Half the Lies You Tell Are Not True
Recitations by Dave Paddon
with illustrations by Duncan Major
The world of Dave Paddon’s recitations is quirky, riotously funny, and utterly unique; a place of tall tales and plain foolishness, where fog is so thick you can use it for cannonballs, and a polar bear hijacks a bingo tournament. Berry pickers turn combatants and the result is a bay full of jam; a local handyman turns doctor and uses the spare parts in his shed to patch up his neighbours.
Half the Lies You Tell Are Not True brings together thirteen recitations long loved by Paddon’s many local fans. Great for older kids and grown-ups alike, this is a wonderful cross-over book. Paddon has been called Newfoundland and Labrador’s Robert Service, and for good reason. His recitations are non-stop fun, fully engaging the verve and tang of the province’s rich language. (The book has a glossary at the back for those from up-along.) These were written to be recited, and readers will surely find themselves reading aloud to family and friends.
Duncan Major’s illustrations capture the energy and wit of the recitations. While this is Major’s first trade publication, he and Paddon have collaborated on several letterpress chapbooks featuring Paddon’s recitations and Major’s artwork; they are a perfect pairing.
Recitations included: "The Fog", "Doctoring", "Dirty Job", "Flying", "Vessels", "Tunnel", "Berries", "Supernan", "Bingo Bear vs Supernan", "Man Cold", "The Weather in Town", "Hockey Night in Labrador", and "Man of La Manche".
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Also available in print
What folks are saying about the print edition
"Dave Paddon’s recitations are that strangest amalgam, creatures that are old fashioned, almost quaint, and at the same time completely contemporary and sharp as a tack. Not to be missed, in person or on the page."
– Michael Crummey, author of Sweetland and Galore
"To the likes of Sam Clemens, Stephen Leacock, and other great humourist of the period, Robert Service must've looked like a featherweight impostor with a head full of rhymes and metre that wouldn't quit. I wonder if that's how Dave will be perceived some day. If history judges him thus, Mr. Service will be in esteemed company indeed."
– Kevin Blackmore, musician, comedian
"It's abundantly clear there's no topic that Paddon can't put his signature twist on."
– Inderjit Deogun, CM Magazine (read the full review)
"Dave Paddon's writing appears to be all crowd-pleasing antics, but like all artistry that seems 'easy,' it's embedded in the most thoughtful and delicate craftsmanship."
– Joan Sullivan, The Telegram (St. John's)
