The protagonist of Ray Robertson's Gently Down the Stream lives his life as the title suggests. Hank Roberts passively goes with the flow and meanders his way through work and relationships, uncertain of his life's purpose and hoping to find some direction. In praising the novel, the Globe and Mail compared Robertson to Mordecai Richler and described him as "an equally brilliant observer and writer on human weakness who wants us all to behave better and doesn't care who he angers along the way."

In last week's Between the Covers podcast of the book, Hank began working at the Gladestone, a trendy bar in Toronto's Parkdale.

This week, Hank's life seems to be unravelling. Inclined to cope by loading up on a medley of substances, Hank soon finds that things can get even worse than they already are.

Episode 11: Hank flirts with combining caffeine and Sudafed to fuel the karaoke and the spray-painting of graffiti.

Episode 12: Is it Hank's secret life or Mary's winter blahs that lead to a big fight?

Episode 13: Hank gets a handyman's tour of the new house.

Episode 14: Hank enjoys life as a "single man" since Mary's in Vancouver at the opening of her gallery show.

Episode 15: The Duke closes down, Phil ignores him and Hank gets drunk and goes on a spree of vandalism.

Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you're interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Book List.

In this funny and insightful novel, Ray Robertson gives us a glimpse into the life of Hank Roberts, a self-indulgent man who has tried and failed to live up to his ideals. Gently Down the Stream (Cormorant Books) won widespread critical praise and made the Globe and Mail's list of best books when it was published in 2005.

In last week's episodes we were introduced to Hank and learned about his life in downtown Toronto. This week Hank faces his fears and manages to make progress, despite a few stumbles along the way.

This Between the Covers podcast is read by actor Vincent Gale.

Episode 6: Hank and Phil get together at Rebecca's, where Phil is spending a lot of time.

Episode 7: Hank can't bring himself to actually get up and sing karaoke, as much as he wants to.

Episode 8: Almost by accident, Hank applies for a job.

Episode 9: Hank starts his job amid the karaoke hopefuls at the Gladstone.

Episode 10: Hank accidentally mixes cold medicine and caffeine.

Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you're interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Book List.

Ray Robertson's fourth novel, Gently Down the Stream, revolves around Hank Roberts, a quirky, 37-year-old underachiever with lots of education and wit, but not enough drive and employment.

In this Between the Covers podcast of Robertson's entertaining novel, we enter Hank's world. We're introduced to his family and friends and his colourful life in Parkdale, a down-market area of Toronto. We learn about Hank's problems and we get insight into what his life could have been if this failed author had chosen a different path in life.

Actor Vincent Gale reads this Between the Covers podcast.

Episode 1: Meet Hank Roberts, a 37-year old urban male with lots of education and no job.

Episode 2: Hank can't bring himself to be friendly to Rebecca, his best friend's girlfriend.

Episode 3: Hank takes us through a day in the life of his colourful Parkdale neighbourhood.

Episode 4: Hank and Mary visit Hank's parents in Chatham.

Episode 5: Hank sees what his life could be when he visits his best friend from high school.

Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you're interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Book List.