Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat debuted his very first book this month, a memoir entitled “We Survived the Night.” Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Julian to learn about his Indigenous cultural influences behind the book and his experience as a first-time narrator. Julian also reflects on the making of his Oscar-nominated documentary film “Sugarcane.” The book is available in audiobook format at Audible and at the CELA Library. This episode is produced by Andrika De Lanerolle...
Nov 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 286
What are some books that introduce thought-provoking concepts and ideas that make you ponder? Jacob Shymanski explores this question with Red Széll, the host of “My Life in Books.” Together they share some of their favourite philosophical titles that make you think! They also address the question: is pre-reading important or is it better to go in cold when picking up a new book? In the latter portion of the show, senior producer Andrika De Lanerolle gives you the "Book Report" with the latest ne...
Oct 26, 2025•28 min•Ep. 285
Comedian and professional speaker Dena Jackson chats with host Jacob Shymanski about her new book “Self Help Me.” She reflects on the holistic wellness practices that helped in her mental health journey and shares tips on how her book can be a resource to anyone. Dena’s book is currently available in print and will become available as an audiobook in 2026. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes ...
Oct 25, 2025•28 min•Ep. 284
Are you ready to dive into some conspiracy theories? Avid book reader Paul Daniel describes his top five recommended titles for the genre, everything from government and politics to aliens and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, toward the end of the show, host Jacob Shymanski shares a special review of Stephen King’s retelling of “Hansel and Gretel.” Books mentioned in this episode include: • “Best Evidence: Disguise and Deception in the Assassination of John F. Kennedy” by David Lifton •...
Oct 19, 2025•28 min•Ep. 283
Author Ma-nee Chacaby is the 2025 winner of the Canada Reads competition for her 2016 book “A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder.” Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Ma-nee about her experience co-writing the book with Mary Louisa Plummer. She also reflects on some of her life experiences shared in the book. In the latter portion of the show, co-author Matisse Hamel-Nelis describes her new educational book “Accessible Communications: Create Impact, Avoid Missteps a...
Oct 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 282
How important is character development in a story? Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll explore the importance of having characters who evolve in a book’s plot line. They consider some examples of titles that have character development arcs and character deficits. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Books mentioned in this episode include: • James Bond Novels and Short Stories by Ian Fleming • Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling • Canon of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle • W...
Oct 12, 2025•28 min•Ep. 281
In recognition of Banned Books Week, host Jacob Shymanski discusses issues of censorship and discrimination with Canadian author Robin Stevenson. Robin reflects on how her LGBTQ+ kids’ book “Pride Puppy” ended up at the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year after some parents filed a lawsuit against a school district in Maryland. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Other books mentioned include: • “And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson • “Pride Colors” by Ro...
Oct 11, 2025•30 min•Ep. 280
Tim Boucher has been defending his use of generative AI to write books. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Tim about his “AI Lore Books” collection and learns how he is incorporating AI’s flaws into his storytelling. This episode was produced by Jacob Shymanski and Andrika De Lanerolle. To learn more about Tim Boucher, visit his website at TimBoucher.ca Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audi...
Oct 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 279
Paul Myer’s highly anticipated biography about the late comedian John Candy comes out this month! Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Paul about the making of “John Candy: A Life in Comedy.” This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. The print and e-book book comes out on October 7. The audiobook is set to release on November 4 via Audible with narration by David Bendena. Follow Paul on Instagram @PulMyEars Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast epis...
Oct 04, 2025•32 min•Ep. 278
Waubgeshig Rice’s 2018 post-apocalyptic novel “Moon of the Crusted Snow” is still going strong. It is one of the bestselling Canadian titles of 2025, based on sales at independent bookstores. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Waubgeshig about the significance of the book and its themes of Indigenous identity, colonialism, survival and resilience. “Moon of the Crusted Snow” is available as an audiobook on Audible! Books mentioned in this episode include: "The Lesser Blessed" by Richard Van Camp “Mo...
Sep 28, 2025•28 min•Ep. 277
Molly Burke’s highly anticipated memoir “Unseen: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice” is set to hit bookstore shelves this October 14! Host Jacob Shymanski discusses the memoir in a special preview interview with Molly. She reflects on her success, challenges and personal growth as a social media influencer and public speaker who is blind. You don’t want to miss this vulnerable, honest and darkly humorous memoir! This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast ...
Sep 27, 2025•28 min•Ep. 276
The USA Today bestseller “Bury Your Gays” by Chuck Tingle explores what it takes to succeed in a world that wants you dead. Jacob Shymanski and Aamer Khan review the book and explore its themes, its variety of writing styles and its potential to become adapted into a movie. In the latter portion of the show, Jacob chats with first-time author Valerie D. Maidment about her 2024 memoir “From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World.” This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle...
Sep 21, 2025•28 min•Ep. 275
What makes a book a classic? Does a bestselling book mean that it will stand the test of time? Are bestselling books as good as we remember them to be? Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll explore these questions and discuss the phenomenon of rosy retrospection as they look back on a list of books that were popular one hundred years ago. Books mentioned in this episode include: “Soundings” by A. Hamilton Gibbs “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald “Mrs. Dalloway” Virginia Woolf “Manhattan Transfer”...
Sep 20, 2025•28 min•Ep. 274
How does the setting of a book add to your perception of the story? Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll chat about the importance of story settings in horror books. They also discuss the philosophy of horror and explore why readers are so enthralled with the genre. Books mentioned: “Bury Your Gays” by Chuck Tingle “We Live Here Now” by Sarah Pinborough “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson “The Shining” by Stephen King “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James “Horror Movie” by Paul Tremblay “T...
