Son of a Critch

A Childish Newfoundland Memoir

By: Mark Critch

Narrated by: Mark Critch

Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

NOW A CBC TELEVISION SERIES
WINNER OF THE MARGARET AND JOHN SAVAGE FIRST BOOK AWARD FOR NON-FICTION
SHORTLISTED FOR THE KOBO EMERGING WRITER PRIZE
LONGLISTED FOR THE RBC TAYLOR PRIZE
SHORTLISTED FOR THE STEPHEN LEACOCK MEMORIAL MEDAL FOR HUMOUR

A hilarious story of family, getting into trouble, and finding one's place in the world.

What could be better than growing up in the 1980s? How about growing up in 1980s Newfoundland, which—as Mark Critch will tell you—was more like the 1960s. Take a trip to where it all began in this funny and warm look back on his formative years.

Here we find a young Mark trick-or-treating at a used car lot, getting locked out of school on a fourth-floor window ledge, faking an asthma attack to avoid being arrested by military police, trying to buy beer from an untrustworthy cab driver, shocking his parents by appearing naked onstage—and much more.

Best known as the "roving reporter" for CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mark Critch has photo-bombed Justin Trudeau, interviewed Great Big Sea's Alan Doyle (while impersonating Alan Doyle), offered Pamela Anderson a million dollars to stop acting, and crashed White House briefings. But, as we see in this playful debut, he's been causing trouble his whole life.

Son of a Critch captures the wonder and cluelessness of a kid trying to figure things out, but with the clever observations of an adult, and the combination is perfect.

©2018 Mark Critch (P)2018 Viking

Critic reviews

2019, Atlantic Book Awards - Margaret and John Savage First Book, Winner

2019, Kobo Emerging Writer Prize, Long-listed

2019, RBC Taylor Prize, Long-listed

2019, Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour, Short-listed

“Finally, a book that answers so many questions about Critch: 'Why is he like that?', 'Why does he say stuff like that?', and 'What’s something from Mark’s childhood we can use to make him cry?' If you read only one book by a famous Newfoundlander who was raised next to the highway, it pretty much has to be this one. You’ll be amazed at how funny Mark is. Also, that he’s not dead.” (Barry Julien, Co-Executive Producer/Writer, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

“Not since the first one pulled his boat up, has there been a scribbler of such fine and unusual emanations pouring out of one man. Yes, he says he’s from the big island, but where he was washed up, would be worth finding out. And I’d love to know where he gets his ink, I am such a fan.” (Gordon Pinsent, Actor and Playwright)

“Son of a Critch explains a lot. Mark’s wondrous imagination and unique vision of the world is almost completely explained by his young life. This book is a one of a kind adventure from one of my favourite people in the world. I had to read most sections twice as either I could not believe what I had just read, or my eyes were flooding with laughing tears. It is wicked and deadly." (Alan Doyle, Musician and Lead Singer of Great Big Sea)

Best book I've heard on Audible.

Unparalleled ! I was laughing so hard I cried, and then at the end I cried.

One of the funniest books I've ever come across.

Mark's family is funny, Mark is genius, and his performance on the narration tops it all off. This is seriously one of the funniest books I've ever listened to, in particular the stories about his mother. Absolute Gold!

Disappointing

Although there were some funny parts, for the most part it was far less amusing than I thought it would be. Parts of the story lurch from anecdote to anecdote, with very little scaffolding between.

We’re Newfies, so the humour and self effacing portions were familiar and welcome.

Love this book

I was listening to a programme on CBC where Mark was being interviewed. This book was discussed and I was immediately interested. I am very happy that I read this book. It is funny, eye opening and a great read from beginning to end. I am passing the book on to my friend from Prince Edward Island. I will be looking for more from Mark Critch very funny man. Great read!!!