It's Canada Reads crunch time and our podcast is here to help

The Canada Reads 2019 debates are just around the corner. From March 25-28, 2019, five panellists will go head to head, defending five Canadian books — each vying for the title of One Book to Move You. 

To help tee things up, CBC Books has released six pre-show podcast episodes to help get you acquainted with this year's lineup. You can download the episodes through CBC, iTunes or your favourite podcast app. 

• How to tune into Canada Reads 2019 

The Canada Reads 2019 contenders and their chosen books are: 

• Chuck Comeau defending Homes by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah with Winnie Yeung
• Lisa Ray defending Brother by David Chariandy
• Ziya Tong defending By Chance Alone by Max Eisen
• Yanic Truesdale defending Suzanne by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette, translated by Rhonda Mullins
• Joe Zee defending The Woo-Woo by Lindsay Wong

In these six pre-show episodes of the Canada Reads podcast, show host Ali Hassan introduces listeners to the show itself and to each of the books in the running for 2019. 

• Reserve tickets to be part of the Canada Reads studio audience here

Episode #1: Get to know Canada Reads

Canada Reads9:18Get to know Canada Reads 2019 (episode one)

An introduction to the great Canadian book debate, for the uninitiated-featuring highlights from past seasons, introduced by Canada Reads host Ali Hassan.

Episode #2: Brother 

Canada Reads21:16Canada Reads 2019: Get to know Brother (episode two)

In preparation for Canada Reads 2019, we take a closer look at David Charinady's novel Brother, which will be defended by actor and model Lisa Ray.

Episode #3: The Woo-Woo

Canada Reads22:13Canada Reads 2019: Get to know The Woo-Woo (episode three)

Canada Reads host Ali Hassan introduces listeners to Lindsay Wong's darkly comedic memoir The Woo-Woo, which will be championed by fashion guru Joe Zee.

Episode #4: By Chance Alone

Canada Reads22:10Canada Reads 2019: Get to know By Chance Alone (episode four)

Holocaust survivor Max Eisen's memoir By Chance Alone will be defended by science journalist and broadcaster Ziya Tong in the Canada Reads 2019 debates.

Episode #5: Suzanne 

Canada Reads22:51Canada Reads 2019: Get to know Suzanne (episode five)

In anticipation of Canada Reads 2019, get acquainted with actor Yanic Truesdale's chosen book, Suzanne by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette, translated by Rhonda Mullins.

Episode #6: Homes

Canada Reads25:28Canada Reads 2019: Get to know Homes (episode six)

Canada Reads host Ali Hassan takes a closer look at Abu Bakr al Rabeeah and Winnie Yeung's book Homes, which will be defended by drummer Chuck Comeau in the battle of the books.