Pandemics and panics abound in the works of today's writers. Zoe Whittall's novel Holding Still As Long As Possible features an emergency worker as a main character, and explores themes of panic and anxiety among young people in Toronto.

Bonnie Henry also drops by to tell Shelagh about how not to catch diseases (her book is called Soap & Water & Common Sense). And CBC newsman Peter Mansbridge gets personal with our French Questioner, revealing his greatest extravagance (watches), personal heroes, and most important journey.

Comedian Al Rae talks seriously about using James Joyce as a therapy for the blues. And Shelagh begins her interviews with all five Canada Reads authors. This week, it's Marina Endicott.