253: Snow Special: Lucy Foley, Sir Chris Bonnington and The Robin
This week a snowy special: Lucy Foley takes us to the Scottish Highlands in her chilling crime thriller ‘The Hunting Party’.    Robert introduces Red to a comedy classic set on the slopes of a Himalayan mountain.    Sir Chris Bonington shares some of his own, real life, tales from the snowy peaks.   And we discover more about another cool customer at home in winter conditions – the robin.
58m Jan 07, 2022
58m
252: The Best of Read On 2021 Part 2
We look back at the Best of Read On 2021, Part 2. Helen Fisher introduces us to a terrific time-travel story with a strong and positive link to sight loss. We’ll meet down-at-heel Victorian gum-shoe William Arrowood and his creator Mick Finlay.   The Blind Poet Dave Steele gives us an exclusive preview of his new series of children’s stories in verse.   We’ll hear how 81-year old Ann Rach...
58m Dec 31, 2021
58m
251: The Best of Read On 2021 Part 1
We bring you the Best of Read On 2021, Part 1. Costa Book of the Year Award winner Monique Roffey introduces us to The Mermaid of Black Conch. We’ll meet an extraordinary veteran of the First World War who flew a biplane to Darjeeling then set out to become the first man to conquer Everest.   Kate Wilkinson takes us onto the London Underground and into the magical world of Edie and The Box ...
58m Dec 24, 2021
58m
250: Libraries and Museums: Joseph Coelho, Rachel Morris, The Library: A Fragile History and The History of the Talking Book
We go back in time to uncover the untold history of the talking book and the roots of the RNIB Library.   Robert Kirkwood gets a fascinating insight into the fragile history of libraries through the ages.   CILIP Carnegie Medal shortlisted author Joseph Coelho discusses the vital role that libraries have played in his life.    Museum expert Rachel Morris tells Robert what she found in the...
58m Dec 17, 2021
58m
249: Val Wood, Denise Mina, Henry Mance and Jeff Harding
Val Wood discusses her new historical romance Children of Fortune and reveals how it was shaped by lockdown.   Robert Kirkwood explores a true historical crime with tartan noir author Denise Mina.   I meet one of the RNIB Talking Books studio’s most prolific narrators, Jeff Harding.   Robert gets a lesson in how to love animals from author Henry Mance.  And we return to Val Wood for the B...
58m Dec 10, 2021
58m
248: Anita Frank, Kate London and Di Langford
Anita Frank discusses her new novel 'The Return', and reflects on the changing landscape of the home front during World War II.   After the success of 'The Tower' on TV, I discuss where the series goes next with its author Kate London.   We meet doyen of Audio Description Di Langford and explore her history as a Talking Books narrator. And we return to Anita Frank for the Books of Your Life. 
58m Dec 03, 2021
58m
247: Salley Vickers, Mark Lynas, Chris Stewart & Climate Change Books
This week we’re reflecting on the regenerative power of nature.   Salley Vickers discusses her new novel 'The Gardener' and how it grew out of her long affinity with trees and gardens.   Environmentalist Mark Lynas gives us 'Our Final Warning' about climate change and outlines the bitter harvest we will reap if we ignore it.   Ellie Marsh goes digging in the RNIB Library to bring us a cro...
58m Nov 26, 2021
58m
246: Melanie Golding, Ian McGuire and John Aitcheson
This week we’re all at sea!    I discuss a mysterious case of people who can change into seals at the full moon, with author Melanie Golding.   Ellie Marsh goes behind the scenes to explore 'The North Water' with its author Ian McGuire.   Robert Kirkwood drops in on the recording of 'The Shark and The Albatross' with wildlife film maker John Aitcheson. And we return to Ian McGuire for th...
58m Nov 19, 2021
58m
245: Hilma Wolitzer, Sir Derek Jacobi and Robert Kingett
91-year-old author Hilma Wolitzer discusses her new collection of short stories 'Today A Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket'.   Sir Derek Jacobi reflects on his long and distinguished career and reveals some studio secrets about his work as a narrator.    And Robert Kingett reveals how and why he set out to compile a collection of short stories written by blind authors.   
58m Nov 12, 2021
58m
244: Wigtown Book Festival 2021
Robert Kirkwood travels to a real life book festival for the first time in a few years! Read On this week was recorded on location at the Wigtown Book Festival and features... Booker Shortlisted author Graham Macrae Burnet on his new novel, Case Study (Starts at 1.56) Comedian Robin Ince on The Importance of being Interested (11.11) Girl on the Train author, Paula Hawkins on A Slow Fire Bur...
