Listen free for 30 days

  • Son of a Critch

  • A Childish Newfoundland Memoir
  • Written by: Mark Critch
  • Narrated by: Mark Critch
  • Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (241 ratings)

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Son of a Critch cover art

Son of a Critch

Written by: Mark Critch
Narrated by: Mark Critch
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $30.30

Buy Now for $30.30

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

NOW A CBC TELEVISION SERIES
WINNER OF THE MARGARET AND JOHN SAVAGE FIRST BOOK AWARD FOR NON-FICTION
SHORTLISTED FOR THE KOBO EMERGING WRITER PRIZE
LONGLISTED FOR THE RBC TAYLOR PRIZE
SHORTLISTED FOR THE STEPHEN LEACOCK MEMORIAL MEDAL FOR HUMOUR

A hilarious story of family, getting into trouble, and finding one's place in the world.


What could be better than growing up in the 1980s? How about growing up in 1980s Newfoundland, which—as Mark Critch will tell you—was more like the 1960s. Take a trip to where it all began in this funny and warm look back on his formative years.

Here we find a young Mark trick-or-treating at a used car lot, getting locked out of school on a fourth-floor window ledge, faking an asthma attack to avoid being arrested by military police, trying to buy beer from an untrustworthy cab driver, shocking his parents by appearing naked onstage—and much more.

Best known as the "roving reporter" for CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mark Critch has photo-bombed Justin Trudeau, interviewed Great Big Sea's Alan Doyle (while impersonating Alan Doyle), offered Pamela Anderson a million dollars to stop acting, and crashed White House briefings. But, as we see in this playful debut, he's been causing trouble his whole life.

Son of a Critch captures the wonder and cluelessness of a kid trying to figure things out, but with the clever observations of an adult, and the combination is perfect.

©2018 Mark Critch (P)2018 Viking

What the critics say

“Finally, a book that answers so many questions about Critch: 'Why is he like that?', 'Why does he say stuff like that?', and 'What’s something from Mark’s childhood we can use to make him cry?' If you read only one book by a famous Newfoundlander who was raised next to the highway, it pretty much has to be this one. You’ll be amazed at how funny Mark is. Also, that he’s not dead.” (Barry Julien, Co-Executive Producer/Writer, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

“Not since the first one pulled his boat up, has there been a scribbler of such fine and unusual emanations pouring out of one man. Yes, he says he’s from the big island, but where he was washed up, would be worth finding out. And I’d love to know where he gets his ink, I am such a fan.” (Gordon Pinsent, Actor and Playwright)

Son of a Critch explains a lot. Mark’s wondrous imagination and unique vision of the world is almost completely explained by his young life. This book is a one of a kind adventure from one of my favourite people in the world. I had to read most sections twice as either I could not believe what I had just read, or my eyes were flooding with laughing tears. It is wicked and deadly." (Alan Doyle, Musician and Lead Singer of Great Big Sea)

More from the same

What listeners say about Son of a Critch

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    201
  • 4 Stars
    34
  • 3 Stars
    5
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    188
  • 4 Stars
    16
  • 3 Stars
    4
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    161
  • 4 Stars
    38
  • 3 Stars
    7
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Narration!

First audible book. Really enjoyed the different voices and the relatable story. Being from NL it really struck close to home. My favorite parts I think was simply speaking from the mind set of a child and actually saying some of the things that goes through your head but most never speak about or admit to. Was pretty funny!! looking forward to the next book and the TV show.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful and entertaining book!

Listening to Mark read his book was perfect, and hilarious! His Newfoundland accent and those of the various characters in his book, really added to the enjoyment. I am so glad I bought the audible version. Thanks Mark!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great read!

Delightful, charming, moving, funny!
Mark Critch is a natural storyteller.
Excellent quality narration. Laugh out loud funny!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Ben
  • 2020-01-30

Great audio book

I am not from Newfoundland and didn’t even know much about the author before listening to this book; yet I loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone. Mark Critch can spin a good yarn.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hilarious!

Great work and narration by Mark! Loved his portrayal of life in Newfoundland. Story was a bit disjointed but doesn't take away from the narrative.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

this is the best!

of the 10 or so books I have for my audible this is by far the best one yet... whether or not you're Canadian but especially if you're from Newfoundland you are going to crack up through this entire book it is hilarious. strongly recommend.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Like having Critch riding shotgun!

​My wife and I felt like we had Critch aboard for a ride-along and we enjoyed our morning drives to work more than ever as Mark regaled us with tale after tale of growing up comedically Catholic in St. John's in the 80s. We delighted in the Coming of Age stories chronicling a creative childhood in isolation on the outskirts of St. John's, the awkward integration into the school system, fumbling attempts at winning friends and first love, and those painful, yet entertaining moments of just trying to fit in. Critch shares his willing and his unwitting loss of innocence stories that are alternately hilarious and poignant. Particularly funny are his stories of his relationship with his parents as he tries to find his feet as a child and adolescent - his characterization of them is rich, rife with comedy but touchingly respectful; Mark's vocal impression of them is hysterical and we have been doing impressions of them around our house ever since, especially his father's exasperated and guttural pet phrase, "Good God!" Throughout, Critch's memoir is a great listening experience, the writing is witty and humourous with poignant moments woven in, with deft delivery by the consummate comedian himself. Well done, Mark Critch!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Amazing listen!

Great story and a delightful tribute to his home, his parents and his island. Wonderful.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely hilarious!!

I didn't quite know what to expect when I purchased this book but it's so good! Its heartwarming and hilarious at the same time. Mark Critch is a natural entertainer and soo soo funny!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I adore the Critch family stories!

I was born and raised in BC, the opposite end of the country from the Critch’s. However, in my early 20s I lived in Ft. McMurray and began to meet these wonderful, down to earth people, who had funny accents and self-deprecating humour. The Newfies had exactly the humour I had personally developed as a result of my difficult childhood.

Mark Critch’s book isn’t the kind of book I usually read but I’m so glad I got it! I love Mark’s stories, and I especially love his Mom and Dad. What awesome parents! As I listened to Mark, I laughed and laughed and then with heartfelt love for his parents I cried.

Mark, thank you so much for sharing your stories.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!