Book Me Book Me

Lindsay is joined by multi-award nominated, bestselling author, Jo Treggiari, to discuss her exciting new YA thriller, Heartbreak Homes. Jo breaks down multi-perspective writing, character development that feels 'close to truth', crafting a satisfying mystery, the importance of giving Queer characters a happy ending—and more.

A gripping locked-door YA murder mystery narrated from the perspectives of three teens—each with their own motivations, Heartbreak Homes is about what compels us to kill - and the true face of justice.

Author, musician and teacher, Jennifer Britton, sits down with Lindsay to chat about her lyrical lullaby book, If You Could be Anything, illustrated by Briana Corr Scott. Jen talks about the process of creating the book, a career high moment with Stuart McLean, the value of kidlit, and that East Coast pull that whispers, “home.” Plus, hear the lullaby version of the book AND another special appearance from Lindsay’s daughter, Nina, who may or may not be vying for her mom’s gig.

If You Could be Anything is a lyrical lullaby from educator and musician Jen Britton, with illustrations by celebrated artist Briana Corr Scott (Mermaid Lullaby, Wildflower) asks young readers, If you could be anything, what would you be? Responses run the gamut from lupins to sea glass to a lighthouse shining bright to the pull of the tides, celebrating the abundant natural and cultural landscapes of the East Coast. With gentle, rhyming text and dreamy oil illustrations, If You Could Be Anything is the perfect story to send little ones off to dreamland, and older ones off on new adventures.

In this week’s episode, Lindsay's ex-work wife (settlement pending) and multi-hyphenate of the Halifax arts scene, Tara Thorne, stops by to chat about her debut book of essays, Low Road Forever. Giggles and tangents abound as they riff on essay topics both pop culture and personal. A League of Their Own, Hollywood juicing conspiracy theories, making a lesbian vigilante revenge film, going from fired to inspired—it’s all in there.
CW: Adult Language.

A self-proclaimed “gay feminist harpy since before it was cool,” Tara Thorne is situated somewhere between the sharp-eyed urban commentary of Nora Ephron and ribald cultural analysis of Lindy West. In her debut book of essays, the Halifax-based filmmaker, arts critic, and recovering journalist gives readers her unvarnished take on the films and music that made her a feminist, how the #MeToo reckoning led her to write a misandrist vigilante film, what it’s like being the only woman in a band, and the snarky tweet that made her lose her position as CBC Radio’s arts and culture columnist. Alongside are musings on coming out later in life, remaining resolutely child-free, and why she’s decided to step back from being professional to the point of erasure: after two decades, it’s time to take the low road.

With the cranky forthrightness of Fran Lebowitz in, Pretend It’s a City, Thorne’s voice is both self-assured and deeply self-effacing as she exposes the light haze of misogyny that hangs over us all to find what’s funny, what’s true, and what needs to be said.

Katherine Alexandra Harvey shares the process of creating her piercing debut novel, Quiet Time, a project six years in the making. She touches on the importance of dichotomous characters, the lure of folklore, and what it was like to draw from her own journey of pain and self discovery—creating and healing in tandem—and inevitably, to let it all go.

“Quiet Time” is an unchronological coming-of-age story detailing the main character, Grace's, journey to find her voice after a lifetime of being silenced. Told through vivid and mesmerizing vignettes—cut-jagged with themes of addiction, mental illness, the supernatural, and obsessive relationships—it is her story of resilience, bravery, and redemption.

What do Mr. Solids, arson, a dog futon, a cloven hoofed woman and bingo have in common? The Cape Breton Kardashians, Tracy and Martina, of course. The dynamic duo popped by the studio, on their way to the legion, to chat about their new book, It's Tracy & Martina, Hun. And all it took was a magnum of strawberry wine! Hold on tight, these two bar stars get into everything from the treasures—and etiquette—of heavy garbage day, how to hack Halloween, Cape Breton tourist attractions that are literal fire, how to parent the right way, and more. 

Meet Tracy and Martina—two Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, gals who love a cig, a drink, and a healthy dose of drama—not necessarily in that order. Their mission: to introduce you to life as they know it on “the Island”: from meat darts and shootin’ the drag to their comprehensive Cape Breton Food Guide (where funeral sandwiches and double-doubles play featuring roles). Featuring full-colour “ads” and dozens of photos and graphics (including their exclusive Heavy Garbage Crossword), "It’s Tracy & Martina, Hun: A Guide to Cape Breton Livin'" is a treat for mainlanders and Capers alike.

The Honourable Don Oliver, former Canadian Senator, lawyer, outspoken social activist, farmer, musician, chef, author, teacher—and the list goes on—joins Lindsay to discuss his autobiography, A Matter of Equality. Don shares his wisdom and some stories from the book including his experiences growing up in the only Black family in Wolfville, Nova Scotia in the 1940s and 50s; the greatness encoded in his DNA; his love of cooking and how he uses it to give back; his unique perspective as a Black man working within the system to fight for equality in Canada; and his hopes for the country's future. 

Donald Oliver has dedicated his life to rooting out the systemic racism that has stalled the growth of Canada’s Black citizens – his work a testament to the truth that Black Lives Matter. Now, through dozens of black and white and colour images, and thorough intimate, personal reflections, A Matter of Equality: The Life's Work of Senator Don Oliver examines the legacy of the first man, and the second Canadian, to bring the Black experience directly to the upper house.