An Embarrassment of Critch's: Immature Stories From My Grown-Up Life

by Mark Critch

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

The heartfelt and hilarious story of beloved Canadian comedian Mark Critch's journey from Newfoundland to the national stage--and back home again.

One of Mark Critch's earliest acting gigs was in a Newfoundland tourist production alongside a cast of displaced fishery workers. Since, he's found increasing opportunities to take his show on the road. In An Embarrassment of Critch's , the star of CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes revisits some of his career's--and the country's--biggest moments, revealing all the things you might not know happened along the A wishful rumour spread by Mark's father results in his big break; two bottles of Scotch nearly get him kicked out of a secret Canadian airbase in the United Arab Emirates; and for anyone wondering how to get an interview with the Prime Minister and Bono (yes, that Bono) on the same evening, Critch might recommend a journey to the 2003 Liberal Convention.

Critch's top-secret access to all of the funniest behind-the-scenes moments involve many of the charismatic and notorious politicians we love to see blush, including fearless leaders Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper, Paul Martin, and Jean Chrétien, celebrities such as Pamela Anderson and Robin Williams, and other colourful figures he's met over years of pulling off daring skits at home and abroad. Remember when MP Carolyn Parrish took her boot to George W. Bush's head in an interview? Or when Critch asked Justin Trudeau where the best place to smoke pot on Parliament Hill was before pulling out a joint for them to share? There's more to each of those stories than you know. Though Critch has spent years crisscrossing the country--and the globe--with the explicit aim of causing trouble everywhere he goes, like the best journeys, this one takes him right back home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Humor, Audiobook, Canada, Biography Memoir

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 5, 2021

About the author

Mark Critch is one of the most recognizable faces in Canadian comedy and has won multiple awards for both writing and performance. For fourteen years, he has starred on CBC's flagship show, This Hour Has 22 Minutes. As an anchor and "roving reporter," he has brought celebrities and politicians to Canadian living rooms across the nation. He is the host of CBC's Halifax Comedy Festival and has written for and appeared in CBC's world-renowned Just for Laughs series.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading AN EMBARRASSMENT OF CRITCH'S: IMMATURE STORIES FROM MY GROWN-UP LIFE by Mark Critch, I would occasionally laugh aloud. My husband would look up from what he was reading and ask, "What's so funny?" We would both be laughing after I read the page or pages aloud.
Mark Critch, born in Newfoundland, is a Canadian comedian best known for his performance on CBC's television show, THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES. He is the co-creator of CBC's SON OF A CRITCH, based on his first book.
The colourful photos in this memoir were a bonus for me. I had heard of Mark Critch, but not having a television, I had never seen him.
Although Critch shares many funny stories in this book, there are some serious sections. I particularly liked the following quote where he remembers former NDP leader, Jack Layton.

'The last message he [Jack Layton] had for Canadians was, "Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair."'

It didn't take me long to read this book; it's a quick read. My husband is now reading it. It seems like a good time for some light reading, and it doesn't hurt to have a chuckle or two.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what the doctor ordered: plenty of laughs as Mark Critch describes some of his time on This Hour has 22 Minutes, and how he managed to ambush and lampoon a number of Canadian politicians.

[Kelly Bellware · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Had me LOLing and I learned a lot about Newfoundland, too.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comedian Mark Critch returns with a follow-up to his first memoir, Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir with AN EMBARASSMENT OF CRITCH’S (both great names, by the way).

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Mark knew from an early age what it was he wanted to do with his life – convincing his father, however, was the hard part. In AN EMBARASSMENT OF CRITCH’S, Mark goes through his early days struggling to find stable work in the entertainment industry all the way to the present where he now holds the honor of the longest-serving cast member on CBC’s THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES.

There were some interesting stories in here including Mark’s experiences with ambushing Canadian politicians for off-the-cuff interviews as well as being a veteran of filming remotes (on-location sketches) for the Canadian comedy institution. Even the stories that weren’t exactly memorable still maintained a level of enjoyment given Mark’s natural talent for storytelling.

The more memorable chapters in the book deal with Mark heading overseas to perform for the Canadian troops in Afghanistan in 2006, a journey fraught with rocket attacks, imported contraband and the horrors of “Emerald Lake”. Then there was Mark’s trip to Russia in 2007 where in response to Russian claiming The North Pole by planting a flag on the ocean floor, Mark tried to do the same by claiming Red Square for Canada by planting a flag in the center of the landmark. It goes without saying – that did not go according to plan. Another standout looked at Mark’s confrontation with Pamela Anderson and Sam Simon as they arrived on the shores of Newfoundland in 2013 to half-heartedly stop the annual seal hunt.

AN EMBARASSMENT OF CRITCH’S is both a look at the ins-and-outs of Canadian showbiz as well as the absurdity of dancing on the line of Canadian political humor.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

After spending a lot of time outside in the sunny but chilly air then sitting down with an early supper to watch a very good double overtime hockey game, this was a great book with which to finish off my Sunday.
This is Mark Critch's 2nd book and I certainly hope there will be a 3rd sooner than later. In "An Embarrassment of Critch's", Mark continues with his biography. This time we meet him as he's heading out in the world. No, he doesn't have a trade under his belt as suggested by his Dad. He wants to be an actor. His telling of his successes, failures and near misses are entertaining and informative. All of the tales are told with humour and honesty. The tender way he talks about his sons is endearing but not mushy. When he starts working on "...22 Minutes" the stories get more interesting (my opinion) and professional. Mark and his team's interaction with politicians and world leaders is not always funny but still entertaining and often telling as to the personality of the object of his interview.
I strongly recommend that you find the time to add "An Embarrassment of Critch's..." to your reading list.
Oh - and check out "Son of a Critch" on CBC!

[Cobaltdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In keeping with Mark Critch's amazing talent and humour, this book covers so many important points. He talks about how he came to be on, This Hour has 22 minutes along with all the life events that occurred during that time period and beyond. He shares about all the people he has met and the various interactions that went well and some not so much. Also, although for me a challenge to read he also talks about the seal hunt, how it relates directly to the people of the East coast and why these "celebrities" just use it as photo ops without actually doing some research and understanding the entire issue. Thank you Mark for sharing your viewpoint and sharing this important issue with a different perspective and bringing attention to this matter.

[Steve Tripp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't quite as funny as the previous Critch storybook but there were still a bunch of laughable moments and some very entertaining (and likely slightly embellished) stories --- it's worthy of reading if you like that sort of thing. Because it was read by the author, the audiobook was also a good choice. At the end of the day, Newfoundland comics might be some of the funniest around ...

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. I thought this was even funnier than his first book!

[Rachel Doody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little before bed read! Little boring so it took me a long time to read but great for like a couple pages then passing out to sleep

[Charlotte Courage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book doesn’t lack anything. That’s always my fear when a first memoir is so strong. I worry the follow up with just be the the B list stories that didn’t make the first. I need not have worried. Laugh out loud moments. A quick and enjoyable read. Loved every page.

[Enid Wray · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is so similar to the Rick Mercer title I read last week, Talking to Canadians. Indeed, there were - lots of - times where I felt like I was re-reading text since there is some overlap between the two books.

This had moments of funny - I had quite forgotten about Carolyn Parish stomping her boots on the George Bush doll and what a tempest that had stirred up, but reading about it here brought the same smile back to my face as it had back then. There were also moments that brought tears to my eyes - like when he writes about his (second) son being born with a cleft lip and palate, or when he tells the story about Gordon Pinsent’s favourite time of the day.

But at the end of the day, I prefer the Mercer title. While they are both writing about their own experiences within the larger Canadian cultural context, this one feels more self-serving - more about ‘self’ - while the Mercer title feels more about ‘community.’ I’m not sure that I’m expressing this very well… but it’s what I’ve got in me at the moment. It’s like Critch is still an insecure little boy seeking approval while Mercer has matured into a (more or less) contented adult.

The scene/story that really drove this home for me was when they land in Camp Mirage - in the UAE - on their way to Afghanistan. I’ll leave the details for you to read yourselves, but suffice it to say that, for me, this just proves how high his head was stuck up his own ass. He behaves like a 15 year old teenager…when in fact he is a grown adult, with two kids.

