What is Canada Reads?
In short, and in CBC's own words, a literary Survivor. Five books, five champions, and one winner. The panelists will vote off one book each day until there is one book left standing and deemed the title the whole country should read. 2025 marks the 24th edition of Canada Reads.
The debates will take place March 17-20 on CBC TV, CBC Radio, CBC Listen, CBC Gem. You can tune in live or catch a replay on the platform of your choice.
Who are the 2025 contenders?
- Olympic Gold-Medalist Maggie Mac Neil champions Watch Out for Her by Samantha M. Bailey
- Podcaster & Wellness Advocate Shayla Stonechild champions A Two-Spirit Journey by Ma-Nee Chacaby
- Heartland Actor Michelle Morgan champions Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper
- Thriller Writer Linwood Barclay champions Jennie's Boy by Wayne Johnston
- Pastry Chef Saïd M'Dahome champions Dandelion by Jamie Chai Yun Liew
The Longlist
While 5 titles make it to the finals, 15 titles make up the longlist of potential Canada Reads:
Past Winners
2024- The Future
2023- Ducks
2020 - We Have Always Been Here
The full list of previous finalists and winners is available on CBC Books.
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