The Xenophobe's Guide to the Canadians (Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books) [Paperback]

Vaughn Roster (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2002 | Series: Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books

Highlights the unique character and behavior of the nation. Frank, irreverent, funny--almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Xenophobe's Guides aim to help us understand our differences. "
--Daily Express

"Short, aphoristic, seriously funny, not that xenophobic and almost entirely apt guide, perfect homework for the fortunate on ferry or plane."
--The Observer

From the Back Cover

"Much time and government funding has been spent in the public contemplation of the question of nationalism. All that anyone can seem to agree on is that Canadians are NOT American. Any other statement made about Canadians pales in the face of this one.
Being NOT something else is the guiding principle around which the whole of Canadian society is based. French Canadians have less of a difficulty with being NOT American, but are equally obsessed with protecting their identity and being NOT English Canadian, so the principle is the same."
Xenophobia is an irrational fear of foreigners, probably justified, always understandable.
Xenophobe's Guides - an irreverent look at the beliefs and foibles of nations, almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Oval Books; 1st edition (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902825217
• ISBN-13: 978-1902825212
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #523,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Winner on His First Try, November 17, 2002

By 

,Suzanne Cowles (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Xenophobe's Guide to the Canadians (Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books) (Paperback)

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-effacing
manner. Vaughn has managed to peg some of the vulnerabilities of
various places, peoples, and perspectives in this great land and
do 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 (a
Canadian 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 learn
even more about their country, to people in the U.S. who might
pick up something valuable for the first time(!), and to anyone
planning a trip to any part of the Great White North. What he has
written has prompted me to check out several other books in the
Xenophobe Series AND to order a good many copies of this book to
give to friends. Now....how do I go about ordering?! Get set for
several printings!