Talking Books is turning the final page after eleven years of book talk on CBC Radio One. In this last program, host Ian Brown asks some of his favourite guests to summon up memorable moments from the past 450 or so shows.
Brown still vividly remembers the debate about the very first book discussed on the program: Party Favours (HarperCollins). This novel about back-door dealings in Canadian politics was published anonymously, and there was much conjecture by panelists about the writer’s identity. (The author has since been revealed as Warren Kinsella.)
Then he turns to frequent panelists, including poet Bill Robertson, actor Walter Learning, writer Marni Jackson and professor Dr. P.K. Rangachari. They reminisce about their long association with Talking Books and the moments that stand out, for good or ill.
New York-based author Lawrence Weschler reveals some of the behind-the-scenes hijinks over the years and recommends a few new books for listeners to enjoy.
Another regular, Noreen Golfman, who teaches English at Memorial University, recalls the time she participated in a recording via her cell phone when she missed a flight. This sparked her infamous tantrum at the airport, an upset which made it into a national newspaper.
Listen to the final episode of Talking Books.
First aired on August 30, 2008. [runs: 26:15]
UPDATE: We understand your disappointment that Talking Books has ended its long run. But take heart, there's a new book show launching later this month on Saturday afternoons. Shelagh Rogers will bring her love of books and her in-depth knowledge of the writing scene in Canada to a new weekly hour-long program that focuses on Canadian writers, books and readers.
Words at Large is CBC’s online destination for Canadians who love books. Look for something new every day, from CBC programs and podcasts, to interviews with writers and more. Stay tuned for our newly designed and expanded site.
Comments
Why are you taking this very in teresting program off the air? What will you be replacing it with?
I am a fifty somthing boomer (I guess) who listened to CBC as a child because it was my parents' choice. I was introduced to radio drama, discussion,current events,all sorts of musical genre and literature.CBC seems not to realize that while youth and young adults may not listen to CBC, they do come back to it as adults.I did and my twenty-something daughters have.CBC has been my daily newspaper when I did not have time to sit down to read one. There are plenty of other popular/current music stations out there. Save the thought-provocing discourse & informed intelligent programming,otherwise there will be one less oportunity for becoming well-informed and engaged with the world. And not everyone in your taxpaying audience has access to or facility with the modern technologies.
Posted by: Elizabeth Worster | September 4, 2008 03:50 PM
I think it is apalling that CBC is pulling the plug on Talking Books. The program provided wonderful insight and multiple perspectives on what books readers should direct their attention towards. In an era where the book review is disappearing from magazines and newspapers,and at the same time the number of books published grows, it is ever more difficult for the reader to navigate towards books worth reading.
I am greatly disappointed in CBC.
Sincerely,
John D. Lund
Edmonton, Alberta
Posted by: John Lund | September 4, 2008 05:07 PM
If it's not broke.....
Why cancel Talking Books? With all due respect to Ms. Rogers, she will not bring the same wonderful tone and depth to the discussions that Ian Brown did. Please reconsider.....this will be a great loss and a mistake.
Posted by: Marsha Lalande | September 15, 2008 03:08 PM
I am going to miss Talking Books,
the highlight of my listening
week. It was both witty and informative, a great combination. The CBC has less and less
news, politics and social commentary
and I am listening to it less. I enjoy a popular culture show occasionally too, but now there are
so many of them it becomes really
tedious -oh, another singer interview, what a thrill. (not)
Bring back Talking Books!
Posted by: Glenda Sloan | September 19, 2008 04:59 PM
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