Podcast
The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing
Hosted by CBC · EN
Looking for your next great read? The Next Chapter’s got you covered! Book lovers join host Antonio Michael Downing to dive deep into great books. Big feelings, hot takes, enlightening conversations — you’ve never been in a book club like this before. It’s Canada’s book club, and everyone’s invited. So pull up a chair and join the conversation. New episodes every Saturday and Monday.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Ernest Hemingway had a problem with Toronto
4d ago00:26:45Tap to summarizeDid you know that Ernest Hemingway wrote for the Toronto Star? The iconic cigar-smoking, bull-fighting American writer spent two separate stints living in Canada. It was partly while living and working in Toronto that he developed his stripped-down, sparse writing style. Author and Hemingway expert Terry Fallis reflects on the writer's larger than life reputation and his time spent in Toronto ahead of the upcoming International Hemingway Society Conference. Plus, CBC producer Christine Pagulayan talks about the latest trend to hit the world of romance. Books discussed on this week's show include:And Then There Were None by Agatha ChristieLittle Face by Sophie HannahBefore You Go to Sleep by S. J. WatsonLife After Life by Kate AtkinsonIt’s Not What You Think by Clare MackintoshCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →How an accidental police officer stumbled into a career as a mystery author
2w ago00:27:03Tap to summarizeClare Mackintosh joined the police force by accident. But taking what she learned over a 12 year career and using it to become a bestselling mystery and crime writer, was no accident. Nine novels later, she's sold millions of copies and has never looked back. Her latest is a genre-fusing novel titled, It’s Not What You Think. Clare was recently a guest speaker at the yearly MOTIVE crime and mystery festival in Toronto, and dropped by to talk about the books that have shaped her life and career.Books discussed on this week's show include:And Then There Were None by Agatha ChristieLittle Face by Sophie HannahBefore You Go to Sleep by S. J. WatsonLife After Life by Kate AtkinsonIt’s Not What You Think by Clare MackintoshCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →Spilling secrets and small-town adultery in The Shampoo Effect
3w ago00:26:50Tap to summarizeFor years Jenny Jackson worked as an editor for some of the biggest authors in the publishing game. Eventually, she took what she had learned as an editor and applied it to writing a book of her own.The result was a bestselling novel, and a new career as an author. Her new novel, The Shampoo Effect, took inspiration from a sexy, sixties novel about small-town adultery. It’s the story of a young woman who finds her way deep into a close circle of friends, and then writes all about them in a revealing New Yorker story. Plus, we revisit the late writer Gail Bowen’s Proust Questionnaire from 2015.Books discussed on this week's show include:Couples by John UpdikeThe Shampoo Method by Jenny JacksonCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →Kid approved books they will actually want to read this Summer
3w ago00:27:42Tap to summarizeWondering 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 ShapiroThe Healer and the Phoenix by Linda Trinh, illustrated by Quynh Anh NguyenInbetweens by Faith Erin HicksEllis 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 BlakeSon of Nobody by Yann MartelCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →What is the greatest Canadian novel of all time?
4w ago00:25:26Tap to summarizeHere 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 CarsonThe Stone Angel by Margaret LaurenceIn the Upper Country by Kai ThomasHeated Rivalry by Rachel ReidThe Great Alone by Kristin HannahCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →Mystery solved: your summer reading list
Jun 2200:27:42Tap to summarizeThe 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 HardingA Gift Before Dying by Malcolm KemptGood Guys by Sharon BalaThe Keeper by Tana FrenchGreenwood by Michael ChristieIt’s a Good Life, if you Don’t Weaken by SethThe Woodchipper by Joe OllmannCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →The book that inspired Carley Fortune's writing career
Jun 2000:24:26Tap to summarizeCarley 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 AndrewsTomorrow, When the War Began by John MarsdenAnne of Green Gables by LM MontgomerySeven Days in June by Tia Williams Our Perfect Storm by Carley FortuneFive Little Indians by Michelle GoodCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →The hidden connection between basketball and book nerds
Jun 1500:26:56Tap to summarizeThe 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 PymEarly Morning Riser by Katherine HeinyDefinitely Thriving by Kerry ClareCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →Why Ann Patchett thinks the secret to success might be lowering people's expectations
Jun 1300:26:56Tap to summarizeAnn 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 PatchettKin by Tayari JonesJohn of John by Douglas StuartThe Left and the Lucky by Willy VlautinMusic Against the Night by Yiyun LeeSharing the Light: Stories and Reflections by Monique Gray SmithCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →Get ready for the World Cup with these essential soccer books
Jun 800:27:43Tap to summarizeAs 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 GaleanoDynamo: Triumph and Tragedy in Nazi-Occupied Kiev by Andy DouganThe Chambermaid's Key by Genevieve GrahamCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
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