The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

From a chicken channeling its inner dinosaur, to raising dragon eggs in P.E.I., to a teen fauxmance, The Next Chapter’s children’s book panel is back with a new holiday reading list. Writer and broadcaster Bee Quammie and CBC books producer Lucy Mann share six books to engage readers from pre-school to high school.Books discussed on this week's show include:Lena the Chicken (But Really A Dinosaur!) by Linda Bailey, illustrated by K-Fai SteeleThe One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Matt JamesFresh Start by Gale Galligan Kindred Dragons by Sarah MensingaYou Started It by Jackie KhaliliehSongs for Ghosts by Clara Kumagai 

Kerry Clare is the first to admit that if her own book was selected for a prize her opinion would probably change. At least part of it. The writer and critic joins the show to shed light on a few of her favourite books that were left off the awards circuit this year. CBC Books producer Lucy Mann recommends one of the most popular, out of this world books of 2025. Plus, find out what musician Logan Richard reads to remind himself to be grateful. Books discussed on this week's show include:The Seaside Cafe Metropolis by Antanas SileikaStarry, Starry Night by Shani MootooProperty by Kate CayleyAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidWhen Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

In his 20th year in the music business, the rapper Shad has shown no signs of slowing down. The Juno-winning musician has also had an illustrious career as a broadcaster, hosting hit shows like the documentary series Hip-Hop Evolution on Netflix. His latest album is called Start Anew, and he joins the show to go back and talk about how he first discovered the power of words and shares some of the books that have shaped his life.Books discussed on this week's show include:Black Noise by Tricia RoseJuly, July by Tim O’BrienA Confession and Other Religious Writings by Leo TolstoyCrime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Columnist Mirian Njoh shares what made her fall in love with Flirting Lessons by bestselling author Jasmine Guillory. The buzzy sapphic romance follows two contrasting characters' growing connection in Napa Valley. Plus, Fiona Sauder and Victor Pokinko talk about adapting The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis for the stage at Bad Hats Theatre this holiday season. Books discussed on this week's show include:Flirting Lessons by Jasmine GuilloryThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has become a cultural phenomenon. Pulling from his most embarrassing moments growing up paired with the fun house version of his own family, the journal inspired covers have become a cornerstone of young readers' bookshelves across the world. He talks about his early inspirations, and the 20th installment in the series titled Partypooper. Plus, Jake Charron from The East Pointers shares his fantasy book pick.Books discussed on this week's show include:Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper by Jeff KinneyThe Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Before he won the academy award for best actor, Brendan Fraser was a kid who loved reading captivating stories, the weirder the better. He joins The Next Chapter to share a first look at his new audio series The Downloaded 2: Ghosts in the Machine by Robert J. Sawyer, and talks about what childhood books ignited his creative spark. Plus, a CBC Books producer helps answer the question: what is a cozy read?Books discussed on this week's show include:The Downloaded 2: Ghosts in the Machine by Robert J. SawyerThe Swan by Roald DahlThe Quiet American by Graham GreeneIt’s Different This Time by Joss RichardA Little Holiday Fling by Farah HeronA Season for Spies by Iona Whishaw

You can take the man out of Newfoundland, but you can’t take the Newfoundland out of Alan Doyle…and why would you want to? Fresh off a run of the musical he co-wrote Tell Tale Harbour, the beloved musician, actor and writer joins The Next Chapter to discuss his new book The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador and the stories that have helped shape who he is today.Books discussed on this week's show include:In a Sunburned Country (Down Under) by Bill BrysonThe Game by Ken DrydenSweetland by Micheal Crummey The Story of Bobby O’Malley by Wayne JohnstonThe Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador by Alan Doyle

CBC Books’ Ryan B. Patrick gives his take on Flesh, this year's Booker Prize winner. David Szalay’s buzzy book follows the life of man from adolescence in Hungary to his wealthy middle age in London. Plus, writer Rabindranath Maharaj shares the most influential books in his life.Books discussed on this week's show include:Flesh by David SzalayA Quiet Disappearance by Rabindranath MaharajCoral Island by R. M. BallantyneWatchmen by Alan Moore, illustrated by Dave Gibbons, coloured by John HigginsOne Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García MárquezA House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul

Margaret Atwood’s Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts offers a sharp and funny look at the multifaceted life that shaped one of the most influential Canadian literary voices of our time. Atwood's longtime friend and novelist Susan Swan, along with Margaret’s ‘heir apparent’ Mona Awad join the show to discuss the memoir with Antonio Michael Downing.Books discussed on this week's show include:Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood

No matter where you are, a meal can make you feel at home. Suresh Doss, host of CBC’s culinary show Locals Welcome, shares the cookbooks he keeps in his kitchen, which have helped fuel his lifelong passion. Plus, writer and journalist Phillip Dwight Morgan talks about his mission to read a new poem to his baby daughter everyday.Books discussed on this week's show include:Handmade: Stories of Strength Shared Through Recipes from the Women of Sri Lanka  by Nesa and Roberts LiezerSalt Fat Acid Heat” by Samin NosratThe Joy of Cooking” by Irma RombauerDonabe: Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot Cooking by Naoko Takei Moore and Kyle ConnaughtonWild Geese by Mary Oliver