What makes Canada… Canada? This is what Neil Pasricha explores in his new book, Canada is Awesome — a love letter and guidebook to the people, places, and peculiarities that make Canada unique.

The bestselling author of The Book of Awesome, Neil’s new book is a passion project that has been chasing him for over a decade. It began as a 1000-word blog post in 2012 on his award-winning blog, 1000 Awesome Things; turned into a 5000 word Audible Original audiobook in 2017; and is now a 10,000-word physical book that he’s offering for free on his website.

From celebrating Canadian icons such as Terry Fox and Heritage Minutes to highlighting our love of ketchup chips, Coffee Crisps, and Ananas from Téléfrançais!, Neil describes this as “a book about all the weird, wonderful, beautiful things that make Canada… Canada.” Learn more about it in our Q&A below with Neil.

Celebrating Canada

Speakers Spotlight: Why was it important to you to write about happiness from the “country” angle and celebrate Canada in a book form? What inspired this creative endeavour?

Neil Pasricha: Elon Musk! Ha, but it’s true. Back in February, he tweeted “Canada is not a real country” and I just had this visceral reaction.

I grew up with my immigrant dad telling my sister and me to never forget how lucky we are to be here. I knew I wanted to take that energy and turn it into a little book. 

This 78-page book is my attempt to articulate what Canada means — and what it represents. Or, if you wanted, my lengthy Twitter reply. 

Developing a Gratitude Mindset

SpSp: You have become synonymous in Canada with gratitude and positivity. How did you develop this worldview?

NP: My dad was born in 1944 in a small village in Punjab, India. He was raised by his dad after his mom died when he was three. He shared one bedroom growing up with his four siblings and they bought an egg once a week. 

He worked hard to become a physics teacher and moved to Oshawa, Ontario in 1966. He would marvel at snow, at the little stickers on bananas, at … everything. I grew up under his childlike sense of immigrant wonder. I hope I have a fraction of it today. 

Favourite Stories and Discoveries

SpSp: What was your favourite story to share and why was it important for you to share it in this book?

NP: I went deep on a lot of things to write this! Did you know Canada is the most educated country in the world? I didn’t! I can’t believe I didn’t know that. The global average for “tertiary” education — i.e., completing a degree or diploma after primary and secondary education is done — is 6%. 

6% of people globally have degree or a diploma after high school. What about Japan? They are #2 in the world with a lofty 56%. And what about Canada? We are 63%! 

We never talk about this. Why not? Well, I go deep on our values, too. And on Terry Fox. And Kraft Dinner. And Heritage Minutes. And… so many things. 

A Growing Passion Project

SpSp: Where did the source or root of this book come from? And why are you releasing it for free? 

NP: It actually started back when The Book of Awesome came out. I wrote a 1000-word essay about Canada when I was writing awesome things. (Which, btw, I still do every night!) 

So, I posted it online. It got comments. I moved on. It was a blog post. That’s what we did.  

Then before the pandemic I expanded that essay into a 5000-word audiobook. I posted it online. It got downloads. I moved on. 

And now, in 2025, I’ve expanded it again — into a 10,000 word, 78-page book. 

And why free?

Well, I’ve been lucky. Very lucky. I’ve been given a lot. I don’t have the burden of trying to scrape a buck off a book about national pride. Plus, you know, I wanted the book to feel… Canadian. To have that vibe I remember fondly of unlimited free ice cream cups and crispy hot dogs and giant fireworks down at Lakeview Park in Oshawa on Canada Day. 

So, I posted the full book on my blog. It’s free in HTML, PDF, and YouTube. And I take no royalties on the hardcover or paperback.

We hold the door for each other. We stop and check in on each other. We’re Canadian. 

A Harvard MBA, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning blogger, and one of the most popular TED speakers in the world, Neil Pasricha is “a pied piper of happiness” who dazzles audiences with ideas and simple tools that skyrocket organizational happiness and engagement. 

Contact us to learn more about Neil and what he can bring to your next event.