Podcast
Canada Reads
Hosted by CBC · EN
The CBC's great Canadian book debate returns. Five prominent Canadians have each selected the one book that they believe all of Canada should read. After each day's debate, they will vote to eliminate one book, until only the winner remains.
7episodes
Episodes
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Meet the 2026 contenders!
Jan 2400:31:49Tap to summarizeThe great Canadian book debate is back! The star-studded cast of Canada Reads 2026 is revealed on Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, along with the five books they think all of Canada should read. They also discuss debate strategy and reading outside of their comfort zones. The debates take place April 13 to 16. All the details for Canada Reads can be found at cbcbooks.ca.
Transcribe →Jamie Chai Yun Liew on the Canada Reads experience
Jan 1200:09:20Tap to summarizeCBC Books announced the fifteen Canadian books on the longlist for the annual great Canadian book debate. Jamie Chai Yun Liew is an author who knows exactly what having your book chosen for Canada Reads means. Her novel Dandelion was the runner-up on the show last year and she joined All in a Day host Alan Neal to talk about that experience and some of the books on this year's longlist.
Transcribe →Canada Reads 2025: The winners' circle
Mar 21, 202500:15:11Tap to summarizeThe winning Canada Reads panellist and author sit down with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host of Commotion on CBC Radio, for a victory lap.
Transcribe →Canada Reads 2025: Day Four — The Finale
Mar 20, 202500:54:05Tap to summarizeIt's the final showdown! Two contenders go head-to-head, and one will be crowned the winner of Canada Reads 2025!
Transcribe →Canada Reads 2025: Day Three
Mar 19, 202500:54:02Tap to summarizeThe great Canadian book debate heats up as three champions make the case to get their title into the final round. Which book will be eliminated next?
Transcribe →Canada Reads 2025: Day Two
Mar 18, 202500:54:02Tap to summarizeFour books are still in the running in the great Canadian book debate. Which title will be knocked off the shelf next?
Transcribe →Canada Reads 2025: Day One
Mar 17, 202500:54:05Tap to summarizeThe great Canadian book debate kicks off! Each of the five panellists champion the book they think is the one book all of Canada should read and vote to eliminate the first title.
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