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Looking for your next great read? The Next Chapter’s got you covered! Book lovers join host Antonio Michael Downing to dive deep into great books. Big feelings, hot takes, enlightening conversations — you’ve never been in a book club like this before. It’s Canada’s book club, and everyone’s invited. So pull up a chair and join the conversation. Airs Saturdays and Mondays on CBC Radio.
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1Have you always wanted to write a book of your own? From the outside the publishing industry and writing life can seem mysterious and unattainable. Author and creative writing professor Robert J. Wiersema might be able to help you out. He recommends three books that could take you from wanting to write, to actually doing it. And hear from Liz Crocker, the owner of Halifax bookstore Woozles and her staff picks. Plus our kids' readers talk about their passion for books!Books discussed on this week's show include:The Halifax Explosion by Afua CooperWhen the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones AlwardStory is a State of Mind by Sarah SeleckyWrite Through It: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life by Kate MckeanDear Writer by Maggie SmithMegabat by Anna Humphrey illustrated by Kass ReichThe Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
Morgann Book lives up to every part of her last name. Over the last few years, she has become one of Canada’s biggest book influencers, giving book recommendations and sharing her love for reading online. This year, she added a weekly podcast to her line up called Off the Shelf with Morgann Book. She chats about getting her start on TikTok, and what books currently have her attention. Plus, award-winning musician Debby Friday talks about what she was reading while making her latest album. Books discussed on this week's show include:Project Hail Mary by Andy WeirThe Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector
When Phyllis Webstad was six years old, her brand new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. This moment would go on to inspire Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. In this episode, Phyllis sits down with Métis scholar Kristy McLeod to talk about their new collaboration, Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves. Together, they explore how sharing stories can lead to collective healing and personal transformation. Plus, CBC Books’ Ailey Yamamoto recommends a novel about one character’s dream to become the first Cherokee astronaut.Books discussed on this week's show include:To the Moon and Back by Eliana RamageDecolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves by Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeod They Called Me Number One by Bev SellarsNamwayut by Chief Robert Joseph
Books open doors to better understanding, and for podcaster, speaker and author Patty Krawec they’ve been a way to build bridges and challenge narratives. In this episode, Patty shares the story behind her new book Bad Indians Book Club, and how being a “Bad Indian” means disrupting colonial stories. Also on The Next Chapter, Billy Riley from the Polaris Prize-nominated band Ribbon Skirt recommends Lany by Max Porter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Bad Indians Book Club by Patty KrawecLany by Max Porter
XO Kitty actor Anna Cathcart has always been drawn to great stories. In fact, reading played a big part in leading to her breakout Netflix role. She shares what it was like voicing the lead character in the new audible series Middlebridge Mysteries, and how she balanced her life as UBC student and television star. Also on The Next Chapter, how Bee Quammie’s refusal to be called a role model has impacted the life of influencer and columnist Mirian Njoh. And hear from Pierre-Luc Gratton from the Polaris Prize nominated band Population II on one book he can’t get enough of.
Fall may have just arrived on the calendar, but our expert reading panel has been deep in autumn reads for months. The lineup composed of CBC Books producers Talia Kliot, Bridget Raymundo and Ashly July convenes to recommend one book that Canadians should read this season, ranging from nuanced literary fiction, F1 romance and a nostalgic graphic novel.
Ken Dryden lived a big life. He was a six-time Stanley Cup Champion, a lawyer, politician, businessman and a best-selling author. Dave Bidini talks about the man behind the mask, and the sports classic The Game. Plus, listen to the multifaceted Hall of Famer answer the Proust Questionnaire recorded in 2024.
