Audiobook Café

Highly acclaimed narrator and author Julia Whelan is bridging the gap in audiobook royalties for narrators. 

She tells you all about Audiobrary, an independent and audio-first publishing platform that she designed to correct industry inequities. 

She also explores the stark differences of human narration to AI and explains why it’s important to protect human narration in the audiobook sphere. 

The episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Thank you for listening this year! New episodes of Audiobook Café will resume on January 10, 2026. In the meantime, enjoy our extensive archive of episodes. Happy holidays and happy listening! 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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 

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In this year-end special, host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll reflect on the best interviews of the show from the past year!  

Past episodes mentioned in this program include:  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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In this year-end special, Jacob Shymanski hosts a roundtable discussion with three friends of the program: Ramya Amuthan, Aamer Khar and Sara Hillis.  

Together, they reflect on their favourite audiobooks of the year. Plus, they share their favourite discovered titles in 2025!  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or rev...

“Local Heavens” is K.M. Fajardo’s reimagining of the classic novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The book was a readers’ favourite in the category of science fiction for 2025’s Goodreads Choice Award.  

Host Jacob Shymanski chats with the author about how her reimagination relates to modern day and why she chose to use cyberpunk in the tone of the book.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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This episode was recorded on December 10, 2025, and is published early to address a recently proposed change in Bill C-15 which would repeal the free 'Literature for the Blind' service under the Canada Post Corporation Act.

Host Jacob Shymanski explores the issues, the implications and the circumstances of the proposed change with Daniella Levy-Pinto, the manager of the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) and Laurie Davidson, the Executive Director of the Centre of Equitable Library Access (CELA). 

This is a developing story. 

For the latest updates and for information on how you can sh...

Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll, host of the My Life in Books podcast, continue their discussion on the dividing issues between fiction and nonfiction literature.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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 

...

Liann Zhang’s debut novel “Julie Chan is Dead” was an instant international bestseller.  

The diabolical thriller follows a young woman who steps into her deceased twin’s influencer life, only to discover dark secrets hidden behind her social media façade.

Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Liann about the making of her book and how her personal experiences as a former social media influencer inspired some of the backdrop to the story.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two...

In recognition of the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we dive into a new memoir by lawyer and disability rights advocate David Lepofsky titled “Swimming Up Niagara Falls! The Battle to Get Disability Rights Added to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”  

Host Jacob Shymanski chats with David about his involvement in the successful fight to guarantee equal rights for people with disabilities in Canada.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.  

David's memoir can be accessed in accessible formats for free here: https://www.aodaalliance.org/publications/click-here-to-download-in-pdf-format-the-memoir-by-aoda-alliance-chair-david-lepofsky-entitled-swimming-up-niagara-falls-the-battle-to-get-disability-rights-added-to-the-canadian-charter-o/  

Or...

In recognition of the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we look back on an incredible memoir of the late Judith Heumann titled “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist.”

Judith co-authored the book with Kristen Joiner. 

Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Kristen about Judith’s fight for the recognition of human rights of people with disabilities in the American Civil Rights Movement.

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on S...

How are non-fiction and fictional books perceived and valued in literature?  

Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll, host of the My Life in Books podcast, discuss the dividing issues between the categories and why there shouldn’t be any weight between the two.  

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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! 

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“Wicked: For Good” is out in theatres! The film is loosely based on the classic 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire.  

Host Jacob Shymanski and avid audiobook reader Karoline Bourdeau dive into a Wayback Playback with their honest review of the book.  

In the latter portion of the show, senior producer Andrika De Lanerolle shares the Book Report featuring news about author Alice Wong and the 2025 Giller Prize winner. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a w...

Indie author Evan Tomos recently released a full-cast audiobook version of his young adult book “Rupert Blacklock and the Prophecy of Whimsy Fickle.” What makes this audiobook different from others? It features 45 characters completely read by digital voices using ElevenLabs, an AI voice generating platform.

Jacob and Evan explore the use of AI in audiobook narration and how AI models can expand opportunities for independent authors in the publishing industry. 

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on...

This month, Crave is launching “Heated Rivalry,” a new hockey romance show based on the best-selling book series “Game Changers” by Rachel Reid. 

Host Jacob Shymanski chats with the author about the growing popularity of hockey romance and why the smut is so crucial to the plot of her stories. 

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

We want your feedback!

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Netflix’s recent adaptation of “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware has inspired host Jacob Shymanski to review the original book with audiobook fanatic Sara Hillis. 

Is this New York Times bestseller worth reading? Listen in for their honest review! 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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 addre...

Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” has host Jacob Shymanski thinking about book adaptations.

He chats with Red Széll from the “My Life in Books” podcast about the characteristics that allow for a good adaptation of a book into another medium.  

They also debate whether a book always trumps its adapted film or TV show. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

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David Szalay’s novel “Flesh” is shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize!  

Host Jacob Shymanski chats with David about the intricacies of the novel’s main character Istvan.  

They also explore the book’s writing style and discuss the interpretation for book endings.

“Flesh” is available at CELA Library.  

The announcement for the Booker Prize winner is scheduled for November 10.  

This episode is produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Foll...

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat debuted his very first book this month, a memoir entitled “We Survived the Night.”  

Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Julian to learn about his Indigenous cultural influences behind the book and his experience as a first-time narrator.  

Julian also reflects on the making of his Oscar-nominated documentary film “Sugarcane.”  

The book is available in audiobook format at Audible and at the CELA Library.  

This episode is produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast ep...

What are some books that introduce thought-provoking concepts and ideas that make you ponder?  

Jacob Shymanski explores this question with Red Széll, the host of “My Life in Books.” Together they share some of their favourite philosophical titles that make you think!

They also address the question: is pre-reading important or is it better to go in cold when picking up a new book?  

In the latter portion of the show, senior producer Andrika De Lanerolle gives you the "Book Report" with the latest news about the 2025 Governor General's Awards.  

This epi...

Comedian and professional speaker Dena Jackson chats with host Jacob Shymanski about her new book “Self Help Me.”  

She reflects on the holistic wellness practices that helped in her mental health journey and shares tips on how her book can be a resource to anyone.  

Dena’s book is currently available in print and will become available as an audiobook in 2026.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Are you ready to dive into some conspiracy theories? Avid book reader Paul Daniel describes his top five recommended titles for the genre, everything from government and politics to aliens and the pharmaceutical industry.  

In addition, toward the end of the show, host Jacob Shymanski shares a special review of Stephen King’s retelling of “Hansel and Gretel.”  

Books mentioned in this episode include:  

• “Best Evidence: Disguise and Deception in the Assassination of John F. Kennedy” by David Lifton  

• “Cover Up: What the Government Is Still Hiding About the War on Terror” by Peter Lan...

Author Ma-nee Chacaby is the 2025 winner of the Canada Reads competition for her 2016 book “A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder.” Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Ma-nee about her experience co-writing the book with Mary Louisa Plummer. She also reflects on some of her life experiences shared in the book.  

In the latter portion of the show, co-author Matisse Hamel-Nelis describes her new educational book “Accessible Communications: Create Impact, Avoid Missteps and Build Trust.”  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.  

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and p...

How important is character development in a story?  

Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll explore the importance of having characters who evolve in a book’s plot line. They consider some examples of titles that have character development arcs and character deficits.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Books mentioned in this episode include:  

• James Bond Novels and Short Stories by  Ian Fleming  

• Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

• Canon of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle  

• Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan<...

In recognition of Banned Books Week, host Jacob Shymanski discusses issues of censorship and discrimination with Canadian author Robin Stevenson.  

Robin reflects on how her LGBTQ+ kids’ book “Pride Puppy” ended up at the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year after some parents filed a lawsuit against a school district in Maryland.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.  

Other books mentioned include:  

• “And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson  

• “Pride Colors” by Robin Stevenson  

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes t...

Tim Boucher has been defending his use of generative AI to write books. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Tim about his “AI Lore Books” collection and learns how he is incorporating AI’s flaws into his storytelling.  

This episode was produced by Jacob Shymanski and Andrika De Lanerolle. 

