Audiobook Café

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:   “Soundings” by A. Hami...

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: “Bury Your Gays” by Chuck Tingle “We Live Here Now” by Sarah Pinborough “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson “Th...

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 e...

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...

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-aud...

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 Audi...

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 Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET.  Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe  We want your feedback! Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or rev...

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 Fridays and...

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...

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...

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:   • “Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home” by Tom Wilson   • “Pierre Poilievre: A Po...

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-au...

"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 inclu...

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 tra...

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

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 Fridays and S...

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 w...

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 Caulf...

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 Carro...

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 F...

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 Cana...

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

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-audi...

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...

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 Fridays and Saturd...