CBC’s great Canadian book debate, CANADA READS, returns for its 20th edition, Monday, March 8 through Thursday, March 11. Hosted by Ali Hassan, a panel of celebrity advocates will champion Canadian books that speak to the theme, “One Book to Transport Us.” The CANADA READS 2021 debates will broadcast each day at 11 a.m. (1 AT, 1:30 NT) on CBC Radio One and 1 p.m. (1:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem, and stream live at 11 a.m. ET (8 a.m. PT) on CBC Listen and CBCbooks.ca. Each day of the competition, one book will be eliminated by the panellists until a winner is voted the must-read book for Canadians in 2021.
The five books to be debated and their champions for CANADA READS 2021 are:
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Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi (Arsenal Pulp Press), to be championed by chef, TV host and recording artist Roger Mooking
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Two Trees Make a Forest by Jessica J. Lee (Hamish Hamilton), to be championed by JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Scott Helman
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The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk (Erewhon Books), to be championed by Olympian and broadcaster Rosey Edeh
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Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots (William Morrow), to be championed by Kim’s Convenience star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee
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Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead (Arsenal Pulp Press), to be championed by CSA-nominated Mohawk actor and filmmaker Devery Jacobs
Ali Hassan, host of CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud, returns for his fifth year as host of CANADA READS, moderating the debate between the five panellists, who will champion their chosen Canadian books.
“There has never been a more poignant time in Canada Reads history to be reminded of the transportive quality of a great book to take us on a journey and explore new perspectives,” said Hassan. “This season, I’m looking forward to hosting conversations around stories that reflect perseverance, resilience and hope, each in their own unique way.”
CANADA READS finds new ways each year to raise awareness for a diverse range of Canadian books and authors, and has influenced the way Canadians talk about and consume books. For the past five years, every CANADA READS finalist has appeared on the Canadian bestseller lists following the announcement of the shortlist, and many titles have spent months on these lists.
For more information, please visit CBCbooks.ca or follow @CBCbooks on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #CanadaReads.