For years Jenny Jackson worked as an editor for some of the biggest authors in the publishing game. Eventually, she took what she had learned as an editor and applied it to writing a book of her own.

The result was a bestselling novel, and a new career as an author. Her new novel, The Shampoo Effect, took inspiration from a sexy, sixties novel about small-town adultery. It’s the story of a young woman who finds her way deep into a close circle of friends, and then writes all about them in a revealing New Yorker story. Plus, we revisit the late writer Gail Bowen’s Proust Questionnaire from 2015.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Couples by John Updike

The Shampoo Method by Jenny Jackson

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Wondering how you’re going to keep your kids reading now that school’s out? Our children’s book panel is here to help. We’ve asked writer, broadcaster and Mom, Bee Quammie, and CBC Books producer and mother of two, Lucy Mann to recommend their recent favourite all Canadian kids books. Plus, author of Life of Pi, Yann Martel shares what matters most to him while answering The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro

The Healer and the Phoenix by Linda Trinh, illustrated by Quynh Anh Nguyen

Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks

Ellis on Guard by Sal Sawler, Nandita Ratan (Illustrator)

Shy Cat and the Stuff-the-Bus Challenge by Dian Day (Author), Amanda White (Illustrator)

The Cursed Queen's Daughter by Elly Blake

Son of Nobody by Yann Martel

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Here at The Next Chapter, we read Canadian all year long. But to help celebrate Canada Day, we’re asking what makes a book a Canadian classic. To help answer this question, we’ve called upon CBC Books producer Bridget Raymundo and lifelong bookseller Nathan Maharaj. They discuss their favourite Canadian novels of all-time, and what makes a book relevant for generations to come. They also present one title that they think has what it takes to become a future Canadian classic. Plus, musician Brettyn Rose talks about songwriting and recommends one of her favourite books.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson

The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence

In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

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The Next Chapter’s mystery panel is back with their summer round-up. Two mystery writers, Angela Misri and Sam Wiebe have hand selected their favourite titles to add some tension to your summer, strictly on the page of course. Plus, Joe Ollmann isn’t your average cartoonist. He discusses the intersection between socialism and graphic novels, and how he uses his platform to highlight the working class in his stories. He’ll discuss his latest book, and share his go-to recommendations from the shelves of Epic Books in Hamilton.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding

A Gift Before Dying by Malcolm Kempt

Good Guys by Sharon Bala

The Keeper by Tana French

Greenwood by Michael Christie

It’s a Good Life, if you Don’t Weaken by Seth

The Woodchipper by Joe Ollmann

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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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