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
204: Costa Book Award Special 2020
This week Read On is focusing on The Costa Book Awards, which recognise the most enjoyable books published in the UK over the past year in five categories: Novel, Debut Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children’s Books. The five category winners were selected earlier this month. And next week, one overall winner will be crowned Costa Book of the Year, winning the author £30,000. And Red Szell b...
58m Jan 22, 2021
58m
203: Mick Dawson and Steve 'Sparky' Sparks, Sarah Jane Douglas, Richard Frazer and Ed Caesar
In Read On this week, we are focusing on resilience: Mick Dawson and blind veteran Steve Sparky Sparks discuss their gruelling journey to row across the Pacific Ocean. Sarah Jane Douglas and Richard Frazer reveal the reconciliation each of them found through walking and contemplation. Ed Caesar introduces us to 'The Moth and The Mountain': the extraordinary story of a World War One veteran w...
58m Jan 15, 2021
58m
202: Vicki Goldie, Tim Finch and Anna Bell
Vicky Goldie reveals how working for RNIB and her own personal circumstances informed the character of her blind detective.   Paul Mylrea reviews Ngaio Marsh's 'Scales of Justice'.   Tim Finch discusses his novel Peace Talks, which has been short listed for the Costa Award.   And Anna Bell shares a cautionary tale in her new rom com We Just Clicked.
58m Jan 08, 2021
58m
A Booker Prize Special 2020
In this Read On 2020 Booker Prize special episode, host Red Szell interviews each of the six shortlisted authors, shares some fun facts about the world's most prestigious literary prize and reveals the winner through the Books of Their Life.
58m Jan 04, 2021
58m
201: The Best of Read On 2020 Part 2
The Best of Read On 2020 Part 2:  Robert Kirkwood talks to the winner of the Costa First Novel award, Sarah Collins. Stuart Turton takes us on a mysterious  and murderous voyage in his new novel The Devil and the Dark Water.   We hear the heart warming story of how an RNIB volunteer, a musician and a holocaust survivor came together to create a Talking Book   The RNIB Library’s Lynne Livi...
58m Jan 01, 2021
58m
200: The Best of Read On 2020 Part 1
The Best of Read on 2020: Part 1 Costa Award Winner Jack Fairweather introduces us to 'The Volunteer'. We hitch a ride with an enchanted suitcase and author LD Lapinski’s 'Strange Worlds Travel Agency'.   Husband and wife narrators Alastair Petrie and Lucy Scott reveal how they kept calm and carried on narrating despite lockdown.   Blade Runner meets Forrest Gump in Simon Stephenson’s andr...
58m Jan 01, 2021
58m
198: Christmas with Charlie Mackesy, Joanna Toye and Emma Powell
Charlie Mackesy discusses both writing, illustrating and recording (in his barn) 'The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse'. Joanna Toye catches us up with the goings on at Marlow's Department Store in 'Christmas for the Shop Girls'. Emma Powell talks about narrating RNIB's Read-A-Long book 'Red and the Wolf'. And we return to Charlie Mackesy for the Books of his Life.
58m Dec 16, 2020
58m
197: Contemporary Crime Special
In today's show, we focus on Contemporary Crime.   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 Red reviews 'Trunk Music' by Michael Connelly
58m Dec 11, 2020
58m
196: Interview with Sally Gardner, Tineka Smith and Alex Court, Charlotte Levin
Sally Gardner brings us a fairy tale for adults with The Snow Song. Tineka Smith and Alex Court on 'Mixed Up: Confessions of an Interracial Couple'. Robert Kirkwood talks to Charlotte Levin about her debut novel 'If I Can't Have You'. And we return to Sally Gardner for the Books of her Life.
58m Dec 04, 2020
58m
196: Rewriting Crime Special with Sophie Hannah 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...
58m Nov 27, 2020
58m
195: Val Wood, Amanda Robson and Penny Melville-Brown
Val Wood discusses her new historical romance ‘The Lonely Wife’ and her long-standing role supporting those with sight loss in her local area of Hull and Yorkshire’s East Riding.   Amanda Robson leads us into the dark psychological world of her new domestic thriller ‘My Darling’.   Loyal listener, Penny Melville-Brown takes us on a European tour of her favourite crime fiction.   And we ha...
58m Nov 20, 2020
58m
194: A 2020 Booker Prize Special
Ahead of next week’s announcement of who has won The 2020 Booker Prize, Read On this week features interviews with all six of the short listed authors as they discuss the background to their novels and the material they explore.   Ranging from a re-examination of the role played by African women during Mussolini’s 1935 invasion of Ethiopia to a dystopian near future in which a group of people...
58m Nov 13, 2020
58m
193: Maaza Mengiste, MJ Ford and Brandon Taylor
Booker shortlisted author Maaza Mengiste takes us back to 1935 and introduces us to the African women who fought Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia in 'The Shadow King'.    MJ Ford introduces us to his dark new crime thriller 'Watch Over You'.   And Brandon Taylor reveals how his Booker shortlisted debut 'Real Life' had to be saved from the trash! 
58m Nov 06, 2020
58m
192: Polly Crosby, Douglas Stuart and Avni Doshi
Polly Crosby leads us into the haunting world of her debut novel ‘The Illustrated Child’.    Douglas Stuart reveals how a childhood afflicted by poverty and addiction in 1980s' Glasgow informed his Booker shortlisted novel ‘Shuggie Bain’.    Avni Doshi discusses the themes behind her debut ‘Burnt Sugar’, reveals how it has changed her view on audiobooks and her delight at also being shortli...
58m Oct 30, 2020
58m
191: Caroline Corcoran, Tsitsi Dangarembga and Bernadine Evaristo
Caroline Corcoran introduces us to her disturbing new psychological thriller ‘The Baby Group’.   Tsitsi Dangarembga discusses her Booker short-listed novel ‘This Mournable Body’, and reflects on post-colonial life in Zimbabwe.   We hear from the joint-winner of last year's Booker Prize, Bernadine Evaristo.   And we return to share the Books of Caroline Corcoran’s Life.
58m Oct 23, 2020
58m