FVRL ReadRadio Podcast
415 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingAre you looking for something good to read? Or watch? Or listen to? Tune in to Fraser Valley Regional Library’s ReadRadio podcast for some great recommendations. In each episode we will highlight some of the library’s books, movies and TV shows that you might not know about. All reviewed materials are available for loan in the FVRL catalogue.
Fraser Valley Regional Library is the largest public library system in British Columbia, with 25 community libraries serving nearly 680,000 people in its service area.
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Episodes
Tumble Math (ReadRadio, ep. 64)
June 12, 2020 07:00 - 2 minutes - 5.53 MBLori from City of Langley Library talks up TumbleMath, a math-tastic online resource for kids in Grades K to 5. The site offers families a wide range of picture books to help kids learn different math functions with narration and animation. TumbleMath is available to FVRL customers until August 31, 2020. Find it at www.fvrl.ca in our Digital Content collection.
Kids' Digital Content (ReadRadio, ep. 63)
May 29, 2020 07:00 - 3 minutes - 7.62 MBAre you looking for fun and educational resources to keep your kids entertained at home? In this episode of ReadRadio, Jessica and Afton explore two popular online resources. Kanopy Kids is the junior version of the popular Kanopy streaming service. It features movies, TV shows and animated stories that your kids will love. For those just learning to read, BookFlix offers animated versions of kids’ picture books. Words at the bottom of the screen allows young viewers to read along. Both Kanop...
Comforting Reads for Tough Times (ReadRadio, ep. 62)
May 15, 2020 07:01 - 3 minutes - 8.99 MBAre you looking for a few good books to comfort you in these challenging times? Cyndi from Abbotsford Community Library shares three titles to lift your mood: All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot, Winter Stolstice by Rosamunde Pilcher, and Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne.
If You Like Jack Reacher (ReadRadio, ep. 61)
May 01, 2020 07:00 - 3 minutes - 7.81 MBAre you a fan of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels? If so, Leanna from Tsawwassen Library has some great read-alike suggestions for you! Check out The Drifter, a tense thriller in Nicolas Petrie’s Peter Ash series, and The Gray Man from Mark Greaney’s series about an enigmatic killer for hire.
Audiobooks with Outstanding Narrators (ReadRadio, ep. 60)
April 17, 2020 07:00 - 4 minutes - 10.5 MBWhat makes an outstanding audiobook? FVRL staffers Jessica and Sally argue that a great narrator will take your listening experience to the next level. In this episode of ReadRadio, we share three well-narrated audiobooks from FVRL's digital collection: State of Wonder by Ann Pratchett (narrated by Hope Davis), The Lost City of Monkey God by Douglas J. Preston (narrated by Bill Mumy) and Read, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (narrated by Ramón de Ocampo).
No Exit (ReadRadio, ep. 59)
April 03, 2020 07:00 - 2 minutes - 4.58 MBAlexandra reviews No Exit, a thriller by author Taylor Adams. Trapped at a Colorado rest stop with four strangers during a snowstorm, Darby Thomas must figure out which of them kidnapped the girl locked in a crate in the van parked next to Darby's car.
A Gentleman in Moscow (ReadRadio, Ep. 58)
March 20, 2020 07:00 - 2 minutes - 6.02 MBTara from Tsawwassen Library reviews A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. This best-selling novel tells the story of Russian aristocrat Count Alexander Rostov, who in 1922 is sentenced to spend the rest of his life under house arrest inside a luxury hotel.
Eden Robinson's Trickster Series (ReadRadio, Ep. 57)
March 06, 2020 08:00 - 3 minutes - 8.11 MBJoann from Tsawwassen Library reviews the Trickster series by British Columbia Haisla author Eden Robinson. The first book in the series, Son of a Trickster, is a CBC Canada Reads 2020 title, while the sequel, Trickster Drift, is the winner of the 2019 BC Book Prize for fiction. Robinson's writing seamlessly weaves traditional Haisla folklore into the lives of her contemporary characters.
The Novels of Rainbow Rowell (ReadRadio ep. 56)
February 21, 2020 08:00 - 3 minutes - 9.05 MBSarah from Maple Ridge Public Library is a huge fan of Rainbow Rowell. The author, best known for her YA fiction, writes beautifully about the human experience and the challenges of growing up (or just being a grownup). In this episode of ReadRadio, Sarah shares four of her favourite Rowell novels: Fangirl, Carry On, Wayward Son and Attachments.