There is funny, and then there is dis-respectful. This was as dis-respectful as it gets. It wasn’t funny then, and it still isn’t funny now. That he thinks it is funny - and includes it here - well, that just tells me that he still hasn’t ever grown up. He put himself way ahead of the mission. I don’t think - don’t feel - that Mercer ever did that. This may or may not be a fair conclusion, but it’s the one that I draw.

Yes, he does eventually admit that he has no clue, and that he has a lot to learn, but, for me, the damage is done. Too little, too late. But - and there had to be a but! - he also goes on to continue to prove that he never really does get it… never understanding that there are lines… and never maturing enough to know when not to cross them. Years pass and he still doesn’t get it. It’s not funny.

He spends half his time grovelling and backtracking on the (not) funny things he’s done… where is the learning curve? Does he ever grow up? No… as he tells us himself in the very last two lines of the last chapter (right before the Epilogue): When I was seventeen my father asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I hope to God that I never find out.

If you’re looking for something like this to read, choose Mercer’s Talking To Canadians.

(I'm scoring this a '1' simply so my score counts in the aggregator... I'd rather leave the score blank... And yes.. I get that he warned us in the title......)

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Mark's first book last year as an audiobook. It was a bit of an impulse buy when I was doing a bunch of jigsaw puzzles and looking for some humour to get me through the pandemic. It was funny and I really enjoyed it. You could tell the stories were embellished, but Mark is an excellent storyteller so it didn't bother me. 

I was more excited to read An Embarrassment of Critch's and quickly bought a copy on Audible when it was released. Mark narrates both books and I highly recommend doing the audio for this reason. I love all the different voices and accents he uses throughout the book and it made me nostalgic for Newfoundland. 

In my opinion, this book is the perfect companion book to Son of a Critch and I kind of see it as an extension of his first book. I know his first book is centered on his childhood, but when I finished it last year, my one complaint was that I wanted to read more about how he got into comedy and his time on 22 Minutes. That is exactly what An Embarrassment of Critch's delivers and I had a lot of fun reading it.

I'm currently reading Rick Mercer's new book as well and it's really hard not to compare the two. In terms of laughs, I would give the edge to Mark Critch, but there's more of a sincerity to Rick's memoir that I thought was missing from Mark's. I think this is totally fine since the primary intent of Mark's work is humour and storytelling, but he does tackle several more serious topics as well. While he tries to reflect and be contemplative about his experiences (thinking mostly of his recount of traveling to Afghanistan), I couldn't help but think his recollections were somewhat surficial and portrayed through rose-tinted glasses. In some ways his essay selection reads more like a checklist of his accomplishments rather than a reflective look-back on his career. Although, he does talk about some of his mistakes over the years, but I felt like his exploration of these errors in judgement were included as more of a PR move rather than any meaningful contrition about them.
 
But really these are minor complaints. I enjoy his comedy and love watching his impressions and sketches on 22 Minutes. He is an excellent storyteller and I can pretty much guarantee I'll be picking up any future books he may decide to write!

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had written a scathing review of his first book Son of a Critch where it sounded like his childhood was horrific and he earned the title of sad clown. That appears to be half the story. Now I read this book, a book about his adult life, and I take back that comment. Mark Critch is not a sad clown, but rather someone with wit and insight. It does appear that his childhood shaped his adulthood in that he preserved a kind of humanity despite his gags and skits of 22 Minutes.

This book delves into not only the behind the scenes stories of 22 Minutes, but illuminates the man. He speaks candidly about his visit to Afghanistan and about using "fixers" in less than hospitable countries. He shows a lot of poise and insight about these people and their well being. It is a distinct change from his first book that made everything seem like the world was out to get him.

I very much enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read. It was also incredibly hard to put down. I am sure Mark will never read my review, but if he does, this book was so hard to put down that my legs fell asleep sitting in the chair I was reading it in. When I went to get up I nearly fell on my arse b'y. Luckily I sort of skidded back on to the chair. If that image isn't enough to make you want to read this book, I don't know what is.