To learn more about Tim Boucher, visit his website at TimBoucher.ca

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

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Paul Myer’s highly anticipated biography about the late comedian John Candy comes out this month! Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Paul about the making of “John Candy: A Life in Comedy.”  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.  

The print and e-book book comes out on October 7. The audiobook is set to release on November 4 via Audible with narration by David Bendena.  

Follow Paul on Instagram @PulMyEars

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Waubgeshig Rice’s 2018 post-apocalyptic novel “Moon of the Crusted Snow” is still going strong. It is one of the bestselling Canadian titles of 2025, based on sales at independent bookstores.

Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Waubgeshig about the significance of the book and its themes of Indigenous identity, colonialism, survival and resilience.  

“Moon of the Crusted Snow” is available as an audiobook on Audible!  

Books mentioned in this episode include:  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. <...

Molly Burke’s highly anticipated memoir “Unseen: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice” is set to hit bookstore shelves this October 14!

Host Jacob Shymanski discusses the memoir in a special preview interview with Molly.  

She reflects on her success, challenges and personal growth as a social media influencer and public speaker who is blind.  

You don’t want to miss this vulnerable, honest and darkly humorous memoir!  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podca...

The USA Today bestseller “Bury Your Gays” by Chuck Tingle explores what it takes to succeed in a world that wants you dead. Jacob Shymanski and Aamer Khan review the book and explore its themes, its variety of writing styles and its potential to become adapted into a movie.  

In the latter portion of the show, Jacob chats with first-time author Valerie D. Maidment about her 2024 memoir “From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World.”  

 This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and pu...

What makes a book a classic? Does a bestselling book mean that it will stand the test of time? Are bestselling books as good as we remember them to be? Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll explore these questions and discuss the phenomenon of rosy retrospection as they look back on a list of books that were popular one hundred years ago.  

Books mentioned in this episode include:  

How does the setting of a book add to your perception of the story? Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll chat about the importance of story settings in horror books. They also discuss the philosophy of horror and explore why readers are so enthralled with the genre.

Books mentioned:

Can you tell the difference between real voices and AI narration? What differentiates a bad narrator from a good one? Jacob Shymanski explores these questions with Simon Mattacks, a British voice artist best known for his extensive work as an audiobook narrator.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.  

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or review...

Jacob Shymanski chats with author Jessica Slice about her 2025 non-fiction book “Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World.”  

They discuss the exclusionary myths around parents with disabilities and parenting standards overall.  

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.  

To learn more about Jessica, visit her website here: https://www.jessicaslice.com/ 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

We want your feedback!

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Author advocate Robin Sullivan and YouTuber Daniel Greene discuss the issues surrounding Audible’s new royalty model for authors, as well as the petition started by Robin.

This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.  

Follow Daniel’s YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw--xPGVVxYzRsWyV1nFqgg 

And to sign Robin’s petition, visit here. https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-its-new-royalty-model 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

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We have some news! "AMI Audiobook Review" is changing its name to "Audiobook Café."

Starting this month, you can stay up to date with the latest audiobook releases and literary news!

Tune in as host Jacob Shymnaski shares in-depth conversations with authors, narrators and industry experts.

The show airs weekends and Mondays at 1 PM Eastern on AMI-audio across Canada.

You can also subscribe to Audiobook Café wherever you find podcasts.

Or if you're already following "AMI Audiobook Review," no action is required. Just keep on listening!

Our fi...

Jacob Shymanski shares an exciting announcement for the show and takes a trip down memory lane. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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 bro...

What is your reaction when people are dismissive of audiobooks as a medium for reading? Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan pose this question to the book club and share their responses. Together they explore the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities in the reading sphere. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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!  Duration: 00:28:00

Holly Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, is back with a twisty thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder. While this is Jackson’s first novel for adults, Sara Hillis seems to think it reads more like a young adult thriller. Do you agree? Listen in as Jacob Shymanski and Sara weigh in with their opinions on “Not Quite Dead Yet.”

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

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Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll continue their conversation on authentic portrayals of disability in fictional literature. They explore issues of stereotypical tropes and Flanderization for characters. Plus, they discuss the importance of disability research and character development within a story.

Books mentioned in this episode include:

• “Molly the Maid” series by Nita Prose

• “The Color of Bee Larkham's Murder” by Sarah J. Harris

• Joe Abercrombie’s book “Best Served Cold” - “friendly” character

• “All the Light we Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada...

In this rapid-fire review, Jacob Shymanski and Jeff Rainey explore five titles that have an eclectic blend from baseball to politics and biographies.  

The baseball angle I know you’ve sort of done before but it actually works great for two reasons:  

Jeff’s rapid-fire picks are:  

In this classic throwback, Jacob Shymanski and Aamer Khan review George R. R. Martin’s 1996 fantasy novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” which includes “A Game of Thrones.” They break down the pros and cons of the book including its multiple plotlines, slow pace and world building. Plus, they consider how HBO’s television adaptation of the series stacks up.  

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

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"The Ocean's Menagerie” is a science and nature book by marine ecologist Dr. Drew Harvell. The book explores the science of the world’s most remarkable creatures and the need to protect its ancient ecosystems.  

Jacob Shymanski and Danielle McLaughlin share their favourite takeaways from the book and offer their honest opinions on its peculiar writing style.  

Books mentioned in this episode include:  

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a w...

When was the last time you encountered a character with a disability in a book? Were they accurately portrayed?  

Jacob Shymanski chats with Red Széll about the importance of disability portrayal in literature. They start off by exploring some of the worst examples and explain why bad depiction is harmful.  

They also dive into some good examples of healthy portrayal and discuss how disability traits can make characters more distinctive and memorable to the reader.  

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Sa...

You can’t control others, but you can control how you respond. This is the concept behind Mel Robbins’ New York Times bestseller “The Let Them Theory.”

Jacob Shymanski and Karoline Bourdeau give their honest review of the self-help book and share their takeaways.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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...

Megan Abbott’s “El Dorado Drive” follows three once-wealthy sisters in suburban Detroit who become entangled in “The Wheel,” a secretive women-only financial scheme that spirals into betrayal, desperation, and murder. 

Jacob Shymanski and Sarah Hillis review this suspenseful thriller. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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: A...

Refocus is an essential guide designed to empower people experiencing vision loss to live happy and successful lives through the seven A’s.

Co-author and Paralympian Victoria Nolan breaks down the guide with Jacob Shymanski. Together they explore the implications and positivity of living with vision loss.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

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Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… h...

Does plot propel characters or do characters propel the plot? Jacob Shymanski and Red Szell discuss the most memorable characters in books and describe why they are so important to driving a story. They also dive into the best genres that develop strong characters.

Characters and books referenced in this episode include:

• Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

• Holden Caulfield by J.D. Salinger's in “The Catcher in the Rye”

• James Bond by Ian Fleming

• George Smiley by John le Carré

• Frodo Baggins and Gol...

Sue Hincenbergs’s number one bestselling novel “The Retirement Plan” has garnered generally positive reviews. But Jacob Shymanski and Danielle McLaughlin felt it did not hit the mark. They share a candid review and contemplate the popularity of the book.

Books referenced in this episode include:

• “The Retirement Plan: A Novel” by Sue Hincenbergs

• “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll

• "Wigs on the Green" by Nancy Mitford

• Jeeves Series by P.G. Wodehouse

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week...

Plot twists, with all their glory and goodness, can be a mixed bag. Jacob Shymanski and Red Szell share their picks for the best and worst plot twists.

Books that are discussed in this episode included:

“Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card

“Life of Pi” by Yann Martel

“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

We want your feedback! Duration: 00:29:50

Every June, during audiobook month, Audiophile magazine releases it’s latest inductees into their golden voice list: the hall-of-fame for audiobook narrators. Sara Hillis highlights Kimberly Farr’s career and accomplishments in the field and engages with Jacob Shymanski in a conversation about the increasingly high standards of audiobook narration. 

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own…...