Great Music CDs for Kids (ReadRadio, ep. 55)
February 07, 2020 08:00 - 3 minutes - 8.91 MBLeanna from Tsawwassen Library reviews some great CDs for the young music lovers in your life. Kids and parents alike will enjoy the catchy tunes of musical artists Molly Ledford and Billy Kelly, The Okee Dokee Brothers, Laura Veirs, and Ants Ants Ants.
Family Literacy Day 2020 (ReadRadio, ep. 54)
January 24, 2020 08:00 - 2 minutes - 6.37 MBJanuary 27 is Family Literacy Day, and we're celebrating with a special podcast episode! Jessica from Maple Ridge Public Library explains why it's so important for parents to read aloud to their kids. As a resource, she recommends The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease.
Small Business Resources (ReadRadio, ep. 53)
January 10, 2020 08:00 - 3 minutes - 8.43 MBAre you an entrepreneur trying to grow your small business? Your local library can help! In this episode of ReadRadio, Jessica from Maple Ridge Public Library will introduce you to several resources – both online and in print – to help you succeed. These include business databases, training and legal guides. Not sure where to start? Book some time with one of our FVRL librarians who can show you the way!
The Winternight Trilogy (ReadRadio, ep. 52)
December 27, 2019 08:00 - 2 minutes - 6.14 MBAlexandra reviews The Winternight Trilogy by author Katherine Arden. This retelling of traditional folk tales takes place in the icy kingdoms of Northern Russia and includes magic, frost demons and house spirits. The three titles in the series are The Bear and the Nightingale, The Girl in the Tower, and The Winter of the Witch.
Toddler Approved Reads (ReadRadio, Ep. 51)
December 13, 2019 08:00 - 4 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this episode of ReadRadio, Sarah and Kerry share some of their favourite books for kids 2 to 4 years old. Each of these titles is toddler approved and available for loan from FVRL! These include From Head to Toe, A Squish and a Squeeze, I Got Two Dogs, The Book With No Pictures, Three Little Monkeys, Sweetest Kulu, How I Became a Pirate and Pirates Don't Change Diapers.
While You Were Sleeping (ReadRadio, ep. 50)
November 29, 2019 08:00 - 3 minutes - 7.01 MBLooking for some light entertainment over the holiday season? Eunice recommends While You Were Sleeping, the 1995 rom-com starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. Bullock stars as Lucy, a lonely transit worker who saves the life of a stranger she admires from afar, only to fall in love with his brother while the stranger is in a coma.
Furiously Happy (ReadRadio, ep. 49)
November 15, 2019 08:00 - 3 minutes - 9.04 MBLeanna at Tsawwassen Library review Furiously Happy. In this New York Times #1 bestseller, author Jenny Lawson explores her lifelong battle with mental illness. A hysterical, ridiculous book about crippling depression and anxiety? That sounds like a terrible idea. But terrible ideas are what Jenny does best.
Reading Link Challenge 2019–2020 Book List (ReadRadio, ep. 48)
November 01, 2019 07:00 - 11 minutes - 26.1 MBIn this episode of ReadRadio, Dana makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2019/2020 Reading Link Challenge book list! She introduces listeners to the main characters of each book, and the stories you’re about to fall in love with. Ready, set, read! The books are: 1. Front Desk by Kelly Yang, 2. Kenny & the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi, 3. Where's Burgess? by Laurie Elmquist, 4. Loot by Jude Watson, 5. A Whale in Paris by Daniel Presley, 6. The Losers Club by Andrew Clements...
Restart (ReadRadio, ep. 47)
October 18, 2019 07:00 - 2 minutes - 5.71 MBChase doesn't remember falling off the roof. In fact, he doesn't remember anything! When he gets back to school, some kids treat him like a hero, while others are clearly afraid of him. From bestselling YA author Gordon Korman, Restart is the story of a kid with a messy past who has to figure out what it means to get a clean start.
News of the World (ReadRadio, ep. 46)
October 03, 2019 21:34 - 2 minutes - 6.76 MBJoann from Tsawwassen Library reviews News of the World, a western novel by author Paulette Jiles. A live news reader travelling the antebellum south is offered $50 to bring an orphan girl, who was kidnapped and raised by Kiowa raiders, back to her family in San Antonio.
