The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

Carley Fortune is one of the biggest names in contemporary romance. This year, two of her hit novels are being adapted into TV series, and has shown no signs of slowing down. Her most recent book, Our Perfect Storm, is a romance set on the breathtaking shores of Tofino. Before becoming an author, she worked as a journalist, and before that she was an avid reader with a love for storytelling. She'll talk about some of the most influential books in her life, and what drove her to start telling her own stories. Plus, Youth Recipient of a 2026 Indspire award, musician Tia Wood recommends an Indigenous book that she considers a modern classic.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews

Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams 

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Five Little Indians by Michelle Good

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The Toronto Tempo recently became Canada's first WNBA team. If you, like many others, are considering checking out the action, our in-house women's basketball expert Talia Kliot recommends the one book everyone should read to learn more about the rich history of women's basketball. Plus, author Kerry Clare talks about her most recent novel Definitely Thriving, and explains the book's deep connection to Bridget Jones Diary.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Excellent Women by Barbara Pym

Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny

Definitely Thriving by Kerry Clare

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Ann Patchett has written many celebrated books: Bel Canto, The Dutch House, State of Wonder. Her new book, Whistler, is another in her line-up of lovely stories that honour memory and the moments that make a life. Besides her work as a writer, Ann owns a bookstore called Parnassus in Nashville, and she’s a tireless advocate for independent booksellers. In the midst of a busy book tour for Whistler, she stops by to chat and recommend some titles from the Parnassus shelves. Plus, author Monique Gray Smith talks about true happiness while answering The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Whistler by Ann Patchett

Kin by Tayari Jones

John of John by Douglas Stuart

The Left and the Lucky by Willy Vlautin

Music Against the Night by Yiyun Lee

Sharing the Light: Stories and Reflections by Monique Gray Smith

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As Canada prepares for its upcoming World Cup games, writer, musician and sports enthusiast Dave Bidini joins the show to help get you in the soccer spirit. He’ll recommend two classic football books that capture why we call it the beautiful game. Plus, author Genevieve Graham talks about getting lost in the work while answering The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire. 

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Soccer in Sun and Shadow by Eduardo Galeano

Dynamo: Triumph and Tragedy in Nazi-Occupied Kiev by Andy Dougan

The Chambermaid's Key by Genevieve Graham

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Readers are still in love with romance. The genre has become the engine behind the publishing industry, and Heated Rivalry shifted things into a new gear. If you, like millions of other readers, are wondering what romance to dive into next, The Next Chapter has you covered. Daphne Santos-Vieira and Alicia Cox-Thompson recommend their new favorite titles. Plus, musician Kaeley Jade recommends an iconic Indigenous story, and talks about how reading sparks her songwriting. 

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Evening the Score by Lexi Lafleur Brown

The Book Tour by Emily Ohanjanians

Bedside Manner by C.G. Macington

Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose it Brooke Averick

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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If there ever was a bookstore that lived up to its name, it’s Joie de Livres in Montréal. From its shelves of romance and fantasy, to its cocktails, coffee and nacho selection, it’s a store dedicated to the joy of reading and of life. Program director Mathieu Lauzon-Dicso talks about what to expect when you walk through its doors. Plus, writer and translator Jinwoo Park recommends two book picks for Asian Heritage Month.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

Restaurant Kid by Rachel Phan

Celestina’s House by Clarissa Trinidad Gonzalez

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Before he ever joined the cast of Dragons’ Den, David Chilton wrote the incredibly successful financial book The Wealthy Barber. His advice shaped the way millions of people used and invested their money. 37 years later, he's back with an updated version of his classic book, with the future of the younger generation in mind. He joins the show to discuss how books came into his life, and how they inspired him to write his own. Plus, Ewan Currie from The Sheepdogs talks about a favourite recent read.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias

Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins

Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy

Looneyspoons by Janet and Greta Podleski

White River Crossing by Ian McGuire

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Nadine Bhabha wears many hats. Poet, comedy writer, actor and avid reader. She’s been in hit shows like Heated Rivalry and Letterkenny, worked as writer on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and was recently selected as a juror for the CBC Poetry Prize. Nadine joins the show to talk about her life as a working actor, and where books fit into it. Plus, remembering the late Canadian author Alan Bradley who answered The Next Chapter’s Proust Questionnaire in 2024.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night by Morgan Parker

Famesick by Lena Dunham

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers - A Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan Bradley

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Andrew Phung is a comedian, writer and an actor. He’s probably best known for the five years he played Kimchee on Kim’s Convenience, and from there he starred in Run the Burbs, which he co-created. Over his career he’s won five Canadian Screen Awards, and this year he will host the award show. He'll discuss his journey through comedy, fatherhood and books, specifically books that have helped shape his life and career.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Descent by Diane Carey

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen

Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse by Vinh Nguyen

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Wayne Johnston is a master storyteller. He’s been writing books for forty years, with the history, politics and people of Newfoundland figuring large in his works. His new novel is The Novice of Holloway Hall. He joins the show to talk about the books that have shaped him and his career. Plus, acclaimed English author Jeanette Winterson answers the Proust Questionnaire. 

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Salome by Oscar Wilde

Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson

As You Like It by William Shakespeare

One Aladdin Two Lamps by Jeanette Winterson

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