The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

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 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 Andrews
Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden
Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Five Little Indians by Michelle Good

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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 Pym
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
Definitely Thriving by Kerry Clare

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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 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 Patchett
Kin by Tayari Jones
John of John by Douglas Stuart
The Left and the Lucky by Willy Vlautin
Music Against the Night by Yiyun Lee
Sharing the Light: Stories and Reflections by Monique Gray Smith

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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 Galeano
Dynamo: Triumph and Tragedy in Nazi-Occupied Kiev by Andy Dougan
The Chambermaid's Key by Genevieve Graham

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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 show include:
Evening the Score by Lexi Lafleur Brown
The Book Tour by Emily Ohanjanians
Bedside Manner by C.G. Macington
Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose it Brooke Averick
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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