves and needs to support economic growth. History shows that in a recession when you give citizens tax cuts, many of them of them just sock it away and don't head to the nearest Canadian Tire to buy a new washin' machine. Beyond all of the economic benefits of infrastructure renewal, we simply cannae wait until another bridge collapses, perhaps next time with no warnin' at all. Perhaps next time, with taxpayers admidst the rubble. We have four years to cut taxes. But in tomorrow's Budget, you have the opportunity to do what's right. Not because we promised it in a fluffy canpaign brochure, but because the situation we've discovered since arrivin' in office utterly demands it.'"
-from pg 302
"We cannot make the infrastructure investment that you seek, Mr. McLintock, for two reasons. Number one, we promised we'd cut taxes. And number two, we need the tax cuts to stimlate the crashing economy, and that's what will be in tomorrow's Budget. Period, full stop, end of story."
Angus had been calm up to that point but the flickering flame behind his eyes seemd suddenly to burst into an inferno. He was on him in an instant, yet kept his gaze fixed on the PM.
'Speakin' of number two, minister, with great respect, your argument is full of' - Angus paused - 'it.'
Snickering from many ministers had Coulombe (the finance minister) glaring. But now Angus was too angry to care.
'Is there no beginnin' to your common sense, sir? Have you not been readin' the advice that's been comin' from economists across the country? Have you not spoken to your own officials? Economists don't agree on much, but there seems to me to be a clear consensus that investment in infrastructure renewal is a better way to stimulate the economy that much ballyhooed tax cuts. It will put more people back to work, it will do it all faster, and in the end, we'll have the infrastructure this country deserves and needs to support economic growth. History shows that in a recession when you give citizens tax cuts, many of them of them just sock it away and don't head to the nearest Canadian Tire to buy a new washin' machine. Beyond all of the economic benefits of infrastructure renewal, we simply cannae wait until another bridge collapses, perhaps next time with no warnin' at all. Perhaps next time, with taxpayers admidst the rubble. We have four years to cut taxes. But in tomorrow's Budget, you have the opportunity to do what's right. Not because we promised it in a fluffy canpaign brochure, but because the situation we've discovered since arrivin' in office utterly demands it.'"
April 19, 2011
Fallis writing manages to find a delighful intersection between thought provoking and funny. I look forward to more. I have found The High Road encouraging, especially during this often depressing election. So much so that I keep waiting to hear political commentors mention a Fallis Effect has revolutionized the politics being played in some riding somewhere. And that the red ribbon idea actually happened in a real riding
I keep wishing that happened in ours; I hate the campaign signs everywhere. The environmental benefits alone would be great in a campaign ignoring looming Climate Change. It's like the main issues being talked about are the deck chairs on the Titanic for me. The big topic in this book were Infrastructure problems and the maverick and honest Angus took to championing this wonderfully. Of Course, I see the Environment as being the biggest Infrastructure deficit of all and I hope Angus tackles that in a future book in this 'series'.
I wish I had an Angus to vote for.
I keep wishing that happened in ours; I hate the campaign signs everywhere. The environmental benefits alone would be great in a campaign ignoring looming Climate Change. It's like the main issues being talked about are the deck chairs on the Titanic for me. The big topic in this book were Infrastructure problems and the maverick and honest Angus took to championing this wonderfully. Of Course, I see the Environment as being the biggest Infrastructure deficit of all and I hope Angus tackles that in a future book in this 'series'.
I wish I had an Angus to vote for.
August 20, 2021
Again, the fact that this books centres on our absolutely boring political system, but is entertaining as all heck, terry fallis is a genius. A great continuation of this cast of characters. Engaging, witty, and full of heart. I love this world and want more.
August 27, 2023
This was enjoyable, but isn't as good as the first one. In fact, it hits a lot of the same sorts of beats as the first one, but lacks a lot of the novelty and the elements of surprise the first one has.
