The Next Chapter

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 Dick Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker Revolve by Bal Khabra Red, 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. Johnson A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Catching 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 Beaton Pass Me By: Gone Fishin' by Kat Simmers and Ryan Danny Owen Full of Myself by Siobhan Gallagher Give Me Space But Don't Go Far by Haley Weaver Halfway 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 Cain Finding Your Third Place by Richard Kyte Shitty Craft Club by Sam Reece Into 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 Cooper When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward Story is a State of Mind by Sarah Selecky Write Through It: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life by Kate Mckean Dear Writer by Maggie Smith Megabat by Anna Humphrey illustrated by Kass Reich The 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 Weir The 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 MacLeod 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 Ramage Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves by Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeod They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars Namwayut 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 Krawec Lany 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 Bulgakov Can’t we talk about something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast The American Civil War by John Keegan Nic Cage: Actor For Hire by Raechel Leigh Carter The 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 Smith Hawaii by James A. Michener On Food & Cooking by Harold McGee The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer BarkSkins by Annie Proulx Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune A Friend in the Dark by Samantha M. Bailey Hello, 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 Joyce One Sister have I in our house by Emily Dickinson

Looking for a book to sink into? We've got you. Each week, Antonio Michael Downing dives deep into the world of books, connecting with readers who share their favourite reads and personal stories. Whether you’re a book nerd or just love a good story, this is a book club for everybody. Beginning September 6th on CBC.

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 Rafique God Loves Hair by Vivek Shraya Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the Daudi Bohras by Jonah Blank The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline Infinite Audition by Charlie Petch The Creative Act by Rick Ruben The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher Autopsy of a Boring Wife by Marie-Renee Lavoie Three by DA Mishani See Now Then by Jamaica Kinkaid Hum by Helen Phillips Girlfriend on Mars by Deborah Willis Moon 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 Winterson Heroine by Gail Scott Rat Bohemia by Sarah Schulman The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson Shoe Dog by Phil Knight Animal Farm by Geroge Orwell Not a River by Selva Almada The List by Yomi Adegoke Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey The Sellout by Paul Beatty The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne Oracle 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 Dumais Meet Me on Love Street by Farah Heron Mallory and the Trouble with Twins by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Arley Nopra Raven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Daniel Ramirez Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner The Forest King's Daughter by Elly Blake Margaret’s New Look by Katherine Ashenburg Christian Dior: History and Modernity, 1947 - 1957 by Alexandra Palmer Little Women by Louisa May Alcott A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Swamp Angel by Ethel Wilson The Beginning of Spring by Penelope Fitzgerald River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure You 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 Beaton The Making of the English Working Class by E.P. Thompson The Lost Salt Gift of Blood by Alistair MacLeod 1066 And All That by R.J. Yeatman and W.C. Sellar Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery Bluenose Ghosts by Helen Creighton The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston Contemplation of a Crime by Susan Juby Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin The Silent Film Star Murders by Melodie Campbell Been Wrong So Long It Feels Like Right by Walter Mosley Fair Play by Louise Hegart Dirty Little War by Dietrich Kalteis Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez