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?