Okay, except the external event that sets off Part 2. I admit, I wasn't expecting that!
But this just quite frankly doesn't feel as well written as the first one. And it hots so many of the same humpur beats. Daniel's clumsiness becomes slapsticky. The jabs at the Petes' wardrobes are too frequent. And while I remember Angus being a stickler for proper grammar, I don't remember him correcting literally everyone every time they misspoke or made an error.
And look, it's a small thing, but the finale seems to involve our heroes potentially breaking Cabinet confidence, which whatever their reason, is actually really really non-trivial. I don't know enough about the subtleties (nor do I suspect does the author) to know if they actually did, but I have my suspicions and more to the point, the book implies they do. Which, normally that sort of thing wouldn't bother me in a book like this, except that the first one rather hinges on Angus boning up on and being really serious about Parliamentary procedure and knowing it. I'm actually nit sure I buy that Angus as being quite so cavalier aboit Cabinet confidence.
Look, I love the characters. It was fun to hang out with them again. I had a fun time all around, but this one doesn't quite achieve the sparkle of the first. I'm glad I read it, but also, maybe there's a reason this languished on my shelves for over a decade.
Okay, except the external event that sets off Part 2. I admit, I wasn't expecting that!
But this just quite frankly doesn't feel as well written as the first one. And it hots so many of the same humpur beats. Daniel's clumsiness becomes slapsticky. The jabs at the Petes' wardrobes are too frequent. And while I remember Angus being a stickler for proper grammar, I don't remember him correcting literally everyone every time they misspoke or made an error.
And look, it's a small thing, but the finale seems to involve our heroes potentially breaking Cabinet confidence, which whatever their reason, is actually really really non-trivial. I don't know enough about the subtleties (nor do I suspect does the author) to know if they actually did, but I have my suspicions and more to the point, the book implies they do. Which, normally that sort of thing wouldn't bother me in a book like this, except that the first one rather hinges on Angus boning up on and being really serious about Parliamentary procedure and knowing it. I'm actually nit sure I buy that Angus as being quite so cavalier aboit Cabinet confidence.
Look, I love the characters. It was fun to hang out with them again. I had a fun time all around, but this one doesn't quite achieve the sparkle of the first. I'm glad I read it, but also, maybe there's a reason this languished on my shelves for over a decade.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2011
I was very pleased to win this in a CBC and Goodreads giveaway, and doubly pleased to read it on the tail-end of an election.
It is hard to describe my attitude going in to reading this book. I am a journalism graduate as of last week. I just published a horror novel, and am a resident of Ottawa who cleaned houses in the Cumberland area. All in all, I wanted to like this book. Hell, I wanted to love it for so many reasons.
I didn't love it. Saying I liked it makes me worry I will give the wrong impression.
Perhaps I am a Green-Conservative or some kind of yellow NDP - but I could not stomach the Liberal lean in this book. I also could not stomach the Three Stooges comedy delivered with all the grace of an autopsy. Speaking of autopsy, after a nice Y-incision this book could do with about 20 per cent less words.
Not that it is not well-written. It is finely crafted. Too finely crafted. Honed to the point where it is all blade and no handle.
If there are two things I really took home with me from school they are A] Do not affect a breezy manner (E. B. White) B] Kill your babies (Kelly Roseler).
Too many authors come off sounding like a big ol' slap on the back. Right buddy? Chummin it up, kicking their NameDrop brand Italian shoes up on your cherry wood desk. That is likely where all the extra words come in - the breezy manner. I don't want a government like the one described in the book. I don't want weird cranky chummy back-slappin-stabbin-and-scrubbin' old men. I want an efficient government and efficient fiction. Is this my German heritage coming out?
Kill your babies is just something that comes with good self-editing and I should not have to explain past that. The too-oft revisited descriptions if Pete1 and Pete2 have many examples of 'babies' run amok.