You Are Light (ReadRadio ep. 45)
September 20, 2019 17:36 - 2 minutes - 5.95 MB"This is the light that dwells inside all the brilliant wonders of the world, including YOU!" In this episode of ReadRadio, Laurel from Mission Library reviews You Are Light, a children's board book by the Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Aaron Becker. It's a great introduction to STEAM science concepts for the very young.
The Greedy Goat (ReadRadio, Ep. 44)
September 05, 2019 23:30 - 1 minute - 4.26 MBLaurel from Mission Library reviews the children's picture book, The Greedy Goat. A very greedy goat wreaks havoc in the barnyard in this entertaining cautionary tale from Petr Horáček.
The Lost Ones (ReadRadio, Ep. 43)
August 09, 2019 16:30 - 3 minutes - 8.54 MBIn this episode, Joanna shares the debut novel of Vancouver author Sheena Kamal: The Lost Ones. With rainy Vancouver as the perfect backdrop to this dark suspense story, it follows Nora, a biracial product of the foster system and scarred by a past filled with pain and violence. She is contacted by the desperate adoptive parents of the child she gave up 15 years earlier, Bonnie, who has just run away from home. Nora embarks on a harrowing search knowing intimately what happens to vulnerable g...
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (ReadRadio, Ep. 42)
August 02, 2019 16:30 - 3 minutes - 7.48 MBIn this episode Laurel shares a great middle grade read, "Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow," by Jessica Townsend. In this novel, a cursed child destined to die on her eleventh birthday is rescued and whisked away to a secret realm called Nevermoor and given the chance to compete for a place in a prestigious organization called the Wundrous Society.
End of the World Running Club (ReadRadio, Ep. 41)
July 26, 2019 16:45 - 3 minutes - 8.8 MBIn this episode of ReadRadio, Joann shares "End of the World Running Club" by Adrian J. Walker. This novel has a wonderfully fresh take on the usually zombie-filled postapocalyptic genre: Edgar Hill, a lazy, unhappy man, lives with his family in Edinburgh, Scotland, when an asteroid barrage strikes Earth, destroying modern civilization. Unprepared physically or mentally for the widespread death and destruction that follows, Edgar must finally face his responsibilities as a husband and father,...
International Graphic Novels (ReadRadio, Ep. 40)
June 14, 2019 18:07 - 3 minutes - 8.94 MBListen in while Sarah and Kerry share some of the standout graphic novels in FVRL’s collection! 1. The Arab of the Future by Riad Sattouf. 2 Hostage by Guy Delisle. 3. Kid Gloves by Lucy Knisley. 4. Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol.
Chet & Bernie Series (ReadRadio, Ep. 39)
May 31, 2019 17:00 - 3 minutes - 6.95 MBDog lovers rejoice! In this episode, Donna shares the canine mystery series Chet & Bernie by author Spencer Quinn. Bernie, a hard-bitten private eye, and his loyal pooch, Chet, refuse to give up on tricky cases and get the job done. Quinn's characters are endearing and his narrative is intriguing, fast-moving and well written. As Donna puts it, this series strikes the perfect balance between dark and cozy mysteries so it keeps the pages turning but you can have a good night’s sleep afterwards...
Annihilation (ReadRadio, Ep. 38)
May 03, 2019 17:26 - 6 minutes - 14.2 MBJordanne and Sally share their best can't-put-down read, "Annihilation" by Jeff VanderMeer. This story describes the 12th expedition to “Area X,” a region cut off from the continent for decades, by a group of intrepid women scientists who try to ignore the high mortality rates of those on the previous 11 missions. You can enjoy this thrilling, if not frightening, SciFi story through FVRL as a book, audio book, or movie.
The Perfect Cookie (ReadRadio, Ep. 37)
April 23, 2019 16:11 - 2 minutes - 5.12 MBHaven't satisfied your holiday sweet-tooth yet? Alexandra let's you in on where to find the best-ever cookie recipes. In the cookbook "The Perfect Cookie: Your Ultimate Guide to Foolproof Cookies, Brownies & Bars" America's Test Kitchen has compiled all their knowledge to give to their tried-and-true recipes that won't disappoint! Be sure to check out this book today.
