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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. New episodes every Saturday and Monday.
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1Columnist Mirian Njoh shares what made her fall in love with Flirting Lessons by bestselling author Jasmine Guillory. The buzzy sapphic romance follows two contrasting characters' growing connection in Napa Valley. Plus, Fiona Sauder and Victor Pokinko talk about adapting The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis for the stage at Bad Hats Theatre this holiday season. Books discussed on this week's show include:Flirting Lessons by Jasmine GuilloryThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has become a cultural phenomenon. Pulling from his most embarrassing moments growing up paired with the fun house version of his own family, the journal inspired covers have become a cornerstone of young readers' bookshelves across the world. He talks about his early inspirations, and the 20th installment in the series titled Partypooper. Plus, Jake Charron from The East Pointers shares his fantasy book pick.Books discussed on this week's show include:Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper by Jeff KinneyThe Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Before he won the academy award for best actor, Brendan Fraser was a kid who loved reading captivating stories, the weirder the better. He joins The Next Chapter to share a first look at his new audio series The Downloaded 2: Ghosts in the Machine by Robert J. Sawyer, and talks about what childhood books ignited his creative spark. Plus, a CBC Books producer helps answer the question: what is a cozy read?Books discussed on this week's show include:The Downloaded 2: Ghosts in the Machine by Robert J. SawyerThe Swan by Roald DahlThe Quiet American by Graham GreeneIt’s Different This Time by Joss RichardA Little Holiday Fling by Farah HeronA Season for Spies by Iona Whishaw
You can take the man out of Newfoundland, but you can’t take the Newfoundland out of Alan Doyle…and why would you want to? Fresh off a run of the musical he co-wrote Tell Tale Harbour, the beloved musician, actor and writer joins The Next Chapter to discuss his new book The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador and the stories that have helped shape who he is today.Books discussed on this week's show include:In a Sunburned Country (Down Under) by Bill BrysonThe Game by Ken DrydenSweetland by Micheal Crummey The Story of Bobby O’Malley by Wayne JohnstonThe Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador by Alan Doyle
CBC Books’ Ryan B. Patrick gives his take on Flesh, this year's Booker Prize winner. David Szalay’s buzzy book follows the life of man from adolescence in Hungary to his wealthy middle age in London. Plus, writer Rabindranath Maharaj shares the most influential books in his life.Books discussed on this week's show include:Flesh by David SzalayA Quiet Disappearance by Rabindranath MaharajCoral Island by R. M. BallantyneWatchmen by Alan Moore, illustrated by Dave Gibbons, coloured by John HigginsOne Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García MárquezA House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul
Margaret Atwood’s Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts offers a sharp and funny look at the multifaceted life that shaped one of the most influential Canadian literary voices of our time. Atwood's longtime friend and novelist Susan Swan, along with Margaret’s ‘heir apparent’ Mona Awad join the show to discuss the memoir with Antonio Michael Downing.Books discussed on this week's show include:Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood
No matter where you are, a meal can make you feel at home. Suresh Doss, host of CBC’s culinary show Locals Welcome, shares the cookbooks he keeps in his kitchen, which have helped fuel his lifelong passion. Plus, writer and journalist Phillip Dwight Morgan talks about his mission to read a new poem to his baby daughter everyday.Books discussed on this week's show include:Handmade: Stories of Strength Shared Through Recipes from the Women of Sri Lanka by Nesa and Roberts LiezerSalt Fat Acid Heat” by Samin NosratThe Joy of Cooking” by Irma RombauerDonabe: Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot Cooking by Naoko Takei Moore and Kyle ConnaughtonWild Geese by Mary Oliver
Last month, Green Gables newcomer Antonio Michael Downing attended the inaugural Cavendish Literary Festival in Prince Edward Island. Along the way he met expert Kate Scarth, the chair of the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of P.E.I. After bonding over the classic Canadian tale, they decided to continue their conversation about the legacy of LM Montgomery and Anne Shirley on this week's episode.Books discussed on this week's show include:Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery
Canadian television personality and influencer Jillian Harris describes herself as the “quintessential busy bee”. Since first appearing on The Bachelor she's created her own brand focused on fashion, family and design. She talks about co-writing her children’s book Just Another Perfect Day with her husband Justin Pasutto. Plus, CBC Books' Trevor Carter talks Blue Jays and recommends The Franchise by Keegan Matheson.Books discussed on this week's show include:Just Another Perfect Day by Jillian Harris and Justin Pasutto, Illustrated by Morgan GobleThe Franchise: The Toronto Blue Jays: A Curated History of the Jays by Keegan Matheson
