The Next Chapter from CBC Radio

Follow The Next Chapter from CBC Radio
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

CBC Radio's Shelagh Rogers travels the country, conversing with authors and readers of all kinds. A new episode every Saturday.

CBC Radio


    • Mar 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 244 EPISODES


    More podcasts from CBC Radio

    Search for episodes from The Next Chapter from CBC Radio with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Next Chapter from CBC Radio

    A look inside Canada's prison book clubs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 27:42


    Every month across the country in federal prisons, inmates get together for bookclubs. It may not look like the typical club, but the connection, community and stimulation are all there. It's a program that's been running for almost 20 years. Tom Best, the Executive Director of Bookclubs for Inmates, drops by to talk about the program and Antonio Michael's experience as a guest author. Plus, Bridget Raymundo recommends a staff pick and explains its mysterious tie to Heated Rivalry.

    The quiet terror of Foe: why Actor Josh Dela Cruz is bringing it to Canada Reads

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 24:47


    The next Canada Reads panellist and author pairing has joined the table. Actor and TV host Josh Dela Cruz will defend Iain Reid's novel, Foe. It's a psychological thriller set against a science fiction backdrop, and examines the nature of a domestic relationship in a climate-change-ravaged country. The eerie familiarity stuck with Dela Cruz well after he finished reading, and will make his case for why it's must-read material for Canadians during the debates in April. Plus, Juno-nominated musician Siibii shares the book they think should be required in classrooms.Books discussed on this week's show include:Foe by Iain ReidMind's Eye: Stories from Whapmagoostui edited by Emily Masty & Susan Marshall Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

    This writer's mystery illness defied diagnosis for months - here's what she learned from the uncertainty

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 27:42


    Gill Deacon is a writer, musician and a familiar voice on CBC. A few years ago she developed a debilitating illness that defied diagnosis for many months. In those long months of not knowing, she was forced to adjust to her relationship with uncertainty. Her new book is called A Love Affair with the Unknown: Leaning into the Uncertainty of Modern Life. She'll talk about her journey, and recommend two similar titles. Plus, Karma Brown answers The Next Chapter's version of the Proust Questionnaire.Books discussed on this week's show include:A Love Affair with the Unknown: Leaning into the Uncertainty of Modern LifeWintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine MayHope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities by Rebecca SolnitMother is Watching by Karma BrownCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

    Why Elle-Maija Tailfeathers says A Minor Chorus is the story Canada needs to hear right now

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2026 26:42


    Filmmaker and actor Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and author Billy-Ray Belcourt are bringing rural Alberta authenticity to Canada Reads. Tailfeathers will be defending Belcourt's novel A Minor Chorus. It follows a queer Indigenous doctoral student who steps away from his dissertation to write a novel, feeling caught between his childhood on the reservation, and the newest chapter of his life. They'll get into the upcoming debates, and why Tailfeathers believes this is the story Canada needs now more than ever.Books discussed on this week's show include:A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray BelcourtThe Bluest Eye by Toni MorrisonI am Woman by Lee Maracle Kiss of the Fur Queen by Tomson HighwayIn Search of April Raintree by Beatrice MosionierCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

    Inside the Toronto Sceptres' team book club

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 25:56


    Toronto Sceptres players Claire Dalton and Raygan Kirk share a love of reading, so they decided to start a team book club. They join the show to discuss how the club works, balancing meetings with a busy PWHL schedule and what they're currently reading. Plus, writer and critic Jason Guriel on what makes the perfect book blurb and Canadian legend Fefe Dobson shares which book has been inspiring her lately.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Secret Lives of Murderer's Wives by Elizabeth ArnottGod of the Woods by Liz MooreWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensA Complicated Kindness by Miriam ToewsGone Before Goodbye by Harlan Coben and Reese WitherspoonLinda McCartney: Life in Photographs by Annie Leibovitz and Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

