While creating content for others about Canadian music here at GDW remains a passion, I too sometimes need a little escapism, and often turn to a good book for such adventures. A cursory glance at the pile of books on my nightstand (or on Goodreads) would tell you of a strong liking for modern murder-mystery fiction (especially the European variety) – but seeking to close out the last month of 2025 with some quick (lighter) reads, I pulled out a pair of recent finds of the music variety.
The Terri Clark Journals: Phases & Stages
Released back in 2003, I found a ‘like-new’ used copy of Canadian country singer Terri Clark’s debut “Phases & Stages” book in the performing arts section of a local scholarly bookstore recently. Born in Montreal, QC and raised in Medicine Hat, AB, Terri burst onto the mainstream country scene in the mid 1990s as part of what could be described as the Canadian invasion of Nashville – following in the footsteps of Shania Twain, Paul Brandt, Patricia Conroy, and Michelle Wright – and all landing on my listening radar courtesy of CMT Europe when still living in the UK at that time.
Terri Clark’s breakthrough hit singles “Better Things to Do” and “When Boy Meets Girl” earned plenty of CMT and radio airplay, with her music featured on The Nashville Network’s popular “Wildhorse Saloon” television show – with “Emotional Girl” and a cover of Warren Zevon’s (and Linda Ronstadt’s) “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” quickly following suit to further cement her status as a legitimate country music star. No sooner as Terri garnered my attention, she quickly disappeared as my listening pleasures diverted down the Americana path shortly thereafter, so I was surprised (when researching for this review) to learn that she has released over a dozen albums, continues to tour, and has many accolades under her belt – from numerous JUNO awards, Country Music Association awards, and just last week was honored with the prestigious Order of Canada.
My purchase of this randomly found book was likely fueled by a sense of nostalgia, and for just a few bucks, made for a quick read. Composed in a diary format, Terri balances the highs and lows of her music career against her personal life – with a candor often unseen in today’s airbrushed-for-your-protection world, Clark exhibits the strength of will and passion for life that empowers people who love her strong-woman take on how things work in the real world. This snapshot of her life between December 2000 to June 2003 focuses on Terri’s hectic touring schedule, media demands, a yearning for home and family, and her lingering doubts about breaking back into the American mainstream. And while the reader is often left having to fill in some of the blanks between sporadic entries, the narrative flows successfully with this continuous glimpse into the life of a recording artist seeking to keep the wheels turning following her initial success. A fun, yet heartfelt read.
The Smiling Land: All Around The Circle In My Newfoundland And Labrador
Another recent find – this time in Ottawa during our US Thanksgiving week vacation – and the latest in a series of memoirs from popular St. Johns based singer-songwriter Alan Doyle was an easy purchase. Having followed Alan’s career for two decades now – both in music (solo and with Great Big Sea), television (Republic of Doyle) and film (Robin Hood) – his writing reflects his good-natured spirit and humorous personality that continues to endear him to audiences all over the world.
Attend an Alan Doyle concert and you’ll hear many tales about Newfoundland and learn of his passionate roots on Canada’s easternmost province – which forms the narrative for his fourth literary release. Where many successful artists would relocate to Toronto or New York City to support their careers, ever the proud Newfoundlander, Alan continues to call St. Johns home. And in similar fashion to the style of author Bill Bryson, Doyle takes his readers on a road trip around the rock (with his wife Joanne and son Henry along for the ride); introducing us to the vast expanse of this island, and stopping at many historical, cultural, and otherwise interesting places along the way.
Alan Doyle is one of the most genuine people you’ll ever likely meet, and his words leap from the pages like casual conversations between friends. Are you holding a book in your hand, or sharing a coffee with him at his favorite St. Johns pastry shop? Is he making small talk with you on the northern coastline as you observe puffins hurtling from the cliff tops to the water below? Doyle earns your attention with ease, sharing anecdotes about his musical past one moment (because we all know what color Lukey’s boat is, right?), then providing an inside scoop on where to score the best fish and chips in St. Johns, whilst discussing the island’s Viking history and role in the liquor smuggling trade – all delivered in Alan’s own jovial style.
If you missed Alan’s 2024 “Welcome Home” album tour where he shared a tale about Henry informing a visiting craftsman to their home that “dad is just a rock star,” fear not – that story, and many others, are to be found amongst the pages. Another solid offering, and a cracking read! Recommended – one for your home library collection!
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
