Audiobook Café

Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll reflect on authors who take big risks in their storytelling, everything from subject matter to writing styles and killing off significant characters. Books mentioned in this episode include: • “The First Law Series” and “The Heroes” by Joe Abercrombie • “Brighton Rock” and “The End of the Affair” by Graham Greene • “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman • by Joe Abercrombie • “The Road” and “Blood Meridian” by Cormac McCarthy • “Flesh” by David Szlay • “Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin • “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” and “The Adventure of the Empty House” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle • “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by J. K. Rowling • “The Satanic Verses” by Salman Rushdie • “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift • “One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich” by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn • “Patriot” by Alexei Navalny • “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov • “Ball Four” by Jim Bouton and Leonard Shecter This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll explore the complex modern cultural significance of books. They examine books as status objects, books as a refuge of long-form content and the way the publishing industry culturally punches above its weight. In the latter portion of the show, Jacob chats with Penny Leclair about her new book “Life with Jefferson: A Biography of a Guide Dog.” This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Imani Thompson’s debut novel “Honey” is a wickedly funny and suspenseful thriller about a graduate student who murders bad men and justifies it in the name of feminism. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Imani to learn how the book explores issues of racialized systems and the Manosphere. In addition, Imani reflects on her research and process for writing her debut novel. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Author Judy Batalion joins host Jacob Shymanski to talk about her debut historical fiction “The Last Woman of Warsaw.” The novel tells the story of two very different Jewish women in Warsaw in the late 1930s as they unexpectedly come together in search of their missing mentor. Judy and Jacob chat about the research she did to capture 1930s Warsaw, including the fashion, art and architecture. She also describes the real-life experiences that influenced the story and its characters. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Jennifer Chevalier’s fiction novel “The Winter Witch” captures the story of two sisters fleeing a curse aboard a bride ship from Normandy to 17th-century Quebec. Along the way they meet a mysterious witch who forces them to confront the truth of their past. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Jennifer about the research she did to create the book’s setting and characters. She also shares a Shelfie, her three favourite books with a magical theme. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Jessica Barrett’s new book “No Place Like Home” provides an honest glimpse into Canada’s housing crisis. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Jessica about the issues of housing affordability and the lessons Canada can take away from other countries. She also reflects on her own housing experiences and explains the missing key to Canada’s housing crisis: understanding the meaning of home. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

“To Leave a Warrior Behind” is a new biography about Charles R. Saunders, the “Father of Sword and Soul,” a sub-genre in fantasy writing based on African inspired myths and culture. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with the book’s author Jon Tattrie about Saunders’ fascinating life as a journalist, his journey to Halifax as an American draft dodger and his almost forgotten legacy as an author who redefined a genre. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Uzma Jalaluddin returns to the show to talk about “Moonlight Murder,” the brand-new sequel to her novel “Detective Aunty.” Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Uzma about the interesting dynamics of writing a follow up. They also discuss her upcoming collaboration with Mindy Kaling to adapt one of her previous books, as well as the importance of positive portrayals of Muslim representation in literature and on screen. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

The Calgary Public Library achieved a record-breaking year in 2025! They reached their highest circulation in history with 17.5 million items borrowed, which include 6.5 million digital titles. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Genevieve Luthy from Calgary Public Library to learn about why the library has seen a 15% increase and to discuss what purpose libraries serve in modern day for Canadians across the board. Genevieve also shares insight into her role and the fascinating work that goes into curating library collections. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

As the movie adaptation of Andy Weir’s 2021 novel, Project Hail Mary, is making a splash at the box office, loads of people are returning to the book. Specifically, it’s fantastic audiobook edition narrated by Ray Porter, which won the Audy for best audiobook in 2022. Red Szell joins Jacob to breakdown why this book might be considered an instant classic. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback! Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: AudiobookCafe@ami.ca About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: - X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia - Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio - Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc - TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A recent article in the New York Times shares the story of Coral Hart, a romance writer who has been using AI to mass produce over 200 books under 21 different pen names. How do you feel about the use of AI in books? Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll explore this question and give their candid thoughts. Plus, is Audible feeling competition for once? Jacob and Red discuss Audible’s cheaper subscription plan and Spotify’s venture into audiobook distribution. This episode is produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Malcolm Kempt’s debut mystery novel follows a disgraced police investigator in the heart of the Arctic Circle, whose path to redemption is paved with blood and ice. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Kempt about the inspiration behind the book and reflects on his previous life as a criminal lawyer in the remote Arctic. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audio excerpted with permission of Penguin Random House Audio from A GIFT BEFORE DYING by Malcolm Kempt, read by Stephen Mendel © 2026 Malcolm Kempt ℗ 2026 Penguin Random House, LLC. All rights reserved.