There’s nothing like sitting down for a Stephen King chat with his Number One fan, AMI’s Greg David. He talks favourites, flops, adaptations, and why King’s stories are so popular, and so respected.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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 

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Carley Fortune’s One Golden Summer is topping charts, filling drugstore shelves, and giving Canadian romance a sun-kissed moment. Karoline Bordeau and Jacob Shymanski review this work of dreamy lakeside hookups and low-stakes vibes. Plus, Karoline gives us her review of another Canadian pick, the recent cozy mystery called Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe 

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True change begins when characters leave everything familiar behind and move away to new places. Red Széll and Jacob Shymanski explore how group dynamics and new environments bring transformation to our favourite characters, for better or for worse.

Books discussed in this episode are:

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Wager by David Grann Duration: 00:29:13

Robin Whitten, Founder of AudioFile Magazine, returns for Audiobook month to celebrate their 2025 Golden Voice honours. Vikas Adam, Kimberly Farr, and Hillary Huber made the top of the list. Plus, is the hype of AI narration already dying off? Robin makes her soulless AI argument.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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! 

Ou...

Old friend of the show Julia Bonnett races through five reviews under the 15-second clock, from secret plots and slow burns to revenge epics and stoic wisdom.

Books discussed in this episode are:

The Second Sleep by Robert Harris

Precipice by Robert Harris
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Marcia Yale reviews five books under the 15-second timer, on another edition of Rapid Fire Review. From romcoms to rock memoirs and a whole lot of Hawkes in between, Marcia's got range in her recent reads.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar is a novella that’s turning heads for its lyrical prose and spellbinding narration, blurring the line between language and spellcraft. Sara Hillis and Jacob Shymanski unpack the power of grammar, the intimacy of music, and the haunting beauty of sisterhood—all wrapped in a remarkable audiobook performance. If you love audiobooks that sound like poetry and feel like magic, this one’s for you.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Some of our favourite literature makes beauty and sense of the sea, so let’s explore it. Red Széll unpack the storytelling power of ships. From the loneliness of long voyages to the strict rules of command, nautical settings add pressure and mystery to fantasy, thrillers, history, no matter the story.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan unpack Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey, The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers, and Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump. We head to the stars, through history, and into the Trump family archive, because truth is stranger than fiction, and fiction can sometimes be truer than truth.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Danielle McLaughlin brings us into the witty, richly drawn world of U.S. writer Eudora Welty. With her unmistakable Southern voice and razor-sharp character sketches, Welty’s stories like The Ponder Heart and Why I Live at the P.O. reveal the humor, heartbreak, and human oddities of small-town life. We unpack the charm of her unreliable narrators, larger-than-life characters like Uncle Daniel and Bonnie D., and the fine line between comedy and tragedy.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Ever changed your mind about a book’s title, synopsis, or other first impression? Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan dive into books that surprised them upon reading, and feature responses from the book club. From Jane Austen to human waste policy, first impressions have been proven wrong.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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As Audible makes its AI narration tools available to traditional publishers, Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan break down the impact on authors, narrators, and listeners. With over 100 synthetic voices and growing competition from Spotify, the audiobook industry is at a crossroads, and not everyone is on board.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Bold authors have been lying to their readers for years and somehow, we love every moment of it.

The unreliable narrator is a tricky narrative device for authors to handle, but when it’s used well, the results speak for themselves. Red Szell of AMI-Audio’s My Life in books joins Jacob Shymanski as they share their favourite examples of stories that only work because of their unreliable narrators.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Lolita — Vladimir Nabokov

Life of Pi — Yann Martel

The Turn of the Screw — Henry James...

Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet has been quoted at weddings, funerals, and spiritual retreats for over a century, but how does it hold up for today’s reader? Jacob Shymanski and Aamer Khan explore eight chapters from the 1923 classic that leave the two of them equally inspired and frustrated. From Gibran’s philosophy on talking, to the lofty paradoxes of freedom and beauty, his poetic language may be confusing more than clarifying the universal truths.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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118 cardinals, one locked room, one global secret. Karoline Bordeau helps us review Conclave by Robert Harris, a suspenseful insider imagining of a modern papal election. It’s church drama with the pacing of a thriller, steeped in political play, and you may be surprised with how much intrigue the clergy can stir up.