When I was about 30 pages in I was going to buy his first book, but by the time I hit the half way mark, I knew I could not. Perhaps some rainy day I will pick it up in the library. After all, it takes a lot to write a book and to get it published takes even more - so I do give him the credit of writing a pretty good book, just not my cup of tea.
It is hard to describe my attitude going in to reading this book. I am a journalism graduate as of last week. I just published a horror novel, and am a resident of Ottawa who cleaned houses in the Cumberland area. All in all, I wanted to like this book. Hell, I wanted to love it for so many reasons.
I didn't love it. Saying I liked it makes me worry I will give the wrong impression.
Perhaps I am a Green-Conservative or some kind of yellow NDP - but I could not stomach the Liberal lean in this book. I also could not stomach the Three Stooges comedy delivered with all the grace of an autopsy. Speaking of autopsy, after a nice Y-incision this book could do with about 20 per cent less words.
Not that it is not well-written. It is finely crafted. Too finely crafted. Honed to the point where it is all blade and no handle.
If there are two things I really took home with me from school they are A] Do not affect a breezy manner (E. B. White) B] Kill your babies (Kelly Roseler).
Too many authors come off sounding like a big ol' slap on the back. Right buddy? Chummin it up, kicking their NameDrop brand Italian shoes up on your cherry wood desk. That is likely where all the extra words come in - the breezy manner. I don't want a government like the one described in the book. I don't want weird cranky chummy back-slappin-stabbin-and-scrubbin' old men. I want an efficient government and efficient fiction. Is this my German heritage coming out?
Kill your babies is just something that comes with good self-editing and I should not have to explain past that. The too-oft revisited descriptions if Pete1 and Pete2 have many examples of 'babies' run amok.
When I was about 30 pages in I was going to buy his first book, but by the time I hit the half way mark, I knew I could not. Perhaps some rainy day I will pick it up in the library. After all, it takes a lot to write a book and to get it published takes even more - so I do give him the credit of writing a pretty good book, just not my cup of tea.
August 5, 2014
I loved this sequel to The Best Laid Plans. Like the previous book, it is well-written and highly entertaining. I wish I could read more about Angus McLintock as he's a very likeable character. Highly recommended!
November 13, 2018
The first half of the book is the usual fun and games with Angus trying to get re-elected. He has to face off against an opponent famous for dirty campaigning (Flamethrower Fox.) What I really enjoyed was the second half. After a terrible infrastructure collapse Angus is tasked with investigating the disaster for the new PM. When it turns out that the reason for the disaster may have originated with his party 20 years earlier, Angus and Daniel have their work cut out for them seeing to it that Canadians know what has been happening and politicians muster the will to correct it. I know it's fiction, but can I just dream for a moment that somewhere there are elected officials who value the good of their country over self and party?
September 5, 2018
Loved The High Road as much as The Best Laid Plans, perhaps more, as I was anticipating Angus and Daniel's hijinks once again, and was not disappointed. Terry Fallis provides a wonderfully humorous look at politics and politicians. At a time when we are all wondering how did it get so bad it is great to have an Angus to give us hope. For an insider's look into politics on Parliament Hill enjoy a light hearted visit through the eyes of Terry Fallis.
August 28, 2019
totally enjoyed this book. Loved the Canadian flavour, though the humour would not be lost to non-Canadian readers.
August 1, 2022
Fun read!
June 8, 2018
Angus McLintock is at it again! It was a pleasure to delve back into Canadian politics with my favourite Scottish engineering professor. This book provides compelling evidence of Fallis' growth as a humourist. The story follows a fascinating, delightful plot that interlaces nuance and absurdity; very Canadian! A worthy, fun read.
March 30, 2024
This is a very strong 4 rating. I found myself laughing aloud many times throughout The High Road. Who knew a story about politics could be so enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.
December 31, 2020
a great read for political watchers --- by-election campaign followed by a general election and Cabinet making in the federal scene
January 11, 2022
Fun, well-written, intelligent and 100% Canadian in every way.
