The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

Iona Whishaw dreamed of being a writer since she was a child. It may have taken longer than she had expected, but by her mid sixties she had fulfilled that childhood dream. Inspired by the true stories of her family's connection to secret intelligence services such as MI6, she’s written a fan favourite mystery series set in B.C. just after the Second World War. Plus, book content creator Ainara Alleyne drops by to talk about her journey as a youth reading advocate, and talk about the upcoming Forest of Reading Festival. Books discussed on this week's show include: A False and Fatal Claim: A Lane Winslow Mystery by Iona Whishaw The Chambermaid’s Key by Genevieve Graham I, Medusa by Ayana Gray Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Elsie Silver has become one of the most popular romance writers in the world. She's best known for her small town, slow burn romance novels, which exploded onto bestseller lists and sent production companies scrambling to be the first to adapt her work. Elsie’s new book, Fever Dream, is the first in a new series set in and around the fictional town of Emerald Lake, B.C. This week she talks about what sparked the flame of her rapidly rising career, and which books and series influenced her along the way. Books discussed on this week's show include: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Dancer by Shelley Peterson The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning Fever Dream by Elsie Silver Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

When Jennifer Chevalier isn’t digging up the latest political scoop on The House on CBC Radio, she’s unearthing untold stories of women in history. She has always been particularly interested in the women labeled as witches throughout history. In her debut novel, she writes about the women who came to New France from Normandy to be brides, with a hint of witchcraft. Plus, CBC Books associate producer Ailey Yamamoto talks about the intersection between video games and high art. Books discussed on this week's show include: The Winter Witch by Jennifer Chevalier Of Floating Isles: On Growing Pains and Video Games by Kawika Guillermo Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

The last Saturday of April is Independent Bookstore Day. This week Carmela Vedar, the owner of The Book Wardrobe, joins the show to talk about her store in Streetsville, Mississauga and how it came to be. Plus, scholar David Williams discusses the everlasting impact of the great Irish poet, Seamus Heaney. Books discussed on this week's show include: East of Eden by John Steinbeck Wintering Out by Seamus Heaney Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Kim Echlin doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. She's an author, translator and teacher who has written about political unrest and violence, and, in her reading life, is inspired by the writers who do the same. Her favourite writers bear witness to the world’s darkness and make meaning from these difficult stories. Kim’s latest book of essays pays tribute to her favourites, and it’s called Tell Others: Storytelling for a World in Turmoil. Plus, Toronto musician Lia Pappas-Kemps talks about her undying love for Zadie Smith. Books discussed on this week's show include: Tell Others: Storytelling for a World in Turmoil by Kim Echlin Intimations by Zadie Smith Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Graham Wright is a musician who spent almost twenty years playing keyboards in the band Tokyo Police Club, and has also done solo projects. Even before he developed his love for music, he had a passion for books. He joins the show this week to recommend three of his recent reads, all of which riff on the idea of home or at least finding your place in a hard to pin down world. Plus, CBC Books producer Daphné Santos-Vieira on the CBC Poetry Prize, and recommends a poetry collection that hit home. Books discussed on this week's show include: Pay as You Go by David Eskor Johnson How Much of These Hills is Gold by C. Pam Zhang Julius, Julius by Aurora Steward de Pena Yield by Jaime Forsythe Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Vampires not only don’t die, they never seem to go away. From ancient myths to modern stories, books and movies, the vampire sucks our attention. On a recent visit to New Orleans, Antonio Michael Downing saw the home of Anne Rice and immersed himself in her life and work. He dives into the classic with vampire novel aficionado Bridget Raymundo, who also recommends a more recent vampire read she loved. Plus, Juno-nominee Sacha recommends a book that stokes her creativity. Books discussed on this week's show include: Pay as You Go by David Eskor Johnson How Much of These Hills is Gold by C. Pam Zhang Julius, Julius by Aurora Steward de Pena Yield by Jaime Forsythe Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Lately it’s started to feel like tech, big, small and in between has taken more from us than it’s given. For sane, humane takes on tech we call on Vass Bednar. She’s a public policy expert and the director of The Canadian Shield Institute. She joins the show to talk about two books that focus on life, tech and the future. Plus, CBC Books producer Lisa Mathews recommends The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Books discussed on this week's show include: Girlfriend on Mars by Deborah Willis Agency by William Gibson The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Few authors have impacted young readers' lives as much as Judy Blume. Her beloved books are frank about puberty, sex and the messiness of growing up. Alicia Cox Thomson and Brian Francis, two lifelong Judy Blume fans join the show to talk about their recent reading of Judy Blume: A Life by Mark Oppenheimer, and the impact Judy Blume has had on their reading lives. Plus, author Janie Chang answers The Next Chapter’s Proust questionnaire. Books discussed on this week's show include: Judy Blume: A Life by Mark Oppenheimer The Fourth Princess by Janie Chang Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Project Hail Mary is BookToker and Canada Reads panellist Morgann Book’s favourite novel of all time. So she had high expectations going into the film adaptation. Three viewings later, she’s convinced they got it right. Plus, Antonio Michael sits down with the host of Canada Reads, Ali Hassan for a warm up chat before the debates, and learns the hardest part of hosting the competition. Books discussed on this week's show include: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt Foe by Iain Reid The Cure for Drowning by Loghan Paylor Searching for Terry Punchout by Tyler Hellard Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Amanda Brugel is an award-winning actor and former Canada Reads champion. In a career full of iconic characters Amanda is best known for playing Rita in The Handmaid’s Tale. She was first drawn to the character at the age of 15, before portraying her on the screen 20 years later. She shares her life in books. Plus, author Ray Robertson answers The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire. Books discussed on this week's show include: 21 Lessons For the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare The Right to Be Wrong by Ray Robertson Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Caroline Bicks grew up reading and loving Stephen King's work. She never would have imagined that one day she'd be working alongside the King of Horror himself. After teaching and writing about Shakespeare for many years, she changed direction and took the inaugural Stephen E. King Chair in Literature at the University of Maine. Eventually she had the opportunity to explore the archives and original manuscripts of some of King's most iconic work. She compiled her findings into her new book Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King. Books discussed on this week's show include: Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King by Caroline Bicks Carrie by Stephen King Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

