Xenophobe's Guide to the Canadians

by Vaughn Roste, Peter W Wilson, Peter W. Wilson

Book Overview

The fabric of societyThe nation aspires towards a "cultural mosaic," something like a patchwork quilt, whereas Americans have aimed for the "melting pot." Canadians are essentially practical, and have figured out that the bat-brained idea of a melting pot would simply never work in a country where 50% of the land never completely thaws at all. A quilt is a much more pragmatic idea: it's cold outside. On a clear day you can...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 190604225X
• ISBN13: 9781906042257
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Oval Books
• Length: 85 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 4.2" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

A Winner on His First Try

First of all, his name is "Roste". not "Roster". Please change that on the website. Thanks. Having noted that, I'm pleased to say that I find this book delightful! It is informative, humourous as well as full of good humour, and has just enough ascerbic wit to keep it tangy. The style could be called typically Canadian - and that's certainly suitable! - in that it blends an obvious national pride with a certain self-effacingmanner. Vaughn has managed to peg some of the vulnerabilities ofvarious places, peoples, and perspectives in this great land anddo it in such a way as to bring smiles instead of frowns - to this reader anyway! By the way, this reader is from the States (aCanadian resident for 16 years)and all Vaughn's references to that land south of the Canadian border are taken as they were made, in good humour. Anytime he has come close to a bit of subtle criticism, I've agreed anyway!I recommend this book to all Canadians who will undoubtedly learneven more about their country, to people in the U.S. who mightpick up something valuable for the first time(!), and to anyone planning a trip to any part of the Great White North. What he haswritten has prompted me to check out several other books in theXenophobe Series AND to order a good many copies of this book to give to friends. Now....how do I go about ordering?! Get set forseveral printings!