December 17, 2011
Looking forward to CBC mini-series on #1 Best Laid Plans.
#2 High Road excerpt
"The High Road" (Angus 2) by Terry Fallis is the campaign direction whereby the Angus effect, candidate integrity, tops important voter issues, defeats muckrakers. Like Gardiner's tragedy "King John of Canada", both narrated by second-in-command, this comedy starts with a naked woman in a boathouse bedroom window. Unlike apparent ramble-cum-portent influence on which to blame his doom and betrayal for downfall of all good, she is part of a team. Brave, capable, caring ladies and male equals better the world. The author keeps me on my toes with correct usage - taciturn p157, irrespective p210 at this point OR at this time, seldom both p224 - made-up announcible p156 - split infinitives (to boldly go from Best Laid Plans #1).
Angus ("looks like Charles Darwin in a force nine gale" p90) stands for federal Liberal candidate willingly this time, supported by "clean-cut Joe" p90 narrator Dan. Many chapters wake to the young aide happily entwined with lovely Lindsay, and close with journal entries from the 61-year old still grieving widowed curmudgeon. Serious balances sweet and slapstick silly. The chain-punk Petes now coordinate volunteers p53. Author blog says third book written. If the new PM is coming around, I expect his "operative ... with the apt initials B.S." p202 to fulfill threat "powerful enemy" with intense "hate on" p318.
Vivid vignettes:
Interview-tamed hair accelerated-time explodes to Tchaikovsky 1812 p87
Coal-miner cursing p206 Muriel, 81, and GOUT (Geriatrics Out to Undermine Tories) squad p99 barrage a dirtbag speaker appropriately and with cookies p150, then barricade and beribbon Tory loudspeaker Hummer p166.
Bottomless round man pops from square air vent p153.
Bearded snowsuit "geriatric sasquatch" p204 hoists unseen up onto bridge joists, drops back "direct hit on my dreams of future fatherhood" p193
Angus drags behind the hovercraft p57, then emerges with drunk frosted frantic First Lady heads-first p280
Quotes:
"short trip from 'do it yourself to 'blew it yourself'" p21
"waffling so much I could almost smell maple syrup" p27
"we have buttered our bread and must now lie in it" p210
"if I'd had more time I would have written less - Mark Twain" p237
"A life without challenge, a life without hardship, a life without purpose, seems pale and pointless. With challenge come perseverance and gumption. With hardship come resilience and resolve. With purpose come strength and understanding. And tonight, with victory come elation, gratitude, expectations, and a wee spot of trepidation." p183
#2 High Road excerpt
"The High Road" (Angus 2) by Terry Fallis is the campaign direction whereby the Angus effect, candidate integrity, tops important voter issues, defeats muckrakers. Like Gardiner's tragedy "King John of Canada", both narrated by second-in-command, this comedy starts with a naked woman in a boathouse bedroom window. Unlike apparent ramble-cum-portent influence on which to blame his doom and betrayal for downfall of all good, she is part of a team. Brave, capable, caring ladies and male equals better the world. The author keeps me on my toes with correct usage - taciturn p157, irrespective p210 at this point OR at this time, seldom both p224 - made-up announcible p156 - split infinitives (to boldly go from Best Laid Plans #1).
Angus ("looks like Charles Darwin in a force nine gale" p90) stands for federal Liberal candidate willingly this time, supported by "clean-cut Joe" p90 narrator Dan. Many chapters wake to the young aide happily entwined with lovely Lindsay, and close with journal entries from the 61-year old still grieving widowed curmudgeon. Serious balances sweet and slapstick silly. The chain-punk Petes now coordinate volunteers p53. Author blog says third book written. If the new PM is coming around, I expect his "operative ... with the apt initials B.S." p202 to fulfill threat "powerful enemy" with intense "hate on" p318.