Antonio Michael Downing teaches our expert panel how to “maco," the Trini term for minding other people's business. Talia Kliot, Kudakwashe Rutendo and Nathan Maharaj convene to recommend their favourite Canadian memoirs. Plus, Winnipeg-based musician and emerging star Leith Ross talks about growing up as an avid reader and recommends a book that had a massive impact on their latest record.Books discussed on this week's show include:How to Share an Egg by Bonnie ReichertAll the Little Monsters by David A RobertsonSoft as Bones by Chyana Marie SageElseship: An Unrequited Affair by Tree AbrahamHow to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire CameronIt Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished: A Memoir of My Body by Kate GiesThe Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
For many years Linden Macintyre hosted the iconic investigative program The Fifth Estate. During his time there he wrote The Bishop’s Man, which went on to win the Giller prize. Through his books and journalism, he has captivated Canadian audiences for decades. His most recent book is An Accidental Villain: A Soldier’s Tale of War, Deceit and Exile. He joins the show to talk about the books that have shaped and influenced him into the storyteller he is today.Books discussed on this week's show include:Ulysses by James JoyceThat They May Face the Rising Sun by John McGahern Ill Fares the Land by Tony JudtThe Great War and Modern Memory by Paul FussellAn Accidental Villain: A Soldier’s Tale of War, Deceit and Exile by Linden MacIntyre
Both Horror and Hallowe’en are having a moment. To celebrate the arrival of “spooky season” our columnist JJ Lee shares a couple of horror adjacent novels that will let you in on the fun, without the sleepless nights. Plus, author Matthew R. Morris joins the show to recommend books that celebrate the lost art of conversation and language.Books discussed on this week's show include:Colin Gets Promoted and Dooms the World by Mark WaddellLeave Our Bones Where They Lay by Aviaq JohnstonWhat I Mean to Say by Ian WilliamsLinguaphile by Julie Sedivy
Malala Yousafzai came of age in the public eye. The brutal attack she endured from the Taliban, her advocacy for girls' education and the Nobel Prize she received has kept her in the spotlight since she was a young girl. Her new memoir Finding My Way reveals the messy business of growing up, navigating university life in a new country and fitting in as an international icon. Plus, CBC Books Producer Ashly July gives us his staff pick.Books discussed on this week's show include:Finding My Way by Malala YousefzaiThe Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
Family gatherings have a way of bringing out the dysfunction in all of us. Our columnist and writer Alicia Cox Thomson recommends two wild family dramas to read this fall. Also, CBC Books producer Daphné Santos-Vieira talks about feeling the love at the Toronto Public Library event BookCrush and recommends a romance novel to an apprehensive Antonio Michael Downing.Books discussed on this week's show include:Favourite Daughter by Morgan DickMadwoman by Chelsea BiekerRevolve by Bal KhabraRed, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston
Before he was a fixture in the Canadian literary community, Terry Fallis worked as an engineer and in politics before writing his first book at the age of 45. He just launched his new novel, The Marionette and joins the show for an installment of My Life in Books to break down some of the most influential books in his life. Plus, Saskatoon-based musician Katie Tupper talks about her biggest inspirations, songwriting and recommends a book about maximizing creativity. Books discussed on this week's show include:Pilot Jack Knight by A.M. Anderson and R.E. JohnsonA Moveable Feast by Ernest HemingwayA Prayer for Owen Meany by John IrvingA Gentleman in Moscow by Amor TowlesCatching the Big Fish by David Lynch
Antonio Michael Downing checks in with the owner of Variant Edition Graphic Novels and Comics in Edmonton, Brandon Schatz who recommends some local favourites. CBC Producer Amelia Eqbal joins Antonio Michael to share three graphic novels that she holds close to her heart, starring young women coming-of-age.Books discussed on this week's show include:Ducks by Kate BeatonPass Me By: Gone Fishin' by Kat Simmers and Ryan Danny OwenFull of Myself by Siobhan GallagherGive Me Space But Don't Go Far by Haley WeaverHalfway There by Christine Mari
Bookclubs, like other social get-togethers have rules, idiosyncrasies and sometimes big personalities. That can get complicated. Author and book club veteran Brian Francis joins the show to offer some advice on navigating these group dynamics, and recommends three books that underlie our need for human connection. Plus, Vancouver-based musician Young Friend talks about songwriting inspiration, camping and a failed Everest expedition.Books discussed on this week's show include:Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan CainFinding Your Third Place by Richard KyteShitty Craft Club by Sam ReeceInto Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
Have 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
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