Plus, Karoline brings us her review of The Seven Sisters — Lucinda Riley’s series reimagining the Greek myth of the Pleiades across generations and continents.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Satu...

When vision loss and all its realities disrupted her life, Anne Moc turned to social media, storytelling, and eventually writing her experiences down on the page. In her debut book Resilience and Purpose, she breaks down how she rebuilt her confidence—and why honesty, vulnerability, and a few digital posts can go a long way in healing and helping yourself and others.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Becca Syme has coached thousands of writers, hosts the QuitCast channel, and believes the best advice is personalized, not packaged. She has an idea or two on what frustrates writers, and what keeps them from finding satisfaction, enjoyment, and success in their work. She also shares her vast knowledge on what it really takes to get published as an author in 2025.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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From footnote gags and dramatic time jumps to unreliable narrators and human writing, Ramya Amuthan and Jacob Shymanski dive deeper into what readers want from authors. Trust, voice, pacing, mood… The list (and the critique) goes on.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Our email address is: AudiobookCafe@ami.ca 

We asked the book club: What do you love when authors do? From time-jumping stories to snarky all-knowing narrators, moving settings, and psycho-analyzing protagonists, Ramya Amuthan and Jacob Shymanski dish on the literary techniques that leave listeners wanting more.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Zelu’s life is already chaotic, until she writes a sci-fi novel that truly changes everything. Nnedi Okorafor’s Death of the Author is a mind-bending concept where reality and fiction twist into a narrative loop, as the story writes back. Karen McKay and Theresa Power of CELA unpack this audiobook, exploring themes of disability, fame, and the power of storytelling.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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When novelists borrow from real horror… Red Széll joins us to trace the tangled line between actual crime and literary fiction. From 19th-century murder pamphlets to modern thrillers like Sadie and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, does storytelling serve truth better when it breaks free from fact? We reflect on the allure, and the ethical dilemmas, of turning tragedy into story.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Sara Hillis and Jacob Shymanski, two enduring fans of the 14-book Wheel of Time series, explore its growth over the last 35 years. From Robert Jordan’s sprawling fantasy universe to the audiobook performances of Rosamund Pike that bring it to life, and the TV adaptation capturing new audiences, they dig deep into the elements keeping this epic saga alive in all its forms.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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The book industry has changed dramatically since the 90s, and Writer, editor, self-proclaimed book nerd Mark Leslie Lefebvre has seen it all.

He breaks down what it takes for author success these days, and how indie authors can be supported and thrive in the new age of publishing.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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In a second celebration of Poetry Month, Danielle McLaughlin continues to school us on what makes poetry. We explore the structure and spirit of poems—from the musicality of dub poetry to William McGonagall’s famously awful verse. And yes, we shower you with more original poetry, this time in the style of limerick.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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What happens when an ad pulls you into a 2,000-episode audiobook? Aamer Khan shares how he stumbled onto Pocket FM—and why the platform might be brilliant, broken, or both. We break down the app's creative format, its viral success in India, and the accessibility quirks that’s holding it back. Plus, Aamer gives us his review of Amanda Quick’s latest suspense novel, The Girl Who Knew Too Much.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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It’s the contest that turned bad writing into comical, witty, creative art. We explore the spectacularly awful and oddly brilliant world of the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, where contestants imagine and submit the opening line of the worst book to be written. Join Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan as we say goodbye, by giving you our favourite submissions of 2024, and read through the 40-year archives.

Plus, Ramya offers her reflection on It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished by Kate Gies—a poetic memoir that speaks to the trauma of childhood surgeries, the ache of medical betrayal, and...

Long audiobooks are a commitment, and we’re here to defend why that commitment is worth our while. Red Széll makes the case for expansive storytelling that sits beyond the 15-hour listen, Jacob offers his favourite epic listens, and together they explore how the right pacing, character development, and hypnotic rhythm can turn long reads into unforgettably immersive experiences.

Books discussed in this episode are:

It’s politics on paper. With the Canadian federal election just around the corner, Karoline Bordeau and Jacob Shymanski explore two popular books that shine a light on the two main political players. Jacob reviews Ripper: The Making of Pierre Poilievre by Mark Bourrie—a compelling biography of a driven and divisive politician. Karoline dives into Values by Mark Carney, a thick, heady exploration of economics, ethics, and leadership from the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor.

