CBC Books Announces Canada Reads Shortlist for 2024, with Former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi Serving as a Panellist

CBC's book competition Canada Reads is returning for 2024 with a new theme. This year, they're looking to crown "one book to carry us forward".

The five panellists chose their books from a 15-title longlist. The panellists and books are an exciting mix this year, including the popular former mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi, as a panellist, and the smash hit bestseller Meet Me at the Lake amongst the books vying for the title. 

The 2024 CBC Canada Reads contenders are:

• Athlete and CBC Sports contributor Dallas Soonias champions Bad Cree by Jessica Johns
• Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi champions Denison Avenue by Christina Wong & Daniel Innes
• Fashion influencer Mirian Njoh champions Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
• Actor Kudakwashe Rutendo champions Shut Up You're Pretty by Téa Mutonji
• Author Heather O'Neill champions The Future by Catherine Leroux, translated by Susan Ouriou

The debates will take place March 4-7, 2024. The panellists will defend their chosen title and vote off their competitors over the four days, with one book is voted off each day until a winner is chosen. The winner of Canada Reads (and frequently the other shortlisted titles) often goes on to become a bestseller across the country. 

Stay tuned for coverage of the debates in March, and check out more information at CBC Books.