Book Me

Author Leo McKay Jr. joins Lindsay to discuss What Comes Echoing Back, his poignant new coming-of-age novel, 10 years in the making. He shares how his experiences as a teacher and father helped him to feel at home writing about teens; how he crafted a tender friendship between protagonists, Sam and Robot, amidst balancing their respective traumas; how social media impacts young people; and the mystic quality of reverb and how echoes can bring waves of pain and joy, in both music and life.  

The dog days are NOT over. They are here. They are hot. And they are humid. So, it's only fitting Lindsay and Amanda bring you some summer lit recs straight from their own TBR lists. Both mood readers, they've got an eclectic mix of thrillers, beach (or deck) reads, non-fiction, and naturally, some East Coast must-reads including a charming fish-out-of-water story set in Cape Breton; a heart-wrenching drama following the experiences of two women, an IVF mixup and the one daughter they are both fighting for; and a coming-of-age novel about two teen outcasts who bond amidst echoes of past trauma. Get ready to add to the pile!

When memory is gone, what is left behind? Award winning author, Susan Sinnott, joins us from her home in Newfoundland to chat about her recent novel, The Remembering. The book—which Lindsay gives five enthusiastic stars—follows three generations of Newfoundland women as they navigate the triumphs and difficulties of life and explores how memory—in its many forms—impacts our lives. Susan shares a bit about her writing process and how she creates "mountains of backstory" for her characters, why she chose to explore themes of dementia and memory, what types of books she thinks her characters would read and more.  About The Remembering: Some memories are treasured, re-read like a favourite book. Some are traumatic and won’t stay buried. But memories can be unreliable, can fade and mutate. They affect our actions and choices.Memories of a happy marriage comfort Liz through widowhood, while flashbacks to a devastating sexual assault overwhelm her youngest daughter, Eve. Her middle daughter, Carlie, is building a new life in another country but longing for home is pulling her back, while Ginny, the eldest, takes on everyone?s problems as her own. Eve’s daughter, Rosie, remembers nothing of her absent father and yearns to track him down against her family’s wishes.Then Liz is diagnosed with dementia, and the family’s resilience is tested as the matriarch begins to falter. If life is all memory, what is left when it’s gone?Memory is at the core of all these women’s lives: elusive, intrusive, helpful or misleading. What’s revealed is a story about the struggle to maintain a sense of family, home, and self, amidst all life can throw at you.

Nimbus Publishing's Managing Editor, Whitney Moran, is back with a brand new list of expert book recs. And this time, it's all about the backlist. An ode to the beautiful books that become buried in "best of" lists and TBR piles once the shiny new thing emerges on scene, Whitney shares some of her favourite backlist titles from Vagrant Press (Nimbus' adult fiction imprint) and their mainstream comps to help you discover the must read books you may have missed the first time 'round.

Becca Babcock joins Lindsay to give a behind the scenes glimpse into her writing process and the inspirations behind her compelling and timely new novel, Some There are Fearless. Hear how she drew inspiration from her own experiences coming-of-age in military driven Cold Lake, how she works to craft deeply human characters and immersive settings, and her approach to writing engineering in a way that makes it appealing to all readers. Plus, Lindsay and Becca dive into many of the novel's themes including the complexities of motherhood and its parallels to working with nuclear energy—volatility, managing risk, mitigating disaster, the obsessive need for control and inevitably, powerlessness.   About Some There are Fearless: Jessica Manchaky’s life has been shaped by the threat of nuclear disaster. She’s a child when she hears news of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and the disappearance of Ukrainian relatives, growing up on a northern Alberta military base during the Cold War. From that moment on, all she wants is to keep danger at bay.But living in a household with a domineering and volatile mother and a rebellious older brother in isolated Cold Lake, Alberta, Jessica never feels fully safe. When she comes of age, she leaves her suffocating small town for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she meets her future husband and eventually becomes a nuclear engineer in charge of risk assessment and management at nuclear power plants. But even as she shields the world from nuclear disaster, she is constantly facing personal tragedies—like a strained marriage, a misogynistic workplace, and severe postpartum anxiety—that she never quite manages to predict. When her young daughter is afflicted with a mysterious and potentially deadly illness, Jessica must learn to accept that not all risk can be managed.Beginning with the threat of the Cold War and the ripple effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and punctuated by other disasters both natural and manmade, Some There Are Fearless is an intimate and vulnerable exploration of the thin line between control and chaos from the author of the “terrific debut” (Globe and Mail) One Who Has Been Here Before.

Lindsay and Amanda (Book Me's Producer) dive into one of their favourite topics, children's books. They chat about the types of books that shaped them as children and the best local picture books to add to your library today. Plus Lindsay shares her tips on how to cultivate a bookworm providing real steps you can take to instill a love of reading within the littles in your life. AND our favourite correspondent, Nina, gives a young person's perspective on what makes a great book.

Journalist and Photographer, Jack Scrine, joins Lindsay remotely to chat about his book HALIfolks: The Faces and Stories of Halifax, a compilation of stories and images from his popular blog/social media project of the same name. He shares his inspiration for the project, his tactics for approaching strangers and helping them to open up, the responsibility of being entrusted with people's intimate stories, and how those stories evolve over time. About Halifolks: In the early 2010s, Australian Jack Scrine found himself in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with plenty of travel experience but little more than a camera to his name. As he wandered the city, he started to capture images that documented the eclectic, the unusual, and the everyday lives of the people around him. A fan of Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, Scrine realized there were similar stories of love and loss, happiness and sadness, friends and enemies, and embarrassments and triumphs all around him—and Halifolks was born, first as a blog, then as a Facebook page, and now, for the first time, as a book. Featuring 150 captivating colour images of Haligonians, both famous and obscure, Halifolks: The Faces and Stories of Halifax highlights stories that cut to the heart with truth, simplicity, and honesty. It’s not every day we are confronted with questions like: When were you happiest? What is your greatest struggle? What is your biggest regret? The answers can be tragic, uplifting, and even funny—but ultimately, they are always healing.

Whitney Moran, Managing Editor of Nimbus Publishing and Vagrant Press, joins Lindsay to give a peak behind the editing scenes and share a whole host of expert book recommendations. Hear her break down some of her favourite recent reads and the comparable East Coast CanLit books you don't want to sleep on. From social outcasts and renaissance Italy to non self help books that nevertheless help the self, this one is chockablock with editor approved TBR gems, including some last season books you may have missed and forthcoming releases to preorder now.

Lindsay is joined by multi-award nominated, bestselling author, Jo Treggiari, to discuss her exciting new YA thriller, Heartbreak Homes. Jo breaks down multi-perspective writing, character development that feels 'close to truth', crafting a satisfying mystery, the importance of giving Queer characters a happy ending—and more. A gripping locked-door YA murder mystery narrated from the perspectives of three teens—each with their own motivations, Heartbreak Homes is about what compels us to kill - and the true face of justice.

Author, musician and teacher, Jennifer Britton, sits down with Lindsay to chat about her lyrical lullaby book, If You Could be Anything, illustrated by Briana Corr Scott. Jen talks about the process of creating the book, a career high moment with Stuart McLean, the value of kidlit, and that East Coast pull that whispers, “home.” Plus, hear the lullaby version of the book AND another special appearance from Lindsay’s daughter, Nina, who may or may not be vying for her mom’s gig. If You Could be Anything is a lyrical lullaby from educator and musician Jen Britton, with illustrations by celebrated artist Briana Corr Scott (Mermaid Lullaby, Wildflower) asks young readers, If you could be anything, what would you be? Responses run the gamut from lupins to sea glass to a lighthouse shining bright to the pull of the tides, celebrating the abundant natural and cultural landscapes of the East Coast. With gentle, rhyming text and dreamy oil illustrations, If You Could Be Anything is the perfect story to send little ones off to dreamland, and older ones off on new adventures.

In this week’s episode, Lindsay's ex-work wife (settlement pending) and multi-hyphenate of the Halifax arts scene, Tara Thorne, stops by to chat about her debut book of essays, Low Road Forever. Giggles and tangents abound as they riff on essay topics both pop culture and personal. A League of Their Own, Hollywood juicing conspiracy theories, making a lesbian vigilante revenge film, going from fired to inspired—it’s all in there. CW: Adult Language. A self-proclaimed “gay feminist harpy since before it was cool,” Tara Thorne is situated somewhere between the sharp-eyed urban commentary of Nora Ephron and ribald cultural analysis of Lindy West. In her debut book of essays, the Halifax-based filmmaker, arts critic, and recovering journalist gives readers her unvarnished take on the films and music that made her a feminist, how the #MeToo reckoning led her to write a misandrist vigilante film, what it’s like being the only woman in a band, and the snarky tweet that made her lose her position as CBC Radio’s arts and culture columnist. Alongside are musings on coming out later in life, remaining resolutely child-free, and why she’s decided to step back from being professional to the point of erasure: after two decades, it’s time to take the low road. With the cranky forthrightness of Fran Lebowitz in, Pretend It’s a City, Thorne’s voice is both self-assured and deeply self-effacing as she exposes the light haze of misogyny that hangs over us all to find what’s funny, what’s true, and what needs to be said.

Katherine Alexandra Harvey shares the process of creating her piercing debut novel, Quiet Time, a project six years in the making. She touches on the importance of dichotomous characters, the lure of folklore, and what it was like to draw from her own journey of pain and self discovery—creating and healing in tandem—and inevitably, to let it all go. “Quiet Time” is an unchronological coming-of-age story detailing the main character, Grace's, journey to find her voice after a lifetime of being silenced. Told through vivid and mesmerizing vignettes—cut-jagged with themes of addiction, mental illness, the supernatural, and obsessive relationships—it is her story of resilience, bravery, and redemption.