1hr 5m Nov 05, 2021
1hr 5m
243: Booker Special 2: Richard Powers, Patricia Lockwood and Anuk Arudpragasam
This week we’ve got the second of our special episodes focussing on the novels shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize. Richard Powers reveals how a '60s sci-fi classic inspired him to create his latest novel, 'Bewilderment'. Patricia Lockwood reveals her close links to sight loss, as we discuss her razor sharp novel, 'No One is Talking About This'.   And we take 'A Passage North' through ...
58m Oct 29, 2021
58m
242: Booker Special 2021 Part 1: Maggie Shipstead, Damon Galgud & Nadifa Mohamed
This week we’re taking a look at some of the novels shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize:   Maggie Shipstead considers the significant role played by women in the early history of aviation in her barnstorming novel 'Great Circle'.   Damon Galgut takes a wry look at life, death and the broken promise of post-Apartheid South Africa.   Nadifa Mohamed transports us back  to 1950s Cardiff t...
58m Oct 22, 2021
58m
241: Alison MacLeod, The Blind Poet Dave Steele and Lisa Hall
Alison MacLeod reimagines the circumstances surrounding the writing and suppression of 'Lady Chatterley’s Lover'.   We celebrate National Poetry Day with a world exclusive from The Blind Poet.    Lisa Hall takes us to Britain’s most haunted village and introduces us to 'The Woman In the Woods'. And we return to Alison MacLeod for the Books of Your Life.
58m Oct 15, 2021
58m
240: Shirley Mann, Libby Clegg and some cat-and-mouse thrillers
Award-winning author Shirley Mann reveals how moved she was by the reaction of an RNIB Library customer to one of her novels.   Loyal listener Penny Melville-Brown reviews some cat-and-mouse thrillers from the other side of the Atlantic.    Paralympic gold medallist Libby Clegg discusses her book, 'My Life with Hattie, A Dog who knows Everything'. And we return to Shirley Mann for the Book...
58m Oct 08, 2021
58m
239: Tim Peake, Andrew Smith & Books inspired by the Moon
This week we are heading out into space! Astronaut Tim Peake discusses his new sci-fi series for children and the risk that cosmic rays present to our eyes.    Journalist Andrew Smith reveals what happened to the astronauts who walked on the Moon after they touched back down on Earth, in his fascinating book 'Moondust’.   Robert Kirkwood goes boldly into the archives to seek out the works ...
58m Oct 01, 2021
58m
238: Nancy Revell, SD Robertson & a Narrator's Picnic
Read On reporter Ellie Marsh revisits the Sunderland shipyards during wartime with author Nancy Revell.    We look back at the RNIB Talking Book's Narrators Picnic   I catch up with SD Robertson to discuss his latest novel 'The Daughter’s Choice'.   And we return to Nancy Revell for the Books of Your Life.
58m Sep 24, 2021
58m
237: TC Boyle, Ian Mark and Caroline Lennon
Award-winning author TC Boyle discusses chimpanzees, language and consciousness, with his new book 'Talk to Me'.   Narrator Caroline Lennon looks back on her long association with RNIB Talking Books, and the notorious role she played in The Archers.   Robert Kirkwood goes monster hunting with author Ian Mark. And we return to TC Boyle for the Books of Your Life.
58m Sep 17, 2021
58m
236: Alex Milway, Thunderdog and Susanna Forrest
I’m your host Red Szell and this week we’re focusing on our furry friends.    Alex Milway transports us to 'Big Sky Mountain' and introduces us to Albert The Moose.   We travel back in time to 9/11 and hear the remarkable true story of the guide dog who led a group of  survivors out of the wreckage of one of the Twin Towers.    I learn about the long and varied role that horses have played...
58m Sep 10, 2021
58m
235: Verity Smith and Mike Brace
This week we’re talking about the experience of being a blind author. Equestrian para-athlete Verity Smith tells us how she used a variety of voices to write her autobiography ‘The Groper’s Guide’.   Campaigning Paralympian Mike Brace reveals how he uses humour to help get his message across.   And Red dusts off a hidden gem that helped him come to terms with his own blindness.
58m Sep 03, 2021
58m
234: Richard Atkinson, Kate Summerscale & Ursula Buchan
This week we’ve got some terrific true stories to take on holiday with you.     Richard Atkinson uncovers a tale of sugar, slavery and scandal at the heart of his family history in 'Mr Atkinson’s Rum Contract'.   We go ‘Beyond The 39 Steps’ to explore the remarkable life of author John Buchan, with his grand-daughter Ursula.   Kate Summerscale reinvestigates the original country house mur...
58m Aug 27, 2021
58m
233: Sophia Money-Coutts, Amanda Robson & Anna Kent
This week we’ve got some sizzling new summer titles for you.    Queen of the rom-com Sophia Money-Coutts pokes fun at millionaires, marquises and matrimony in her joyous new novel ‘Did You Miss Me?’   Anna Kent  imagines what happens when friends reuniting goes seriously wrong in her new novel 'The House of Whispers'.   Amanda Robson introduces Robert Kirkwood to the mother-in-law from he...
58m Aug 20, 2021
58m
232: Children's Special with Kate Wilkinson, JM Joseph and Sarah Moore Fitzgerald
This week we’ve got some top new titles for the school summer holidays. Kate Wilkinson takes us onto the London Underground and into the magical world  of Edie and The Box of Flits.    We catch up with JM Joseph and his combustible hero Aidan Sweeney – aka Fireboy!    Sarah Moore Fitzgerald wonders whether ‘All the Money in the World’ will really buy you happiness.  And we return to Kate ...
58m Aug 13, 2021
58m
231: JP McHugh, Joanna Toye and Arthur Turner
This week we’ve got some top choices for your summer reading list. John Patrick McHugh discusses his hotly anticipated debut ‘Pure Gold’; and being friends with Sally Rooney.   Joanna Toye reveals what her Shop-girls have been up to as World War 2 draws to a close in ‘The Victory Girls’.   Arthur Turner shares his memoir about growing up as a blind child in the 1970s. And we return to JP M...
58m Aug 06, 2021
58m
230: Catherine Raven, David Gange & Barbara Kingsolver
This week we’re heading out into the wilderness to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Catherine Raven introduces us to her contemplative scientific memoir 'Fox and I'.   David Gange takes us kayaking down 'The Frayed Atlantic Edge' of the British Isles.    Read On producer Hannah Tausz investigates the work of wildlife inspired novelist Barbara Kingsolver.  And we return to Cathe...
58m Jul 30, 2021
58m
229: Ellen Alpsten, Claire Entwhistle & CKBK
This week we’ve got buckets of books for the summer break!    Ellen Alpsten returns with 'The Tsarina’s Daughter', her next chapter in the astounding true story of the Russian royal family in the 18th century.   We hear about CKBK, an app that promises to be Spotify for cookbooks.   Lynne Livingstone brings us some great news about a flock of Penguins coming to the RNIB Talking Books Libr...
58m Jul 23, 2021
58m
228: Mick Finlay, Stella Duffy & Mitch Cullin
This week we’re examining some new cases inspired by classic detective series.    Mick Finlay introduces us to Arrowood, his down-at-heel Victorian gumshoe.   Stella Duffy confesses to being delighted and daunted at being asked to complete an unfinished mystery by Ngaio Marsh.   Mitch Cullin imagines what a 93-year old Sherlock Holmes might be working on.   NB Dixon reviews a new case f...
58m Jul 16, 2021
58m
227: Alex Michaelides, Kate London, Penny Melville-Brown
This week we’re investigating some notoriously great crimewriters!    After the global success of 'The Silent Patient', Alex Michaelides discusses his follow-up, 'The Maidens', another gripping blend of psychology and mythology.    Soon to be a major TV series, we revisit 'Post Mortem' in the company of murder squad detective turned author Kate London.   Penny Melville-Brown brings us som...
58m Jul 09, 2021
58m
226: Boswell Book Festival 2021
We're back! (Sort of) Robert and Red join in the fun at this year's virtual Boswell Book Festival where this year you can hear ... Andrew Marr interviewed by Dr William Zachs on both his and Boswell's journalistic careers. Janey Godley chatting to Sally Magnusson about her autobiography, Handstands in the Dark. Helen Lewis and Chris Bryant MP in a talk about history makers airbrushed from t...
58m Jul 02, 2021
58m
225: Quiara Alegria Hudes, Ann Rachlin and Maribel Steel
This week there’s music in the air! Pulitzer prize-winning dramatist Quiara Alegria Hudes discusses her memoir 'My Broken Language', and working with Lin Manuel Miranda to bring his stage musical 'In The Heights' to the big screen.   Australian author Maribel Steel introduces us to 'Blindness for Beginners' through her short story 'Tapping Rhythm Teaching Song'.   Ann Rachlin proves that n...
58m Jun 25, 2021
58m
224: Ece Temelkuran, Mark Sullivan, David Monteith and the winner of the Cilip Carnegie Medal 2021
We bring you the winner of this year’s CILIP Carnegie Medal, recognising the best in contemporary children’s literature! Political commentator Ece Temelkuran discusses her new book 'Together: 10 Choices for a Better Now'.   Best-selling author Mark Sullivan re-imagines an extraordinary true story from the Second World War in his new historical novel 'The Last Green Valley'.    Red explores...
58m Jun 18, 2021
58m
223: Adele Parks, Anthony McGowan, Women's Prize for Fiction
Things get dark and dangerous in Adele Parks’ new psychological thriller 'Both of You'.   Robert Kirkwood provides an overview of the six novels shortlisted for this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction.   With just under a week to go before the winner of this year’s Carnegie Medal is announced, we return to last year’s winner – Anthony McGowan. And we return to Adele Parks for the Books of Yo...
58m Jun 11, 2021
58m
222: Joseph Coelho, Beth Morrey, Kate Okello & Penelope Freeman
Joseph Coelho discusses his Carnegie short-listed novel in verse – 'The Girl Who Became a Tree'; and the central role that libraries continue to play in his life.   Narrators Kate Okello and Penelope Freeman reveal their very personal reasons for becoming Talking Book readers.    Beth Morrey explores ways to overcome loneliness and grief in her bittersweet novel 'Saving Missy'. And we retu...
58m Jun 04, 2021
58m
221: Manjeet Mann, John Cormack and All the Light We Cannot See
With the winner of this year’s Carnegie Medal due to be announced in just a couple of weeks, we talk to debut author Manjeet Mann, whose novel 'Run Rebel' is a must read.   Narrator John Cormack shares his favourite reads, and his own surprising backstory.   Red reviews a novel with a blind protagonist that is one of the most popular Books of Your Life selections among Read On guests. And ...
58m May 28, 2021
58m
220: Lauren Wolk, Sera Milano, Book Group with Fiona Shaw
Lauren Wolk explores teenage resilience and alternative remedies in her Carnegie Medal shortlisted novel ‘Echo Mountain’.    Connect Radio’s Ellie Marsh learns more about an exciting online book group with author Fiona Shaw.    Sera Milano discusses her compelling new novel 'This Can  Never Not Be True', with Robert Kirkwood.   And loyal listener NB Dixon reviews a spine-tingling tale by ...
58m May 21, 2021
58m
219: Josie Lloyd, Sophie Anderson & Paul Birchard
Best-selling author Josie Lloyd introduces us to 'The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club'.   Narrator Paul Birchard shares his enthusiasm for an explosive   Talking Book with Robert Kirkwood.   And we continue our review of this year’s CILIP Carnegie shortlist by going deep into the Snow Forest with author Sophie Anderson and 'The Girl Who Speaks Bear'.
58m May 14, 2021
58m
218: Ruta Sepetys, Joely Richardson and 'Kolymsky Heights'
We continue our review of this year’s CILIP Carnegie shortlist with author Ruta Sepetys and and her novel  'The Fountains of Silence'. Hollywood actress Joely Richardson reveals what it was that profoundly moved her when she visited the RNIB Talking Books studios. Red reviews the spy story that 007 author Anthony Horowitz selected as one of the Books of His Life. And we return to Ruta Sepety...
58m May 07, 2021
58m
217: Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, Lynne Truss and 'Lady Audley's Secret'
We continue our review of this year’s CILIP Carnegie shortlist, with the author of ‘On Midnight Beach’, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick.    Red reviews a classic Victorian suspense novel, 'Lady Audley’s Secret'.     Lynne Truss takes us back to the 1950s for a seaside crime caper. And we return to Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick for the Books of Your Life.
58m Apr 30, 2021
58m
216: B.A. Paris, Jason Reynolds and Penny Melville-Brown
International best-seller B.A. Paris discusses her latest psychological thriller ‘The Therapist’. Penny Melville-Brown introduces us to her favourite spy writer. We continue our review of this year’s CILIP Carnegie shortlist, with middle-grade sensation Jason Reynolds. And we go back to B.A. Paris for the Books of Your Life.
58m Apr 23, 2021
58m
215: Elizabeth Acevedo, Kim Jaye and David John
Blind chef Kim Jaye tells us how lockdown inspired her to write two accessible cookbooks, and shares her passion for reading. Narrator David John discusses the joys and challenges of recording Talking Books. We begin our review of the shortlist for this year’s CILIP Carnegie Medal by interviewing former winner and 2021 contender, Elizabeth Acevedo. And we go back to Kim Jaye for the Books of...
58m Apr 16, 2021
58m
214: Femi Kayode, Onjali Q Rauf and Bill Skipworth
Femi Kayode transports us to Nigeria for his tense thriller, ‘Lightseekers’. Children’s author Onjali Q Rauf introduces us to ‘The Boy at The Back of the Class’. And Blind author Bill Skipworth discusses his memoir ‘Now I  See’.
58m Apr 09, 2021
58m
213: Ericka Waller, 2000AD Graphic Novels in Audio and Frances Hardinge
We learn how our canine companions can help us become better human beings, as Ericka Waller walks us through her novel 'Dog Days'. Robert Kirkwood discovers how a selection of 2000AD graphic novels, including Judge Dredd, have been transformed into audio. Bestselling children’s author, Frances Hardinge, gets darkly supernatural in her historical novel ‘A Skinful of Shadows’. And we return to...
58m Apr 02, 2021
58m
212: Fiona Lucas, Samuel West and Sita Brahmachari
Fiona Lucas talks about moving on in her new novel 'The Last Goodbye', and tells us why writing for Mills and Boon was such a great apprenticeship.   We go behind the scenes with actor Samuel West as he records new versions of the House Of Cards trilogy.    Sita Brahmachari discusses the importance of tackling the big global issues in her books for children. And we return to Fiona Lucas fo...
58m Mar 19, 2021
58m
211: EJ Harper, Jessica Townsend and Andrew Cullum
E.J. Harper introduces us to 'Lazarus Remembered', her novel on family and redemption, written specifically to be an immersive audiobook experience. Andrew Cullum talks about his life as an audiobook narrator. Jessica Townsend discusses the world of 'Nevermore' and her heroine, Morrigan Crow.  And we return to E.J. Harper for the Books of Her Life.
58m Mar 12, 2021
58m
210: Richard Herring, Deborah Frances-White and World Book Day
Richard Herring discusses 'The Problem with Men', his new book about toxic masculinity, and reveals the extra features available in the audiobook version. Deborah Frances-White talks about turning The Guilty Feminist podcast  into a bestselling audiobook. And we take a look at some of the terrific titles available to younger listeners this World Book Day.
58m Mar 05, 2021
58m
RNIB Library and World Book Day 2021
World Book Day on 4 March 2021 is all about celebrating the magic of books and reading. RNIB is proud to continue to support World Book Day's mission to give every child and young person a book of their own, by making 13 titles available in audio (DAISY CD) and braille. Titles can be pre-ordered from 1 February 2021 for despatch on 1 March 2021. Orders will be taken until 31 March 2021. Titl...
21m Mar 01, 2021
21m
209: Sarah Leipciger, Ali Smith and Anthony McGowan
Sarah Leipciger breathes new life into two historical figures and lets her imagination flow in her novel 'Coming Up for Air'.   We celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month by revisiting 'How To Be Both' with author Ali Smith.   And winner of last year’s CILIP Carnegie Medal for children’s literature, Anthony McGowan, discusses the series of books he has created for reluctant readers.
58m Feb 26, 2021
58m
208: Saba Salman, Sarah Waters and Caroline Lawrence
Journalist Saba Salman introduces us to 'Made Possible', a collection of stories that she hopes will change the public perception of people with learning disabilities. Sarah Waters talks to Robert Kirkwood about 'The Little Stranger', a novel in which she changed era and also for the first time, the gender of the protagonist. And children’s author Caroline Lawrence, famous for her 'Roman Myst...
58m Feb 19, 2021
58m
207: CJ Skuse, Monique Roffey and Julia Donaldson
CJ Skuse reveals why girl-next-door serial killer Rhiannon Lewis is feeling all at sea in her latest novel, 'Dead Head'.   Costa winner Monique Roffey reveals which books have resonated most with her as a writer.    Robert Kirkwood looks back on the day that creator of 'The Gruffalo', Julia Donaldson, visited the RNIB Talking Books Studios.    We celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month by reviewin...
58m Feb 12, 2021
58m
206: Amy Raphael, Giles Abbott and Jane Harris
Amy Raphael takes us back to The English Civil War in her new children’s adventure ‘The Forest of Moon and Sword ‘. Story-teller and Talking Book narrator Giles Abbott reveals how sight loss has influenced the way he brings stories to life. And Jane Harris transports us to Victorian Glasgow in her novel Gillespie and I.
58m Feb 05, 2021
58m
205: Helen Fisher, Costa Book of the Year Award winner Monique Roffey, narrator David Graham and author Laura Barnett
Helen Fisher introduces us to Space Hopper, her must-read debut novel, featuring a blind character drawn from her years working at RNIB. We bring you news of the winner of this year's Costa Book of the Year Award. Narrator David Graham reminisces on his many years of working for RNIB, and the iconic roles he helped create in Thunderbirds and Dr Who. And Laura Barnett brings words and music t...
58m Jan 29, 2021
58m