Plus, Karoline offers a review of Love, Loss, and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi—a memoir that’s...

What makes beautiful writing beautiful? CELA’s Karen McKay and Theresa Power join us to unpack the essence of great prose. Flow, rhythm, emotion, clarity; why are some sentences unforgettable? We go around the table and share our favourite examples of prose that stirs the soul.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Danielle McLaughlin leads us through a poetic journey through memory and meaning. We reflect on the poems we carry from childhood to adulthood, from Dennis Lee to Robert Frost. Discover the history of poet laureates, hear a few stirring recitations, and enjoy listening to our own experimental poetry.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Impressive worlds like Westeros or the USS Enterprise didn’t just spring from a map—they were shaped by values, power structures, and human history. Author and voice actor J.M. Frey explains why great worldbuilding goes far beyond geography. Frey dives into how she builds worlds readers instinctually believe, and all it takes sometimes is a subtle shift in reality. Plus, she previews her new audiobook Time and Tide, coming out May 2025.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Ardra Shephard, creator of the Tripping on Air blog and host of Fashion Dis, reflects on her freshly released memoir, Fallosophy. She reveals the truths behind writing about her experiences living with MS–the pressure, beauty, support, humours and vulnerable sides to her story. A self-advocacy expert, Ardra shares love to her editors, flips scary tones into funny, and brings us her unashamed realities of living with chronic illness.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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From the biting irony of Swift’s A Modest Proposal to the bureaucratic absurdity of Heller’s Catch-22, satire has long been a tool for exposing society’s flaws—one dark laugh at a time. Red Széll explains the wit of satire, and shares his top satirical picks. We explore classics and contemporary gems, including Terry Pratchett’s wildly entertaining Going Postal and Paul Beatty’s provocative The Sellout.

Books discussed in this episode are:

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Buckle up! Karen Magee is back for another Rapid-Fire Review, where she races against the clock to give us the gist of her five most recent reads, which range from mysteries, memoir, and cerebral descriptions from space.

The books discussed in this episode are:

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Sara Hillis explores John Lee’s fascinating journey from working odd jobs across Europe (like picking fruits in France) to becoming an Audie Award-winning voice behind some of the best-loved books in fiction and nonfiction.

Plus, Sara shares her fresh thoughts on Paula Hawkins's latest thriller “The Blue Hour” with all its winding plot and character complexities.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Vikas Adam has narrated over 500 audiobooks, earned 25 Earphones Awards, and was an inaugural inductee into the Audible Narrator Hall of Fame. He shares insights on how he prepares to step into the studio, from warm teas to prep reading, and intrigues us on what he believes it takes to truly bring a story to life.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Sadie by Courtney Summers is a young adult thriller told in alternating perspectives—a documentary maker following a missing girl’s story and Sadie’s own journey. With immersive sound design meeting audiobook narration, Jacob and Aamer unpack their thoughts on the success of this true crime audiobook.

Plus, Aamer Khan runs a “just for fun” Literary Guessing Game; seven questions featuring seven books, is Aamer testing Jacob’s knowledge, or just sneaking in some more recommendations?

Books featured in this discussion are:

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Fowl Play by Gordon Korman

...

Karoline Bordeau unpacks Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, where Indigenous wisdom meet scientific exploration.  Kimmerer’s reflections on traditional teachings and ecological science offer a transformative perspective on the gifts of the land, the power of gratitude, and the importance of reciprocity. Jacob is struck by the idea that protecting nature is a response to the earth’s love for us, and he unwinds the concept of Indigenous languages animating the natural world through verbs, not nouns.

Plus, Karoline gives us her Solo Review of The Year We Turned Forty by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, where...

Jacob Shymanski and Red Szell unravel their impressions of what it means to experience a short story in all its intended brilliance. From gothic tales by Poe, to 20th-century icons like Fitzgerald and contemporary voices like Munro and Atwood, they explore the gamut of authors who’ve left lasting impact in this genre, sometimes with prose that take only twenty minutes of our time.