What do Mr. Solids, arson, a dog futon, a cloven hoofed woman and bingo have in common? The Cape Breton Kardashians, Tracy and Martina, of course. The dynamic duo popped by the studio, on their way to the legion, to chat about their new book, It's Tracy & Martina, Hun. And all it took was a magnum of strawberry wine! Hold on tight, these two bar stars get into everything from the treasures—and etiquette—of heavy garbage day, how to hack Halloween, Cape Breton tourist attractions that are literal fire, how to parent the right way, and more.  Meet Tracy and Martina—two Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, gals who love a cig, a drink, and a healthy dose of drama—not necessarily in that order. Their mission: to introduce you to life as they know it on “the Island”: from meat darts and shootin’ the drag to their comprehensive Cape Breton Food Guide (where funeral sandwiches and double-doubles play featuring roles). Featuring full-colour “ads” and dozens of photos and graphics (including their exclusive Heavy Garbage Crossword), "It’s Tracy & Martina, Hun: A Guide to Cape Breton Livin'" is a treat for mainlanders and Capers alike.

The Honourable Don Oliver, former Canadian Senator, lawyer, outspoken social activist, farmer, musician, chef, author, teacher—and the list goes on—joins Lindsay to discuss his autobiography, A Matter of Equality. Don shares his wisdom and some stories from the book including his experiences growing up in the only Black family in Wolfville, Nova Scotia in the 1940s and 50s; the greatness encoded in his DNA; his love of cooking and how he uses it to give back; his unique perspective as a Black man working within the system to fight for equality in Canada; and his hopes for the country's future.  Donald Oliver has dedicated his life to rooting out the systemic racism that has stalled the growth of Canada’s Black citizens – his work a testament to the truth that Black Lives Matter. Now, through dozens of black and white and colour images, and thorough intimate, personal reflections, A Matter of Equality: The Life's Work of Senator Don Oliver examines the legacy of the first man, and the second Canadian, to bring the Black experience directly to the upper house.

A lovely little chat about The Lonely Little Lighthouse, a heartwarming and thought provoking new picture book from author Lana Shupe. In this episode, Lindsay and Lana connect on their shared love of lighthouses, the importance of preservation, the power of community and the limitless potential of children. PLUS Lindsay's five-year-old daughter, Nina, makes a special appearance to share her own thoughts on the book—and brighten your day! Based on the true story of Nova Scotia’s Sandy Point Lighthouse, The Lonely Little Lighthouse follows the inspiring journey of a neglected lighthouse and the small coastal community that rallies to save her. Featuring a history of lighthouses from construction through to current preservation efforts and vibrant artwork from Maritime artist Marla Lesage, this penetrating picture book makes a beautiful addition to any shelf. 

Award winning author and photographer, Nicola Davison, joins Lindsay to chat about her beautiful new novel Decoding Dot Grey. They touch on everything from writing quirky and unique characters—including those with wings and tails—to challenging themes, the importance of morse code in the story and more. A great read—and listen—for anyone who is growing, or grown, and finding their place in the world. A heartfelt coming-of-age story set in an animal shelter and featuring the most-motley of crews—human and otherwise—”Decoding Dot Grey” is a tender and delightful new novel from award winning author of “In the Wake,” Nicola Davison.

Lindsay sits down with Joanne Gallant to discuss her award-winning memoir, A Womb in the Shape of a Heart. The result, a raw, real, and resonant conversation between two women who, though each with their own unique journeys, are bonded in the shared experience of womanhood. Diving into the topics of miscarriage, motherhood, societal expectations, grief, shame, the power of laying bare your pain—and so much more. An important conversation—to have, to hear, and to share. An intimate memoir from bold and brilliant new voice, Joanne Gallant, A Womb in the Shape of a Heart is the immersive story of her journey through miscarriage and motherhood, holding space for the complicated paradoxes of grief and gratitude, of life and death, and the impenetrable depths of a mother’s love.

Do you ever question yourself despite your accomplishments? Feel like an imposter? Well, you're in good company. In this contemplative episode, TV & Journalism powerhouse, Nancy Regan, sits down with Lindsay to chat about her forthcoming release From Showing Off to Showing Up: An Imposter's Journey From Perfect to Present, sharing her wisdom on everything from imposter syndrome and perfectionism to embodied emotions and the practice of presence.  From the former host of Live at 5 and featuring soulful lessons from her conversations with the likes of Oprah and Elizabeth Gilbert, 'From Showing Off to Showing Up' is an intimate memoir and guide to overcoming impostor syndrome, stage fright, perfectionism, and embracing our most authentic selves.

Lindsay chats with Michelle Wamboldt, author of Birth Road, about bringing an idea to fruition; recreating the magic of historical Truro, Nova Scotia; and the woman who inspired it all. Birth Road is an evocative work of historical fiction that travels from rural Nova Scotia to Boston and back again. Told in startling vignettes and with bold, impeccable prose, it's a story of love, lost innocence, and the secrets that so often haunt small places.

Season 8, Episode 10 Long before the phrase "gig economy" was invented, Clary Croft was living it. For more than half a century (and counting) he's made his living in music, theatre, clothing design, writing, and by sharing the archival treasures of Helen Creighton's collection of traditional songs. He told Costas Halavrezos how a charmed childhood in Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia paved the way for his multi-faceted career.