Netflix’s recent adaptation of “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware has inspired host Jacob Shymanski to review the original book with audiobook fanatic Sara Hillis. Is this New York Times bestseller worth reading? Listen in for their honest review!

Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” has host Jacob Shymanski thinking about book adaptations. He chats with Red Széll from the “My Life in Books” podcast about the characteristics that allow for a good adaptation of a book into another medium. They also debate whether a book always trumps its adapted film or TV show.

David Szalay’s novel “Flesh” is shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize! Host Jacob Shymanski chats with David about the intricacies of the novel’s main character Istvan. They also explore the book’s writing style and discuss the interpretation for book endings. “Flesh” is available at CELA Library. The announcement for the Booker Prize winner is scheduled for November 10. This episode is produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat debuted his very first book this month, a memoir entitled “We Survived the Night.” Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Julian to learn about his Indigenous cultural influences behind the book and his experience as a first-time narrator. Julian also reflects on the making of his Oscar-nominated documentary film “Sugarcane.” The book is available in audiobook format at Audible and at the CELA Library. This episode is produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

What are some books that introduce thought-provoking concepts and ideas that make you ponder? Jacob explores this question with Red Széll, the host of “My Life in Books.” Together they share some of their favourite philosophical titles that make you think! They also address the question: is pre-reading important or is it better to go in cold when picking up a new book? In the latter portion of the show, senior producer Andrika De Lanerolle gives you the "Book Report" with the latest news about the 2025 Governor General's Awards. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Books mentioned in this episode include: “Foucalt's Pendulum “ by Umberto; Weaver Eco “The Player of Games” by Iain M. Banks “Ishmael” by Daniel Quinn “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren

Comedian and professional speaker Dena Jackson chats with host Jacob Shymanski about her new book “Self Help Me.” She reflects on the holistic wellness practices that helped in her mental health journey and shares tips on how her book can be a resource to anyone. Dena’s book is currently available in print and will become available as an audiobook in 2026. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Are you ready to dive into some conspiracy theories? Avid book reader Paul Daniel describes his top five recommended titles for the genre, everything from government and politics to aliens and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, toward the end of the show, Jacob shares a special review of Stephen King’s retelling of “Hansel and Gretel.” Books mentioned in this episode include: • “Best Evidence: Disguise and Deception in the Assassination of John F. Kennedy” by David Lifton • “Cover Up: What the Government Is Still Hiding About the War on Terror” by Peter Lance • “Above Top Secret: The Worldwide U.F.O. Cover-Up” by Timothy Good • “Selling Sickness: How the World's Biggest Pharmaceutical Companies Are Turning Us All Into Patients” by Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels • “Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Public Health Threat” by Julian Walker, Matthew Remski and Derek Beres This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Author Ma-nee Chacaby is the 2025 winner of the Canada Reads competition for her 2016 book “A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder.” Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Ma-nee about her experience co-writing the book with Mary Louisa Plummer. She also reflects on some of her life experiences shared in the book. In the latter portion of the show, co-author Matisse Hamel-Nelis describes her new educational book “Accessible Communications: Create Impact, Avoid Missteps and Build Trust.” This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

How important is character development in a story? Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll explore the importance of having characters who evolve in a book’s plot line. They consider some examples of titles that have character development arcs and character deficits. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

In recognition of Banned Books Week, host Jacob Shymanski discusses issues of censorship and discrimination with Canadian author Robin Stevenson. Robin reflects on how her LGBTQ+ kids’ book “Pride Puppy” ended up at the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year after some parents filed a lawsuit against a school district in Maryland. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Tim Boucher has been defending his use of generative AI to write books. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Tim about his “AI Lore Books” collection and learns how he is incorporating AI’s flaws into his storytelling. This episode was produced by Jacob Shymanski and Andrika De Lanerolle.

Paul Myer’s highly anticipated biography about the late comedian John Candy comes out this month! Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Paul about the making of “John Candy: A Life in Comedy.” This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. The print and e-book book comes out on October 7. The audiobook is set to release on November 4 via Audible with narration by David Bendena. Follow Paul on Instagram @PulMyEars

Waubgeshig Rice’s 2018 post-apocalyptic novel “Moon of the Crusted Snow” is still going strong. It is one of the bestselling Canadian titles of 2025, based on sales at independent bookstores. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Waubgeshig about the significance of the book and its themes of Indigenous identity, colonialism, survival and resilience. “Moon of the Crusted Snow” is available as an audiobook on Audible! Books mentioned in this episode include: "The Lesser Blessed" by Richard Van Camp “Monkey Beach” by Eden Robinson “Keeper'n Me” by Richard Wagamese This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Molly Burke’s highly anticipated memoir “Unseen: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice” is set to hit bookstore shelves this October 14! Host Jacob Shymanski discusses the memoir in a special preview interview with Molly. She reflects on her success, challenges and personal growth as a social media influencer and public speaker who is blind. You don’t want to miss this vulnerable, honest and darkly humorous memoir! This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

The USA Today bestseller “Bury Your Gays” by Chuck Tingle explores what it takes to succeed in a world that wants you dead. Jacob Shymanski and Aamer Khan review the book and explore its themes, its variety of writing styles and its potential to become adapted into a movie. In the latter portion of the show, Jacob chats with first-time author Valerie D. Maidment about her 2024 memoir “From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World.”

What makes a book a classic? Does a bestselling book mean that it will stand the test of time? Are bestselling books as good as we remember them to be? Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll explore these questions and discuss the phenomenon of rosy retrospection as they look back on a list of books that were popular one hundred years ago. Books mentioned in this episode include: “Soundings” by A. Hamilton Gibbs “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald “Mrs. Dalloway” Virginia Woolf “Manhattan Transfer” by John Dos Passos “The Keeper of the Bees” by Gene Stratton-Porter “The Constant Nymph” by Margaret Kennedy “Glorious Apollo” by E. Barrington “The Green Hat” by Michael Arlen “Arrowsmith” by Sinclair Lewis “The Perennial Bachelor” by Anne Parrish “The Carolinian” by Rafael Sabatini “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery “Harry Potter” Series by J.K. Rowling

How does the setting of a book add to your perception of the story? Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll chat about the importance of story settings in horror books. They also discuss the philosophy of horror and explore why readers are so enthralled with the genre. Books mentioned: “Bury Your Gays” by Chuck Tingle “We Live Here Now” by Sarah Pinborough “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson “The Shining” by Stephen King “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James “Horror Movie” by Paul Tremblay “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe “The Greatcoat” by Helen Dunmore “The Shepherd” by Frederick Forsyth

Can you tell the difference between real voices and AI narration? What differentiates a bad narrator from a good one? Jacob Shymanski explores these questions with Simon Mattacks, a British voice artist best known for his extensive work as an audiobook narrator. Audiobook Narration, Simon Mattacks, human narration, AI narration, Jacob Shymnaski, audiobook, audiobooks, narrators, Simon Mattacks, voice artists, reading, literature, good reads, books, book culture, new books, book podcast

Jacob Shymanski chats with author Jessica Slice about her 2025 non-fiction book “Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World.” They discuss the exclusionary myths around parents with disabilities and parenting standards overall.

Author advocate Robin Sullivan and YouTuber Daniel Greene discuss the issues surrounding Audible’s new royalty model for authors, as well as the petition started by Robin.