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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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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
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
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