The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

00:26:50

Spilling secrets and small-town adultery in The...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/07/04

For 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

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00:27:42

Kid approved books they will actually want to read...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/29

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 ShapiroThe

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00:25:26

What is the greatest Canadian novel of all time?

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/27

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

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00:27:42

Mystery solved: your summer reading list

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/22

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

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00:24:26

The book that inspired Carley Fortune's writing career

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/20

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

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00:26:56

The hidden connection between basketball and book nerds

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/15

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

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00:26:56

Why Ann Patchett thinks the secret to success might...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/13

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

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00:27:43

Get ready for the World Cup with these essential...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/08

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 GaleanoDynamo: Triumph and Tragedy in

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00:25:42

After Heated Rivalry, what’s next for romance readers?

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/06

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

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00:27:42

The Montréal bookstore doing it like no other: Meet...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/06/01

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

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00:24:35

The books that made David Chilton The Wealthy Barber

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/30

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

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00:27:42

Heated Rivalry’s Nadine Bhabha’s It Girl book club

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/25

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

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00:26:43

The books that made Andrew Phung fall in love with...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/23

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 -

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00:27:41

How being a 'sickly child' made Wayne Johnston a...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/18

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 CervantesSalome by Oscar WildeCollected Poems of Emily

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00:25:06

How reading became the hottest fashion trend of 2026

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/16

Gen Z has found a new favourite way to improve their outfit while simultaneously looking more intellectual. Add a book. Books have become one of the hottest trends in the fashion world, serving as accessories, objects and status signifiers. Fashion houses have signed on in a big way, creating everything from book bags to readable charms. CBC Books' very own “lit girl” and eagle eyed trend spotter Bridget Raymundo joins the show to talk about what happens when fashion cozies up to the book world

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00:27:42

Her uncles for worked for MI6, now she writes spy novels

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/11

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

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00:26:36

How Elise Silver became one of the biggest names in...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/09

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

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00:27:42

Exploring the fear that turned women into “witches”

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/04

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

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00:26:53

Reflecting on a year of fear with Stephen King

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/05/02

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

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00:27:42

How this independent bookstore owner stocks their...

The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing ·

2026/04/27

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 SteinbeckWintering Out by Seamus HeaneyCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

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