107: Crime and thrillers with C. J. Tudor, Ian Skewis and Kate London
A thrilling episode this week as C. J. Tudor reveals her new novel, 'The Taking of Annie Thorne' (Starts at 1.20) Ian Skewis tells Robert Kirkwood about the brooding background to 'A Murder of Crows' (Starts at 25.50) Ex cop and now novelist Kate London tells Red Szell about 'Gallowstree Lane' (Starts at 39.15) And finally a return to C.J. Tudor for the books of her life. (Starts at 46.05)
58m Feb 22, 2019
58m
RNIB Library and World Book Day 2019
World Book Day on 7 March 2019 is all about celebrating the magic of books and reading. RNIB is proud to support World Book Day's mission to give every child and young person a book of their own, by making 14 new titles available in audio and braille. Lynne Livingston from RNIB Library tells us more. Find out more here (https://www.rnib.org.uk/our-services/reading-choices/world-book-day-2019)
13m Feb 21, 2019
13m
Andrea Levy - The Long Song
At Read On and RNIB Talking Books we were saddened to hear of the death of British author Andrea Levy at the age of 62. In 2010 the Long Song was nominated for the Booker Prize, and at the time she joined Robert Kirkwood down to line to talk about the book.
11m Feb 15, 2019
11m
106: Limmy, Joanna Toye, Sophie Hannah and more
On this week’s Read On we’ve got some brand new books to share Joanna Toye considers romance, retail and air raids in her novel ‘A Store at War’.  Comedian Limmy gets surprisingly down-to-earth and very funny in his autobiography. (Starts at 17.40) Crime novelist Sophie Hannah considers holding a grudge. (Starts at 38.10) And, with a nod to Valentine’s Day, Red reviews Sally Rooney’s millennial...
58m Feb 15, 2019
58m
105: Travel with Jason Roberts, Jasper Winn, John Keay and China Vision.
Jason Roberts talks to Red Szell about his biography of the blind traveller James Holman (Starts at 1.00) Jasper Winn on his sea kayak adventure documented in his book 'Paddle, A Long Way Around Ireland'  (Starts at 28.00) John Keay chats to Robert Kirkwood about his books China, and Eccentric Travellers.  (Starts at 38.00) Chris McMillan talks about China Vision and the importance of literacy ...
58m Feb 08, 2019
58m
104: Juliet Stevenson, Janice Galloway, Bart Van Es and more.
In a packed Read On this week: Winner of the Costa Book of the year, Bart Van Es. (Starts at 1.45) Juliet Stevenson shares her passion for narrating Talking Books, and reveals the one that got away. (Starts at 12.00) Janice Galloway extolls the virtues of short stories. (Starts at 27.20) NB Dixon explores a medieval revolt through a hidden gem in the Library. (Starts at 37.55) Angus McDonald in...
58m Feb 01, 2019
58m
Limmy - Surprisingly Down to Earth, and Very Funny
After recording the audio version of his autobiography at the RNIB Talking Book studios in Glasgow, Brian Limond, better known as Limmy, chats to Robert Kirkwood about mental health, Yoker, book tours and Twitch ... and he turns the weans against us.
20m Feb 01, 2019
20m
103: Costa Book Awards with Bart Van Es, Hilary McKay and J. O. Morgan
This week we’ve got a trio of Costa Prize winners Costa Book of the Year winner Bart van Es introduces us to his biography of ‘The Cut-out Girl’. (Starts at 2.00) Hilary McKay reveals which real-life character inspired her children’s book ‘The Skylark’s War’. (Starts at 22.30) And poet J O Morgan considers the 4-minute warning in his cold-war epic ‘Assurances’. (Starts at 39.00)
58m Jan 25, 2019
58m
102: Lucy Foley, Guy Kennaway and June Whitfield
Lucy Foley takes us to the wilds of Scotland in her brand new thriller ‘The Hunting Party’. (Starts at 1.20) Guy Kennaway discusses assisted dying in his forthcoming memoir ‘Time to Go’. (Starts at 19.20) And we say farewell to June Whitfield and look back at her contribution to the RNIB Library. (Starts at 40.30)
58m Jan 18, 2019
58m
101: Stuart Turton, Candy Gourlay and Professor Richard Wiseman
This week we’re kicking off the New Year with a look ahead to the Costa Book Awards…. Stuart Turton mixes murder, mayhem and sci-fi in his dazzling debut: ‘The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle’. (starts at 1 min 20 secs) Professor Richard Wiseman examines why we like to scare ourselves with spine-chilling stories. (starts at 21 mins) And Candy Gourlay takes the long view of colonialism and gen...
58m Jan 11, 2019
58m
100: Episode 100 - Red Szell and Robert Kirkwood look back at 2018 and beyond.
A retrospective of some interviews from the past year and beyond, including Red's first appearance on Read On with Robert at Wigtown in 2015, Anthony Horowitz on Fleming, Gail Honeyman on Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Andy Secombe on narrating, recording with Spike Milligan, Nevermoor with Jessica Townsend and mountaineering with Chris Bonnington.
58m Jan 04, 2019
58m
99: Nigella Lawson, Sue Moorcroft and A Song of Ice and Fire
Nigella Lawson on the new version of 'How To Eat', Sue Moorcroft on her Christmas books and we listen to some Game of Thrones companion books.
58m Dec 21, 2018
58m
Nigella Lawson - How to Eat
Red chats to Nigella Lawson about the re-issued version of her book, 'How To Eat' and about narrating the new version.
29m Dec 21, 2018
29m
Game of Thrones - Fire and Blood
Robert Kirkwood has a listen to Fire and Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones,  a history of the Targaryens and The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones, both available in the Talking Books library.
6m Dec 21, 2018
6m
98: Sir Derek Jacobi, Tony Hawks and Regina Reagan
Sir Derek Jacobi reflects on of bringing characters to life off the page. Tony Hawks reveals why he ended up ‘Playing the Moldovans at Tennis’ And Regina Reagan talks about Rosemary’s Baby, Tales of The City…and cakes! 
58m Dec 14, 2018
58m
Narrator Interview - Regina Reagan
Regina Reagan talks about Rosemary’s Baby, Tales of The City…and cakes. Clipped from Read On #98
18m Dec 14, 2018
18m
97: Nicolas Parsons, Lorelei King, Jessica Taylor-Bearman, and much more.
We find out how to be an audiobook narrator with Lorelei King and Ali Muirden, How to sponsor a Talking Book with Angela Preston,   Jessica Taylor-Bearman discusses her memoir 'A Girl Behind Dark Glasses' and Nicolas Parsons gives us the books of his life.
58m Dec 07, 2018
58m
StoryTeller: How to be an Audiobook Narrator
Red Szell chats to Audible Hall of Fame narrator Lorelei King and award-winning director Ali Muirden who tell all about what goes into audio book narration. Clipped from Read On 97
21m Dec 07, 2018
21m
96: Cara Hunter, David Thorpe, Mitch Cullen and Kolymsky Heights
Cara Hunter takes us behind the veneer of genteel Oxford with Detective Inspector Fawley. Mitch Cullin reveals what Sherlock Holmes is up to aged 93. Narrator David Thorpe tells us about Nightingales in November. And Red Szell reviews the spy story that 007 author Anthony Horowitz selected as one of the books of his life.
58m Nov 30, 2018
58m
The Book Group - The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau by Graeme Macrae Burnet
This time our blind and partially sighted readers discuss the RNIB Talking Book of 'The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau' by Graeme Macrae Burnet.
32m Nov 27, 2018
32m
95: Book Week Scotland (2018)
This week Read On is celebrating Book Week Scotland with the Scottish Book Trust. Every year RNIB produce the audio version of the free Book Week Scotland book, and this year it's called Rebel. Listen out for a selection of short stories about Drag Nuns, Chunky Boots, fare dodging, stealing cakes and much more. And for a free copy of the book in audio head to http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/re...
58m Nov 23, 2018
58m
94: The Guilty Feminist, I Sold My Guide Dog on Ebay and more
This week... Deborah Frances White reveals what makes her ‘The Guilty Feminist’. Poet Aidan Flynn takes a funny and poignant look at sight loss. Author NB Dixon reviews a new Hercule Poirot mystery. And RNIB Chair Ellie Southwood shares her passion for books and reading.
