The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing
Books & Literature
About
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.
Episodes
- How Elise Silver became one of the biggest names in romance
Elsie Silver, a popular romance writer, discusses her career and influences, including her new book "Fever Dream." She shares what sparked her career and which books influenced her writing.
- Exploring the fear that turned women into “witches”
Jennifer Chevalier, author of The Winter Witch, discusses her interest in women labeled as witches throughout history. Ailey Yamamoto also explores the intersection of video games and high art.
- Reflecting on a year of fear with Stephen King
Caroline Bicks, author of "Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King," shares her experiences working with Stephen King and exploring his archives. The episode also discusses King's novel "Carrie."
- How this independent bookstore owner stocks their shelves
Carmela Vedar, owner of The Book Wardrobe, talks about her store. David Williams discusses the impact of poet Seamus Heaney, whose books include "Wintering Out".
- Can reading be the first step to making real change?
Kim Echlin, author of "Tell Others: Storytelling for a World in Turmoil," discusses inspiring change through reading. Toronto musician Lia Pappas-Kemps shares her appreciation for Zadie Smith.
- Dystopian apartment hunting and searching for a place to call home
Graham Wright, musician from Tokyo Police Club, discusses books exploring the theme of home and finding one's place. CBC Books producer Daphné Santos-Vieira recommends a poetry collection.
- Travelling to the birthplace of Interview with the Vampire
Antonio Michael Downing explores Anne Rice's work, including "Interview with the Vampire," in New Orleans with Bridget Raymundo. The episode also features book recommendations from Juno-nominee Sacha and discusses the enduring appeal of va…
- A reality show where contestants win a trip ... to Mars?
Vass Bednar, a public policy expert, joins Antonio Michael Downing on "The Next Chapter" to discuss technology, its impact, and the future. They explore books touching on these themes, and CBC Books producer Lisa Mathews recommends "The Co…
- What made Judy Blume’s books so popular? Reflecting on her illustrious career and new biography
This episode explores the popularity of Judy Blume's books and her impact on young readers. It also discusses a new biography about her life, with insights from lifelong fans.
- Does the Project Hail Mary adaptation do the novel justice?
Morgann Book shares her thoughts on the Project Hail Mary film adaptation. Antonio Michael Downing interviews Canada Reads host Ali Hassan.
- How Amanda Brugel manifested her role in The Handmaid’s Tale
Amanda Brugel, known for her role as Rita in The Handmaid\
- The youngest Canada Reads contestant is now a Disney star: Here’s what she’s reading now
Malia Baker, who gained fame on The Babysitter's Club and joined the Disney universe, was the youngest contestant on Canada Reads. She joins The Next Chapter for a reading update. The episode also features Talia Kliot discussing stand-up c…
- How iconic musician Tegan Quin plans to tackle Canada Reads
Tegan Quin joins the panel for Canada Reads 2026 to defend Loghan Paylor's novel The Cure for Drowning. In this episode, she discusses the upcoming debates and the themes of the historical queer love story.
- A look inside Canada’s prison book clubs
Tom Best, Executive Director of Bookclubs for Inmates, discusses the program's history and impact in Canadian federal prisons. The episode also features a book recommendation from Bridget Raymundo.
- The quiet terror of Foe: why Actor Josh Dela Cruz is bringing it to Canada Reads
Actor and TV host Josh Dela Cruz discusses defending Iain Reid’s novel, Foe, for Canada Reads. The broadcast also features musician Siibii, who recommends a book for classrooms, and includes discussions of works by Iain Reid, Emily Masty,…
- This writer's mystery illness defied diagnosis for months - here's what she learned from the uncertainty
Writer and broadcaster Gill Deacon discusses her new book, A Love Affair with the Unknown, and navigating a long, undiagnosed illness. The episode also features an interview with author Karma Brown and book recommendations.
- Why Elle-Maija Tailfeathers says A Minor Chorus is the story Canada needs to hear right now
Filmmaker and actor Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers discusses her choice to defend Billy-Ray Belcourt’s novel, A Minor Chorus, on Canada Reads. They explore the themes of the book and the upcoming debates.