Denise Mina didn’t learn to read until she was about nine, and it wasn’t until her late teens that books really hooked her. But once they did, there was no looking back. Today, Denise has become one of Scotland's most prolific mystery writers. She shares some of the most influential books in her life, and discusses her latest crime novel.Books discussed on this week's show include:Heart of a Dog by Mikhail BulgakovCan’t we talk about something More Pleasant? by Roz ChastThe American Civil War by John KeeganNic Cage: Actor For Hire by Raechel Leigh CarterThe Good Liar by Denise Mina
Celebrity chef Michael Smith shares what books have left their mark on his life, both in and out of the kitchen, and offers a glimpse into what it’s like running a one-of-a-kind interactive luxury restaurant in Prince Edward Island. Plus Antonio Michael catches up with Olympic champion Maggie MacNeil about her summer reading.Books discussed on this week's show include:Wood, Fire & Smoke by Michael SmithHawaii by James A. MichenerOn Food & Cooking by Harold McGeeThe Joy of Cooking by Irma S. RombauerBarkSkins by Annie ProulxMeet Me at the Lake by Carley FortuneA Friend in the Dark by Samantha M. BaileyHello, Juliet by Samantha M. Bailey
Have you ever been so passionate about a book that you needed to track down the author to their source? Antonio Michael Downing and Bridget Raymundo sit down to discuss literary pilgrimages. Antonio Michael recounts his journey to Dublin to walk in the shoes of James Joyce’s Ulysses, and Bridget shares what it was like to visit the home of Emily Dickinson.Books discussed on this week's show include:Ulysses by James JoyceOne Sister have I in our house by Emily Dickinson
Author and psychotherapist Farzana Doctor shares the books that helped shape her as a person and as a writer; explore the unknown with these speculative fiction recommendations; Danzy Senna opens up about her novel and GMA Book Club pick Colored Television; Nashlyn Lloyd on taking inspiration from The Creative Act by Rick Rubin; and the one book Jean Mills loves to re-read on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Aurat Durbar: Writings by Women of South Asian Origin edited by Fauzia RafiqueGod Loves Hair by Vivek ShrayaMullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the Daudi Bohras by Jonah BlankThe Marrow Thieves by Cherie DimalineInfinite Audition by Charlie PetchThe Creative Act by Rick RubenThe Shell Seekers by Rosamunde PilcherAutopsy of a Boring Wife by Marie-Renee LavoieThree by DA MishaniSee Now Then by Jamaica KinkaidHum by Helen PhillipsGirlfriend on Mars by Deborah WillisMoon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice
Author Zoe Whittall, writer of acclaimed literature and screenplays, breaks down her life in books; Steven Beattie recommends three “funny-yet-serious” books; musician Jordan Astra dishes on funk music and Nike sneakers; and Dawson’s Creek legend and current star of Oracle 3: Murder at the Grandview shares what he’s reading on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Passion by Jeannette WintersonHeroine by Gail ScottRat Bohemia by Sarah SchulmanThe Argonauts by Maggie NelsonShoe Dog by Phil KnightAnimal Farm by Geroge OrwellNot a River by Selva AlmadaThe List by Yomi AdegokeReally Good, Actually by Monica HeiseyThe Sellout by Paul BeattyThe Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence SterneOracle 3: Murder at the Grandview by Andrew Pyper
Nathan Maharaj and Christine Estima join The Next Chapter’s summer book panel to start the season with some reading recommendations; Eliza Reid shares the most influential books in her life; and acclaimed writer Michelle Good answers the Proust Questionnaire on this episode of The Next Chapter.
