The Next Chapter from CBC Radio

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

Dream Count is one of the biggest publishing events of the year — and The Next Chapter's Book Club is here to talk about it; Canadian celebrity chef and Le Cordon culinary graduate Eden Grinshpan breaks down her life and career in cookbooks; why Joel Plaskett took a course to better understand this book; and celebrate National Poetry Month with these All-Canadian collections on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Understanding Media by Marshall McLuhanDream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieJerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami TamimiThe Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina GartenMastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia ChildUnravel by Tolu OloruntobaBuzzkill Clamshell by Amber DawnAllostatic Load by Junie Désil

The long awaited prequel to Suzanne Collin's blockbuster series is here, CBC Book producers Bridget Raymundo and Trevor Carter break it down; writer and columnist Alicia Cox Thomson recommends three dramas that feature wealthy diverse families; and three audio books to keep you company wherever you go on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsGood Dirt by Charmaine WilkersonThe Inheritance by Trisha SakhelechaThe Wedding by Gurjinder BasranWe Are All Perfectly Fine by Jillian HortonDune by Frank HerbertThe Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Bonny Reichert's debut memoir explores the connection between food, memory, and her fathers story as a Holocaust survivor; public policy expert and podcaster Vass Bednar recommends three books about living amongst pervasive technology; get to know the 2024 Booker Prize winner; and a basketball star's experience in Russian prison on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Running in the Family by Michael OndaajteTender at the Bone by Ruth ReichlAlso a Poet by Ada CalhounHow To Share an Egg Bonny ReichertA Hero of Our Time by Naben RuthnumBirnam Wood by Eleanor CattonSelected Amazon Reviews by Kevin KillianOrbital by Samantha HarveyComing Home by Brittney Griner, Michelle Burford

To celebrate two decades of Under the Influence, Terry O'Reilly shares the five most influential books in his life; former news anchor Elysia Bryan-Baynes recommends three books about leaving your home country to live and work abroad; Montreal musician Lubalin on aliens, existentialism and song-writing fuel; and what makes iconic television personality Jeanne Beker feel the most Canadian on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper LeeFifth Business by Robertson DaviesTaken at the Flood by John GuntherTicket To Ride by Larry KaneCreativity, Inc. by Ed CatmullThe Three-Body Problem by Liu CixinWe Meant Well by Erum Shazia HasanTo Tell the Truth: My Life as a Foreign Correspondent by Lewis M. SimonsThe War We Won Apart by Nahlah AyedHeart on my Sleeve by Jeanne BekerYoko by David Sheff

Writer and writing guru Chelene Knight talks about her book Safekeeping: A Writer's Guided Journal for Launching a Book with Love; CBC Sports producer David Giddens recommends four of his favourite sports reads; what makes Dangerous Memory an “inspiring road map” for Juno-winner Sarah Harmer; and from seasonal berries to quantum physics Nathan Maharaj has your reading covered on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Safekeeping: A Writer's Guided Journal for Launching a Book with Love by Chelene KnightThe Conscious Creative by Kelly SmallBreathing the Page by Betsy WarlandDangerous Memory by Charlie AngusWorld's Fastest Man by Mary OrmsbyIce in Their Veins by Ian KennedyThe Beautiful Dream by Atiba Hutchinson and Dan RobsonAbove the Noise by DeMar DeRozenThe Serviceberry by Robin Wall KimmererThe Power Broker by Robert A. CaroQuantum Physics Made Me Do It by Jeremie Harris

Aparita Bhandari and Heather Greenwood Davis discuss the bestselling Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty with Antonio Michael Downing; writer Alicia Cox Thomson talks about the highly discussed All Fours by Miranda July and recommends two more titles; Juno nominee Tia Wood on what makes Five Little Indians a classic; and why Robert J. Wiersema thinks you should read translated books on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Here One Moment by Liane MoriartyFive Little Indians by Michelle GoodAll Fours by Miranda JulyThe Change by Kirsten MillerThe Mother Act by Heidi ReimerMay Our Joy Endure by Kev Lambert, Donald Winkler (Translator)The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk, Antonia Lloyd-Jones (Translator)Morning and Evening by Jon Fosse, Damion Searls (Translator)

