Parking the Moose

One American's Epic Quest to Uncover His Incredible Canadian Roots

By: Dave Hill

Narrated by: Dave Hill

A quarter-Canadian from Cleveland explores his roots - and melts your face with joy.

There's an idea most Americans tend to learn as children. The idea that their country is the "best". But this never stuck with Dave Hill, even though he was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. His grandfather, you see, was from Canada (Clinton, Ontario, to be exact). And every Sunday at dinner he'd remind Dave and anyone else within earshot that it was in fact Canada, this magical and mysterious land just across the mighty Lake Erie, that was the "best".

It was an idea that took hold. While his peers kept busy with football, basketball, and baseball, hockey became the only sport for Dave. Whenever bacon was served at home, he'd be sure to mention his preference for the Canadian variety. Likewise, if a song by Triumph came on the radio, he'd be the first to ask for it to be cranked up as loud as it would go. And he was more vocal about the vast merits of the Canadian healthcare system than any nine-year-old you'd ever want to meet. (That last part is a lie, but hopefully it makes the point that he was so into Canada that it was actually kind of weird.)

In later years he even visited Canada a couple of times. But now, inspired by a publisher's payment of several hundred dollars (Canadian) in cash, he has traveled all over the country, reconnecting with his heritage in such places as Montreal, Moose Jaw, Regina, Winnipeg, Merrickville, and of course Clinton, Ontario, meeting a range of Canadians, touching things he probably shouldn't and having adventures too numerous and rich in detail to be done justice in this blurb.

The result, he promises, is "the greatest Canada-based literary thrill ride of your lifetime".

©2019 Dave Hill (P)2019 Doubleday Canada

Critic reviews

"Who could have guessed that the wisest and funniest book about Canada ever would be written by a comedian and badass guitar hero from Cleveland, Ohio?" (Malcolm Gladwell)

"Dave Hill is one of the most hilarious non-Canadian, non-women that I know." (Samantha Bee)

"One of the genuinely cherished days of my year is the day a new book by Dave Hill comes out. Mercifully, for those of us who find the usual wait for a favourite author a trial, Hill has delivered his latest work of laugh-out-loud, expert humour in the nick of time.... If you're looking for an ideal book that makes you turn down soirées and tweetable events just so you can stay home and chortle, then Dave Hill's Parking the Moose is exactly what you need." (Dick Cavett)

"What Malcolm Gladwell, Samantha Bee and Dick Cavett said." (Janeane Garofalo)

It’s Not

This isn’t really the definitive book about Canada; it certainly is not about Canadian ancestry roots. Although there are moments that are humorous, I guess I don’t really identify with a 15-year-old heart, mind or spirit.

I’ve learned so much.

I’ve never been to Canada but now I most certainly will. I’ve had poutine in Vermont but I know it was absolute garbage compared to what I’d get in Quebec. The audiobook was 1000% worth it because not only did Dave include a rockin song about Canada, but I got to hear the word Regina spoken out loud more times than I could count. It was, in fact, hilarious every time. 11/10 will listen again

An excellent listen

For anyone who has ever heard Dave speak, whether on air, one of his podcasts, onstage or at a book signing event, this is the way to go to get your Dave Hill fix. It’s almost like he’s in the room, telling stories in that wonderful droning tone we’ve come to love. I read the book while listening to the audio version, with a smile on my face the whole time. More, Dave! Bravo!

Interesting but hardly comedy.

Mildly entertaining ramblings which makes for good fun entertainment. Especially if you grew up anywhere near the Canadian border.

Funny AF

Should be requisite listening for anyone thrust into dystopian nightmare, grappling with national malaise and/or mindless tribulation ad nauseum.
Laugh out loud funny with great delivery by the author. Poutine, pilsner and people who like being polite as told by Mr. Dave Hill. Perfection.

Mehhh... average

There's nothing really bad about this book. On the other hand there's nothing really good about this book. The performance and narration it's great. But the content is just average. I don't feel like he really got anywhere special in Canada or met anyone special. It was a bunch of ramblings about him having poutine a lot and just sort of renting a car in every city he went to and driving around. Definitely no laugh out loud moments. It was an okay book but nothing special.

Oh Canada!

Dave Hill does a nice job of capturing the history and cultural fabric of Canada and Canadians. Dave's background in comedy combined with his narrative style had me in stitches at his description of the cities he visited and his experiences trying to understand Canadian culture. Poutine was mentioned often as a favorite food selection as well as hockey, curling and of course "axe throwing!" He tries to bring meaning to his family connection to his Canadian born father and grandfather along with his personal desire to understand more about Canadian culture through his travels across Canada. If you are Canadian this is a "feel good' book. If you are not Canadian you stand to learn a great deal about Canada's history and culture. Be prepared to laugh as Dave's side-bar anecdotes and comedy nuances make the listening interesting and engaging.

simply incredible

there are mere books and then there are literary masterpieces that transcend dimensions. Mr. Hill's Parking the Moose is on this spectrum, being pulled ever toward the latter as time rolls on. you should buy several copies.

Not good

I got this for some insight, what I got was bar hoping and quirky store stories.