101 Things Canadians Should Know About Canada

by Rudyard Griffiths (Editor), Christopher Moore (Contributor), Anthony Jenkins (Illustrator)

Lively new book based on a cross-Canada opinion survey run by the Dominion Institute. Loonie to Moose, Gretzky to Trudeau, Expo to Confederation, Snow to Beer – 101 Things has all the Great Canadian Stuff, with lively commentary from leading writers and charming illustrations by the Globe & Mail’s Anthony Jenkins.

Genres: Nonfiction

155 pages, Hardcover

First published October 8, 2008

Reviews

[Thea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

This book could have been so much better. It's too advanced (and boring) for the young'uns; too superficial (and boring) for us old fogies.

There are better books about Canada out there. I'd give this one a pass if I were you.

[Kathy Lautenschlager · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little book to share with friends and family this time of year. Happy 150!

[Elizabeth]

Offensively out of date but perhaps serves as a Timbit glazed glimpse into the past.

[Emeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This funny little book aims to please and keep things light-hearted. In doing that it succeeds brilliantly, but the Canadian reading this should keep a little perspective. Not every article is equally well-written, some are not. I find it very telling that of all Canadians, a Québécois had to write virtually all the Quebec-related articles. What does that tell you about what a Canadian should know about Quebec? I liked the participation of two First Nations authors in the book, but then again, one of them has to point out that they DO constitute a part of Canada, and they are not included in the "101 things Canadians should know about Canada", but are the 102 extra item. Some articles really are the testimony of an open-minded society and successful immigration policies, others, as I just pointed out, reveal its short-comings.

Some articles were repetitive ("nature" and "the wildlife"?), some are questionable. The book intends to bring Canadians together. It is implied that these are things Canadians should know, and as far as I understood it, love. Some articles are well-balanced and point out this man or that thing as something worth knowing but who/that remains contentious. Others, not so much. I found a couple of article totally off-point (Canadian politeness gave way real quick to acceptance, they are not the same - and what to you mean Canada's commitment to the environment).

[Saeedeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative book. I recommend it to all citizens of Canada.

[Hil Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative, fun read that reminds you how much you love you're one and only Canada. It evokes a personal memory for many of the chosen symbols and provides insight to those that don't.