58m Nov 20, 2018
58m
Book Review - Mystery of Three Quarters
N.B. Dixon reviews the latest Poirot from Sophie Hannah. Clipped from Read On #94
4m Nov 20, 2018
4m
93: The Armistice in Literature
This week were commemorating the centenary of the Armistice that brought an end to the First World War. Blind author Gordon Anthony describes dog-fights over the desert in his Great War story ‘Hunting Icarus’. As Blind Veterans UK unveils a unique monument to commemorate The Armistice, and we reflect upon our shared history. Writer Lisa Andrews tells us about working with 26characters and the I...
58m Nov 09, 2018
58m
Author Interview - Gordon Anthony
Gordon Anthony is the author of several historical novels including ‘Hunting Icarus’. It’s a gripping tale and there’s also a story behind the Talking Book version. Red Szell talks to Gordon and Robert Kirkwood chats to his sister Moira. Clipped from Read On #93
16m Nov 09, 2018
16m
92: Spike Milligan, Julian Clary and Michael Bentine
With never before heard clips, Robert Kirkwood explores the recording of Spike Milligan's War Diaries. Hannah Tausz explores Michael Bentine's Book 'Doors of the Mind', and Julian Clary tells us all about 'The Bolds'
58m Nov 02, 2018
58m
Recording Spike Milligan's War Diaries
Great news folks! Some never heard before Spike Milligan! Robert Kirkwood speaks to Robert Nichol about recording the audio versions of Spike's War Diaries and how it was working with Spike himself, while reviewing the books from Volume 1 Adolf Hitler my part in his Downfall to Volume 7, Peace Work. Includes some out-takes never heard in public before.
34m Nov 02, 2018
34m
91: Kate Helm, David Mitchell, Daisy Johnson and more.
There's a Halloween feel to this week's show with, Kate Helm on a courtroom artist who’s haunted by visions. NB Dixon reviews a spooky thriller that ‘s about to hit the big screen. Daisy Johnson reveals her personal affinity with Halloween.  And David Mitchell takes us to a creepy, supernatural mansion and reveals that his characters write to him!
58m Oct 26, 2018
58m
Book Review - The Little Stranger
NB Dixon reviews ‘The Little Stranger’ by Sarah Waters, available in braille, giant print and as TB16895 from RNIB Library. Clipped from Read On #91
8m Oct 26, 2018
8m
90: Read On - RNIB at 150
This week we’re celebrating RNIB’s 150th Anniversary in books and voices both past and present.... Robert Kirkwood explores the biography of RNIB’s founding father, Thomas Rhodes Armitage One of RNIB’s longest-serving narrators, Elizabeth Proud, discusses the evolution of the Talking Book. RNIB’s Director of Development, Keith Valentine, talks about the future – and his love of accessible bo...
58m Oct 19, 2018
58m
Narrator Interview - Elizabeth Proud
One of RNIB’s longest-serving narrators, Elizabeth Proud, discusses the evolution of the Talking Book. This is an extended version of the interview heard in Read On #90
23m Oct 19, 2018
23m
Man Booker Prize 2018 - Rachel Kushner
The last author we interviewed for this year's Man Booker Prize is Rachel Kushner, about her book, 'The Mars Room'. She spoke to Robert Kirkwood.
14m Oct 16, 2018
14m
Man Booker Prize 2018 - Daisy Johnson
In a new interview (and this time not at a noisy party!) Red Szell talks to the youngest ever shortlisted author about her book 'Everything Under' ... and listen out for more from Daisy in our Halloween themed show soon.
8m Oct 16, 2018
8m
Man Booker Prize 2018 - Robin Robertson
Robin Robertson's 'The Long Take' is the first verse novel to make the Man Booker Shortlist. He spoke to Red Szell.
14m Oct 16, 2018
14m
Man Booker Prize 2018 Winner - Anna Burns 'Milkman' Review
Anna Burns is the 2018 Book Prize winner for her book Milkman. Anna doesn't like giving interviews so here's Red Szell with a review of the book.
