Jean-Philippe Baril Guérard is an actor and writer who lives in Montreal. He is the author of four novels: Sports et divertissements (published in English as Sports and Pastimes), Royal (winner of the Prix littéraire des collégien·ne·s), Manuel de la vie sauvage (which was translated into Spanish), and Haute démolition (You Crushed It). He also co-wrote Les Cicatrisés de Saint-Sauvignac with three other writers. Several of his books have been adapted for the stage and television, and he also writes for the stage and screen.
“Heartache, psychic tailspins, so-hip-it-hurts scenesters, and the pursuit of the ever-elusive punchline … all the makings of a future classic. Baril Guérard and Smith are a literary pairing destined for greatness.” –Jean Marc Ah-Sen (Kilworthy Tanner)
With the caustic daring of Bret Easton Ellis and the offbeat, psychological insight of Douglas Coupland, You Crushed It is a captivating exploration of love and the corroding nature of power in creative industries.
Raph Massi is crushing it. A young up-and-coming comedian, he’s successfully navigating the internal cosmos of the stand-up industry and burying long-borne insecurities with each successful gig. He does so with the support of his girlfriend, Laurie, who narrates the book, sharing their sensual, mundane moments of new love and the creative collaborations that follow.
But, when Laurie dumps him, Raph’s heartbreak metastasizes into paranoia, cruelty, and a path that is as lonely as it is destructive. Baril Guérard shares an exacting portrayal of the innermost thoughts we hide from the world and from ourselves. The result is a devastating critique of the soft underbelly of toxic masculinity and the complicated ferocity of those who protect it.
You Crushed It is an eminently readable, witty reflection on artistic prowess, community, and the intoxication of success.
Starring Jean-Philippe Baril Guérard & Neil Smith
Starring Holly Brickley, Gabrielle Hamilton, Jean-Philippe Baril Guérard, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Paul Myers, Terry O’Reilly & Andrew Phung. Hosted by Pam Rocker
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
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