Sep 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 272
Can you tell the difference between real voices and AI narration? What differentiates a bad narrator from a good one? Jacob Shymanski explores these questions with Simon Mattacks, a British voice artist best known for his extensive work as an audiobook narrator. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCa...
Sep 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 273
Jacob Shymanski chats with author Jessica Slice about her 2025 non-fiction book “Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World.” They discuss the exclusionary myths around parents with disabilities and parenting standards overall. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. To learn more about Jessica, visit her website here: https://www.jessicaslice.com/ Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Satu...
Sep 07, 2025•28 min•Ep. 271
Author advocate Robin Sullivan and YouTuber Daniel Greene discuss the issues surrounding Audible’s new royalty model for authors, as well as the petition started by Robin. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Follow Daniel’s YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw--xPGVVxYzRsWyV1nFqgg And to sign Robin’s petition, visit here . https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-its-new-royalty-model Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes t...
Sep 06, 2025•28 min•Ep. 270
We have some news! "AMI Audiobook Review" is changing its name to "Audiobook Café." Starting this month, you can stay up to date with the latest audiobook releases and literary news! Tune in as host Jacob Shymnaski shares in-depth conversations with authors, narrators and industry experts. The show airs weekends and Mondays at 1 PM Eastern on AMI-audio across Canada. You can also subscribe to Audiobook Café wherever you find podcasts. Or if you're already following "AMI Audiobook Review," no act...
Sep 02, 2025•1 min
Jacob Shymanski shares an exciting announcement for the show and takes a trip down memory lane. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback! Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: AudiobookCafe@ami.ca About AMI AMI is a media company that entertai...
Aug 31, 2025•26 min•Ep. 269
What is your reaction when people are dismissive of audiobooks as a medium for reading? Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan pose this question to the book club and share their responses. Together they explore the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities in the reading sphere. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback! B...
Aug 30, 2025•28 min•Ep. 268
Holly Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, is back with a twisty thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder. While this is Jackson’s first novel for adults, Sara Hillis seems to think it reads more like a young adult thriller. Do you agree? Listen in as Jacob Shymanski and Sara weigh in with their opinions on “Not Quite Dead Yet.” Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follo...
Aug 24, 2025•27 min•Ep. 267
Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll continue their conversation on authentic portrayals of disability in fictional literature. They explore issues of stereotypical tropes and Flanderization for characters. Plus, they discuss the importance of disability research and character development within a story. Books mentioned in this episode include: • “Molly the Maid” series by Nita Prose • “The Color of Bee Larkham's Murder” by Sarah J. Harris • Joe Abercrombie’s book “Best Served Cold” - “friendly” charac...
Aug 23, 2025•28 min•Ep. 266
In this rapid-fire review, Jacob Shymanski and Jeff Rainey explore five titles that have an eclectic blend from baseball to politics and biographies. The baseball angle I know you’ve sort of done before but it actually works great for two reasons: Jeff’s rapid-fire picks are: • “Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home” by Tom Wilson • “Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life” by Andrew Lawton • “Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in t...
Aug 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 265
In this classic throwback, Jacob Shymanski and Aamer Khan review George R. R. Martin’s 1996 fantasy novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” which includes “A Game of Thrones.” They break down the pros and cons of the book including its multiple plotlines, slow pace and world building. Plus, they consider how HBO’s television adaptation of the series stacks up. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Fol...
Aug 16, 2025•28 min•Ep. 264
"The Ocean's Menagerie” is a science and nature book by marine ecologist Dr. Drew Harvell. The book explores the science of the world’s most remarkable creatures and the need to protect its ancient ecosystems. Jacob Shymanski and Danielle McLaughlin share their favourite takeaways from the book and offer their honest opinions on its peculiar writing style. Books mentioned in this episode include: “I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life” by Ed Yong Audiobook Café ...
Aug 10, 2025•28 min•Ep. 263
When was the last time you encountered a character with a disability in a book? Were they accurately portrayed? Jacob Shymanski chats with Red Széll about the importance of disability portrayal in literature. They start off by exploring some of the worst examples and explain why bad depiction is harmful. They also dive into some good examples of healthy portrayal and discuss how disability traits can make characters more distinctive and memorable to the reader. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI...
Aug 09, 2025•28 min•Ep. 262
You can’t control others, but you can control how you respond. This is the concept behind Mel Robbins’ New York Times bestseller “The Let Them Theory.” Jacob Shymanski and Karoline Bourdeau give their honest review of the self-help book and share their takeaways. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback! Be that comments, sugges...
Aug 01, 2025•27 min•Ep. 261
Megan Abbott’s “El Dorado Drive” follows three once-wealthy sisters in suburban Detroit who become entangled in “The Wheel,” a secretive women-only financial scheme that spirals into betrayal, desperation, and murder. Jacob Shymanski and Sarah Hillis review this suspenseful thriller. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback! Be ...
Jul 30, 2025•29 min•Ep. 260
Refocus is an essential guide designed to empower people experiencing vision loss to live happy and successful lives through the seven A’s. Co-author and Paralympian Victoria Nolan breaks down the guide with Jacob Shymanski. Together they explore the implications and positivity of living with vision loss. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We w...
Jul 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 259
Does plot propel characters or do characters propel the plot? Jacob Shymanski and Red Szell discuss the most memorable characters in books and describe why they are so important to driving a story. They also dive into the best genres that develop strong characters. Characters and books referenced in this episode include: • Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle • Holden Caulfield by J.D. Salinger's in “The Catcher in the Rye” • James Bond by Ian Fleming • George Smiley by J...
Jul 23, 2025•29 min•Ep. 258