Author Zoe Whittal has written acclaimed scripts and books alike, and breaks down her life in books; Steven Beattie recommends three of his favourite funny books, all of which include serious undertones; musician Jordan Astra talks about funk music and Nike shoes; and writer Ian Williams partakes in ‘speed dating therapy”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 SterneWhat I Mean to Say by Ian Williams

Author Brian Francis discusses three novels that highlight his love for paper, while living in a digital age; Prairie Edge author Conor Kerr explains why sometimes less is more, and recommends three of his favourite short story collections; Keegan Connor Tracy talks mothers with big family secrets; and Musician Dorothea Paas on the unwavering discipline of Sonny Rollins on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Trees In Canada by John Laird FarrarThe Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland AllenA Beginner's Guide to Quilling Paper Flowers by Motoko Maggie NakataniThe Notebooks of Sonny Rollins by Sonny RollinsThe Nix by Nathan HillThe Fifth Season by N. K. JemisinLola on Fire by Rio YouersDeath by a Thousand Cuts by Shashi BhatPeacocks of Instagram by Deepa RajagopalanLast Woman by Carleigh Baker

The podcaster and wellness advocate chats with author Ma-Nee Chacaby about why A Two-Spirit Journey is the book all of Canada should read; BookTok superstar Bridget Raymundo discusses Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and recommends three dragon-fuelled romantasy titles; and CBC books' comic book expert Ashly July shares his recent genre reads on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Michelle Morgan talks about championing Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper in the March debates; music journalist Del Cowie recommends his favourite music reads; why Toronto musician Nicky Lawrence talks loves Agent Josephine by Damien Lewis; and exploring books set in Montreal on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Emma and Otto and Russell and James by Emma HooperAgent Josephine by Damien LewisMy Black Country by Alice RandallRise Up and Sing by Andrea WarnerHip Hop Is History by Questlove and Ben GreenmanThe Reeds by Arjun BasuNaked: The Confessions of a Normal Woman by Éloïse MarseilleThe Favourite Game by Leonard Cohen

The neuroscientist-turned-pastry chef meets the bestselling author Jamie Chai Yun Liew for the first time; CBC Books senior producer Ryan B. Patrick and columnist Alicia Cox Thomson discuss rising Black Canadian writers; Joshua Whitehead recommends three books that centre queerness; and Dylan Sinclair shares his favourite book on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Coexistence: Stories by Billy Ray BelcourtBlackouts by Justin TorresWhat I'd Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma, translated by Sarah Timmer HarveyThe Prophet by Kahlil GibranDandelion by Jamie Chai Yun LiewThe Pages of the Sea by Anne HawkSubterrane by Valérie BahPerfect Little Angels by Vincent AniokeScientific Marvel by Chimwemwe Undi

Olympic champion Maggie Mac Neil and bestselling thriller author Samantha M. Bailey meet for the first time on air; Antonio Michael Downing and friends Christine Estima and JJ Lee gather for a book club meeting to chat about James by Percival Everett; How reading about the Saskatoon freezing deaths inspired Wiidaaseh's songwriting; and The Girl on the Train author Paula Hawkins answers the Proust Questionnaire on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Bestselling thriller author Linwood Barclay is set to champion Wayne Johnston's Jennie's Boy in Canada Reads 2025; Influencer and former Canada Reads contender Mirian Njoh recommends memoirs by Black authors; and leaving ketchup chips and Canada's Wonderland behind in the graphic memoir Uprooted on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Becoming by Michelle ObamaMonster: The Autobiography Of An L.A. Gang Member by Sanyika ShakurShame On Me by Tessa McWattJennie's Boy by Wayne JohnstonUprooted by Ruth Chan

Author and psychotherapist Farzana Doctor shares the books that helped shape her as a person and as a writer; 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; how not to be a bad husband with Ravi Singh; 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 Kinkaid

The Vancouver author and radio host's memoir May It Have a Happy Ending discusses her journey of love, grief and radio; the CBC Books senior producer recommends hopeful books to inspire us in the New Year; musician Julian Taylor talks about his favourite parenting book; a sneak peek at what authors are coming to Bookends with Mattea Roach this winter; and why patience was key for Amanda Peters in writing her first novel on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed in this episode include:Great Expectations by Vinson CunninghamThe Capital of Dreams by Heather O'NeillUnearthing by Kyo MaclearAcme Novelty Datebook Volume Three by Chris WareI Might Be in Trouble by Daniel AlemanHum by Helen Phillips

The international bestselling author returns to the Walsh family in her latest novel My Favorite Mistake; Bridget Raymundo shares what books the internet was loving this year; the book that defines “genre-bending” to Matthew R. Morris, a Juno Award-winning jazz singer who loves to birdwatch; and remembering celebrated Canadian thriller author Andrew Pyper on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed in this episode include:Collide by Bal KhabraI Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham JonesA Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose SutherlandHeavy: An American Memoir by Kiese LaymonThe Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

Antonio Michael Downing and CBC Books producers Ryan B. Patrick and Talia Kliot talk about some of the most memorable books to come out this year, Bee Quammie and Lucy Mann recommend children's books your kids are sure to love, and mystery author Alan Bradley talks about learning to say no on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Certified foodies Aparita Bhandari and Lindsay Cameron Wilson recommend their favourite cookbooks for the holidays; why JJ Lee believes this time of year is perfect for spooky stories; musician Ashley Ghostkeeper on what she learned from her great-uncle's book; and curl up by the fire with these cozy reads on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Mystery writers Angel Misri and Sam Wiebe recommend some heart-pumping holiday reads; Amy Stuart shares what it was like collaborating with a hockey legend on Home and Away; T. Thomason can't get enough of sci-fi books; Richard Van Camp talks about Star Wars toys and gratitude; and Leslie Jamison on evolving while re-reading Good Morning, Midnight on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Charlotte Gill reckons with ethnicity, belonging and the complexities of life within a multicultural household; Alicia Cox Thomson recommends three reads that recall the work of Montgomery; Sixties Scoop folk singer Raven Reid on hopefulness and Johnny Cash; and Jordan Abel's trippy, genre-bending subversion of The Last of the Mohicans on this episode of The Next Chapter.

The ultra-prolific author invites readers into her interior world in The Positions of Spoons; Anne Hawk discusses code switching and the cost of migration in her debut novel; Atwood Gibson Fiction Prize winner Sheung-King talks about his sophomore novel; and Corinna Chong on the undeniable charm of Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?

Caroline Adderson's latest short story collection follows a cast of characters searching for much needed happiness; an exploration of gender, forgiveness and bucking convention in Michelle Winter's latest novel; roots musician Kaia Kater on the message behind They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us; why Sarah Leavitt loves to re-read The Best We Could Do; and Teresa Wong remembers the book she got for her eighth birthday on this episode of The Next Chapter.

The B.C. novelist talks about the lack of historical representation that led them to write The Cure for Drowning; Sarah Chapelle takes a closer look at the mega popstar's fashion history; actor Jean Brassard on narrating Louise Penny's new novel; the first Canadian in space answers the Proust Questionnaire; and musician Jennarie talks about overcoming songwriter's block on this episode of The Next Chapter.

The award-winning horror novelist discusses his latest chilling title The Queen; Hanif Abdurraqib uses his love for basketball as a way to address the deeper questions on his mind; musician Lindsay Ell shares how she's living her most honest life; and Catherine Hernandez talks about her obsession with quality chocolates on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Vancouver-based author Robyn Harding imagines her worst nightmare come to life in her latest novel; rising musician Mia Kelly on how Big Magic has changed her creative process; taking control of your life with Mirian Njoh; and Robert J. Wiersema recommends heart-pounding Halloween reads on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Director Jackie Maxwell and actor Maev Beaty talk about their love for Elizabeth Strout and bringing her work to the stage; Vancouver musician Bob Sumner talks about People of the Deer; actor and former Canada Reads panellist Kudakwashe Rutendo on novels with writers as central characters; and Andrea Currie reflects on Finding Otipemisiwak on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Shelley Wood's latest novel imagines a character who ages one year for every four; Beverley McLachlin talks about transitioning from the courtroom to the writer's chair with her latest novel Proof; Toronto artist Phoenix Pagliacci talks about The Power of Now; and Shilpi Somaya Gowda reflects on culture and the American dream on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Two music loving misfits join forces to create a rock romance in The Lightning Bottles; Bridget Raymundo shares some of her favourite book-to-movie adaptations that premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival; Myriam Lacroix talks about the first book she remembers reading; and dealing with isolation and the past in The Observer on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Bestselling author Tasha Spillett talks about the latest instalment in her graphic novel series Surviving the City; an ode to motherly love and Indigenous identity in the memoir Mamaskatch; the science of forest baths and Innu teachings with Melissa Mollen Dupuis; Juno Award-winning musician Elisapie; and Cherie Dimaline on reimagining The Secret Garden on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Debut horror author Marcus Kliewer on the breakout success of his novel We Used to Live Here, rising singer-songwriter Tia Wood talks about what makes Five Little Indians a classic, sparing no cost for the perfect party in The Wedding, and three historical fiction reads that help tell untold stories of the past on this episode of The Next Chapter.

The final installment of the Highway 59 mystery series titled Guide Me Home takes readers to Texas during the Donald Trump presidency, Rapper DijahSB reflects on their own politics and The Black Panther Party, mystery recommendations for readers looking to expand their taste, and Karma Brown explores women empowerment on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Transforming a classic folktale into a queer love story in A Sweet Sting of Salt, Polaris Prize winning musician Jeremy Dutcher on preserving Indigenous languages, the complicated sexual dynamics of the 1990s in The Damages, and Christine Estima recommends novels with untrustworthy protagonists on this episode of The Next Chapter.

Ontario poet and author Gary Barwin discusses his new nonfiction Imagining Imagining, exploring a young queer relationship through multiple endings in How It Works Out, Canadian American author Vauhini Vara on her short story collection This Is Salvaged on this episode of The Next Chapter: The Summer Edition with Christa Couture.

Bestselling author Lesley Crewe reflect on how the slow pace of Cape Breton Island inspired her latest novel, Talia Kliot shares captivating historical fiction recommendations, catching up on CBC Books' most anticipated fiction novel of Spring 2024 on this episode of the summer edition of The Next Chapter with Christa Couture.

Toronto author Christine Estima celebrates the immigrant experience, Rajinderpal S. Pal on what inspired his book However Far Away, columnist Max Arambulo recommends books about personal growth — plus more on this episode of The Next Chapter: The Summer Edition with Christa Couture. 

Erum Shazia Hasan speaks with Ali Hassan about the inherent complexities of doing good, Award-winning musician Royal Wood reveals the book that helps him channel his creativity; unplugging and reconnecting with reality in Gamerville; and Don Gillmor explores midlife malaise on this episode of The Next Chapter: The Summer Edition with Christa Couture.

On this episode of The Next Chapter: The Summer Edition with Christa Couture, M.G. Vassanji talks to Ali Hassan about his novel Everything There Is, Sarah Henstra talks to Christa Couture about her spellbinding mystery The Lost Tarot, and Vincent Lam answers the Proust questionnaire.