Catherine Cookson Week - Tom and Catherine
It's Catherine Cookson Week on RNIB Connect Radio and all week we're celebrating one of the UKs best loved authors and thanking the Catherine Cookson Charitable trust for their continued support of RNIB and the Talking Books service. Today playwright Tom Kelly chats about the musical Tom and Catherine, which charts Catherine Cookson and her husband's 50 year marriage.
9m Sep 27, 2018
9m
86: Continuing the Classics with Sophie Hannah, David Brawn and Lynn Shepherd
This week we’ll be using our little grey cells to investigate some new developments in classic crime... Sophie Hannah tells us why Hercule Poirot is working with a new partner, and her publisher talks about how the collaboration came about. Lynn Shepherd discusses adding crime scenes to stories inspired by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.   And Red finds the book in The Library that made me wan...
58m Sep 21, 2018
58m
85: Tessa Fontaine, Deborah Harkness, and a nuclear reaction.
This week we’re going transatlantic with some great contemporary tales from America. Tessa Fontaine tells us about running away to join the circus, in her memoir ‘The Electric Woman’. Paul Birchard recounts the remarkable story of ‘The Boy Who Played With Fusion’. And Deborah Harkness talks about transforming ‘A Discovery of Witches’ from best-selling books to primetime TV. Join the conversatio...
58m Sep 14, 2018
58m
Roald Dahl at the RNIB Talking Book Studios
A listen to Roald Dahl at the Talking Books studios from 1986, introducing and narrating his first children's book, 'James and the Giant Peach'.
4m Sep 13, 2018
4m
84: Texas Hold 'Em and more
Today we’re raising the stakes and opening some books on betting. Debut author Martin Nathan discusses writing and playing poker with blind friends. Biographer Anthony Holden delves into the history of poker and its importance in his life. Victoria Coren-Mitchell shares her confessions of a poker player and what it’s like to win a million. And racehorse owner Alan Pickering discusses a life spe...
58m Sep 07, 2018
58m
The Book Group - The Rules of Seeing by Joe Heap
Our blind and partially sighted Book Group discuss a book with sight loss at its core, The Rules of Seeing by Joe Heap. Please note there are some small SPOILERS in this episode but as its a book that has been just released we avoided talking about its later chapters ... at least while the mics were still on!
48m Sep 03, 2018
48m
The Book Group - The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
This month the book group discuss the winner of the Man Booker Prize from 2011, The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. What will our group of blind and partially sighted book lovers think about it as they listen to the RNIB Talking Book version?
32m Sep 03, 2018
32m
The Book Group - Autumn by Ali Smith
This month our blind and partially sighted readers discuss Autumn by Ali Smith, shortlisted for the 2017 Booker Prize. Please note this show contains SPOILERS for the book.
36m Sep 03, 2018
36m
The Book Group - Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
SPOILER WARNING! Don't listen unless you've read the book! Eleanor Oliphant is happy. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except, sometimes, everything. This month our blind and partially sighted book group discuss Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. What did they think?
31m Sep 03, 2018
31m
The Book Group - The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
In this episode our blind and partially sighted book group discuss Margaret Atwood's The Haidmaid's Tale, and we're joined by new member Lillian. What will they think this month?
30m Sep 03, 2018
30m
The Book Group - A Month in the Country by JL Carr
This month the group discuss J.L. Carr's A Moth in the Country. A damaged survivor of the First World War, Tom Birkin finds refuge in the quiet village church of Oxgodby where he is to spend the summer uncovering a huge medieval wall-painting. Immersed in the peace and beauty of the countryside and the unchanging rhythms of village life he experiences a sense of renewal and belief in the futur...
34m Sep 03, 2018
34m
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