    Why Steve Dangle says this novel picked him for Canada Reads

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 26:33


    Hockey internet personality Steve "Dangle" Glynn says that Tyler Hellard's Searching for Terry Punchout picked him. The pair meets for the first time to discuss Tyler's book, which follows a lost sportswriter's journey home to reluctantly rekindle his relationship with his estranged father, a legendary retired NHL enforcer. They'll talk about Canada's relationship to the game, applesauce, and the invisible string that brought them together for Canada Reads.Books discussed on this week's show include:Searching for Terry Punchout by Tyler HellardCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

    What do fans of the novel Wuthering Heights make of the new adaptation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 27:42


    The new Wuthering Heights adaptation is stirring up a lot of opinions. It's a story of burning passion and intensity against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. Our columnist Mirian Njoh and romance reading expert joins the show to give us her opinion on its transition from page to screen. Plus, author and UNICEF ambassador Tara Moss talks about her latest book and recommends two companion reads.Books discussed on this week's show include:Wuthering Heights by Emily BrontëThe Stolen Queen by Fiona DavisCocaine Blues by Kerry GreenwoodThe Italian Secret by Tara MossCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

    How Canada Reads is unleashing Morgann Book's inner competitor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 26:44


    The countdown has begun leading up to Canada Reads. The books have been picked, the panelists are strategizing and, every week, The Next Chapter will help you get to know the new author and panelist pairs. The first powerhouse team includes popular BookToker and podcaster Morgann Book, and debut romance author Joss Richard. Morgann will champion Joss's book, It's Different This Time. Plus, former Canada Reads author Samantha M. Bailey answers the Proust Questionnaire.Books discussed on this week's show include:It's Different This Time by Joss RichardHello, Juliet by Samantha M. BaileyCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

    This Amazing Race winner's latest challenge? Reading 50 books in a year

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 27:41


    Kim Holderness and her husband won over the internet making funny family videos. Now they have millions of followers, have written children's books together and won the Amazing Race. Last year, Kim set another goal for herself, to read 50 books by the time she turns 50. Plus, Ryan B. Patrick recommends two modern classics by Black Canadian writers and predicts a future classic.Books discussed on this week's show include:My Friends by Fredrik BackmanAwake by Jen HatmakerSuper Agers by Eric TopolWhat We All Long For by Dionne BrandFifteen Dogs by Andre AlexisYou've Changed by Ian Williams

    Has hustle culture been lying to you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 23:56


    For many years Amil Niazi burned with professional ambition, she reached for it every day and was determined to find success. But even in moments of external success, she began to fall out of love with the corporate rat race. She began looking inward, and began to question if she would ever find fulfillment in the world of promotions and job titles. This is the journey she reflects on in her new book Life After Ambition. Plus, musician Sarah Kae shares what she's been reading.Books discussed on this week's show include:How to Do Nothing by Jenny OdellDaughter by Claudia DeyA Ballet of Lepers by Leonard Cohen

    Are book bans actually effective in a digital age?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 27:42


    The last few years have seen lots of books removed from schools, libraries and bookstores. Last fall, Alberta scaled back its proposed book ban after public pushback, and in the U.S., thousands of books have been removed from schools and dropped from curriculums. Kudakwashe Rutendo and Mirian Njoh weigh in on the topic and discuss influential challenged titles from their own lives. Plus, get to know author Madeleine Thien through the Proust Questionnaire.Books discussed on this week's show include:Between Shades of Gray by Ruta SepetysThe Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven ChboskyThe Book of Records by Madelein Thein

    Mychal the Librarian on his journey to internet stardom

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2026 25:13


    Having fun isn't hard, when you've got a library card. That's a mantra Mychal Threets, or Mychal the Librarian, has practiced since childhood. He's a librarian and literacy advocate who brings his library love to life on TikTok and Instagram. Millions of views later, he was named the new host of the recently rebooted Reading Rainbow on PBS. Plus, Ontario musician Evan Redsky on the book that provided him with two years of inspiration.Books discussed on this week's show include:I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, illustrated by Lorraine NamOne Native Life by Richard Wagamese

