The actor Malia Baker was the youngest person ever to compete on Canada Reads. Back then Malia was starring in The Babysitter’s Club on Netflix, and from there joined the Disney universe. She joins the show for a reading check-in. Plus, CBC Books' Talia Kliot talks about her venture into stand-up comedy and recommends two books about comedians. Books discussed on this week's show include: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom Remembered Rapture by Bell Hooks All About Love by Bell Ho...
Mar 30, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 30
Chart-topping musician Tegan Quin has joined the table for Canada Reads 2026. She is the second member from the duo Tegan and Sara to participate in Canada Reads, and will defend Loghan Paylor's novel The Cure for Drowning. The team will discuss the upcoming debates and make their case for why this historical queer love story is the one book all of Canada should read. Books discussed on this week's show include: The Cure for Drowning by Loghan Paylor Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTo...
Mar 28, 2026•26 min•Season 18Ep. 30
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.
Mar 23, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 29
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 musici...
Mar 21, 2026•25 min•Season 18Ep. 29
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...
Mar 16, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 28
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 t...
Mar 14, 2026•27 min•Season 18Ep. 28
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 Elizab...
Mar 09, 2026•26 min•Season 18Ep. 27
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 in...
Mar 07, 2026•27 min•Season 18Ep. 27
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 Brontë The Stolen Queen by ...
Mar 02, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 26
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 wee...
Feb 28, 2026•27 min•Season 18Ep. 26
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 Backman Awake by Jen Hatmaker Super Agers by Eric To...
Feb 23, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 25
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...
Feb 21, 2026•24 min•Season 18Ep. 25
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 in...
Feb 16, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 24
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...
Feb 14, 2026•25 min•Season 18Ep. 24
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...
Feb 09, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 23
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...
Feb 07, 2026•26 min•Season 18Ep. 23
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 Mintz Palm Meridian by...
Feb 02, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 22
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 Ferran...
Jan 31, 2026•27 min•Season 18Ep. 22
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. Smith White Oleander by Janet Finch Hollow by Celina Myers Orbital by Samantha Harvey The Lost Ga...
Jan 26, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 21
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: Fr...
Jan 24, 2026•27 min•Season 18Ep. 21
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 Ward B...
Jan 19, 2026•28 min•Season 18Ep. 20
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 Wilso...
Jan 17, 2026•26 min•Season 18Ep. 20
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 Tolstoy The Work of Our han...
Jan 12, 2026•26 min•Season 18Ep. 19
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 Fort...
Jan 10, 2026•27 min•Season 18Ep. 19
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 Awad The Tiger and the Cosmonaut by Eddy Boudel Ta...
Jan 03, 2026•54 min•Season 18Ep. 18
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 recomme...
Dec 29, 2025•28 min•Season 18Ep. 17
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 Virgin...
Dec 27, 2025•25 min•Season 18Ep. 17
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:...
Dec 22, 2025•28 min•Season 18Ep. 16
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 Steele The One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence, il...
Dec 20, 2025•24 min•Season 18Ep. 16
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 Se...
Dec 15, 2025•26 min•Season 18Ep. 15