The actor Malia Baker was the youngest person ever to compete on Canada Reads. Back then Malia was starring in The Babysitter’s Club on Netflix, and from there joined the Disney universe. She joins the show for a reading check-in. Plus, CBC Books' Talia Kliot talks about her venture into stand-up comedy and recommends two books about comedians. Books discussed on this week's show include: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom Remembered Rapture by Bell Hooks All About Love by Bell Hooks Good Material by Dolly Alderton Nobody Asked for This by Georgia Toews Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Chart-topping musician Tegan Quin has joined the table for Canada Reads 2026. She is the second member from the duo Tegan and Sara to participate in Canada Reads, and will defend Loghan Paylor's novel The Cure for Drowning. The team will discuss the upcoming debates and make their case for why this historical queer love story is the one book all of Canada should read. Books discussed on this week's show include: The Cure for Drowning by Loghan Paylor Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Every month across the country in federal prisons, inmates get together for bookclubs. It may not look like the typical club, but the connection, community and stimulation are all there. It’s a program that’s been running for almost 20 years. Tom Best, the Executive Director of Bookclubs for Inmates, drops by to talk about the program and Antonio Michael's experience as a guest author. Plus, Bridget Raymundo recommends a staff pick and explains its mysterious tie to Heated Rivalry.

The next Canada Reads panellist and author pairing has joined the table. Actor and TV host Josh Dela Cruz will defend Iain Reid’s novel, Foe. It’s a psychological thriller set against a science fiction backdrop, and examines the nature of a domestic relationship in a climate-change-ravaged country. The eerie familiarity stuck with Dela Cruz well after he finished reading, and will make his case for why it's must-read material for Canadians during the debates in April. Plus, Juno-nominated musician Siibii shares the book they think should be required in classrooms. Books discussed on this week's show include: Foe by Iain Reid Mind's Eye: Stories from Whapmagoostui edited by Emily Masty & Susan Marshall Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Gill Deacon is a writer, musician and a familiar voice on CBC. A few years ago she developed a debilitating illness that defied diagnosis for many months. In those long months of not knowing, she was forced to adjust to her relationship with uncertainty. Her new book is called A Love Affair with the Unknown: Leaning into the Uncertainty of Modern Life. She’ll talk about her journey, and recommend two similar titles. Plus, Karma Brown answers The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire. Books discussed on this week's show include: A Love Affair with the Unknown: Leaning into the Uncertainty of Modern Life Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities by Rebecca Solnit Mother is Watching by Karma Brown Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Filmmaker and actor Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and author Billy-Ray Belcourt are bringing rural Alberta authenticity to Canada Reads. Tailfeathers will be defending Belcourt’s novel A Minor Chorus. It follows a queer Indigenous doctoral student who steps away from his dissertation to write a novel, feeling caught between his childhood on the reservation, and the newest chapter of his life. They'll get into the upcoming debates, and why Tailfeathers believes this is the story Canada needs now more than ever. Books discussed on this week's show include: A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison I am Woman by Lee Maracle Kiss of the Fur Queen by Tomson Highway In Search of April Raintree by Beatrice Mosionier Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Toronto Sceptres players Claire Dalton and Raygan Kirk share a love of reading, so they decided to start a team book club. They join the show to discuss how the club works, balancing meetings with a busy PWHL schedule and what they're currently reading. Plus, writer and critic Jason Guriel on what makes the perfect book blurb and Canadian legend Fefe Dobson shares which book has been inspiring her lately. Books discussed on this week's show include: The Secret Lives of Murderer's Wives by Elizabeth Arnott God of the Woods by Liz Moore Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews Gone Before Goodbye by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon Linda McCartney: Life in Photographs by Annie Leibovitz and Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Hockey internet personality Steve "Dangle" Glynn says that Tyler Hellard's Searching for Terry Punchout picked him. The pair meets for the first time to discuss Tyler's book, which follows a lost sportswriter's journey home to reluctantly rekindle his relationship with his estranged father, a legendary retired NHL enforcer. They'll talk about Canada's relationship to the game, applesauce, and the invisible string that brought them together for Canada Reads. Books discussed on this week's show include: Searching for Terry Punchout by Tyler Hellard Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks