Memoir of a kid growing up in extreme poverty in rural Newfoundland, his many health problems, his fucked up family, and absolutely everyone's refusal to accept social services of any kind. (And yes, I get that social services are very flawed and classist, but also the kid nearly died multiple times!)

I want to go back in time and tell this guy's parents about communism. (And, possibly, AA.)

This got the Stephen Leacock Medal for humour, and I think that was largely based on the kid's grandma's amazing Newfie turns of phrase ("You're just about fast enough to catch your death, but not any faster.") Otherwise, it's wall to wall substance abuse, illness and bullying, with occasional nice scenes with the grandma. Very bleak, even for CanLit.

(And now I feel mean for dissing this guy's actual childhood.)