Book ~ "Canadianity: Tales from the True North Strong and Freezing" (2017) Jeremy Taggart and Jonathan Torrens

From Goodreads ~ Sprung from their hugely successful podcast Canadianity, Taggart (that guy from that band) and Torrens (that guy from that show) share a collection of showbiz tales from the road and relatable everyday anecdotes, all wrapped up in a nostalgic fondness for this great country. "Canadianity" takes readers on a cross-country journey, shining the spotlight on notable local heroes (or bahds), the best places to crush food and the greasiest watering holes, coast to coast to coast. 

Replete with lists of Canada’s top bands, television shows and athletes, as well as random observations about everything this country has to offer, "Canadianity" is often provocative and always hilarious. Drawing on their combined experiences as a legendary drummer (Our Lady Peace) and a veteran talk-show host ("Jonovision") respectively, Taggart and Torrens have infused their first book with equal parts beer and pop culture and added a heaping helping of irreverence. 

I didn't know that Taggart and Torrens had podcasts.  To be honest, I didn't know who Taggart was (he was the drummer in Canadian rock band, Our Lady Peace from 1993 to 2014).  Why I picked up this book is because it was Canadian and I knew who Torrens is (I know him as J-Roc from The Trailer Park Boys).

Taggart and Torrens have known each other since 2004.  Taggart had become a regular on The Jay & Dan Podcast and Torrens went on the show.  They decided to do a podcast a together.  It was so much fun doing it so they continued to make them.  And then they decided to write this book.

The chapters cover a province starting with Torren's home province of Prince Edward Island followed by Taggart's home province of Ontario.  Each chapter starts with bahd (short for buddy) bands from the province followed by five notable bahds.  Then Taggart and Torrens bounce back and forth, each sharing their memories and stories of that particular province.  Also in the chapters are tidbits of information and quizzes.  The chapters end with "Gotta Do's" in that province.  One of the last chapters is called "Canadianity for Dummies" and discusses Canadian shows like The Beachcombers, Wok with Yan, Speakers' Corner, Kids in the Hall, Test Pattern, Codco and more.

I liked the writing style of this book.  Taggart and Torrens have different styles and though their stories and ramblings are labeled, you can tell whose voice it is (Taggart swears a lot more).  The stories and experiences were interesting ... I like this kind of behind the scenes stuff.  Canadian readers will relate to this book and it's a good explanation of who we are to non-Canadians.