Canada Reads

An introduction to the great Canadian book debate, for the uninitiated-featuring highlights from past seasons, introduced by Canada Reads host Ali Hassan.

In preparation for Canada Reads 2019, we take a closer look at David Charinady's novel Brother, which will be defended by actor and model Lisa Ray.

Canada Reads host Ali Hassan introduces listeners to Lindsay Wong's darkly comedic memoir The Woo-Woo, which will be championed by fashion guru Joe Zee.

Holocaust survivor Max Eisen's memoir By Chance Alone will be defended by science journalist and broadcaster Ziya Tong in the Canada Reads 2019 debates.

In anticipation of Canada Reads 2019, get acquainted with actor Yanic Truesdale's chosen book, Suzanne by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette, translated by Rhonda Mullins.

Canada Reads host Ali Hassan takes a closer look at Abu Bakr al Rabeeah and Winnie Yeung's book Homes, which will be defended by drummer Chuck Comeau in the battle of the books.

Canada Reads host Ali Hassan is joined on-stage by Cherie Dimaline (author of The Marrow Thieves), Sharon Bala (author of The Boat People) and Omar El Akkad (author of American War), whose novels were debated on CBC's battle of the books in 2018. Together, they discuss what it was like to see their books go head-to-head on a national platform and tackle some of the big issues that arose during the debates. This panel discussion was taped in front of a live audience at the Festival of Literary Diversity in Brampton, Ont.

And then there were two. The remaining titles go head to head in the final day of debates.

With three books remaining, panellists discuss starting up necessary conversations through books.

With one book down and four remaining, it's day two of the battle of the books.