The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

Older protagonists are having a moment. They’re starring in all kinds of novels, from mysteries to love stories to end-of-life reckonings. Our columnist Alicia Cox Thomson has noticed this ageing-up trend in books and she’s here now to recommend some titles that stood out for her. Plus, Daphné Santos-Vieira recommends Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood and Radical Acceptance as her staff pick.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Norma by Sarah Mintz
Palm Meridian by Grace Flahive
Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood and Radical Acceptance written by Julie M.Green

Andria Petrillo has a very busy couple of weeks coming up. She’ll be hosting CBC’s Winter Olympic games coverage and the women’s hockey broadcasts. For Andi it’s a labour of love. Sports is her life long passion. She'll talk about her book, how she found sportscasting and share some of the other stories that have shaped who she is today. Plus, find out what these Canadian athletes heading to Italy have been reading.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
How Not to Die by Michael Greger
Just Call Me Andi: Sports Stories from a Trailblazer by Andi Petrillo

Celina Myers is an internet star to the tune of around 30 million followers. She spikes the spooky paranormal stuff with her signature brand of humour all over social media. She’ll talk about her new book and other inspiring dark tales. Plus, actor and writer Keegan Connor Tracy recommends two small books that pack a big punch.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith
White Oleander by Janet Finch
Hollow by Celina Myers
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
The Lost Garden by Helen Humphreys

Elin Hilderbrand is known as the Queen of the Beach Read. She’s sold millions of novels that transport readers to sun, sand and wishes fulfilled. Nantucket was the backdrop for most of her novels, until now. She’s left the island behind in her latest book title The Academy, which she co-wrote with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham. She'll talk about what it was like working with her daughter, and share some of the most influential books in her life.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Franny & Zooey by JD Salinger
English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood
Luster by Raven Leilani
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

Honest mom influencer Libby Ward never intended to blow up. She was mostly posting for herself, and whoever else needed to hear her message. But that might have been the exact recipe that led to her going viral. She talks about her new book, and other reads that encourage others to find their voice. Plus, CBC Books Senior Producer Ryan B. Patrick recommends this week’s staff pick.

Books discussed on this week's show include:
Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself by Libby Ward
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved by Kate Bowler
Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age by Vauhini Vara