Audiobook Café

“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...

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 Equita...

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 Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET.  Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AM...

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 inspire...

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 f...

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...

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 Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET.&nbsp...

“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 Repo...

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...

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 a...

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 Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET.  Follow...

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 Canad...

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 pr...

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 availabl...

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...

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 Andrik...

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 incl...

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 Hame...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 audio...

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...

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 Dayli...