CBC Radio Book Club: A Journey Through Literary Treasures (January 15-21, 2024)
Unveiling the Gems of CBC Radio’s Book Club
Every week, CBC Radio’s Book Club captivates listeners with thought-provoking discussions and insightful reviews of captivating literary works. Join us as we embark on a journey through the books featured on the program from January 15 to 21, 2024. From poignant memoirs to heart-wrenching novels and thought-provoking essays, these selections promise an immersive and transformative reading experience.
Reuniting with Strangers: A Novel-in-Stories by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio
Heard on: The Next Chapter
Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio’s poignant novel-in-stories, “Reuniting with Strangers,” delves into the complexities of immigration and the search for belonging. Through the eyes of five-year-old Monolith, we witness his struggles with displacement and estrangement as he arrives in Canada from the Philippines to join his mother. Each story in this collection paints a vivid portrait of the challenges faced by those who leave their homeland in pursuit of opportunity.
About the Author: Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio is a Filipino-Canadian author, speaker, and school board consultant. She was a runner-up for the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award and was longlisted for the 2022 CBC Short Story Prize.
Black Boys Like Me: Personal Essays by Matthew R. Morris
Heard on: The Next Chapter
Matthew R. Morris’s thought-provoking collection of essays, “Black Boys Like Me,” explores race and identity through the lens of his own experiences growing up in Scarborough, Ontario. With candor and vulnerability, Morris confronts Black stereotypes, delves into hip hop culture in the 1990s, and reflects on his current work as an educator. This powerful collection invites readers to engage in critical conversations about race and identity.
About the Author: Matthew R. Morris is a writer, advocate, and educator based in Toronto. He is a public speaker who has traveled across North America educating on anti-racism in the education system. “Black Boys Like Me” is his first book.
Meet Me at the Lake: A Novel by Carley Fortune
Heard on: The Next Chapter
Carley Fortune’s captivating novel, “Meet Me at the Lake,” takes us on a journey of love, loss, and second chances. Fern Brookbanks, a 32-year-old woman stuck in a rut, is haunted by a perfect day she spent with Will Baxter in her 20s. When Will unexpectedly shows up at her door years later, she is forced to confront the past and question if she can trust him. This poignant tale explores the complexities of relationships and the enduring power of love.
About the Author: Carley Fortune is a Toronto-based journalist and writer. Her novel “Every Summer After” was a critical and commercial success. “Meet Me at the Lake” was championed on Canada Reads 2024 by fashion influencer Mirian Njoh.
We Are All Perfectly Fine: A Memoir by Dr. Jillian Horton
Heard on: Ideas
In her powerful memoir, “We Are All Perfectly Fine,” Dr. Jillian Horton exposes the healthcare system’s lack of space for doctors to express authentic human emotion. With raw honesty, she shares her experiences as a doctor and emphasizes the urgent need for a compassionate medical system. Horton’s call for more compassion for both healthcare workers and patients is a resounding reminder of the importance of empathy in healthcare.
About the Author: Dr. Jillian Horton is a specialist in internal medicine in Winnipeg. She is also a medical educator, writer, musician, and podcaster.
I Will Never See The World Again: A Memoir by Ahmet Altan
Heard on: Ideas
Ahmet Altan’s gripping memoir, “I Will Never See The World Again,” recounts his experiences during his imprisonment in Turkey. Written in a small prison cell, the manuscript was smuggled out of jail in pieces. Altan’s powerful words explore themes of freedom, truth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This poignant memoir is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
About the Author: Ahmet Altan is a Turkish novelist and journalist. He comes from a family with a history of imprisonment for speaking truth to power.
The Little Prince: A Children’s Classic by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Heard on: Writers & Company
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless children’s classic, “The Little Prince,” continues to enchant readers of all ages. This beautifully illustrated story follows the journey of the Little Prince as he explores the universe, encountering various characters and reflecting on life, love, loss, and friendship. With its profound insights and whimsical charm, “The Little Prince” has sold over 200 million copies worldwide and remains one of the most translated books ever.
About the Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a French author and aviator. He is best known for his novella “The Little Prince” and his memoir “Wind, Sand and Stars.”
Not Here: A Warning About the Future of Canadian Democracy by Rob Goodman
Heard on: The House
Rob Goodman’s timely book, “Not Here,” raises a stark warning about the future of Canadian democracy. Drawing from his firsthand experience in Washington, D.C., Goodman examines the changing tides of democracy and politics in the United States and cautions that similar events could occur in Canada. This urgent message emphasizes the importance of protecting Canadian democracy and safeguarding its institutions.
About the Author: Rob Goodman is an associate professor of politics and administration at Toronto Metropolitan University and a former U.S. congressional staffer.
There’s Something Strange About My Brain: A Nonfiction Book by R.L. Stine
Heard on: Q
In his first nonfiction book, “There’s Something Strange About My Brain,” R.L. Stine, the acclaimed author of the Goosebumps and Fear Street series, shares his insights and techniques for crafting engaging horror stories that appeal to young readers. With his signature wit and humor, Stine takes readers on a journey into his creative process, revealing the secrets behind his spooky tales that have captivated millions of readers worldwide.
About the Author: R.L. Stine is an American novelist, short story writer, television producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his Goosebumps and Fear Street series, which have sold over 350 million books worldwide.
Netanyahu vs The Generals: A Book by Guy Ziv
Heard on: The Sunday Magazine
Guy Ziv’s intriguing book, “Netanyahu vs The Generals,” delves into the complex relationship between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country’s security and intelligence community. Ziv analyzes Netanyahu’s attempts to portray himself as “Mr. Security” while facing criticism from military leaders who question his approach. This insightful book sheds light on the delicate balance between political leadership and military expertise in Israel.
About the Author: Guy Ziv is an Israeli-American international relations expert. He is an expert on Israeli politics and security and has written extensively on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Embark on a Literary Journey with CBC Radio Book Club
CBC Radio Book Club continues to captivate listeners with its insightful discussions and thought-provoking book selections. From the poignant stories of immigration to the urgent call for compassion in healthcare, and from the timeless wisdom of classics to the warnings about the future of democracy, this week’s featured books offer a diverse and enriching literary experience. Dive into these compelling narratives and expand your horizons as you explore the worlds created by talented authors.
