The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

Have you ever wanted a little more magic in your life? Look no further than the work of Nalo Hopkinson. Nalo’s writing explores the possibility of other worlds. She often uses Caribbean folklore, language, and history to weave her fantastical tales. Her debut novel Brown Girl in The Ring earned Nalo her first string of awards in 1998, and now she is the winner of the inaugural Andrew Pyper Prize for Genre Fiction. She joins the show to discuss her latest win and to share the books that have shaped her literary life.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany
Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link
The Descent of Woman by Elaine Morgan
Bayou by Jeremy Love
Brown Girl in The Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

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Joss Richard's debut novel It's Different This Time was a breakout hit. It was championed on Canada Reads and was a national bestseller. She joins the show to talk about writing her follow up Let's Kiss and Tell, what it was like writing for an audience for the first time and why romance matters. Plus, writer and critic Jason Guriel joins the show to discuss why "read widely" isn't always good advice for young writers and readers.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Let’s Kiss and Tell by Joss Richard
Beach Read by Emily Henry

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The book that inspired Carley Fortune's writing career

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From This Hour has 22 Minutes to the new hit Netflix series Below, Mary Walsh has been keeping audiences entertained for decades. The actor and comedian has written characters and sketches throughout her career, but her personal life takes centre stage for the first time in her debut memoir Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet. She talks about her unorthodox upbringing in Newfoundland, her expansive career in comedy and the power of humour to help us through even our darkest moments. Plus, musician Laura Roy explains why books are never far out of reach during recording sessions.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Pookie in Search of a Home by Ivy L. Wallace
Martha Quest series by Doris Lessing
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet by Mary Walsh
Your Illustrated Guide To Becoming One With The Universe by Yumi Sakugawa

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CBC Books Producer Bridget Raymundo never read Lord of the Flies growing up. So when it was announced a new series adaptation would be arriving on CBC Gem, she thought it was the perfect time to pick up the timeless novel. Bridget talks about what it was like entering that universe for the first time and what she took away from it. Plus, Trevor Carter shares his go-to Stephen King recommendation to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film Stand By Me.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Different Seasons by Stephen King

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Author Xochitl Gonzalez grew up in a Brooklyn that looks much different than it does today. However, she's immortalized her home town as she remembers it in her latest novel Last Night in Brooklyn. She remembers it as something like the version of America that F. Scott Fitzgerald writes about in his iconic book. The air filled with optimism, the streets filled with artists, A-list celebrities and locals alike, blissfully unaware of the impending financial collapse of 2008. She’ll talk about her new book and how Brooklyn has changed over the years. Plus, Montreal musician Magi Merlin recommends the Eckhart Tolle book that impacted her life.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

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