I can see the headlines now, "Critch Book So Good, You'll Fall On Yer Arse." Well done Mark. I take back what I said about you in my review of your first book (I also felt compelled to actually write a review for the first time ever as a mea culpa for what I wrote about the first book.)

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Critch is a Canadian comedian, actor and writer. He is best known for his work on the CBC comedy series, This Hour Has 22 Minutes. I must admit that I've never watched This Hour Has 22 Minutes but I do know who Mark Critch is ... he was in The Grand Seduction, a fun movie I've seen quite a few times (in fact, I just watched it again a couple weeks ago).

I like reading bios/autobios, he's Canadian and I grew up in the Atlantic provinces so that's why it caught my eye. Plus I'd read his first book, Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir, and liked it

This book picks up when Critch was trying to figure out what to do with his life. He knew he wanted to entertain and his first big job was with a theatre group in Trinity, a small town in Newfoundland. His big break came when he got a two week gig writing for This Hour Has 22 Minutes in 2003 and he's still there! Over the years, he has met many people, travelled to many places all over the world and have had many adventures, and it was interesting to read about it. He has a lot of guts and this bodes him well when he has to charge up to get interviews from unsuspecting people.

I liked this book. I liked the writing style and thought it was honest and amusing at times.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/09...

[Charles Beale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads Review:

Mark Critich, well-known tomfooler, best known from This Hour Has 22 Minutes, sends us on a lifetime of capers from the top of the Peace Tower in Ottawa to the underground Canadian military compound at Kandahar, Afghanistan in An Embarrassment of Critch’s. His ‘embarrassments’ decrease as he improves his craft, but Critch still pinched himself after every success and failure. Born and raised in Trinity, Newfoundland & Labrador, Mark's natural comedic talent was lost on his stern and stoic parents, so he broke out anywhere he could gain an audience, finally landing himself in the big city of Halifax where his idols from the ‘island’ had congregated and launched their CBC careers - Mary Walsh, Greg Tomey, Cathy Jones, and Rick Mercer. Here he finally gets a chance to show his talent big time. The rest is his history. Many of the best sketches created by Mark involve former Prime Ministers Chretien, Harper, and current PM Justin Trudeau. Unlike his idol, Rick Mercer who is edgier, Critch is always kinder and gentler as he hatches plots written on paper napkins. Some skits go awry like the time he tried to involve Trudeau in smoking weed in his office on Parliament Hill. Mark had less fun with opposition leaders Scheer and O’Toole, finding Conservatives - well, more conservative. Stolid NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair finally melted in fits of laughter with Critich in a children’s play room full of balls. Mark Critich’s life has had many twists and turns, but he’s a survivor - and still out of jail. There is nothing like Canadian comedy, but his Newfie farce is unbeatable. A highly recommended read for Canadians. Long may his long jib draw.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I am usually leery when a book is described as hilarious, but this book is funny. I started laughing two short paragraphs into the Preface. I found some of the stories in the book cringe-worthy but this reinforces the description of the book as immature stories. And although some of the adventures display immaturity, Critch does go on to say when he was out of line, which, contrary to immaturity, is actually mature. Some of the stories were also heart-warming, providing a good variety of emotions. I also liked that this is a book about Canada written by a Canadian, with behind-the-scenes perspectives. The discussion of Newfoundland was also very interesting. This book is well worth reading. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada.

[Ronald Kelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this for Christmas and read it over the holidays. I received and read SON OF A CRITCH last year. Comparing the two, I think I enjoyed SON OF A CRITCH more, but that is not really a criticism of AN EMBARRASSMENT OF CRITCHES, because it is a very good, and tremendously humourous and fun book to read. In his book, mainly an accounting of his career as an actor and comedian, Mark Critch is very introspective about his successes and those moments where, in retrospect, he could have been better, both professionally and personally. I really admire Mark Critch. He is a very funny snd very thoughtful person. Both sides come through in this book.

[Benjamin Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't as good as Critch's first memoir. This felt very much like "the first one sold well, can you write another one?" It started out strong, funny, reminding me of the first one quite a bit, but once he starts working at 22 Minutes, it becomes more just a recounting of places he's travelled and politicians that he's ambushed. Although interesting, it's not amusing, and reads more like similar books I've read. So a decent read, short, interesting, fitfully amusing, but not essential. The best parts are early on.