- Inside the Toronto Sceptres’ team book club
Toronto Sceptres players Claire Dalton and Raygan Kirk created a team book club and join The Next Chapter to discuss its operations and their reading choices. Writer Jason Guriel offers insights on crafting effective book blurbs, and music…
- Why Steve Dangle says this novel picked him for Canada Reads
Hockey internet personality Steve Dangle joins Antonio Michael Downing to discuss Tyler Hellard's novel 'Searching for Terry Punchout.' They explore the book's themes, including a sportswriter's journey and his relationship with his father…
- What do fans of the novel Wuthering Heights make of the new adaptation?
Columnist Mirian Njoh discusses the new Wuthering Heights adaptation, while author Tara Moss shares insights on her latest book and provides reading recommendations. The episode also features discussions on specific literary titles, includ…
- How Canada Reads is unleashing Morgann Book’s inner competitor
This episode of The Next Chapter explores the upcoming Canada Reads competition, featuring BookToker Morgann Book and author Joss Richard. Additionally, author Samantha M. Bailey responds to the Proust Questionnaire.
- This Amazing Race winner’s latest challenge? Reading 50 books in a year
Kim Holderness discusses her goal to read 50 books by age 50, and Ryan B. Patrick shares book recommendations by Black Canadian authors. The episode also features discussions on various titles, including My Friends and Awake.
- Has hustle culture been lying to you?
Amil Niazi discusses her book, Life After Ambition, and her experience moving away from corporate hustle culture. The episode also features musician Sarah Kae sharing her recent reading list, including works by Jenny Odell, Claudia Dey, an…
- Are book bans actually effective in a digital age?
Kudakwashe Rutendo and Mirian Njoh explore the impact of book bans in schools and libraries. The episode also features a Proust Questionnaire with author Madeleine Thien.
- Mychal the Librarian on his journey to internet stardom
Mychal Threets, known as Mychal the Librarian, discusses his journey as a literacy advocate, social media creator, and new host of Reading Rainbow. The episode also features musician Evan Redsky and highlights books by Lorraine Nam and Ric…
- Why the internet loves this family owned bookstore
This episode features Lisa Bailey of Bailey Books, a St. Albert used bookstore that gained internet fame for its rare books and repair services. It also includes Terese Mason Pierre discussing notable black speculative fiction novels.
- Why fantasy novels offer much more than escapism
Author K.J. Aiello discusses how fantasy literature informed their understanding of mental illness in 'The Monster and the Mirror'. The episode also features a book recommendation from musician Maggie Andrew.
- What makes older protagonists so compelling?
Columnist Alicia Cox Thomson explores the rising popularity of older protagonists in contemporary fiction, recommending several titles. Additionally, Daphné Santos-Vieira shares her staff pick for the week.
- Get to know CBC’s Winter Olympics host
CBC Winter Olympics host Andria Petrillo discusses her career in sportscasting, her book, and her lifelong passion for sports. The episode also features recommended reading from Canadian athletes heading to the Olympic games.
- Celina ‘Spooky Boo’ Myers on writing the next great vampire novel
Celina 'Spooky Boo' Myers discusses her new book and paranormal content, while actor and writer Keegan Connor Tracy shares book recommendations. The episode explores titles including The Vampire Diaries, White Oleander, Hollow, Orbital, an…
- Mother-daughter bonding? How about writing a novel together
Elin Hilderbrand discusses co-writing her latest novel, The Academy, with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham. She also shares a list of books that have been influential in her life.
- What Libby Ward learned by being extremely honest on social media
Libby Ward joins the show to discuss her book, Honest Motherhood, and her experience finding her voice as a content creator. CBC Books Senior Producer Ryan B. Patrick also offers a book recommendation.
- Canadian fiddle legend Natalie MacMaster shares her life in books
Canadian fiddler Natalie MacMaster discusses her life in books and the literary works that have influenced her on The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing. She shares her background in Cape Breton music and her family's performance li…
- Is it a red flag if your boyfriend has read Anna Karenina?