Bee Quammie and Lucy Mann join the kids’ book panel to give some of their hottest summer recommendations for young readers; the acclaimed Canadian writer and journalist reflects on the books that have left a lasting imprint on her mind and heart; and why music is medicine to country singer Ashley Ghostkeeper on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Bob the Boo-Boo by Mélina Schoenborn, illustrated by Sandra DumaisMeet Me on Love Street by Farah HeronMallory and the Trouble with Twins by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Arley NopraRaven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Daniel RamirezFree Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney GardnerThe Forest King's Daughter by Elly BlakeMargaret’s New Look by Katherine AshenburgChristian Dior: History and Modernity, 1947 - 1957 by Alexandra PalmerLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottA Christmas Carol by Charles DickensSwamp Angel by Ethel WilsonThe Beginning of Spring by Penelope FitzgeraldRiver East, River West by Aube Rey LescureYou Are the Medicine by Asha Frost
The Cape Breton author and illustrator shares what books have been the most influential to in her life as a person and creative; Angel Misri and Sam Wiebe join the mystery panel to give their recommendations; how Flara K finds songwriting inspiration in novels; and the romance writer who runs a cake shop on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate BeatonThe Making of the English Working Class by E.P. ThompsonThe Lost Salt Gift of Blood by Alistair MacLeod1066 And All That by R.J. Yeatman and W.C. SellarAnne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud MontgomeryBluenose Ghosts by Helen CreightonThe Seven Year Slip by Ashley PostonContemplation of a Crime by Susan JubyDetective Aunty by Uzma JalaluddinThe Silent Film Star Murders by Melodie CampbellBeen Wrong So Long It Feels Like Right by Walter MosleyFair Play by Louise HegartDirty Little War by Dietrich KalteisSay You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Brian Francis answers the question of what is a guilty pleasure and gives a book pick to match a few of his favourites; Mirian Njoh talks about Christian Allaire’s book and his journey from Nipissing First Nation to the pages of Vogue; Susan Swan, author of Big Girls Don’t Cry, answers the Proust Questionnaire; and Amanda Leduc on why her protagonists are talking coyotes on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Big Girls Don’t Cry by Susan SwanPaperbacks from Hell by Grady HendrixThe Donut: A Canadian History by Steve PenfoldCue the Sun! by Emily NussbaumFrom the Rez to the Runway by Christian AllaireWild Life by Amanda LeducAnd Then She Fell by Alicia EliottNot Wanted on the Voyage by Timothy FindelyThe White Bone by Barbara Gowdy
The Juno Award-winning musician thought he could write a book, so he did. In Try Hard, Max Kerman gets into the nuts and bolts of building a musical career; from a “Victorian Psycho” to a family of cannibals, Montreal-based multidisciplinary artist Arizona O’Neill shares her favourite horror titles; and three “must-read” historical novels about women artists on this episode of The Next Chapter.
Prolific Winnipeg-based author, editorial director and hockey dad David A. Robertson breaks down the books that have left a permanent mark on his life; CBC Books’ historical fiction savant Talia Kliot recommends three novels that transport you to another time; musician Matt Holubowski on finding stillness through Silence in the Age of Noise; what’s the first book Sarah Leavitt remembers reading; and CBC Books producer and former book seller Bridget Raymundo recommends a staff pick on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:All the Little Monsters by David A. RobertsonNine Stories by J.D. SalingerHow to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale CarnegieSwing Low by Miriam ToewsTom's Midnight Garden by Phillippa PearceAn Anthology of Monsters by Cherie DimalineSilence in the Age of Noise by Erling KaggeThe Paris Express by Emma DonoghueFinding Flora by Elinor FlorenceThe Immortal Woman by Su ChangThe River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
How the creator of the bestselling Molly the Maid series went from publisher to author; Bee Quammie talks about feeling stuck in life to writing The Book of Possibilities; Reading while on The Road with Customer Services’ Matt Cheverie; and what perfect happiness means to writer Curtis Sittenfeld on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Maid’s Secret by Nita ProseEleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail HoneymanWhere I Belong by Alan DoyleEmancipation Day by Wayne GradyLittle Cruelties by Liz NugentThe Road by Cormac MccarthyThe Book of Possibilities by Bee QuammieFalling Back in Love with Being Human by Kai Cheng ThomA Letter to My Daughter by Maya AngelouShow Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld
Author and ultimate hockey mom Amy Stuart recommends three mystery reads she couldn't put down; The former NBA player and fan favourite talks about his debut memoir; author Scaachi Koul reflects on calling people ‘dog’ too much; and Talia Kliot gives her CBC Books staff pick on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom RyanBluebird, Bluebird by Attica LockeThe Hunter by Tana FrenchSucker Punch by Scaachi KoulR.O.L.E. Player by Jerome WilliamsThe Soccer of Success by Ciarán McArdleThe Science of Self-Discipline by Peter HollinsJulie Chan is Dead by Liann ZhangHome and Away by Amy Stuart and Mats Sundin
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