What are the best books published this month? Questions and titles like this led to writer and teacher Thea Lim’s article “Abolish the Top Ten List,” for the Walrus magazine. She noticed how rankings and lists dominate how we speak about books, narrowing the number of titles that reach the surface. Is this a healthy way to interact with art? She joins the show to talk about it. Plus, author Don Gillmor talks about his venture into crime thriller writing with Cherry Beach and recommends a read-alike.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

Cherry Beach by Don Gillmor

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Are literary prizes a scam?

Why Ann Patchett thinks the secret to success might be lowering people's expectations

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With four Netflix specials and a late-night show to her name, Taylor Tomlinson has comedy figured out. But something she had never done before, was write a book. The comedian just released an essay collection called Actually, Nevermind, all about how people are allowed to change their minds. In the book, she lets us into her brain, discussing everything from love to religion, personal stories and mental health. She takes us back to a time when she thought she was destined to be a writer, and when Junie B. Jones taught her to be funny. A lifelong reader, she joins The Next Chapter to talk about her favourite books and what it meant to write her own.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

The Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Bossypants by Tina Fey

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The books that made Andrew Phung fall in love with storytelling

What books drew Brendan Fraser to storytelling?

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Chelsea Vowel is a lawyer, teacher and writer. 10 years ago, she published her influential book Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Metis and Inuit issues in Canada. Chelsea joins the show to talk about the newly released 10th anniversary edition, which continues the groundbreaking conversation. Plus, novelist and playwright Anosh Irani talks about the process of adapting Rohinton Mistry’s novel A Fine Balance for the stage at Crow's Theatre in Toronto.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Metis and Inuit issues in Canada by Chelsea Vowel

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

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Why books serve a vital role in Truth and Reconciliation

What does it mean to be a Bad Indian?

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