The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

Wondering how you’re going to keep your kids reading now that school’s out? Our children’s book panel is here to help. We’ve asked writer, broadcaster and Mom, Bee Quammie, and CBC Books producer and mother of two, Lucy Mann to recommend their recent favourite all Canadian kids books. Plus, author of Life of Pi, Yann Martel shares what matters most to him while answering The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro
The Healer and the Phoenix by Linda Trinh, illustrated by Quynh Anh Nguyen
Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks
Ellis on Guard by Sal Sawler, Nandita Ratan (Illustrator)
Shy Cat and the Stuff-the-Bus Challenge by Dian Day (Author), Amanda White (Illustrator)
The Cursed Queen's Daughter by Elly Blake
Son of Nobody by Yann Martel

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Here at The Next Chapter, we read Canadian all year long. But to help celebrate Canada Day, we’re asking what makes a book a Canadian classic. To help answer this question, we’ve called upon CBC Books producer Bridget Raymundo and lifelong bookseller Nathan Maharaj. They discuss their favourite Canadian novels of all-time, and what makes a book relevant for generations to come. They also present one title that they think has what it takes to become a future Canadian classic. Plus, musician Brettyn Rose talks about songwriting and recommends one of her favourite books.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson
The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence
In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

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The Next Chapter’s mystery panel is back with their summer round-up. Two mystery writers, Angela Misri and Sam Wiebe have hand selected their favourite titles to add some tension to your summer, strictly on the page of course. Plus, Joe Ollmann isn’t your average cartoonist. He discusses the intersection between socialism and graphic novels, and how he uses his platform to highlight the working class in his stories. He’ll discuss his latest book, and share his go-to recommendations from the shelves of Epic Books in Hamilton.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding
A Gift Before Dying by Malcolm Kempt
Good Guys by Sharon Bala
The Keeper by Tana French
Greenwood by Michael Christie
It’s a Good Life, if you Don’t Weaken by Seth
The Woodchipper by Joe Ollmann

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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

Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks