📖 Overview
Paul Wells is a prominent Canadian political journalist and author known for his in-depth analysis of Canadian politics and public policy. As a writer for Maclean's magazine and other major publications, he has established himself as one of Canada's leading political commentators.
His book "Right Side Up: The Fall of Paul Martin and the Rise of Stephen Harper's New Conservatism" (2006) provided a detailed examination of Canadian conservative politics and remains an important text on the transformation of Canada's political landscape. In 2013, he published "The Longer I'm Prime Minister: Stephen Harper and Canada," which won the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing and the John W. Dafoe Book Prize.
Wells has received multiple National Magazine Awards and served as political editor at Maclean's magazine. His writing regularly appears in major Canadian newspapers and he frequently contributes political commentary on television and radio broadcasts.
Beyond his journalism work, Wells is also known for his expertise in jazz music and has written extensively on cultural subjects for various publications. His analytical approach combines detailed political reporting with broader cultural and historical context to explain Canadian political developments.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Wells' clear explanations of complex Canadian political dynamics. Many reviews point to his detailed research and insider perspective on Parliament Hill, though some note his writing can be dense for casual readers.
What readers liked:
- Deep knowledge of Canadian politics and key players
- Ability to break down political strategies and motivations
- Historical context that frames current events
- Balanced analysis despite personal political views
What readers disliked:
- Writing style sometimes too academic/insider-focused
- Assumes significant background knowledge of Canadian politics
- Coverage of certain time periods feels rushed
Ratings:
"The Longer I'm Prime Minister"
- Goodreads: 4.1/5 (187 ratings)
- Amazon.ca: 4.3/5 (31 ratings)
"Right Side Up"
- Goodreads: 3.8/5 (46 ratings)
One common reader note: "Makes Canadian politics accessible without oversimplifying." Multiple reviews mention Wells' skill at explaining parliamentary procedures and political relationships that shape policy decisions.
📚 Books by Paul Wells
Right Side Up: The Fall of Paul Martin and the Rise of Stephen Harper's New Conservatism (2006)
An account of Canadian federal politics during 2003-2006, focusing on Paul Martin's brief tenure as Prime Minister and Stephen Harper's path to power.
The Longer I'm Prime Minister: Stephen Harper and Canada (2013) A detailed examination of Stephen Harper's leadership style and governance approach during his time as Prime Minister of Canada.
Inside the NDP War Room: Competing for Credibility in a Federal Election (2017) A first-hand account of the New Democratic Party's 2015 federal election campaign and its strategic operations.
Where Did You Go, Joe DiMaggio?: A Story About Fame and Baseball (2000) A biographical study of Joe DiMaggio's life and cultural impact on American society.
The Wizard Of Us: Finding Brain, Heart, And Courage In The Modern World (2001) An analysis of modern politics and society using "The Wizard of Oz" as a metaphorical framework.
The Longer I'm Prime Minister: Stephen Harper and Canada (2013) A detailed examination of Stephen Harper's leadership style and governance approach during his time as Prime Minister of Canada.
Inside the NDP War Room: Competing for Credibility in a Federal Election (2017) A first-hand account of the New Democratic Party's 2015 federal election campaign and its strategic operations.
Where Did You Go, Joe DiMaggio?: A Story About Fame and Baseball (2000) A biographical study of Joe DiMaggio's life and cultural impact on American society.
The Wizard Of Us: Finding Brain, Heart, And Courage In The Modern World (2001) An analysis of modern politics and society using "The Wizard of Oz" as a metaphorical framework.
👥 Similar authors
Malcolm Gladwell writes about social science, psychology, and cultural phenomena through a mix of research and storytelling. His work shares Wells' focus on explaining complex ideas through accessible narratives.
Christopher Wren covers Canadian politics and policy with detailed analysis of Ottawa's power structures. His writing style combines insider knowledge with investigative reporting similar to Wells' approach.
Susan Delacourt examines Canadian political history and policy through long-form journalism and books. She documents the relationships between media, politics and public opinion in the same sphere as Wells.
Jeffrey Simpson reports on Canadian national affairs with emphasis on federal politics and policy development. His work provides historical context and behind-the-scenes insights comparable to Wells' political analysis.
Lawrence Martin chronicles Canadian political leaders and power dynamics through biography and commentary. His examination of political personalities and institutions parallels Wells' focus on how Canadian democracy functions.
Christopher Wren covers Canadian politics and policy with detailed analysis of Ottawa's power structures. His writing style combines insider knowledge with investigative reporting similar to Wells' approach.
Susan Delacourt examines Canadian political history and policy through long-form journalism and books. She documents the relationships between media, politics and public opinion in the same sphere as Wells.
Jeffrey Simpson reports on Canadian national affairs with emphasis on federal politics and policy development. His work provides historical context and behind-the-scenes insights comparable to Wells' political analysis.
Lawrence Martin chronicles Canadian political leaders and power dynamics through biography and commentary. His examination of political personalities and institutions parallels Wells' focus on how Canadian democracy functions.