A self-driving mini-van collides with an oncoming car and a couple is killed. Behind the wheel is a seventeen-year-old with his family on board. That’s the opening premise of the novel Culpability by Bruce Holsinger, which was an Oprah bookclub pick last summer. Nathan Maharaj, Vass Bednar and Antonio Michael Downing convene to discuss who is responsible. Plus, author Wally Lamb answers the Proust Questionnaire.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger

The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb

Canadian television personality and influencer Jillian Harris describes herself as the “quintessential busy bee”. Since first appearing on The Bachelor she's created her own brand focused on fashion, family and design. She talks about co-writing her children’s book Just Another Perfect Day with her husband Justin Pasutto. Plus, CBC Books' Trevor Carter talks Blue Jays and recommends The Franchise by Keegan Matheson.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Just Another Perfect Day by Jillian Harris and Justin Pasutto, Illustrated by Morgan Goble

The Franchise: The Toronto Blue Jays: A Curated History of the Jays by Keegan Matheson

Antonio Michael Downing teaches our expert panel how to “maco," the Trini term for minding other people's business. Talia Kliot, Kudakwashe Rutendo and Nathan Maharaj convene to recommend their favourite Canadian memoirs. Plus, Winnipeg-based musician and emerging star Leith Ross talks about growing up as an avid reader and recommends a book that had a massive impact on their latest record.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

How to Share an Egg by Bonnie Reichert

All the Little Monsters by David A Robertson

Soft as Bones by Chyana Marie Sage

Elseship: An Unrequited Affair by Tree Abraham

How to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire Cameron

It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished: A Memoir of My Body by Kate Gies

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

For many years Linden Macintyre hosted the iconic investigative program The Fifth Estate. During his time there he wrote The Bishop’s Man, which went on to win the Giller prize. Through his books and journalism, he has captivated Canadian audiences for decades. His most recent book is An Accidental Villain: A Soldier’s Tale of War, Deceit and Exile. He joins the show to talk about the books that have shaped and influenced him into the storyteller he is today.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Ulysses by James Joyce

That They May Face the Rising Sun by John McGahern

 Ill Fares the Land by Tony Judt

The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussell

An Accidental Villain: A Soldier’s Tale of War, Deceit and Exile by Linden MacIntyre

Both Horror and Hallowe’en are having a moment. To celebrate the arrival of “spooky season” our columnist JJ Lee shares a couple of horror adjacent novels that will let you in on the fun, without the sleepless nights. Plus, author Matthew R. Morris joins the show to recommend books that celebrate the lost art of conversation and language.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Colin Gets Promoted and Dooms the World by Mark Waddell

Leave Our Bones Where They Lay by Aviaq Johnston

What I Mean to Say by Ian Williams

Linguaphile by Julie Sedivy

Malala Yousafzai came of age in the public eye. The brutal attack she endured from the Taliban, her advocacy for girls' education and the Nobel Prize she received has kept her in the spotlight since she was a young girl. Her new memoir Finding My Way reveals the messy business of growing up, navigating university life in a new country and fitting in as an international icon. Plus, CBC Books Producer Ashly July gives us his staff pick.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Finding My Way by Malala Yousefzai

The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard

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