For Linwood Barclay, humour helps the story go down — Watch Day Two of Canada Reads here
The highly anticipated Canada Reads 2025 debates are in full swing, with the second round kicking off on March 18th, 2025. Viewers can tune in to watch the discussions unfold as the panelists champion their chosen books in a battle to determine the one book that all of Canada should read.
On Day Two of the debates, thriller writer Linwood Barclay delved into the importance of humour in Wayne Johnston’s memoir, “Jennie’s Boy.” The memoir follows Johnston’s childhood, focusing on a six-month period where he was sickly and spent time with his eccentric grandmother, Lucy. Despite the difficult subject matter of poverty, illness, and addiction, Barclay highlighted the moments of levity in the book that add depth to the narrative.
Barclay noted that Johnston’s ability to find humour in his past experiences is a result of the distance he has from the events. This perspective allows him to reflect on the tragic moments in his life and find moments of irony and humour. Barclay shared anecdotes from the memoir that made him laugh, such as the family turning their TV upside down to watch it after a repairman fixed it incorrectly.
In another discussion, pastry chef Saïd M’Dahoma defended the use of food metaphors in “Dandelion,” a novel that humanizes immigrants and their struggles. M’Dahoma emphasized the importance of food as a cultural anchor for immigrants, drawing on his own experience as an immigrant and son of immigrants. He explained how food plays a significant role in communication and connection for those far from home.
Actor Michelle Morgan shared her personal connection to the novel as the daughter of an immigrant and appreciated the perspective it offered on immigration and mental health. While she found the food metaphors distracting at times, M’Dahoma argued that they were essential to the story’s narrative.
As the debates continue, viewers can expect to delve into more complex and challenging topics covered by the Canada Reads 2025 books. From abuse to racism, the panelists will navigate these themes and provide their insights on the importance of literature in addressing these issues.
To catch all the action of Canada Reads 2025, viewers can tune in online, on radio, on TV, or through the podcast. The debates will be available for replay, allowing audiences to follow the discussions at their convenience. Don’t miss out on the lively debates and thought-provoking conversations as the panelists make their case for the book that should be on every Canadian’s reading list.