Vivid vignettes:
Interview-tamed hair accelerated-time explodes to Tchaikovsky 1812 p87
Coal-miner cursing p206 Muriel, 81, and GOUT (Geriatrics Out to Undermine Tories) squad p99 barrage a dirtbag speaker appropriately and with cookies p150, then barricade and beribbon Tory loudspeaker Hummer p166.
Bottomless round man pops from square air vent p153.
Bearded snowsuit "geriatric sasquatch" p204 hoists unseen up onto bridge joists, drops back "direct hit on my dreams of future fatherhood" p193
Angus drags behind the hovercraft p57, then emerges with drunk frosted frantic First Lady heads-first p280
Quotes:
"short trip from 'do it yourself to 'blew it yourself'" p21
"waffling so much I could almost smell maple syrup" p27
"we have buttered our bread and must now lie in it" p210
"if I'd had more time I would have written less - Mark Twain" p237
"A life without challenge, a life without hardship, a life without purpose, seems pale and pointless. With challenge come perseverance and gumption. With hardship come resilience and resolve. With purpose come strength and understanding. And tonight, with victory come elation, gratitude, expectations, and a wee spot of trepidation." p183
June 24, 2015
Fallis has a light touch with his prose and humour, and also a good ear for a humourous phrase, which he uses to good effect in the beginning of this book when describing some of the characters and the particular scrapes they find themselves in ("The car started right away on the twelfth try" was one of my favourites). He's not as good when dealing with larger set pieces, like an encounter between Angus and the First Lady, the outcome of which was telegraphed well in advance of it actually appearing on the page.
My main issue with this book is that the story soon becomes a dissertation by the author on the state of Canada's infrastructure and our politician's responsibility for it. This flattens out the entire narrative, taking it into near non-fiction territory. The author spends paragraphs - pages, even - to describe things like press conferences where you'd be hard pressed to tell that what you were reading wasn't in fact an op-ed from your local newspaper.
Perhaps it's this focus by Fallis on getting out his political ax and grinding it that causes his attention to character development to suffer. Fallis doesn't do much with Angus or Daniel beyond introducing them at the beginning. As for Lindsay, Daniel's girlfriend, I have no idea why she's even in this story. She never becomes more than a name - as another reviewer noted, you have a much clearer impression of Angus's dead wife than you do of Lindsay.
It's ironic given the frequent references to the importance of language, writing, and grammar made by theauthor characters that no editor was seemingly able to convince Fallis that he wasn't in fact writing an overly long press release with this book, or that he needed to rely on a comeback for Daniel other than "nice".
I'd try another by this author but my expectations have been lowered to some degree here.
My main issue with this book is that the story soon becomes a dissertation by the author on the state of Canada's infrastructure and our politician's responsibility for it. This flattens out the entire narrative, taking it into near non-fiction territory. The author spends paragraphs - pages, even - to describe things like press conferences where you'd be hard pressed to tell that what you were reading wasn't in fact an op-ed from your local newspaper.
Perhaps it's this focus by Fallis on getting out his political ax and grinding it that causes his attention to character development to suffer. Fallis doesn't do much with Angus or Daniel beyond introducing them at the beginning. As for Lindsay, Daniel's girlfriend, I have no idea why she's even in this story. She never becomes more than a name - as another reviewer noted, you have a much clearer impression of Angus's dead wife than you do of Lindsay.
It's ironic given the frequent references to the importance of language, writing, and grammar made by the
I'd try another by this author but my expectations have been lowered to some degree here.
March 14, 2011
The High Road is a follow-up to one of my favourite reads in recent memory, The Best Laid Plans. I hesitate to call it a sequel, because it's basically a direct continuation of its predecessor. It picks up almost exactly where The Best Laid Plans left off, and apart a few bits of exposition designed to bring new readers up to speed, one could probably simply staple the two manuscripts together and they would flow seamlessly. That said, I can't say I enjoyed Road quite as much as Plans. I think certain things that didn't bother me in the first book started to annoy me when they were extended to a second. The characterization is really pretty thin, for one, bordering on caricature. Everyone is cleanly divided up into "good" and "bad" camps, with the "bad" people seeming almost cartoonish in both their evilness and lack of intelligence. Also, Fallis comes off as a bit more preachy in this one, pretty clearly using his characters as a mouthpiece for his views on a specific issue. The biggest problem I think, though, is that nothing ever goes wrong. At pretty much every step along the way, pretty much everything works out for the main characters, and there's never even a sense that things would ever not work out. This worked fine in the first book for me; I saw it as a feel-good story. But after a while all the perfect perfectness starts to become just a tad unsatisfying. Some hardship might be nice.
I'm being too harsh. I really did like the book. Everything that made the first book great is still there: it's idealistic, hopeful, funny, and well-written. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time reading it. It's just not a book that challenges you as a reader.
I'm being too harsh. I really did like the book. Everything that made the first book great is still there: it's idealistic, hopeful, funny, and well-written. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time reading it. It's just not a book that challenges you as a reader.
August 22, 2012
This book is really cute. It isn't actually all that funny, though, and although some may get more out of the supposed humour than I did, I felt that the author was being rather strident in his attempts to be funny, which just put me off all the more. What's more, according to someone at work who read the prequel, some of the same situations featured in that book are those the author thought so full of hilarity or meaning that they just had to be repeated here.
There's no doubt that Angus McKlintok would be everybody's idea of a dream politician, be they liberal or conservative. Sure, I liked him, too. But he's not in office, sadly, and I'm not sure why I read pages and pages bemoaning the woes of Canada's infrastructure (bridges, roads and so on). Does the author have an axe to grind? Why not take this up with real politicians? I don't understand, really; this part of the book was pretty boring and it was as though everybody just wandered off in the middle of something to get on a soapbox. All the threats to Angus seem to crumble in the face of his unbridled integrity, gallantry and forthrightness. There's not much conflict, a few admittedly amusing scenes (the bit with the US Secret Service and the President's wife was probably my favourite), and a story that plods along in a relaxed fashion, going nowhere much.
There's no doubt that Angus McKlintok would be everybody's idea of a dream politician, be they liberal or conservative. Sure, I liked him, too. But he's not in office, sadly, and I'm not sure why I read pages and pages bemoaning the woes of Canada's infrastructure (bridges, roads and so on). Does the author have an axe to grind? Why not take this up with real politicians? I don't understand, really; this part of the book was pretty boring and it was as though everybody just wandered off in the middle of something to get on a soapbox. All the threats to Angus seem to crumble in the face of his unbridled integrity, gallantry and forthrightness. There's not much conflict, a few admittedly amusing scenes (the bit with the US Secret Service and the President's wife was probably my favourite), and a story that plods along in a relaxed fashion, going nowhere much.
April 30, 2013
It has only been four months since Angus McClintock became the MP for the Liberal party in a longtime Conservative riding, but due to spoilery things that happened at the end of The Best Laid Plans, there is another election already. Surprisingly, Angus has decided to run again. Angus is a rare honest “politician” (but really an engineering professor) who doesn't make decisions based on what's best for him politically, but makes those decisions based on what's best for Canada. This election will be tough on Angus, as he is up against a politician who is all about the negative attacks.
Once again, Terry Fallis has made politics funny! I am not that into politics, but boy, these books are just so funny, and because of that, I am interested. I love Angus! The story is actually told from the point of view of Daniel, who works for Angus. You do get a bit of Angus's viewpoint at the end of each chapter, though, as he writes, in diary form, to his late wife. There are a number of other great supporting characters, as well. I hope Fallis continues to write stories about Angus. If he does, I, for one, will keep reading them.
Once again, Terry Fallis has made politics funny! I am not that into politics, but boy, these books are just so funny, and because of that, I am interested. I love Angus! The story is actually told from the point of view of Daniel, who works for Angus. You do get a bit of Angus's viewpoint at the end of each chapter, though, as he writes, in diary form, to his late wife. There are a number of other great supporting characters, as well. I hope Fallis continues to write stories about Angus. If he does, I, for one, will keep reading them.
