Canada Reads: The Great Canadian Book Debate

Hosted by CBC, Canada Reads brings together five powerful books and five passionate champions - celebrity Canadians including musicians, actors and writers.  Over several days of live, on-air debate they fiercely defend the one story they believe all of Canada should read. The goal is not just to determine a winner but to choose a story that connects us, builds bridges and helps us to understand one another. 

This year's 25th Anniversary edition of Canada Reads takes place from April 13 to 16. Five books are in the running:

• The Cure for Drowning by Loghan Paylor is defended by Tegan Quin, from the band Tegan and Sara. This book shares queer and trans stories from Canadian history.
• A Minor Chorus by Billy‑Ray Belcourt, is set in northern Alberta and explores belonging and the search for meaning. Filmmaker and actor Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers is championing this book.
• Foe by Iain Reid, is a tense and haunting love story about a couple whose lives change when a stranger arrives. Broadway actor and kids TV host Josh Dela Cruz is defending this book.
• Searching for Terry Punchout by Tyler Hellard and championed by YouTuber Steve (Dangle) Glynn tells the story of a sportswriter returning home to face his past and the relationships that shaped him. 
• It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard and debated by BookTok star Morgann Book , is a bestselling romance about second chances and the courage to love again. 

Watch or listen to the debates live at 10 am ET on CBC TV, CBC Radio, CBC Listen, CBC Gem, and CBC Books. Miss an episode? You can stream it later on CBC Gem or CBC Listen.

Canada Reads sparks conversation and big ideas while bringing people together through stories. Want to read along? Each of the Canada Reads titles is available through MPL. Just click on the links above. These titles are hugely popular during Canada Reads season. If there's a wait - no worries! - try these other great Canada Reads selections.

Happy watching and happy reading! And Happy Anniversary to CBC Canada Reads!