Son of a Critch

A Childish Newfoundland Memoir

By: Mark Critch

Narrated by: Mark Critch

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.

Critic reviews

“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, [Mark Critch] 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

“Finally, a book that answers so many questions about Critch.... 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

“Son of a Critch is everything you would expect from the smart, urbane, and imaginative mind of Canada’s grooviest satirist.” —Greg Proops, comedian and actor

“Do not read this book on an airplane because you will be smiling and laughing like an idiot, which would be the most unCanadian thing to do while reading the most hilarious book by Canada’s most charming storyteller.” —Caroline Rhea, comedian and actor

“Having done many shows in Newfoundland and being a devotee of Codco, I have long been captivated by Newfoundlanders—their warmth, grit, and forthrightness, but especially their humour. Mark captures all of that so cleverly. I laughed from start to finish, often uproariously.” —Anne Murray, singer

“There are so many strengths to [Critch's] writing but I’d note his flair with metaphor and simile … this is nimble, nuanced writing ... thoughtful and honed for laughs.” —The St. John’s Telegram

it's so funny I watched the TV shows and the i found this book and both where hilarious 😂

I didn't know that Fox is actually a boy In real life so a bit sad I but it a bit stupid to say that because I can't change what actually happened 😂

Best book I've heard on Audible.

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

Reflection of home I left.

Living abroad for more than 17 years, this story brought me back home to Canada and to my childhood. I listened to the audiobook for 40 minutes at a time while walking my dog. I couldn’t wait to listen to a new section during my next walk. I was sad when I finished, but that was short-lived when I found out that “Son of a Critch” will be renewed for a fourth season. I'm looking forward to discovering more from the book being adapted to the TV show.

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.