Acclaimed Montreal writer and past Canada Reads-winning author Heather O’Neill on why she chose to champion fellow Quebecer Catherine Leroux’s novel The Future in this year’s debate; why Drew Hayden Taylor is the ultimate modern day storyteller; examining abuse and gender expectations in novel The Red One by Safia Fazlul, and more.

Fashion influencer Mirian Njoh talks about championing author Carley Fortune’s Meet Me At The Lake during the upcoming Canada Reads debates, Matthew R. Morris discusses his poignant essay collection Black Boys Like Me, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio on her charming novel Reuniting With Strangers, plus more.

Ontario poet and author Gary Barwin discusses his new nonfiction Imagining Imagining, columnist Alicia Cox Thomson recommends three novels set in cold or snowy destinations, Canadian American author Vauhini Vara on her short story collection This Is Salvaged and more.

Bestselling author Lesley Crewe talks about how the slow pace of Cape Breton Island-inspired her latest novel, Ryan B. Patrick gets some style tips from expert columnist Brian Francis, Talia Kliot shares a few historical fiction recommendations, and more.

Toronto author Christine Estima celebrates the immigrant experience, Kai Thomas reflects on writing a debut novel set in the mid-19th century, columnist Max Arambulo reviews books about personal growth, and more.

Ontario cartoonist Seth uses the comic book form to look at life, host and comedian Rick Mercer answers The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust questionnaire, NHL dad Karl Subban on what inspired his latest kids’ book, Jen Ferguson reveals why she wrote the timely YA novel Those Pink Mountain Nights, and more.

Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley reveal why they teamed up to write a festively funny multi-faith rom-com, kids’ book experts Bee Quammie and Bridget Raymundo talk about the titles they loved in 2023, Montreal author-Illustrator Marie-Louise Gay answers The Next Chapter’s Proust questionnaire, and more.

Better Next Year editor and story contributor Sonja Larsen shares some humbug holiday stories; Francesda Carbonneau from the band FRANKIIE reveals why she’s reading Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead; author of the Portia Adams adventure series Angela Misri and Wakeland series author Sam Wiebe give their top mystery recommendations; and learn more about Inaya Rahman, the detective protagonist of Ausma Zehanat Khan’s novel Blood Betrayal.

Toronto writer Mai Nguyen shares her novel Sunshine Nails inspired by the nail salon her parents owned while growing up in Halifax; Jeopardy! and Canada Reads winner Mattea Roach identifies three powerful memoirs about grief; Casey Plett draws from lived experience to explore the intricacies of community in her latest book, and more.

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; The Pastry Nerd recommends three cookbooks; Don Gillmor explores midlife malaise and more.