Details from Audible:
Sorry, Not Sorry
An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For
By
Narrated by
INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Known for his sharp-witted skits on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mark Critch uses his keen observational skills to explore Canadian identity and the new wave of Canadian patriotism.
In Sorry, Not Sorry, Critch delves into the heart of what it means to be Canadian at a time when national pride is on the rise. Examining everything from the historical decision of Newfoundland to join Canada to the modern-day implications of the Freedom Convoy and the evolving symbolism of the Canadian flag, he reminds us of where we came from and of the many reasons Canada is worth fighting for—elbows up!
In chapters such as “It Can Happen to You,” “I Want My Flag Back,” and “Operation Trojan Moose,” Critch uses humour and satire, referencing our all-important history to tackle serious questions about national identity and the future of Canada. He offers a unique perspective on the country’s relationship with the monarchy, the cultural impact of Canadian celebrities living abroad, and the hypothetical scenarios of provincial separations.
Sorry, Not Sorry is more than just a comedic take on Canadian life; it’s a deeply personal and insightful look at the free country Critch has spent decades satirizing. Whether he’s writing as a lieutenant in a fictional American invasion or penning a love letter to Canada in the voice of Donald Trump, Critch’s essays are sure to entertain, provoke thought, and stir a sense of pride in readers.
Initial Thoughts:
I have listened to both of Mark Critch’s author books and loved them, so there was never any doubt that I would listen to this one as well. Honestly, I suppose I am a little out of touch with the world (when I need to be), and I only discovered this was out a few months ago, so then once I was in the mood (and renewed my Audible subscription), I gave it a listen.
Main Points:
I’m a proud Canadian, and I agree with everything Critch says about Trump. I think, for me, I have never had much interest in politics, and this book has a lot of political commentary/humour that didn’t appeal to my interests. I loved the parts where he talked about Newfoundland and Labrador’s history (and how we joined Canada), as well as what it means to be a Canadian and why we need to support Canada now more than ever. This year, we chose not to visit the states in winter, and we plan to go back to PEI next year. I have made more of an effort to buy locally and avoid supporting big American companies, and I was proud to tell people I spoke to in England and Switzerland this month that I’m Canadian, but I did find parts of this book a little on the boring side.
Whole chapters devoted to a pretend love letter from Trump to Canada and another of an American soldier writing home during an imagined invasion of Canada seemed like padding to me, and I think could have been cut from the book or at least shortened (and this is a short book). I’m very much a liberal, and I agree with everything Critch says about Alberta, Trudeau, Trump, politics and traitors, but I guess I wanted a book to be more light-hearted and funny, and this one you can really see just how angry and how much he hates Trump. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised, political commentary is what he’s done for 20 years on “This Hour Has 22 Minutes,” but in my defence, I stopped watching the show 15 years ago.
Final Thoughts:
Canada is a wonderful country and is worth fighting for. Mark Critch does a great job of showing Canadian pride, along with our humbleness, politeness and humour. I admire the courage it took to call out politicians and celebrities who have betrayed Canada, and his seething hatred of Trump is spelled out numerous times, consequences be damned! Despite everything I said, I did enjoy this book, just not as much as the other two. I give it 7.5 out of 10 and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, Canadian pride, political satire, and, of course, the new Canadian pastime: tearing into Trump with everything we have (if you’re a decent person, that is, and not a complete moron). I don’t think a child would enjoy this book, and there are some mature themes, so I would say ages 13+. Thank you for writing this book, Mark Critch. I agree with you, Canadians need to stand up for themselves more and show their pride. Suffice it to say, if you’re an American and a Republican (or just a right-wing nut), I can’t see you getting any enjoyment from this, but I would find it funny to see your scathing reply to this and reveal your ignorance/stupidity even more.