Interesting and random look at Canada from Coupland's perspective. I wasn't sure it would hold my interest, but I found it as engrossing as most of his fiction.

Douglas Coupland's casual survey of all things Canadian -- well, not all things, since there would later be a sequel. It's interesting to watch his curator's eye meet up with his late-blooming sense of nationalism. There isn't a whole lot of writing in the book, but it takes a long time to get through, because interspersed with his semi-alphabetical mini-essays on things like vinegar and hockey are these fascinating still-life photographs that he puts together of items, like stuffed animals and packaged foods and clothing, that strike him as inherently Canadian. Our neighbor to the north never felt as alien to me as it did when I read this book, and that's to Coupland's credit.

A good gift, or a way to understand the Canadian psyche circa 2000s. Anecdotal but incisive, with quite good stories.

This collection of short essays and artistic still-life photos illuminates contemporary Canadian culture in a very unique and insightful way. I enjoyed many of Coupland's quirky observations, but this book is very much written from Douglas Coupland's west Vancouver perspective. Consequently, I feel that this book will appeal more to Douglas Coupland fans than to Canadians in general.

Good information and humour

Canada tho

I think Coupland is his best when he puts on his graphic designer hat.

At times, this Canadian commentary was so spot on that it made me laugh out loud! I can't wait to read the second installment.

This is one of those books that sits on our coffee table in the living room. No one who comes over ever leaves without spending some time with it, because Coupland takes the most basic Canadiana and makes it something memorable.

The storytelling is charming and lovely, a whiff of Canadian courtesy and sensibility on every page.

It's irresistible, as is Coupland.

Canada for Canadians!

I had a hard time relating to this memoir of Canada. I was born in 1985 and I found many of Coupland's stories to be dated. According to Coupland, Canadian history ended in 1980. This book was published in 2002. What happened during the twenty years between 1980 and 2000? I do love the "chapters" on hockey and water.

Very Canadian, if not a bit bleak at times.