[Hannah Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Critch has a significantly Newfoundland way of writing: brutal honesty but always with a punchline. It's perfect for a poignant memoir about his wanderings around the world as he found comedy and comedy found him, charting a course by simply doing what he loved -- making other people laugh, often at the expense of others along the way. Given the success of Son of a Critch, I would love to see his later adventures also brought to life on screen. Critch's work is light, intensely readable, and laugh out loud funny; a quick ride you won't want to stop once you've started.

[Maurice Tougas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't watched 22 Minutes in years; what little I've seen is unimpressive. But even if you're not a fan of 22 Minutes, you should enjoy Mark Critch's second memoir about coming of age in Newfoundland, and his rise to comedy fame in Canada. Sweet without being saccharine and often LOL funny, Critch takes readers on the road as a 22 Minutes correspondent. He has met every PM from Jean Chretien (whom he likes) to Stephen Harper (whom he does not) to Justin Trudeau (a mixture). Breezy and fun, with some thoughtful moments as well. Very enjoyable.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book as I really enjoyed his first book, "Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir." This new installment focused on his time with the CBC comedy "This Hour Has 22 Minutes." It was funny, but I didn't find it as relatable as his first book. It found it interesting to read the behind the scenes antics and preparations for his show. This guy has created comedy with a variety of Canadian politicians!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note to self: all Newfoundland comedian books (Critch, Doyle, Mercer, etc.) are better on audiobook. This is the first one I actually read and it is just not the same! Maybe that’s why I didn’t find it as engaging or as laugh-out-loud funny as Critch’s first memoir. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still good. Just do yourself a favour and get the audiobook instead. (Also, as some other reviewers noted, this book is remarkably similar at times to Mercer’s Talking to Canadians.)

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark Critch is no Rick Mercer. Reading Mercer’s books, I laughed out loud and shed a few tears. If I could invite 3 living Canadians to dinner, he’d be one of them. I enjoy Critch’s antics on 22 Minutes, but in this book his humour comes across as more self-centered or mean than funny. In the unlikely possibility that I would ever be invited to join Mark Critch for a drink I think I might just pass on the offer.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another memoir for the books in my journey to read more non-fiction! Mark Critch is a Canadian icon who has had front row seats to our country’s politics for years and reading some of his favourite tidbits, insider moments and fond memories in this book was really enjoyable! Honestly I wasn’t sure I would like it because politics can be a little dry but the authors sense of comedy comes through and keeps you entertained till the end.

[mib6475654 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Son of a Critch so much that when I saw the arc for this book I HAD TO READ IT. The writing between this book and Son of Critch is the exact same as it's really light and funny but also gives insight into Mark Critch's life. An Embarrassment of Critchs is a fantastic read and definitely recommended for an injection of Newfoundland humour.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like Son of a Critch, Mark Critch’s newest book is truly a pleasure to read. Critch is able to bring his reader into his adventures, writing so brilliantly you feel like he’s in front of you personally relating each of his unbelievable stories. The book is so genuinely funny and sweet that it is a perfect representation of Mark himself and guaranteed to delight.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny. Highly recommend the audio version where Critch’s story telling ability really shines. Impressive that anyone could make Canadian politics this funny. The nostalgic style of the Newfoundland stories (and accent) makes this book the perfect antidote to homesickness for those of us living away.

[Andrea Burke-Saulnier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed out loud so many times, but chapters 8 and 11 were extraordinarily funny. The old saying “You couldn’t write this” came to mind….Critch lived it and then he wrote it! Loved it. Great for those who are looking for a good laugh and who love to read about Canadian adventures and mishaps with famous Canadians.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 big glorious stars for Mark Critch's An Embarrassment of Critch's. It was a fantastic, hilarious follow us to Son of a Critch. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook narrated by the author. I laughed out loud throughout this book.

[Shauna Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited about this book. I absolutely adored “Son of a Critch”. This book is about Mark’s jobs and his rise to fame on This Hour has 22 minutes so it is less relatable. It is funny but not near as laugh out loud funny as his first.