This is an enjoyable memoir. Obviously, knowing who the author is helps, so fans of Great Big Sea will really like it. But even if you just want a taste of what it was like growing up in a small fishing town in Newfoundland, this is worth reading. Not surprisingly, there's a lot of humor and Doyle definitely does not take himself seriously. I'm not too into biographies/memoirs, but he's such a good storyteller that I got through this in a few days.

A fun read on the growing up in Newfoundland and learning about the experiences and influences that led to Alan's career and the Great Big Sea. A fabulous story.

Lovely tale, entertaining and occasionally lol

What a pleasurable room through a mostly unfamiliar childhood. Doyle has siblings and other situations that lead to universal antics and experiences, but the fun begins in reading about his particular situation and life in a small town in Nova Scotia.
I want familiar with Doyle as author or musician, but I'm heading to NS and the other Atlantic Provinces on vacation. So, he's geographically relevant. I'm so glad I got his book and listened to some of his albums because it's like having a local's perspective on growing up there.
I just got another of Doyle's books for my next read.

This is a great book. Lots of funny stories told with real affection. Makes me want to go to NFLD!

You must read this if you are a Great Big Sea or Alan Doyle Fan. It is like sitting down for a chat with this icon of the Atlantic Canada music scene. The roots of traditional Newfoundland music and the path that Alan has carried forward to influence his current songwriting. Lots of fun characters along the way! Enjoy!

What's not to love?

I loved this book! I actually listened to the audiobook which I highly recommend so you can get the full effect of Alan's writing. This man is a natural storyteller and I could listen to him talk all day. I love hearing stories of small towns on the East Coast since that's where I'm from. It's always exciting to find the similarities between small communities and their way of living. I love how honest and humble Alan is and how proud he is of his roots. This book was very funny and very refreshing. Read it, you'll love it!

Continuing with my Newfoundland Reads theme, I knew I'd like this book because who doesn't love Alan Doyle from Petty Harbour? I've followed (ahem. fangirled) his career since 2000 (?!) and knew of his reputation for being a straight-up swell guy. Where I Belong cemented that reputation with (sometimes ridiculous) stories of Doyle's relatively charmed boyhood, all framed within his trademark good nature and optimism. I was slightly disappointed that it didn't cover juicy backstage stories from Great Big Sea years (the book ends after Doyle joins Sean McCann for a jam session to form what would be Great Big Sea) but instead, he shares a broader story about how music was really the only career for him. Maybe the book he's releasing this year will pick up where this story left off and dive deep into his rock star years.

I enjoyed reading about his perspective of life in Petty Harbour during the 70's and 80s before the cod fisheries went away. The Protestant/Catholic division in Petty Harbour was interesting (I hope I can visit Herbies someday) - especially how it formed his interest in religious studies (and lower case faith). I expected that I'd love this book because it's a favourite rock star's tell-all, and instead transported to different time and a different place. Isn't that what all great reads do?