Read On - The Audiobook Show from RNIB

Dame Hilary Mantel, author of the Wolf Hall trilogy, has died aged 70 A statement from her publisher reads, "We are heartbroken at the death of our beloved author, Dame Hilary Mantel. Our thoughts are with her friends and family, especially her husband, Gerald. This is a devastating loss and we can only be grateful she left us with such a magnificent body of work." When The Mirror and the Light was published I put together this little biography combining the two times she joined me on air, and the picture accompanying this tribute is Dame Hilary in the RNIB Talking Book studios proudly displaying her 2009 Booker Prize.

Red Szell chats to Joseph Coelho about becoming the new children's laureate, we listen back to a live interview with John Gordon Sinclair with Robert Kirkwood on stage at the Edinburgh Book Festival and as the Booker shortlist is released we hear from former winner Bernardine Evaristo with the books of her life.

Philip Reeve, author of Mortal Engines, tells us all about his new book Utterly Dark and the Heart of the Wild plus we listen back to the Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour Jamboree with Jacqueline Wilson, Chris Riddell, Pamela Butchart and Cressida Cowell.

Another listen back to some stand ups, comedy performers and funny people who've popped up over the years, this time with Julian Clary, Helen Lederer, Eddie Izzard, Cariad Lloyd, Richard Herring and Limmy.

A listen back to some funny people who've popped up on Read On, featuring Robin Ince, Susan Calman, Tony Hawks, Michael Palin, Jo Brand and Phill Jupitus.

Lexie Elliot joins Robert Kirkwood to discuss her psychological thriller, How To Kill Your Best Friend. We travel back in time to discover the origins of a hidden gem in the Talking Books library, the specially commissioned book series, Elsewhere. Plus Juliet Stevenson talks to Red Szell about narrating for RNIB.

Bruce Horak is the first blind actor with a lead role in Star Trek. He talks to Robert Kirkwood about his life, from losing his sight as a toddler to cancer, through his career as an artist and performer, to stepping onto the bridge of the Enterprise.We also learn about Marcus Berkmann's book Set Phasers to Stun, and hear books narrated by William Shatner and the late Nichelle Nichols.

Elissa Soave tells Robert Kirkwood about her debut novel Ginger and Me, actor turned author Ross Armstrong takes Red Szell to a luxury private island in his murderous new thriller The Getaway and Robert asks some Talking Book narrators about what keeps them coming back. Picture shows the cover of Ginger and Me by Elissa Soave. Orange text on a black and white photo of a young lady balancing on a tram track in the city with a Tunnock's sign in the background

In Red Szell's last show as presenter, Robert Kirkwood takes Red back through some of his favourite interviews with John LeCarre, Natalie Haynes, Lucy Scott and Al Petrie, Jessica Townsend and more.

Frances Liardet explores old wounds and new beginnings in the follow-up to her international bestseller 'We Must be Brave' .Rebecca Stott transports us back to derelict London, 100 years after the Roman withdrawal from Britain, in her new novel 'Dark Earth'.And we return to Frances Liardet for the Books of Your Life.

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)

This week we'll be considering some of the less savoury consequences of human civilization: Ruta Sepetys takes us behind the Iron Curtain and back to Ceausescu’s Romania, in her gripping new novel 'I Must Betray You'. We visit the slums of modern day India through the pages of Varsha Shah’s dazzling debut 'Ajay and the Mumbai Sun'. David Farrier considers how the items that we discard will inform on us for generations to come in 'Footprints'. And we return to Varsha Shah for the Books of Your Life.

This week we're coming from The British Library, and the award ceremony for this year’s Yoto Carnegie Medal. Yusef Salaam tells us about his experience as a member of the Exonerated Five and how it fed into 'Punching the Air'. We go back to 2021 winner, Jason Reynolds, who examines the walk home from school in 'Look Both Ways'. Lynne Livingstone, Manjeet Mann and Derek Atta stop by for a quick chat at the awards. And we speak to the 2022 winner on the excitement of winning - and the Books of Their Life!

A Thriller Special!Scott Kershaw reveals how a spate of dog-nappings inspired his chilling high-concept thriller ‘The Game’.Femi Kayode transports us to Nigeria for his tense thriller, ‘Lightseekers’.CJ Tudor tells us how an innocent game with her daughter morphed into her creepy debut 'The Chalk Man'.And we return to Scott Kershaw for the Books of His Life.

This week we will be taking a look at more of the books short-listed for this year’s Yoto Carnegie Medal. Katya Balen helps us find some inner-city wilderness and ponders our possessions in 'October, October'. