Watch the 2018 Canada Reads panellists & authors in conversation with Gill Deacon

The Canada Reads defendersand authors took the stage in Toronto to discuss the five books that will be championed on CBC's battle of the books from March 26-29, 2018.Here and Now's Gill Deacon hosted the event in the Glenn Gould Studio.

The Canada Reads 2018 contenders are:

• Mozhdah Jamalzadah, defendingThe Boat PeoplebySharon Bala
• Tahmoh Penikett, defendingAmerican WarbyOmar El Akkad
• Greg Johnson, defendingPrecious CargobyCraig Davidson
• Jeanne Beker, defendingForgivenessbyMark Sakamoto
• Jully Black, defendingThe Marrow ThievesbyCherie Dimaline

Each of the authorsgot a chance to share the stage with their defenders to discuss their books and start making the case to Canada that their book is one that will "open your eyes" the 2018 theme of Canada Reads.

Watch the 2018 Canada Reads panellists & authors in conversation with Gill Deacon

7 years ago

Duration 1:07:45

The Canada Reads defenders and authors took the stage in Toronto to discuss the five books that will be championed on CBC's battle of the books from March 26-29, 2018. Here and Now's Gill Deacon hosted the event in the Glenn Gould Studio.

Subsequent events featuring Canada Reads panellists and the authors whose books they're defendingwill take place in communities across the country, so be sure to stay tuned to CBC Books for details.

Each year, Canada Reads features five high profile Canadians defending five great Canadian books. Recent winners include YouTube star Humble The Poet defendingFifteen Dogs by Andr Alexis, Olympian Clara Hughes defending Lawrence Hill's The Illegaland TIFF artistic director Cameron Bailey defending Ru by Kim Thy.

• Explore all the past Canada Reads contenders