IndieFlix (ReadRadio, Ep. 36)
April 05, 2019 16:05 - 5 minutes - 12.4 MBHave you heard of IndieFlix? In today's episode, Naomi and Kelly chat about this free movie streaming service you can use through FVRL. They also share a couple movies that are worth watching: At First Sight and Empowerment Project. Want to use IndieFlix? Follow the link: http://fraservalley.rbdigital.com/service-details/entertainment/indieflix
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (ReadRadio, Ep. 35)
March 22, 2019 16:23 - 3 minutes - 8.97 MBYou might be tempted to dust off your stationary after reading Leanna's book recommendation: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel takes place in England, post World War II and follows a charming cast of characters who will feel like friends before you're finished. Don't miss out on this delightful read.
The Leftovers (ReadRadio, Ep. 34)
March 08, 2019 17:53 - 3 minutes - 7.77 MBIn today's episode Sally shares one of her all time favourite TV shows: The Leftovers. Based on the best-seller by Tom Perrotta, the show begins three years after the disappearance of two percent of the global population. A group of people in a small New York community try to continue their lives while coping with the unexplained tragedy. Put a hold on the TV series or the book today!
Challenged Books (ReadRadio, Ep. 33)
February 20, 2019 23:51 - 7 minutes - 17.5 MBShhh...we’re talking about challenged books with Laurel and Tina in today’s episode. In honour of Freedom to Read Week, here are three award-winning books that have faced challenges due to content that was deemed offensive of inappropriate for certain audiences. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Maus by Art Spiegelman
Top 10 Cookbooks (ReadRadio, Ep. 32)
February 01, 2019 17:22 - 5 minutes - 4.98 MBJessica and Sally talk contests and top 10 cookbooks in today’s episode. If you weren’t hungry before, you sure will be after. The books mentioned in order are: 1. Spilling the Beans - Julie Van Rosendaal 2. Oh She Glows Every Day - Angela Liddon 3. Mississippi Vegan - Timothy Pakron 4. Fit Men Cook - Kevin Curry 5. Christopher Kimball's Milk Street - Christopher Kimball 6. Seriously Good Freezer Meals - Karrie Truman 7. The Best Recipes in the World - Mark Bittman 8. White Water Cooks More ...
The Queen of the Tearling (ReadRadio, Ep. 31)
January 18, 2019 17:59 - 3 minutes - 7.77 MBIn today’s episode, Leanna shares a book series that will thrill fans of Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley. The Queen of the Tearling series by Erika Johansen follows Kelsea Glynn, an exiled princess on her quest to save her kingdom and fulfill her destiny. The stories are full of magic, adventure, mystery, and romance. What more could you ask for? Happy reading, everyone!
3 Books I Must Read in 2019 (ReadRadio, Ep. 30)
January 04, 2019 18:15 - 3 minutes - 7.6 MBIs your New Year's resolution to read more great books? In today’s episode Erin gives Sally three must-read juv fiction recommendations for 2019. The books are: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune by Pamela S. Turner and graphic novel, The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill. Ring in the New Year by putting them on hold today!
Wild Robot (ReadRadio, Ep. 29)
December 21, 2018 17:10 - 1 minute - 4.44 MBIn this episode of ReadRadio, Erin recommends Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Although this book is written for ages 8-12, it has a story that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Roz the robot discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island with no memory of where she is from or why she is there, and her only hope of survival is to try to learn about her new environment from the island's hostile inhabitants. Check out this book today!
The Christmas Tapestry (ReadRadio, Ep. 28)
December 07, 2018 19:28 - 2 minutes - 5.66 MBSally shares one of her favourite holiday stories, The Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco. This picture book has a heartwarming story that kids and grown-ups can both enjoy. A tapestry that is being used to cover a hole in a church wall at Christmas brings together an elderly couple who were separated during World War II. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself re-reading this book every year.
Warcross (ReadRadio, Ep. 27)
November 23, 2018 18:39 - 2 minutes - 6.73 MBOn this week’s episode, we review of Warcross by Marie Lu. This YA, sci-fi novel follows Emika, a hacker and bounty hunter in a world consumed by the virtual reality game Warcross. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games or Quidditch, this is the book for you.
Favourite Authors (ReadRadio, Ep. 26)
November 08, 2018 23:08 - 4 minutes - 9.19 MBIt’s National Novel Writing Month! To celebrate, Sally and Jordanne discuss their favourite authors, fantasy writers Terry Pratchett and Robin McKinley. We want to know who YOUR favourite author is. Comment here, talk to your friendly local librarian or tell us here: https://fvrlwriteon.pgtb.me/jC3tqX
Reading Link Challenge Book List (ReadRadio, Ep. 25)
November 01, 2018 16:10 - 11 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this bonus episode of ReadRadio, Jacque makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2018/2019 Reading Link Challenge book list! She introduces listeners to the main characters of each book, and the stories you’re about to fall in love with. Ready, set, read! The books are: 1. Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper, 2. Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyall, 3. The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, 4. A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, 5. The Land of Forgotten...
Reading Link Challenge 2018–2019 Book List (ReadRadio, Ep. 25)
November 01, 2018 16:10 - 11 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this bonus episode of ReadRadio, Jacque makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2018/2019 Reading Link Challenge book list! She introduces listeners to the main characters of each book, and the stories you’re about to fall in love with. Ready, set, read! The books are: 1. Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper, 2. Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyall, 3. The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, 4. A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, 5. The Land of Forgotten...
The Measure of My Powers (ReadRadio, Ep. 24)
October 26, 2018 16:00 - 2 minutes - 5.2 MBRachel reviews her favourite book of 2018: The Measure of My Powers, A Memoir of Food, Misery, and Paris by Vancouver author, Jackie Kai Ellis. It’s more than a memoir. It’s a collection of stories about the experiences that shaped Ellis, paired with the recipes that gave her life meaning. Put this book on hold today and get ready to cozy up with your next favourite read (and maybe a pastry or two).
The Insult (ReadRadio, Ep. 23)
October 12, 2018 16:00 - 7 minutes - 16.2 MBSandy Burgess, Library Manager in Delta, reviews the movie The Insult directed by Ziad Doueiri. What begins as an emotional exchange between a landlord and his tenant escalates quickly into a court case that captures the attention of the nation. This review has a caveat though--there’s a detail about this film that might stop some of you from pressing the “place a hold” button.
The Locals (ReadRadio, Ep. 22)
September 27, 2018 22:23 - 2 minutes - 6.61 MBTerry Fox librarian Austin reviews The Locals by Jonathan Dee. In this novel a rural working-class New England town elects as its mayor a New York hedge fun millionaire.
The Jackson Brodie Mysteries (ReadRadio, Ep. 21)
September 14, 2018 01:39 - 3 minutes - 8.55 MBFVRL Digital Services Librarian Natalie reviews the Jackson Brodie novels by Kate Atkinson. Private investigator Jackson Brodie is a former soldier and policeman from Yorkshire with a tough-guy exterior and a deeply empathetic heart. There are four mystery novels in the series: Case Histories, One Good Turn, When Will There Be Good News?, and Started Early, Took My Dog.
TV Favourites (ReadRadio, Ep. 20)
August 31, 2018 19:53 - 4 minutes - 10.5 MBSally from Maple Ridge Public Library reviews three of her favourite TV series: Fringe, Fargo and Sherlock.
Three Dark Crowns (ReadRadio, Ep. 19)
August 17, 2018 01:05 - 2 minutes - 6.19 MBKristina from Ladner Pioneer Library reviews Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake. In this YA fantasy novel, a set of triplets is born - three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. On the night of their sixteenth birthday, the sisters must fight for power. The last queen standing will win the crown.
Eyes and Spies (ReadRadio, Ep. 18)
August 03, 2018 00:45 - 2 minutes - 5.29 MBFVRL librarian Rachel reviews Eyes and Spies, a junior non-fiction book written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, with illustrations by Belle Wuthrich. Eyes and Spies explains how information and data is collected and used by individuals, governments, companies and organizations. The book introduces topics ranging from data collection to computer surveillance, while exploring debates about personal privacy versus security.
Bird Box (ReadRadio, Ep. 17)
July 20, 2018 00:02 - 2 minutes - 6.6 MBSally reviews Josh Malerman's Bird Box. In a world where no one can go outside for fear of something terrifying that when seen drives people to deadly violence, single mother Malorie and her two children must attempt a terrifying twenty-mile trip downriver while blindfolded.
I Capture the Castle (ReadRadio, Ep. 16)
June 28, 2018 23:21 - 2 minutes - 5.59 MBFVRL librarian Rachel reviews one of her favourite YA classics, I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. This coming-of-age novel tells the story of the teenage Cassandra Mortmain, whose eccentric family lives in a decaying castle during the 1930s.