The Next Chapter

Both Horror and Hallowe’en are having a moment. To celebrate the arrival of “spooky season” our columnist JJ Lee shares a couple of horror adjacent novels that will let you in on the fun, without the sleepless nights. Plus, author Matthew R. Morris joins the show to recommend books that celebrate the lost art of conversation and language.Books discussed on this week's show include:Colin Gets Promoted and Dooms the World by Mark WaddellLeave Our Bones Where They Lay by Aviaq JohnstonWhat I Mean to Say by Ian WilliamsLinguaphile by Julie Sedivy

Malala Yousafzai came of age in the public eye. The brutal attack she endured from the Taliban, her advocacy for girls' education and the Nobel Prize she received has kept her in the spotlight since she was a young girl. Her new memoir Finding My Way reveals the messy business of growing up, navigating university life in a new country and fitting in as an international icon. Plus, CBC Books Producer Ashly July gives us his staff pick.Books discussed on this week's show include:Finding My Way by Malala YousefzaiThe Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard

Family gatherings have a way of bringing out the dysfunction in all of us. Our columnist and writer Alicia Cox Thomson recommends two wild family dramas to read this fall. Also, CBC Books producer Daphné Santos-Vieira talks about feeling the love at the Toronto Public Library event BookCrush and recommends a romance novel to an apprehensive Antonio Michael Downing.Books discussed on this week's show include:Favourite Daughter by Morgan DickMadwoman by Chelsea BiekerRevolve by Bal KhabraRed, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston

Before he was a fixture in the Canadian literary community, Terry Fallis worked as an engineer and in politics before writing his first book at the age of 45. He just launched his new novel, The Marionette and joins the show for an installment of My Life in Books to break down some of the most influential books in his life. Plus, Saskatoon-based musician Katie Tupper talks about her biggest inspirations, songwriting and recommends a book about maximizing creativity. Books discussed on this week's show include:Pilot Jack Knight by A.M. Anderson and R.E. JohnsonA Moveable Feast by Ernest HemingwayA Prayer for Owen Meany by John IrvingA Gentleman in Moscow by Amor TowlesCatching the Big Fish by David Lynch

Antonio Michael Downing checks in with the owner of Variant Edition Graphic Novels and Comics in Edmonton, Brandon Schatz who recommends some local favourites. CBC Producer Amelia Eqbal joins Antonio Michael to share three graphic novels that she holds close to her heart, starring young women coming-of-age.Books discussed on this week's show include:Ducks by Kate BeatonPass Me By: Gone Fishin' by Kat Simmers and Ryan Danny OwenFull of Myself by Siobhan GallagherGive Me Space But Don't Go Far by Haley WeaverHalfway There by Christine Mari

Bookclubs, like other social get-togethers have rules, idiosyncrasies and sometimes big personalities. That can get complicated. Author and book club veteran Brian Francis joins the show to offer some advice on navigating these group dynamics, and recommends three books that underlie our need for human connection. Plus, Vancouver-based musician Young Friend talks about songwriting inspiration, camping and a failed Everest expedition.Books discussed on this week's show include:Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan CainFinding Your Third Place by Richard KyteShitty Craft Club by Sam ReeceInto Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Robert J. Wiersema, an author and creative-writing professor, shares his top book recommendations to help aspiring writers find their voice and hone their craft. He emphasizes the importance of self-care in the writing process, highlighting titles like Maggie Smith's 'Dear Writer' for practical guidance and comfort. Meanwhile, Liz Crocker, owner of Woozles, delves into local history, recommending Afua Cooper’s 'The Halifax Explosion' for children and discussing its poignant storytelling rooted in community resilience. Their insights make for an inspiring listen!

Morgann Book lives up to every part of her last name. Over the last few years, she has become one of Canada’s biggest book influencers, giving book recommendations and sharing her love for reading online. This year, she added a weekly podcast to her line up called Off the Shelf with Morgann Book. She chats about getting her start on TikTok, and what books currently have her attention. Plus, award-winning musician Debby Friday talks about what she was reading while making her latest album. Books discussed on this week's show include:Project Hail Mary by Andy WeirThe Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector

When Phyllis Webstad was six years old, her brand new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. This moment would go on to inspire Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. In this episode, Phyllis sits down with Métis scholar Kristy McLeod to talk about their new collaboration, Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves. Together, they explore how sharing stories can lead to collective healing and personal transformation. Plus, CBC Books’ Ailey Yamamoto recommends a novel about one character’s dream to become the first Cherokee astronaut.Books discussed on this week's show include:To the Moon and Back by Eliana RamageDecolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves by Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeod They Called Me Number One by Bev SellarsNamwayut by Chief Robert Joseph

Books open doors to better understanding, and for podcaster, speaker and author Patty Krawec they’ve been a way to build bridges and challenge narratives. In this episode, Patty shares the story behind her new book Bad Indians Book Club, and how being a “Bad Indian” means disrupting colonial stories. Also on The Next Chapter, Billy Riley from the Polaris Prize-nominated band Ribbon Skirt recommends Lany by Max Porter.Books discussed on this week's show include:Bad Indians Book Club by Patty KrawecLany by Max Porter