Read On - The Audiobook Show from RNIB

506 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 6 ratings

A weekly show all about audiobooks recorded at the RNIB Talking Book studios.

We talk to your favourite authors and narrators, along with reviews and news about new audiobooks.

Presented and produced by Robert Kirkwood, you'll find a new episode here every Friday at 1pm plus bonus content such as longer uncut interviews and episodes of our occasional extra show, The Book Group.

Talking Books is a free service from RNIB giving access to over 40,000 fiction and non fiction books for adults and children. Find out more by searching for RNIB Library.

Get involved and join the conversation by emailing [email protected] or find Robert on Twitter @Talking_Books

(https://twitter.com/Talking_Books) Other great podcast channels from RNIB Connect Radio

Connect (https://audioboom.com/channel/weeklyconnect) - Our main channel with news, features and articles on sight loss.

Conversations (https://audioboom.com/channel/conversations) - Blind and partially sighted people speaking about a wide range of topics.

Tech Talk (https://audioboom.com/channel/techtalkpodcast) - Technology for blind and partially sighted people.

Sport (https://audioboom.com/channel/sport) - See sport differently.

The Happy Hour (https://audioboom.com/channels/5022411) - Mental health, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing.

Tracks of My Life (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634228-tracks-of-my-life) - Take a journey through our guest's life.

Support (https://audioboom.com/channel/rnib-support) - Other podcasts from RNIB.

TV Guide (https://audioboom.com/channel/tv-guide) - Daily audio TV listings

Books Arts Society & Culture
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

107: Crime and thrillers with C. J. Tudor, Ian Skewis and Kate London

February 22, 2019 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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)

RNIB Library and World Book Day 2019

February 21, 2019 12:30 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

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

Andrea Levy - The Long Song

February 15, 2019 16:45 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MB

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.

106: Limmy, Joanna Toye, Sophie Hannah and more

February 15, 2019 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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 love story - ’Normal People'. (Starts at 43.20)

105: Travel with Jason Roberts, Jasper Winn, John Keay and China Vision.

February 08, 2019 12:55 - 57 minutes - 53.2 MB

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 (starts at 43.00)

104: Juliet Stevenson, Janice Galloway, Bart Van Es and more.

February 01, 2019 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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 introduces us to a tale of love and blindness in The First World War. (Starts at 43.00) Then a ...

Limmy - Surprisingly Down to Earth, and Very Funny

February 01, 2019 09:54 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

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.

103: Costa Book Awards with Bart Van Es, Hilary McKay and J. O. Morgan

January 25, 2019 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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)

102: Lucy Foley, Guy Kennaway and June Whitfield

January 18, 2019 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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)

101: Stuart Turton, Candy Gourlay and Professor Richard Wiseman

January 11, 2019 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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 gender politics in her gripping adventure story: ‘Bone Talk’. (starts at 32 mins in) Please note, ...

100: Episode 100 - Red Szell and Robert Kirkwood look back at 2018 and beyond.

January 04, 2019 12:55 - 57 minutes - 53 MB

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.

99: Nigella Lawson, Sue Moorcroft and A Song of Ice and Fire

December 21, 2018 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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.

Nigella Lawson - How to Eat

December 21, 2018 12:53 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

Red chats to Nigella Lawson about the re-issued version of her book, 'How To Eat' and about narrating the new version.

Game of Thrones - Fire and Blood

December 21, 2018 12:52 - 6 minutes - 5.81 MB

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.

98: Sir Derek Jacobi, Tony Hawks and Regina Reagan

December 14, 2018 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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!

Narrator Interview - Regina Reagan

December 14, 2018 12:50 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

Regina Reagan talks about Rosemary’s Baby, Tales of The City…and cakes. Clipped from Read On #98

97: Nicolas Parsons, Lorelei King, Jessica Taylor-Bearman, and much more.

December 07, 2018 12:59 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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.

StoryTeller: How to be an Audiobook Narrator

December 07, 2018 12:58 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

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

96: Cara Hunter, David Thorpe, Mitch Cullen and Kolymsky Heights

November 30, 2018 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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.

The Book Group - The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau by Graeme Macrae Burnet

November 27, 2018 12:22 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

This time our blind and partially sighted readers discuss the RNIB Talking Book of 'The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau' by Graeme Macrae Burnet.

95: Book Week Scotland (2018)

November 23, 2018 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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/reading/book-week-scotland/rebel-audiobook

94: The Guilty Feminist, I Sold My Guide Dog on Ebay and more

November 20, 2018 11:23 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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.

Book Review - Mystery of Three Quarters

November 20, 2018 10:53 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MB

N.B. Dixon reviews the latest Poirot from Sophie Hannah. Clipped from Read On #94

93: The Armistice in Literature

November 09, 2018 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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 Imperial War Museums to bring First World War stories back to life. And Robert Kirkwood explores...

Author Interview - Gordon Anthony

November 09, 2018 12:54 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MB

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

Narrator Interview - Joan Walker

November 09, 2018 12:50 - 8 minutes - 7.76 MB

It’s not just books that are recorded at the RNIB Talking Books studios, but also a wide range of magazines. Narrator Joan Walker will be familiar to many listeners for her brilliant work on both. At a break in recording Red Szell asked her what she’d been reading for us this week. Clipped from Read On #93

92: Spike Milligan, Julian Clary and Michael Bentine

November 02, 2018 12:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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'

Recording Spike Milligan's War Diaries

November 02, 2018 12:54 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

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.

91: Kate Helm, David Mitchell, Daisy Johnson and more.

October 26, 2018 11:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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!

Book Review - The Little Stranger

October 26, 2018 11:52 - 7 minutes - 7.1 MB

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

90: Read On - RNIB at 150

October 19, 2018 11:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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 books. And we unwrap a very special gift – a 150-word story written specially for our anniversary by...

Narrator Interview - Elizabeth Proud

October 19, 2018 11:52 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MB

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

Man Booker Prize 2018 - Rachel Kushner

October 16, 2018 14:34 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

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.

Man Booker Prize 2018 - Daisy Johnson

October 16, 2018 14:32 - 8 minutes - 7.58 MB

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.

Man Booker Prize 2018 - Robin Robertson

October 16, 2018 14:28 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

Robin Robertson's 'The Long Take' is the first verse novel to make the Man Booker Shortlist. He spoke to Red Szell.

Man Booker Prize 2018 Winner - Anna Burns 'Milkman' Review

October 16, 2018 14:24 - 2 minutes - 2.75 MB

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.

Man Booker Prize 2018 Shortlist Special

October 16, 2018 11:53 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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.

RNIB - 150th Anniversary wishes.

October 15, 2018 10:19 - 3 minutes - 3.15 MB

Authors, narrators, service users and much more wish RNIB a happy 150th!

89: Man Booker Prize 2018

October 12, 2018 11:55 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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 have received The Man Booker Prize for fiction.

Man Booker Prize 2018 - Richard Powers

October 12, 2018 11:54 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

The Booker shortlisted author joins Robert Kirkwood down the line to discuss his book, 'The Overstory.' Clipped from Read On #89

Man Booker Prize 2018 - Esi Edugyan

October 12, 2018 11:51 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MB

The Man Booker Prize shortlisted author talked to Red Szell via Skype about her book, 'Washington Black.' Clipped from Read On #89

Special Feature - RNIB 150 - Thomas Rhodes Armitage

October 10, 2018 15:42 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

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.

Booker Prize 2009 - Hilary Mantel

October 10, 2018 14:48 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

From the archives, Robert Kirkwood speaks to Booker Prize winning author Hilary Mantel when she first won the award in 2009.

88: Live at the Wigtown Book Festival (2018)

October 05, 2018 11:57 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

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 on 'Nervous States,' a look at our new political reality, Shaun Bythell on life at the Booksho...

Twitter Mentions

@tobyvip 1 Episode

@talking_books 1 Episode