    Why the internet loves this family owned bookstore

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 27:42


    Lisa Bailey says this latest chapter of her life is like the plot of a rom com. Daughter leaves the big city to return to her hometown to help run her Dad's used bookstore. Now, Bailey Books in St. Albert has caught the internet's attention with videos showcasing their rare used books and knack for book binding and repair. Plus, Terese Mason Pierre shares the black speculative fiction novels that made her fall in love with the genre. Books discussed on this week's show include:The Bachman Books collection by Stephen KingBrown Girl in the Ring by Nalo HopkinsonFriday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahRiver Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta

    Why fantasy novels offer much more than escapism

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2026 25:40


    It was a childhood love of magical stories of dragons, wizards and fantasy that ignited the idea for K.J. Aiello's book, The Monster and the Mirror: Mental Illness, Magic, and the Stories We Tell. In the book K.J. tells their story of trying to understand their life and mental illness, and how that world of magic and fantasy helped shape who they are. Plus, Nova Scotia musician Maggie Andrew recommends The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest.Books discussed on this week's show include:Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienA Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim KayThe Monster and the Mirror: Mental Illness, Magic, and the Stories We Tell by KJ AielloThe Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest

    What makes older protagonists so compelling?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 27:42


    Older protagonists are having a moment. They're starring in all kinds of novels, from mysteries to love stories to end-of-life reckonings. Our columnist Alicia Cox Thomson has noticed this ageing-up trend in books and she's here now to recommend some titles that stood out for her. Plus, Daphné Santos-Vieira recommends Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood and Radical Acceptance as her staff pick.Books discussed on this week's show include:Norma by Sarah MintzPalm Meridian by Grace FlahiveMotherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood and Radical Acceptance written by Julie M.Green

    Get to know CBC's Winter Olympics host

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 26:47


    Andria Petrillo has a very busy couple of weeks coming up. She'll be hosting CBC's Winter Olympic games coverage and the women's hockey broadcasts. For Andi it's a labour of love. Sports is her life long passion. She'll talk about her book, how she found sportscasting and share some of the other stories that have shaped who she is today. Plus, find out what these Canadian athletes heading to Italy have been reading.Books discussed on this week's show include:My Brilliant Friend by Elena FerranteThe 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas JonassonLife of Pi by Yann MartelHow Not to Die by Michael GregerJust Call Me Andi: Sports Stories from a Trailblazer by Andi Petrillo

    Celina ‘Spooky Boo' Myers on writing the next great vampire novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 27:42


    Celina Myers is an internet star to the tune of around 30 million followers. She spikes the spooky paranormal stuff with her signature brand of humour all over social media. She'll talk about her new book and other inspiring dark tales. Plus, actor and writer Keegan Connor Tracy recommends two small books that pack a big punch.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Vampire Diaries by L.J. SmithWhite Oleander by Janet FinchHollow by Celina MyersOrbital by Samantha HarveyThe Lost Garden by Helen Humphreys

    Mother-daughter bonding? How about writing a novel together

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 26:45


    Elin Hilderbrand is known as the Queen of the Beach Read. She's sold millions of novels that transport readers to sun, sand and wishes fulfilled. Nantucket was the backdrop for most of her novels, until now. She's left the island behind in her latest book title The Academy, which she co-wrote with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham. She'll talk about what it was like working with her daughter, and share some of the most influential books in her life.Books discussed on this week's show include:Franny & Zooey by JD SalingerEnglish Patient by Michael OndaatjeRobber Bride by Margaret AtwoodLuster by Raven LeilaniThe Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

    What Libby Ward learned by being extremely honest on social media

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 27:43


    Honest mom influencer Libby Ward never intended to blow up. She was mostly posting for herself, and whoever else needed to hear her message. But that might have been the exact recipe that led to her going viral. She talks about her new book, and other reads that encourage others to find their voice. Plus, CBC Books Senior Producer Ryan B. Patrick recommends this week's staff pick.Books discussed on this week's show include:Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself by Libby WardBraving the Wilderness by Brené BrownUntamed by Glennon DoyleEverything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved by Kate BowlerSearches: Selfhood in the Digital Age by Vauhini Vara

    Canadian fiddle legend Natalie MacMaster shares her life in books

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 25:40


    Natalie MacMaster first picked up the fiddle at nine years old. It was a family tradition for her growing up in Cape Breton, and over the course of her international career she's brought Cape Breton fiddle music to the world. Two fiddling dynasties merged when she married Donnell Leahy and now the two of them, along with their seven children regularly perform. She stops by the studio for an installment of my life in books.Books discussed on this week's show include:Beautiful Scars by Tom WilsonThe Music Lesson by Victor WootenThe Possibility Mom by Lisa Canning A Prayer For Owen Meany by John IrvingI Have a Love Story by Natalie MacMaster

    Is it a red flag if your boyfriend has read Anna Karenina?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 26:09


    One thing that Heather O'Neill's ex-boyfriends had in common was Anna Karenina, the famous novel by Leo Tolstoy. To get to the bottom of this mysterious connection, she decided to re-read the classic novel to see how Anna's story of a doomed love affair reads the second time around. Plus, the Juno-nominated musician Adrian Sutherland talks about writing his first book and how he fell in love with music. Books discussed on this week's show include:Anna Karenina by Leo TolstoyThe Work of Our hands by Adrian Sutherland

    Why Mark Critch is willing to fight for Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 27:05


    Mark Critch is very funny. You've likely seen him do what he does best on 22 Minutes or his sitcom Son of a Critch. In addition to spreading laughs across the country, he is also a very proud Canadian. He brings his finely tuned sense of satire to his new book called Sorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For. He talks about the inspirations behind his latest work, and the books that have influenced who he is today. Plus, Canadian hit-making author Carley Fortune answers the Proust Questionnaire.Books discussed on this week's show include:My Autobiography by Charlie ChaplinNaked by David SedarisSoldier Priest in the Killing Fields of Europe by Gary Browne and Darin McgrathThe Missing Piece by Shel SilversteinSorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting for by Mark CritchOne Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

    The 2025 Giller Prize finalists in conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 53:39


    The Giller Prize is one of Canada's biggest literary awards. Before this year's winner was announced, all five finalists joined Antonio Michael Downing on stage at an event at Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto to read from their shortlisted works and share the inspiration behind them. Featuring Mona Awad, Eddy Boudel Tan, Emma Donoghue, Emma Knight and Souvankham Thammavongsa.Books discussed on this week's show include:We Love You, Bunny by Mona AwadThe Tiger and the Cosmonaut by Eddy Boudel TanThe Paris Express by Emma DonoghueThe Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma KnightPick a Colour by Souvankham Thammavongsa

    Watching Heated Rivalry? Here's what the author wants you to know

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 27:41


    When director Jacob Tierney (Letterkenney) first DM'd Rachel Reid, she couldn't believe that someone was interested in adapting her book. Since then, the series has become one of the most popular Canadian titles on Crave, and has been renewed for a second season. She pulls back the curtain on what it was like seeing her characters brought to life on screen, and even recommends other books to check out for when you've run out of episodes. Plus, the mystery panel continues the tradition of recommending some favourite titles for the holiday season. Books discussed on this week's show include:Heated Rivalry by Rachel ReidCrash Test by Amy JamesHockey Bois by A. L. HeardA Place of Secrets by Shane PeacockTokyo Express by Seicho MatsumotoListen by Sacha BronwasserCarved in Blood: A Hana Westerman Thriller by Michael Bennet6:40 to Montreal by Eva JursykThe Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens

    Getting to know Danger Eagle, the stunt performing penguin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2025 25:03


    When Jesse Wente was a kid, he was given a stuffed penguin as a gift. He decided to name his penguin Danger Eagle, the stunt performing stuffy. Decades later, Danger Eagle has taken center stage in Jesse's first ever children's book. Since wrapping up his term as chair of the Canada Council for the Arts and with a bestselling memoir under his belt, he joins the show to share the stories that have influenced his own life the most. Plus, musician Girl Ultra recommends A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf.Books discussed on this week's show include:Watership Down by Richard AdamsThe Monster At the End of This Book by Jon StoneSteering the Craft by Ursula K. Le GuinIndian School Days by Basil H. JohnstonDanger Eagle by Jesse WenteA Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf

    Why this Ginny and Georgia star loves reading

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 27:38


    Before Raymond Ablack became a fan-favorite, playing Joe on Netflix's Ginny and Georgia, he was a kid who enjoyed acting, reading and Christmas. He joins The Next Chapter to share some of his childhood memories, and what it's like to play Sam Wilner in the Audibles Originals story, Mistletoe Murders. Plus, Madelaine Drohan on her book about Benjamin Franklin, the surprises and similarities in the history of Canada-US relations and two companion reads.Books discussed on this week's show include:He Did Not Conquer: Benjamin Franklin's Failure to Annex Canada by Madelaine DrohanTrading Fate: How a Little-known Company Stopped British Columbia from Becoming an American State by Graeme Menzies Elbows Up: Canadian Voices of Resilience and Resistance edited by Elamin Abdelmahmoud

    Need a kid's book for the holidays? Our panel has suggestions for all ages

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 23:52


    From a chicken channeling its inner dinosaur, to raising dragon eggs in P.E.I., to a teen fauxmance, The Next Chapter's children's book panel is back with a new holiday reading list. Writer and broadcaster Bee Quammie and CBC books producer Lucy Mann share six books to engage readers from pre-school to high school.Books discussed on this week's show include:Lena the Chicken (But Really A Dinosaur!) by Linda Bailey, illustrated by K-Fai SteeleThe One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Matt JamesFresh Start by Gale Galligan Kindred Dragons by Sarah MensingaYou Started It by Jackie KhaliliehSongs for Ghosts by Clara Kumagai

    Are literary prizes a scam?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 26:24


    Kerry Clare is the first to admit that if her own book was selected for a prize her opinion would probably change. At least part of it. The writer and critic joins the show to shed light on a few of her favourite books that were left off the awards circuit this year. CBC Books producer Lucy Mann recommends one of the most popular, out of this world books of 2025. Plus, find out what musician Logan Richard reads to remind himself to be grateful. Books discussed on this week's show include:The Seaside Cafe Metropolis by Antanas SileikaStarry, Starry Night by Shani MootooProperty by Kate CayleyAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidWhen Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

    How Tolstoy and Dostoevsky shaped Canadian rapper Shad

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 25:26


    In his 20th year in the music business, the rapper Shad has shown no signs of slowing down. The Juno-winning musician has also had an illustrious career as a broadcaster, hosting hit shows like the documentary series Hip-Hop Evolution on Netflix. His latest album is called Start Anew, and he joins the show to go back and talk about how he first discovered the power of words and shares some of the books that have shaped his life.Books discussed on this week's show include:Black Noise by Tricia RoseJuly, July by Tim O'BrienA Confession and Other Religious Writings by Leo TolstoyCrime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

    Flirting Lessons with Mirian Njoh

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 27:42


    Columnist 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

    Who is the wimpy kid behind Jeff Kinney's iconic series?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 25:49


    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

    What books drew Brendan Fraser to storytelling?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 27:41


    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

    Taking a tour of Newfoundland with Alan Doyle

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2025 25:55


    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

    Is the Canadian Booker winner worth reading?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 27:41


    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

    What might surprise you about Maragret Atwood's new memoir

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 26:49


    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 long time 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

    Is food the closest thing to teleportation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 27:01


    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

    Why Anne of Green Gables is a superstar in Japan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 26:45


    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

    Who's to blame when a self-driving car ends up in flames? Our book club discusses

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 27:42


    A self-driving mini-van collides with an oncoming car and a couple is killed. Behind the wheel is a seventeen-year-old with his family on board. That's the opening premise of the novel Culpability by Bruce Holsinger, which was an Oprah bookclub pick last summer. Nathan Maharaj, Vass Bednar and Antonio Michael Downing convene to discuss who is responsible. Plus, author Wally Lamb answers the Proust Questionnaire.Books discussed on this week's show include:Culpability by Bruce HolsingerThe River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb

    Jillian Harris on life after The Bachelor and writing her first children's book

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2025 26:39


    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

    The Canadian memoirs our panel could not put down

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 26:43


    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

    4 books that left a mark on Linden MacIntyre

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2025 26:53


    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

    BOO! Trick and treat yourself to two spooky novels

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 27:37


    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

    Claim The Next Chapter from CBC Radio

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel