Read On - The Audiobook Show from RNIB

Nigella Lawson - How to Eat

21 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

21 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 U...

98: Sir Derek Jacobi, Tony Hawks and Regina Reagan

14 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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’ ...

Narrator Interview - Regina Reagan

14 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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.

07 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Tayl...

StoryTeller: How to be an Audiobook Narrator

07 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 narr...

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

30 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

27 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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)

23 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Sc...

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

20 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week... Deborah Frances White reveals what makes her ‘The Guilty Feminist’. Poet Aidan Flynn takes a funny and poignant look at sight los...

Book Review - Mystery of Three Quarters

20 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

93: The Armistice in Literature

09 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week were commemorating the centenary of the Armistice that brought an end to the First World War. Blind author Gordon Anthony describes dog-fi...

Author Interview - Gordon Anthony

09 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gordon Anthony is the author of several historical novels including ‘Hunting Icarus’.  It’s a gripping tale and there’s also a story behind...

92: Spike Milligan, Julian Clary and Michael Bentine

02 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

With never before heard clips, Robert Kirkwood explores the recording of Spike Milligan's War Diaries. Hannah Tausz explores Michael Bentine's Book ...

Recording Spike Milligan's War Diaries

02 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Great news folks! Some never heard before Spike Milligan! Robert Kirkwood speaks to Robert Nichol about recording the audio versions of Spike's Wa...

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

26 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Book Review - The Little Stranger

26 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

NB Dixon reviews ‘The Little Stranger’ by Sarah Waters, available in braille, giant print and as TB16895 from RNIB Library. Clipped from Read On...

90: Read On - RNIB at 150

19 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re celebrating RNIB’s 150th Anniversary in books and voices both past and present.... Robert Kirkwood explores the biography of RNI...

Narrator Interview - Elizabeth Proud

19 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of RNIB’s longest-serving narrators, Elizabeth Proud, discusses the evolution of the Talking Book. This is an extended version of the intervie...

Man Booker Prize 2018 - Rachel Kushner

16 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

16 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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' ......

Man Booker Prize 2018 - Robin Robertson

16 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

16 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

16 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 fi...

RNIB - 150th Anniversary wishes.

15 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

89: Man Booker Prize 2018

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 sh...

Man Booker Prize 2018 - Richard Powers

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

10 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Armit...

Booker Prize 2009 - Hilary Mantel

10 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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)

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 …...

Booker Prize 2016 - Paul Beatty

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Before the Booker Prize was announced in 2016, Robert Kirkwood spoke to Paul Beatty before he was declared the winner.

Booker Prize 2015 - Marlon James

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

From the archives, Robert Kirkwood chats to Marlon James about his book, 'A Brief History of Seven Killings '.

Booker Prize 2014 - Richard Flanagan

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

From the archives, Robert Kirkwood chats to Richard Flannigan about 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North' before it wins the Booker.

Booker Prize 2013 - Eleanor Catton

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

From the archives, Robert Kirkwood speaks to Eleanor Catton, just before she wins the Booker Prize in 2013

Booker Prize 2012 - Hilary Mantel

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

From the archives, Robert Kirkwood speaks to Booker Prize winning author Hilary Mantel.

Booker Prize 2011 - Julian Barnes

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

From the archives, Robert Kirkwood talks to Julian Barnes about 'The Sense of an Ending' before it won the Booker in 2011

87: Catherine Cookson Week

28 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're exploring the life, legacy and literature of one of the countries best loved authors – Catherine Cookson. We explore her extraordi...

Catherine Cookson Week - Tom and Catherine

27 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

86: Continuing the Classics with Sophie Hannah, David Brawn and Lynn Shepherd

21 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

85: Tessa Fontaine, Deborah Harkness, and a nuclear reaction.

14 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re going transatlantic with some great contemporary tales from America. Tessa Fontaine tells us about running away to join the circus...

Roald Dahl at the RNIB Talking Book Studios

13 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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'.

84: Texas Hold 'Em and more

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re raising the stakes and opening some books on betting. Debut author Martin Nathan discusses writing and playing poker with blind friend...

The Book Group - The Rules of Seeing by Joe Heap

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

The Book Group - The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 blin...

The Book Group - Autumn by Ali Smith

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This month our blind and partially sighted readers discuss Autumn by Ali Smith, shortlisted for the 2017 Booker Prize.  Please note this show conta...

The Book Group - Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

SPOILER WARNING! Don't listen unless you've read the book! Eleanor Oliphant is happy. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except,...

The Book Group - The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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. Wh...

The Book Group - A Month in the Country by JL Carr

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 vill...

The Book Group - Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Book Group - Chocolat by Joanne Harris

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Join the conversation with a real group of blind and partially sighted book lovers and Talking Book users.  This month the book group discuss Choco...

The Book Group - Pilot

03 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

83: Michael Palin, Chris Hadfield, Anthony Horowitz and more

31 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Palin talks to Robert Kirkwood about forgetting lines and supporting RNIB, Anthony Horowitz tells us the books of his life and Colonel Chris H...

Penguin Random House and RNIB announce new partnership.

30 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 char...

82: Lissa Evans, Sam West and Anthony McGowan

24 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

81: Bernard Cornwell, Huw Parmenter and Moira Forsyth.

17 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ch...

80: The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree by Paola Peretti

10 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Pe...

79: The Rules of Seeing by Joe Heap

03 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 narra...

78: Book Festival Special

27 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show we round up some favourite interviews from Book Festivals such as Aye Write, Boswell and Wigtown. Featuring Alexander McCall Smith, ...

77: Alan Bennett, Angie Thomas, N.B. Dixon and more

20 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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, wr...

Carys White on Accessible Literature

20 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

76: RNIB Writing Competition

13 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 tw...

75: The Golden Man Booker Prize

06 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

74: Nicholas Parsons, Agatha Christie and The Animals of Farthing Wood

29 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Collect...

73: Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, Geraldine McCaughrean and more

22 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re celebrating some outstanding books for children and young adults. We have the winner of this year’s CILIP Carnegie Medal. Prev...

72: Hannah Kohler, Anthony Bourdain, Sarah J Harris and more

15 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

71: Sarah J Harris, Candia McWilliam, David Graham, and Andrew Pettigrew.

08 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week… Author Sarah J Harris introduces us to ‘The Colours of Bee Larkham’s Murder. Poet Andrew Pettigrew waxes lyrical about Louis Brai...

Narrator Interview - David Graham

08 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The voice acting legend David Graham tells Robert Kirkwood about being Brains and Parker in Thunderbirds, creating the voice of the Daleks and more ...

Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour Jamboree - Special Feature

08 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ann...

70: CILIP Carnegie with Will Hill, Geraldine McCaughrean and Ruta Sepetys

01 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Worl...

69: Mark Billingham, Matthew Parris, Emma Swan and Chris Brookmyre

25 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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'l...

Book Review - Trunk Music by Michael Connelly

25 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Following a recommendation from a past guest, Red Szell reads and reviews Trunk Music by Michael Connelly Clipped from Read On 69

68: Fay Weldon, Garrick Hagon, Joanne Harris and Ruta Sepetys

18 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Garrick Hagon discusses audiobooks, acting and Star Wars. Fay Weldon takes the long view of feminism. Joanne Harris reveals some extreme reactions...

67: Live at the Boswell Book Festival (2018)

11 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A packed show recorded live at the Boswell Book Festival featuring ... Dame Judi Dench on acting and how Macular Degeneration has robbed her of book...

66: CILIP Carnegie with Marcus Sedgwick, Anthony McGowan and Lauren Wolk

04 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In our first CILIP Carnegie show of 2018 we chat to three of the shortlisted authors   Marcus Sedgwick on Saint Death,  Anthony McGowan on Roo...

Author Interview - Anthony McGowan

04 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We chat to Anthony about 'Rook' his book shortlisted for the 2018 CILIP Carnegie Medal. Clipped from Read On #66

65: Laura Barnett, Minette Walters and 617 Squadron.

27 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Laura Barnett blends writing and music in her new multi-media bestseller ‘Greatest Hits'. Minette Walters reveals the parental dilemma at the hear...

64: Marion Rankine, Lucy Worsley and a listener's hidden gem.

20 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Lucy Worsley - 'Jane Austen at Home: A Biography'

20 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Historian Lucy Worsley tells us why she thinks Jane Austen failed to find success in her own lifetime. Clipped from Read On 64

63: Dave Steele, Liz Pichon and poetry from RNIB

13 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

62: Henry Blofeld, Neil Oliver and Caroline Lennon

06 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 'B...

61: Tony Parsons, Phil Jupitus and Harriet Lane.

30 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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, an...

Shaun Bythell - 'Diary of a Bookseller'

23 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 'Dia...

60: Ben McIntyre, James Boswell and Shaun Bythell's ' The Diary of a Bookseller'

23 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Wi...

59: Susie Steiner, Julian Barnes, narrator Beverly Klein and The Book Group

16 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 h...

58: Comedy with Robin Ince, Helen Lederer and writer of Mr. Bean, Robin Driscoll

09 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 B...

57: Patrick Gale, David Munro, Verity Smith and the RNIB Writing Competition

02 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Interview - Jessica Townsend

23 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

56: Jess Townsend on Nevermoor, a visit to AyeWrite!, a Thunderdog and more.

23 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

With author Jess Townsend Red Szell explores Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow. Robert Kirkwood looks forward to AyeWrite!, Glasgow's Book Fest...

AyeWrite! - Favourite moments from Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre, Alan Bisset, Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan

23 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

As this year's AyeWrite! approaches, Robert Kirkwood chats to Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre, Alan Bisset, Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan about some of t...

55: Lucinda Hawksley, Peter Ross, David Aldwinckle and making a Talking Book

16 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Charles Dickens' great great great granddaughter, Lucinda Hawksley talks about her latest book, 'March, Women, March' as it enters the RNIB Talking Bo...

54: A.L. Kennedy and Mark Haddon

09 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A.L. Kennedy talks to Red Szell about all the forms of her writing and her outlook on life, Mark Haddon talks about life after that 'Curious Incident ...

53: Rachel Ward, Peter Kenny, Harry Potter and the Costa Book of the Year

02 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Author Rachel Ward tells us about her new book, 'The Cost of Living', narrator Peter Kenny demonstrates just how versatile he is, we reveal the winner...

52: The Costa Book Awards with Jon McGregor, Rebecca Stott and Katherine Rundell

26 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to three winners of The Costa Book Award 2017.  Jon McGregor talks about 'Reservoir 13', winner of the Novel of the Year, Rebecca Stott tal...

51: The Costa Book Awards with Gail Honeyman, Ali Smith and Sebastian Barry

19 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We have a listen to all of the category winners as we wait for the announcement of the Costa Book of the Year and chat to First Novel winner Gail Hone...

50: Peter Ross, Ali Smith, Philip Reeve and the Book Group.

12 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We explore Daunderlust with journalist Peter Ross, Ali Smith talks Autumn, which is then reviewed by the RNIB Connect Radio Book Group plus Philip Ree...

49: Mark Miodownik, Laurence Bouvard and more.

05 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A listen back to three interviews from last year, one fiction, one non-fiction and one from an RNIB Talking Book narrator. Mark Miodownik on Stuff Ma...

Philip Pullman - 'The Book of Dust'

22 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The author of 'His Dark Materials' joins Red Szell in the Talking Book studios to talk about his new trilogy, 'The Book of Dust' and the first book wh...

48: Philip Pullman, Andy Miller and Andy Secombe

22 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Philip Pullman joins Red Szell in the Talking Book studios to talk about 'The Book of Dust' Book 1: La Belle Sauvage. Andy Miller tells Robert Kirkwoo...

47: Eddie Izzard's Lost Christmas and 'The Robin: A biography'

15 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Moss tells us the history behind the Robin's connection to Christmas, Steven Scott and Red discuss some reading technology, Robert Kirkwood de...