3m Oct 16, 2018
3m
Man Booker Prize 2018 Shortlist Special
In a special show due to be broadcast at 8pm on the day of the Man Booker Prize, Robert Kirkwood and Red Szell go through the shortlist and talk to five of the authors up for this year's award. With Robin Robertson, Richard Powers, Esi Edugyan, Daisy Johnson and Rachel Kushner.
58m Oct 16, 2018
58m
RNIB - 150th Anniversary wishes.
Authors, narrators, service users and much more wish RNIB a happy 150th!
3m Oct 15, 2018
3m
89: Man Booker Prize 2018
This week in Read On we are devoting the entire show to the 2018 Man Booker Prize. Chair of judges Kwame Anthony Appiah will reveal this year’s shortlist and how it was arrived at. Esi Edugyan introduces us to the phenomenal story of Washington Black. Richard Powers waxes lyrical about trees. And we hear from both the youngest author ever to have been shortlisted and the oldest living person to...
58m Oct 12, 2018
58m
Man Booker Prize 2018 - Richard Powers
The Booker shortlisted author joins Robert Kirkwood down the line to discuss his book, 'The Overstory.' Clipped from Read On #89
17m Oct 12, 2018
17m
Man Booker Prize 2018 - Esi Edugyan
The Man Booker Prize shortlisted author talked to Red Szell via Skype about her book, 'Washington Black.' Clipped from Read On #89
16m Oct 12, 2018
16m
Special Feature - RNIB 150 - Thomas Rhodes Armitage
For the first time ever, sections of a book written by the founder of RNIB, have been specially recorded for RNIB Connect Radio. Thomas Rhodes Armitage wrote about the formation of his society in 1871, and we'll let his words take up the story … It's read by talking book narrator David Thorpe and introduced by Robert Kirkwood.
13m Oct 10, 2018
13m
Booker Prize 2009 - Hilary Mantel
From the archives, Robert Kirkwood speaks to Booker Prize winning author Hilary Mantel when she first won the award in 2009.
22m Oct 10, 2018
22m
88: Live at the Wigtown Book Festival (2018)
With Red away in San Fransico this week, Robert Kirkwood recorded this packed show live on location at the Wigtown Book Festival and coming up today … Robin Ince on a comedian's guide to what makes us human, Broadcaster Sally Magnusson on her first novel and her links to Iceland, Ann Cleeves on her last 'Shetland' book, John Connell on his bestselling book about the humble cow, William Davies o...
58m Oct 05, 2018
58m
Booker Prize 2016 - Paul Beatty
Before the Booker Prize was announced in 2016, Robert Kirkwood spoke to Paul Beatty before he was declared the winner.
9m Oct 05, 2018
9m
Booker Prize 2015 - Marlon James
From the archives, Robert Kirkwood chats to Marlon James about his book, 'A Brief History of Seven Killings '.
9m Oct 05, 2018
9m
Booker Prize 2014 - Richard Flanagan
From the archives, Robert Kirkwood chats to Richard Flannigan about 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North' before it wins the Booker.
12m Oct 05, 2018
12m
Booker Prize 2013 - Eleanor Catton
From the archives, Robert Kirkwood speaks to Eleanor Catton, just before she wins the Booker Prize in 2013
12m Oct 05, 2018
12m
Booker Prize 2012 - Hilary Mantel
From the archives, Robert Kirkwood speaks to Booker Prize winning author Hilary Mantel.
12m Oct 05, 2018
12m
Booker Prize 2011 - Julian Barnes
From the archives, Robert Kirkwood talks to Julian Barnes about 'The Sense of an Ending' before it won the Booker in 2011
13m Oct 05, 2018
13m
87: Catherine Cookson Week
This week we're exploring the life, legacy and literature of one of the countries best loved authors – Catherine Cookson. We explore her extraordinary life with her biographer, Kathleen Jones. Discover some of the artefacts at the South Shields museum dedicated to preserving her memory. Narrator Elizabeth Proud reminisces about recording Cookson’s novels for the RNIB Talking Books Library. And ...
58m Sep 28, 2018
58m