Heather O'Neill discusses re-reading Anna Karenina to analyze its impact on her past relationships. Additionally, musician Adrian Sutherland shares his experience writing his first book and his musical journey.
- Why Mark Critch is willing to fight for Canada
Mark Critch discusses his book, Sorry, Not Sorry, and his Canadian identity. Author Carley Fortune also answers the Proust Questionnaire, and the episode covers several featured literary titles.
- The 2025 Giller Prize finalists in conversation
The five finalists for the 2025 Giller Prize join Antonio Michael Downing at the Isabel Bader Theatre to discuss and read from their shortlisted books. The episode features authors Mona Awad, Eddy Boudel Tan, Emma Donoghue, Emma Knight, an…
- Watching Heated Rivalry? Here’s what the author wants you to know
Author Rachel Reid shares her experience seeing her book Heated Rivalry adapted into a popular series, discusses its renewal, and recommends several other books to listeners.
- Getting to know Danger Eagle, the stunt performing penguin
Jesse Wente shares the story behind his children's book 'Danger Eagle,' inspired by a childhood toy. He also discusses influential stories and shares book recommendations with host Antonio Michael Downing.
- Why this Ginny and Georgia star loves reading
Raymond Ablack, star of Netflix's Ginny & Georgia, shares childhood memories and discusses his role in 'Mistletoe Murders.' Madelaine Drohan joins to discuss her book on Benjamin Franklin and the history of Canada-US relations.
- Need a kid’s book for the holidays? Our panel has suggestions for all ages
The Next Chapter's children's book panel shares holiday reading suggestions for various age groups, from preschoolers to high schoolers. Featured books include titles about a chicken, dragon eggs, and teen romance.
- Are literary prizes a scam?
This episode features writer and critic Kerry Clare discussing literary prizes and notable books, alongside recommendations from CBC Books producer Lucy Mann and insights from musician Logan Richard.
- How Tolstoy and Dostoevsky shaped Canadian rapper Shad
Rapper and broadcaster Shad, celebrating 20 years in music, discusses the books that influenced him, such as works by Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. He also reflects on his career, including hosting Netflix's Hip-Hop Evolution, and his latest alb…
- Flirting Lessons with Mirian Njoh
Mirian Njoh shares her thoughts on Jasmine Guillory's novel 'Flirting Lessons,' a sapphic romance. Fiona Sauder and Victor Pokinko discuss adapting C.S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia' for the stage.
- Who is the wimpy kid behind Jeff Kinney’s iconic series?
Jeff Kinney shares the personal inspirations, including embarrassing childhood moments and his family, behind his globally popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The episode also covers the 20th book, Partypooper, and features a fantasy book…
- What books drew Brendan Fraser to storytelling?
Brendan Fraser joins The Next Chapter to discuss the childhood books that sparked his imagination, including works by Robert J. Sawyer and Roald Dahl. He also shares insights into his new audio series, "The Downloaded 2: Ghosts in the Mach…
- Taking a tour of Newfoundland with Alan Doyle
Musician Alan Doyle joins The Next Chapter to discuss his new book "The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador," exploring stories that have shaped him and his deep connection to Newfoundland.
- Is the Canadian Booker winner worth reading?
This episode features a review of David Szalay's Booker Prize-winning novel 'Flesh' by Ryan B. Patrick, and a discussion with Rabindranath Maharaj about influential books, including his work.
- What might surprise you about Margaret Atwood’s new memoir
Susan Swan and Mona Awad join host Antonio Michael Downing to discuss Margaret Atwood's 'Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts,' a look at the life of the influential Canadian author.
- Is food the closest thing to teleportation?
Suresh Doss shares cookbooks that evoke a sense of home, while Phillip Dwight Morgan discusses his daily poetry readings for his daughter. The episode references several cookbooks, including 'Handmade,' 'Salt Fat Acid Heat,' 'The Joy of Co…
- Why Anne of Green Gables is a superstar in Japan
Antonio Michael Downing and Kate Scarth discuss the enduring legacy of L.M. Montgomery and her character Anne Shirley, exploring the surprising popularity of 'Anne of Green Gables' in Japan.