Short stories mentioned in this episode are:

The Mezzotint by MR James from ‘Collected Ghost Stories of MR James’

Whoever Was Using this Bed by Raymond Carver, from ‘From Where I’m...

Long time friend and avid reader Paul Daniel takes us on a journey through three of his most recent reads: Imminent by Luis Elizondo, Ringmaster by Abraham Josephine Reisman, and Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. Paul has a few choice words, some bold opinions, and a lot of literary sass.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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During Part 2 of Jacob’s chat with Alina (of According to Alina), they explore the effects of BookTok on book consumption habits, particularly the trend of overconsumption and its impact on the publishing industry. They discuss the resurgence of bookstores like Barnes & Noble, and speculate on the future of BookTok amid potential platform bans. Is it all doom and gloom? They reflect on positive trends emerging from BookTok and the evolving landscape of reading in the digital age.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and...

We explore Wild Life, the newest novel by Canadian Author and disability advocate Amanda Leduc. Wild Life follows two hyenas, Barbara and Kendrith, who, through their interactions with humans over decades, reveal what is possible when the barriers between human and animal are broken. Amanda Leduc shares how she pitched such an unconventional idea to publishers, and why she leans into the weird and unexpected. Plus, she lets us in on the lasting impact of her mentor, Jon Gould.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on S...

Is it better when rockstars tell their own stories? Celebrity memoirs are supposed to capture the highs and lows of fame, creativity, and personal struggles, but is that enough for the reader? Greg David gives us his reviews of: 

We share personal reflections on picking up books about legends, and whether they’re worth the hype.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new...

The Audies’ 30th anniversary was a mix of celebration and chaos. Sara Hillis recaps the major winners, highlights moments from the nostalgia-filled ceremony, and questions why accessibility considerations were missing from the world’s biggest audiobook award event.

Plus, Stephen King writes about nightmares, but in Insomnia, he also writes about love, grief, and sacrifice. In her Solo Review, Sara explores why King’s stories are as much about the light as they are about the dark.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturda...

In every great story, there’s an outsider. The Other has been a defining theme in literature for centuries, shaping everything from Gothic horror to modern fantasy. Red Széll of My Life in Books explores the role of The Other in fiction, why it captivates us, and how it continues to evolve in storytelling today.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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We meet Robin Whitten, founder and editor of AudioFile Magazine. She traces the magazine's inception in 1992, its dedication to reviewing and celebrating audiobooks, and the introduction of awards like the Golden Voices and Earphones Awards. Robin discusses the magazine's podcast, "Behind The Mic," and shares her perspective on the evolving audiobook industry, including the rise of AI narration.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Jacob is joined by UK-based YouTuber Alina (of According to Alina) to delve into the phenomenon of the BookTok  community on TikTok. What is typical content found on BookTok, and how does it contribute to the cyclical nature of creator engagement? We hear Alina’s concerns regarding anti-intellectualism within the community, and her opinions on the potential negative implications of endless romance trope discussions.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Dictatorships, book bans, and doublespeak—just dystopian fiction, or a reflection of the world today? Danielle McLaughlin dives into Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. These classic novels explore power, control, and free thought—ideas that still resonate in 2025. Are we living out the futures they imagined?

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Review 1: The Wager by David Grann is a meticulously researched narrative immersing readers in the harsh realities of 18th-century sailing, offering a vivid portrayal of maritime life. Aamer and Jacob sift through why it’s difficult connecting to characters in this book, and explain the emotional toll of its intense, male-dominated atmosphere.

Review 2: Set in the deep south, All-American Muslim Girl by Nadine Jolie Courtney follows Allie Abraham, a teenager grappling with her Muslim identity in a polarized American society. Aamer Khan recaps the opening scene of this book, which encapsulates anxiety, stereotypes, and fears in an in...

Paul Hough is the writer of The Creepy School Bus viral YouTube series, and newly released Audiobook of the same name. He explains the thought process behind including non-stereotypical disabled characters in the creation of this eerie world, what it’s like to write the psyche of child characters, and shares excitement about the full cast approach of bringing this drama to life.

Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

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