The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

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

Have you always wanted to write a book of your own? From the outside the publishing industry and writing life can seem mysterious and unattainable. Author and creative writing professor Robert J. Wiersema might be able to help you out. He recommends three books that could take you from wanting to write, to actually doing it. And hear from Liz Crocker, the owner of Halifax bookstore Woozles and her staff picks. Plus our kids' readers talk about their passion for books!

Books discussed on this week's show include:

The Halifax Explosion by Afua Cooper

When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward

Story is a State of Mind by Sarah Selecky

Write Through It: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life by Kate Mckean

Dear Writer by Maggie Smith

Megabat by Anna Humphrey illustrated by Kass Reich

The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud

Morgann Book lives up to every part of her last name. Over the last few years, she has become one of Canada’s biggest book influencers, giving book recommendations and sharing her love for reading online. This year, she added a weekly podcast to her line up called Off the Shelf with Morgann Book. She chats about getting her start on TikTok, and what books currently have her attention. Plus, award-winning musician Debby Friday talks about what she was reading while making her latest album. 

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector

When Phyllis Webstad was six years old, her brand new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. This moment would go on to inspire Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. In this episode, Phyllis sits down with Métis scholar Kristy McLeod to talk about their new collaboration, Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves. Together, they explore how sharing stories can lead to collective healing and personal transformation. Plus, CBC Books’ Ailey Yamamoto recommends a novel about one character’s dream to become the first Cherokee astronaut.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage

Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves by Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeod 

They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars

Namwayut by Chief Robert Joseph

Books open doors to better understanding, and for podcaster, speaker and author Patty Krawec they’ve been a way to build bridges and challenge narratives. In this episode, Patty shares the story behind her new book Bad Indians Book Club, and how being a “Bad Indian” means disrupting colonial stories. Also on The Next Chapter, Billy Riley from the Polaris Prize-nominated band Ribbon Skirt recommends Lany by Max Porter.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Bad Indians Book Club by Patty Krawec

Lany by Max Porter

XO Kitty actor Anna Cathcart has always been drawn to great stories. In fact, reading played a big part in leading to her breakout Netflix role. She shares what it was like voicing the lead character in the new audible series Middlebridge Mysteries, and how she balanced her life as UBC student and television star. Also on The Next Chapter, how Bee Quammie’s refusal to be called a role model has impacted the life of influencer and columnist Mirian Njoh. And hear from Pierre-Luc Gratton from the Polaris Prize nominated band Population II on one book he can’t get enough of.

Fall may have just arrived on the calendar, but our expert reading panel has been deep in autumn reads for months. The lineup composed of CBC Books producers Talia Kliot, Bridget Raymundo and Ashly July convenes to recommend one book that Canadians should read this season, ranging from nuanced literary fiction, F1 romance and a nostalgic graphic novel.

Ken Dryden lived a big life. He was a six-time Stanley Cup Champion, a lawyer, politician, businessman and a best-selling author. Dave Bidini talks about the man behind the mask, and the sports classic The Game. Plus, listen to the multifaceted Hall of Famer answer the Proust Questionnaire recorded in 2024.

Denise Mina didn’t learn to read until she was about nine, and it wasn’t until her late teens that books really hooked her. But once they did, there was no looking back. Today, Denise has become one of Scotland's most prolific mystery writers. She shares some of the most influential books in her life, and discusses her latest crime novel.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov

Can’t we talk about something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

The American Civil War by John Keegan

Nic Cage: Actor For Hire by Raechel Leigh Carter

The Good Liar by Denise Mina