A review by rainbowofcrazy
Talking to Canadians by Rick Mercer

funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

5.0

Get the audiobook! I’m sure this book as a physical book or ebook would be great, but if you’re a fan of Rick Mercer, or even if you don’t know who Rick Mercer is, his voice and the way he speaks is so iconic that IMO the audiobook really makes the experience so much better.

The title of the book is a twist on his famous “Talking to Americans” segments on This Hour has 22 Minutes, but the title is also true in that it really just feels like you’re hanging out and chatting with Rick Mercer. He tells you about his life growing up, his family, how he liked school (spoiler: he didn’t – but stay in school, kids), how he got into performing, and meeting his partner.

This memoir is a fascinating glimpse into his life in the entertainment industry.  He talks about his one man shows, and the birth of This Hour Has 22 Minutes. How his segment Talking to Americans came to be was a delightful listen, as was his chapter about his show Made in Canada. 

Talking to Canadians is an entertaining, funny, and touching look at the different, vital points of Rick Mercer’s life. My only complaint with this memoir is that it’s missing one key part of his story: the Rick Mercer Report! This entire book is the lead up to the moment – The Moment, rather, of the birth of the RMR. He left me wanting more!

But that’s okay, because I listened to his sequel, The Road Years, soon after finishing this. (Another spoiler: It is awesome!)