The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

With four Netflix specials and a late-night show to her name, Taylor Tomlinson has comedy figured out. But something she had never done before, was write a book. The comedian just released an essay collection called Actually, Nevermind, all about how people are allowed to change their minds. In the book, she lets us into her brain, discussing everything from love to religion, personal stories and mental health. She takes us back to a time when she thought she was destined to be a writer, and when Junie B. Jones taught her to be funny. A lifelong reader, she joins The Next Chapter to talk about her favourite books and what it meant to write her own.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Junie B. Jones series by Barbara ParkBird by Bird by Anne LamottStation Eleven by Emily St. John MandelBossypants by Tina FeyLiked this conversation? Keep listening:The books that made Andrew Phung fall in love with storytellingWhat books drew Brendan Fraser to storytelling?Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Chelsea Vowel is a lawyer, teacher and writer. 10 years ago, she published her influential book Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Metis and Inuit issues in Canada. Chelsea joins the show to talk about the newly released 10th anniversary edition, which continues the groundbreaking conversation. Plus, novelist and playwright Anosh Irani talks about the process of adapting Rohinton Mistry’s novel A Fine Balance for the stage at Crow's Theatre in Toronto.Books discussed on this week's show include:Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Metis and Inuit issues in Canada by Chelsea VowelA Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry Liked this conversation? Keep listening:Why books serve a vital role in Truth and ReconciliationWhat does it mean to be a Bad Indian?Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

For our team of producers at CBC Books, fall reading starts in spring when publisher catalogues and look-aheads arrive at the office. Ailey Yamamoto, Ashly July and Lisa Mathews have been reading fall books for months, and join the show to recommend the title they think should make the top of your reading list. Plus, Polaris Prize nominated musician Charlotte Cornfield talks about her musical journey and what she’s been reading. Books discussed on this week's show include:We Are Underlings by Doretta LauOpioids and Organs by Arizona O'NeillThe Wild Beneath by Kelly AndersonThese Songs I Know by Heart by Erin BrubacherLiked this conversation? Keep listening:Fall book recs? Take it from usWhat might surprise you about Margaret Atwood’s new memoirCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

After cleaning up at the Canadian Screen Awards in May, North of North returns for season two with nine awards under its belt including Best Comedy Series. In this episode, co-stars Anna Lambe and Maika Harper join the show to talk about the series, the stories it tells and the role books and reading play in their busy lives. Plus, author Ashley Audrain opens up about her novel The Push being named by the New York Times as one of the top 50 thriller novels of the 21st century. Books discussed on this week's show include:A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon JamesThe First Peoples by Maika HarperThou Shalt Do No Murder by Kenn HarperThe Jakarta Method by Vincent BevinsA Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon JamesGone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Death of Us by Abigail DeanLiked this conversation? Keep listening:How Amanda Brugel manifested her role in The Handmaid’s TaleThe books that made Andrew Phung fall in love with storytellingCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

The Odyssey, both the movie and Homer’s epic poem, was at the top of the pop culture zeitgeist this summer. The sudden resurgence leads to the question: What is it about the Greeks, their myths and their philosophies that sticks with us? To dive into this topic, we sit down with writer, actor and classic enthusiast Kudakwashe Rutendo to discuss the staying power of these stories, and share her less than warm review of The Odyssey. Plus, Montreal-based musician Edwin Raphael talks about his music and why he wants to read more this year.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Odyssey by HomerThe Odyssey by Emily WilsonSon of Nobody by Yann MartelThe Hungry Tide by Amitav GhoshLiked this conversation? Keep listening:Are book bans actually effective in a digital age?The youngest Canada Reads contestant is now a Disney star: Here’s what she’s reading nowCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks