The Book Group - Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson
This month the group discuss a book voted as 'the best book about Britain'. Do they agree with that, and did they enjoy it? Join our group of blind and partially sighted readers in the Book Group.
34m Sep 03, 2018
34m
The Book Group - Chocolat by Joanne Harris
Join the conversation with a real group of blind and partially sighted book lovers and Talking Book users. This month the book group discuss Chocolat by Joanne Harris.
30m Sep 03, 2018
30m
The Book Group - Pilot
Join our brand new book group as they talk about reading with sight loss, missing print books, and the Talking Books that have inspired and delighted them.
41m Sep 03, 2018
41m
83: Michael Palin, Chris Hadfield, Anthony Horowitz and more
Michael Palin talks to Robert Kirkwood about forgetting lines and supporting RNIB, Anthony Horowitz tells us the books of his life and Colonel Chris Hadfield talks about his books for children and grown ups. Plus we revist both Adjoa Andoh and Dame Judi Dench.  Get in touch by emailing readonair@rnib.org.uk
58m Aug 31, 2018
58m
Penguin Random House and RNIB announce new partnership.
Today Penguin Random House UK has launched a new partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) by signing up to two of the charity’s programmes - RNIB Bookshare and Talking Books. Red Szell and Robert Kirkwood discuss some titles ... and please note, all of the titles won't be immediately available but will be added to RNIB's collection over a number of months. Read mor...
6m Aug 30, 2018
6m
82: Lissa Evans, Sam West and Anthony McGowan
Lissa Evans chats about her books 'Old Baggage' and Wed Wabbit, Anthony McGowan narrates his own books for RNIB and Sam West on narrating new versions of 'The House of Cards' trilogy.
58m Aug 24, 2018
58m
81: Bernard Cornwell, Huw Parmenter and Moira Forsyth.
Red Szell chats to Moira Forsyth about her book 'A Message from the Other Side' and about her work at publisher Sandstone Press. Bernard Cornwell chats to Robert Kirkwood about Sharpe, the Black Prince and listening to audio books in the car. And we chat to Huw Parmenter, who recently narrated 'The Colour of Bee Larkham's Murder' by Sarah J Harris, about his work as an actor and preparing a boo...
58m Aug 17, 2018
58m
80: The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree by Paola Peretti
We explore a new book inspired by the author's own sight-loss journey, 'The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree'. We chat to its author Paola Peretti and go behind the scenes with its publisher, translator and audio book narrator. We also have another great review from blind author N.B. Dixon and explore the Summer reading Challenge from RNIB.
58m Aug 10, 2018
58m
79: The Rules of Seeing by Joe Heap
We devote a whole show to a brand new book with sight loss at its core, 'The Rules of Seeing' by Joe Heap. We talk to its author Joe Heap, its narrator Cariad Lloyd and hand the book to our Connect Radio Book Group to get their verdict.
58m Aug 03, 2018
58m
78: Book Festival Special
On today's show we round up some favourite interviews from Book Festivals such as Aye Write, Boswell and Wigtown. Featuring Alexander McCall Smith, Anne de Courcy, Jessica A Fox, Mark Ellan and Martin Jarvis.
58m Jul 27, 2018
58m
77: Alan Bennett, Angie Thomas, N.B. Dixon and more
In a packed show, blind author N.B. Dixon talks to Red Szell about re-imagining Robin Hood.  Alan Bennett chats to Robert Kirkwood about awards, writing and Family Guy. Angie Thomas on 'The Hate U Give' and winning the CILIP Amnesty Honour. New College Worcester student Carys White on her love of books and accessible reading. And we listen to new recordings of 'House of Cards'.
58m Jul 20, 2018
58m
Carys White on Accessible Literature
CILIP Carnegie shadower Carys White tells the audience at this year's award ceremony about accessible formats and chats to Red Szell about her love of reading and literature. Clipped from Read On #77
12m Jul 20, 2018
12m
76: RNIB Writing Competition
We listen to the winning entries in the poetry and prose categories of the 2018 RNIB Writing Competition plus talk to the winners and listen to the two runner ups. Also judge Patrick Gale gives us some hints and tips.
58m Jul 13, 2018
58m
75: The Golden Man Booker Prize
This year, the Man Booker Prize is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To mark the special event, a one-off Golden Man Booker Prize is being given to a previous winner crowning the overall best work of fiction from the last five decades of the prize. The five books thought to have best stood the test of time are: In a Free State by V. S. Naipaul; Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively; The English Patient...
58m Jul 06, 2018
58m
74: Nicholas Parsons, Agatha Christie and The Animals of Farthing Wood
Broadcasting legend Nicholas Parsons gives us the scoop on why he was absent from Just A Minute for the first time in 50 years. RNIB Library Collection Development Assistant Lynne Livingstone brings us some fabulous news about a new collection of Talking Books. Author and listener N B Dixon reviews a classic woodland tale. And Sarah J Harris gives us a final peek behind the scenes of ‘The Colou...
58m Jun 29, 2018
58m
73: Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, Geraldine McCaughrean and more
This week we’re celebrating some outstanding books for children and young adults. We have the winner of this year’s CILIP Carnegie Medal. Previous winner Phillip Pullman reveals the books of his life. Robert Kirkwood mixes with dragons and aliens, at the Scottish Friendly book jamboree. Featuring Jacqueline Wilson, Pamela Butchart, Cressida Cowell and Chris Riddell. And Sarah J Harris gives us ...
58m Jun 22, 2018
58m
72: Hannah Kohler, Anthony Bourdain, Sarah J Harris and more
Hannah Kohler takes us back to 1960s America and the Vietnam War. Listener Chris Gray recommends a book about running away to join the circus. We remember Anthony Bourdain And coming right up-to-date, we’ve got the first instalment of Sarah J Harris’ series about ‘The Colours of Bee Larkham’s Murder'
58m Jun 15, 2018
58m
71: Sarah J Harris, Candia McWilliam, David Graham, and Andrew Pettigrew.
This week… Author Sarah J Harris introduces us to ‘The Colours of Bee Larkham’s Murder. Poet Andrew Pettigrew waxes lyrical about Louis Braille. Candia McWilliam shares insights into blindness, addiction and literary prizes. And Robert Kirkwood interviews the voice acting legend David Graham.
58m Jun 08, 2018
58m
Narrator Interview - David Graham
The voice acting legend David Graham tells Robert Kirkwood about being Brains and Parker in Thunderbirds, creating the voice of the Daleks and more Clipped from Read On#71
10m Jun 08, 2018
10m
Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour Jamboree - Special Feature
On 6 June 2018, the Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour hosted an all-star author line-up at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. 2018 is the 20th Anniversary of the Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour. To celebrate some of the UK's best children's authors and illustrators such as Jacqueline Wilson, Chris Riddell, Pamela Butchart and Cressida Cowell took to the stage at the Glasgow Royal Conc...
21m Jun 08, 2018
21m
70: CILIP Carnegie with Will Hill, Geraldine McCaughrean and Ruta Sepetys
In our second CILIP Carnegie show of 2018 we chat to two of the shortlisted authors and last year's winner. Geraldine McCaughrean on 'Where the World Ends' Will Hill on 'After the Fire' and last year's winner Ruta Sepetys on 'Salt to the Sea'
58m Jun 01, 2018
58m
69: Mark Billingham, Matthew Parris, Emma Swan and Chris Brookmyre
In today's show, Mark Billingham on 'The Killing Habit', Matthew Parris on 'Scorn', Chris Brookmyre on 'Want You Gone', Emma Swan on narrating 'That'll Be The Day' and reviewing 'Trunk Music' by Michael Connelly
58m May 25, 2018
58m
Book Review - Trunk Music by Michael Connelly
Following a recommendation from a past guest, Red Szell reads and reviews Trunk Music by Michael Connelly Clipped from Read On 69
7m May 25, 2018
7m
68: Fay Weldon, Garrick Hagon, Joanne Harris and Ruta Sepetys
Garrick Hagon discusses audiobooks, acting and Star Wars. Fay Weldon takes the long view of feminism. Joanne Harris reveals some extreme reactions to her novel about a blind character. And the winner of last year’s CILIP Carnegie Medal for children’s fiction shares the books of her life.  
58m May 18, 2018
58m
67: Live at the Boswell Book Festival (2018)
A packed show recorded live at the Boswell Book Festival featuring ... Dame Judi Dench on acting and how Macular Degeneration has robbed her of books and reading. Andrew O'Hagan on his new book and how formative an early job at Blind Veteran's UK was for his writing. Jackie Kay - Scotland's Poet Laureate on the importance of poetry in audio. Anthony Horowitz - On his new book writing Bond as Ia...
58m May 11, 2018
58m
66: CILIP Carnegie with Marcus Sedgwick, Anthony McGowan and Lauren Wolk
In our first CILIP Carnegie show of 2018 we chat to three of the shortlisted authors   Marcus Sedgwick on Saint Death,  Anthony McGowan on Rook, And Lauren Wolk on Beyond the Bright Sea.
58m May 04, 2018
58m
Author Interview - Anthony McGowan
We chat to Anthony about 'Rook' his book shortlisted for the 2018 CILIP Carnegie Medal. Clipped from Read On #66
16m May 04, 2018
16m
65: Laura Barnett, Minette Walters and 617 Squadron.
Laura Barnett blends writing and music in her new multi-media bestseller ‘Greatest Hits'. Minette Walters reveals the parental dilemma at the heart of her latest novel. And listener Jacqueline Brown recommends an account of wartime heroism by the RAF.
58m Apr 27, 2018
58m
64: Marion Rankine, Lucy Worsley and a listener's hidden gem.
Marion Rankine unfurls a history of the umbrella. (apologies for audio quality in some of this item) Historian Lucy Worsley tells us why she thinks Jane Austen failed to find success in her own lifetime. And listener John Banfield reveals how a classic tale of imprisonment and escape inspired him to write his own memoirs.
58m Apr 20, 2018
58m
Lucy Worsley - 'Jane Austen at Home: A Biography'
Historian Lucy Worsley tells us why she thinks Jane Austen failed to find success in her own lifetime. Clipped from Read On 64
14m Apr 20, 2018
14m
63: Dave Steele, Liz Pichon and poetry from RNIB
In this episode Red Szell chats to Dave Steele about his poetry collections 'Stand by Me RP'. Robert Kirkwood finds out about Liz Pichon's character Tom Gates. And we hear some notable poems from last year's RNIB Writing Competition.
58m Apr 13, 2018
58m
62: Henry Blofeld, Neil Oliver and Caroline Lennon
As his memoir 'Over and Out' is released as an RNIB Talking Book at the same time as the print version, Red Szell talks to national treasure, Henry 'Blowers' Blofeld. Caroline Lennon tells us about being a Talking Books narrator and about her life, and death, on The Archers. And Neil Oliver talks to Robert Kirkwood from the other side of the world about conservation, history and his historical ...
58m Apr 06, 2018
58m
61: Tony Parsons, Phil Jupitus and Harriet Lane.
Tony Parsons chats to Red Szell about his work and being the 'Father of Man-Lit', Phill Jupitus discusses some of his favourite books, old and new, and with the stage version of 'Alys, Always' about to open in London we talk to Harriet Lane.
58m Mar 30, 2018
58m
Shaun Bythell - 'Diary of a Bookseller'
We go behind the counter and learn about the sometimes funny and sometimes frustrating life of owning a bookshop as Shaun Bythell talks about his 'Diary of a Bookseller'. Clipped from the non-fiction 'best of' Read On episode 60, first played September 2017. Updated to include clips of the audiobook.
10m Mar 23, 2018
10m
60: Ben McIntyre, James Boswell and Shaun Bythell's ' The Diary of a Bookseller'
In a non-fiction 'best of' episode we learn about spies, double agents and espionage with Ben McIntyre, we go behind the scene's of The Bookshop in Wigtown with Shaun Bythell and learn about the father of biography, James Boswell.
58m Mar 23, 2018
58m
59: Susie Steiner, Julian Barnes, narrator Beverly Klein and The Book Group
Author Susie Steiner discusses writing and sight loss with host Red Szell. We go back and listen to Julian Barnes on 'The Sense of an Ending' before handing it over to our radio book group, and narrator Beverly Klein gives vice to some Corner House Girls.
58m Mar 16, 2018
58m
58: Comedy with Robin Ince, Helen Lederer and writer of Mr. Bean, Robin Driscoll
Actor and writer Robin Driscoll joins Red Szell to talk about his book 'Rough Music', comedian Robin Ince tells Robert Kirkwood about his book, 'The Bad Book Club' and Helen Lederer talks about 'Losing It'.  We hear a short comic tale from a blind writer, a narrator on a favourite of his by Garrison Keeler and much more on today's show. Contact the show by emailing readonair@rnib.org.uk
58m Mar 09, 2018
58m
57: Patrick Gale, David Munro, Verity Smith and the RNIB Writing Competition
Red Szell chats to Patrick Gale about the upcoming RNIB Member's Writing Competition and about the differences between novel and short story writing. Author David Munro talks about The Time Jigsaw and writing with a visual impairment. And we hear again from Verity Smith on her both funny and sad memoir, The Groper's Guide.
58m Mar 02, 2018
58m
Author Interview - Jessica Townsend
The author of Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow tells Red Szell all about the book and her life as an author. Clipped from Read On episode 56
23m Feb 23, 2018
23m
56: Jess Townsend on Nevermoor, a visit to AyeWrite!, a Thunderdog and more.
With author Jess Townsend Red Szell explores Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow. Robert Kirkwood looks forward to AyeWrite!, Glasgow's Book Festival with Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre, Louise Welsh, Zoe Strachan and Alan Bissett. A listener recommends a tale of heroism and blindness in the face on 9/11 and Red reviews The Transition by Luke Kennard. Contact the show on readonair@rnib.org.uk
58m Feb 23, 2018
58m
AyeWrite! - Favourite moments from Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre, Alan Bisset, Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan
As this year's AyeWrite! approaches, Robert Kirkwood chats to Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre, Alan Bisset, Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan about some of their favourite memories of the Glasgow Book Festival.
6m Feb 23, 2018
6m
55: Lucinda Hawksley, Peter Ross, David Aldwinckle and making a Talking Book
Charles Dickens' great great great granddaughter, Lucinda Hawksley talks about her latest book, 'March, Women, March' as it enters the RNIB Talking Book Library.  David Aldwinckle talks about his position within RNIB and tells Red Szell about some of his favourite books. Robert Kirkwood goes behind the scenes at the Talking Books studios and journalist and author Peter Ross returns to the show ...
58m Feb 16, 2018
58m
54: A.L. Kennedy and Mark Haddon
A.L. Kennedy talks to Red Szell about all the forms of her writing and her outlook on life, Mark Haddon talks about life after that 'Curious Incident ...', Giles Coren and Victoria Coren Mitchell talk about 'Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks' to Robert Kirkwood and listener Paul Chennel recommends one of his favourites.
58m Feb 09, 2018
58m
53: Rachel Ward, Peter Kenny, Harry Potter and the Costa Book of the Year
Author Rachel Ward tells us about her new book, 'The Cost of Living', narrator Peter Kenny demonstrates just how versatile he is, we reveal the winner of the Costa Book of the Year award and we pay a visit to a new Harry Potter exhibition an the British Library.
58m Feb 02, 2018
58m
52: The Costa Book Awards with Jon McGregor, Rebecca Stott and Katherine Rundell
We talk to three winners of The Costa Book Award 2017.  Jon McGregor talks about 'Reservoir 13', winner of the Novel of the Year, Rebecca Stott talks about her Biography of the Year 'In the Days of Rain: A Daughter. A Father. A Cult', and we go exploring with Children's Book of the Year winner, Katherine Rundell ... who also gives us the books of her life.
58m Jan 26, 2018
58m
51: The Costa Book Awards with Gail Honeyman, Ali Smith and Sebastian Barry
We have a listen to all of the category winners as we wait for the announcement of the Costa Book of the Year and chat to First Novel winner Gail Honeyman. We also chat to previous winners Ali Smith and Sebastian Barry and review Frances Hardinge's The Lie Tree.
58m Jan 19, 2018
58m
50: Peter Ross, Ali Smith, Philip Reeve and the Book Group.
We explore Daunderlust with journalist Peter Ross, Ali Smith talks Autumn, which is then reviewed by the RNIB Connect Radio Book Group plus Philip Reeve on the books of his life.
58m Jan 12, 2018
58m
49: Mark Miodownik, Laurence Bouvard and more.
A listen back to three interviews from last year, one fiction, one non-fiction and one from an RNIB Talking Book narrator. Mark Miodownik on Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvellous Materials That Shape Our Man-Made World, Laurence Bouvard on bringing audio books to life.
58m Jan 05, 2018
58m
Philip Pullman - 'The Book of Dust'
The author of 'His Dark Materials' joins Red Szell in the Talking Book studios to talk about his new trilogy, 'The Book of Dust' and the first book which is out now, 'La Belle Sauvage.' Clipped from Read On Episode 48
21m Dec 22, 2017
21m
48: Philip Pullman, Andy Miller and Andy Secombe
Philip Pullman joins Red Szell in the Talking Book studios to talk about 'The Book of Dust' Book 1: La Belle Sauvage. Andy Miller tells Robert Kirkwood about 'The Year of Reading Dangerously' and narrator and author Andy Secombe tells Red about growing up with the Goons and a few of his famous voices.
58m Dec 22, 2017
58m