Rick Mercer (1) (1969–)

It's no surprise that I enjoyed this book since I am a Rich Mercer fan. He is very funny, but never unkind. He writes in a very conversational style...it felt like a conversation. The stories about various political events, in particular, brought the book to life for me.

The book is very focused on his career. We learn relatively little about his personal life or struggles. So I really don't feel I've learned a lot about Mr. Mercer. What I did gain was an appreciation for his hard work and dedication, and of his love for Canada.… (mais)

Living in Canada, Rick Mercer has been on the CBC in some capacity for most of my life and like many Canadians, I think he's a treasure. His memoir only reinforces that. Recounting tales from his mostly happy childhood growing up in Middle Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador where at a young age a performance by a touring performer at his elementary school made him aware that he definitely wanted to be in show business, the memoir largely focuses on his professional pursuits. His recounting of his school years don't gloss over his poor performance, while also recounting his co-founding a comedy troupe with his group of friends in his last few years of high school. I was surprised at how early in life he met his personal and work partner, Gerald, and while their relationship is never a huge focus of the memoir, Gerald is a constant presence. The major highlights of the rest of the memoir are recounting his solo touring shows, being part of the founding cast of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, the phenomenon that was Talking to Americans, and ends in the early days of the Rick Mercer Report. The book is as funny and kind as one would expect of Mercer and has me keenly interested in watching the new comedy showcase series he's hosting on CBC plus the 30th anniversary documentary on 22 Minutes. Recommended (mostly to my fellow Canadians).… (mais)