September 19, 2016
My husband is threatening to throw out all future Terry Fallis books that appear on my dresser as I continue to laugh-out-loud while reading his work. The High Road had me both laughing (apparently loudly) and with a tear in my eye at times. It is not many authors who can acheive that and Fallis does it well.
The story continues Angus McLintock's adventure in Canadian politics after the first book, Best Laid Plans, introduced us to this lovable, opinionated, and stead-fast engineering professor who is thrown into the political game as a reluctent yet highly valued and principled MP in Ottawa. I was glad to see this story continue as I loved the first book so much and hope there will be more tales of Angus, his hover-craft, and trusted albeit clumsy assistant, Daniel, as they navigate 4 years in government...much to my husband's chagrin I hope to laugh much more with Fallis' other books as well.
Victoria Allman
Author of: SEAsoned: A Chef's Journey with Her Captain
The story continues Angus McLintock's adventure in Canadian politics after the first book, Best Laid Plans, introduced us to this lovable, opinionated, and stead-fast engineering professor who is thrown into the political game as a reluctent yet highly valued and principled MP in Ottawa. I was glad to see this story continue as I loved the first book so much and hope there will be more tales of Angus, his hover-craft, and trusted albeit clumsy assistant, Daniel, as they navigate 4 years in government...much to my husband's chagrin I hope to laugh much more with Fallis' other books as well.
Victoria Allman
Author of: SEAsoned: A Chef's Journey with Her Captain
August 20, 2011
"The High Road","Terry Fallis"
"The High Road is a sequel to Best Laid Plans, the humorous selection of CBC's Canada Reads. All the characters are back for further adventures and misadventures involving the government in Ottawa. I rate it slightly lower than Best Laid Plans, since I found it to contain less humor and more politics. The comic sections were laugh-out-loud funny. I hope there will be a 3rd book in the series."
"The High Road is a sequel to Best Laid Plans, the humorous selection of CBC's Canada Reads. All the characters are back for further adventures and misadventures involving the government in Ottawa. I rate it slightly lower than Best Laid Plans, since I found it to contain less humor and more politics. The comic sections were laugh-out-loud funny. I hope there will be a 3rd book in the series."
January 17, 2019
After thoroughly enjoying The Best Laid Plans, I was so excited to find a podcast of The HIgh Road. And I devoured it, too. I loved hearing Terry Fallis reading the book - he made it completely come alive for me. The language choice was still sometimes a bit pretentious but I found it less annoying this time around. I didn't feel as disappointed when I finished this one - I will definitely keep reading Fallis' work but I won't be upset if there isn't a third book for these characters.
August 30, 2015
A nice follow up to "the best laid plans", the high road finds us back on the campaign trail, this time with a willing angus. But it gets better once he is returned to office and gets down to work attempting to be an honest politician bringing some integrity to the hill.
I had to stop reading this in the midst of my own legislative melt down, but it is a good read if you don't have to think about politics 24/7, so here is my endorsement of how closely it mirrors "realpolitik".
I had to stop reading this in the midst of my own legislative melt down, but it is a good read if you don't have to think about politics 24/7, so here is my endorsement of how closely it mirrors "realpolitik".
December 14, 2016
I don't normally read books about Canadian politics, but this book was laugh out loud funny. It is about a crusty old engineering professor who decides to run for politics. He is supported by the GOUT Squad - Geriatrics Out to Undermine Tories. The GOUT Squad lives at the local seniors home. What a hoot!
October 23, 2011
A fabulous follow-up to Fallis' first book (and the prequel to this novel), The Best Laid Plans. Some of the plot twists seem a bit more contrived this time around, but it's still an utterly delightful romp. And I'm still desperately waiting for an MP like Angus.
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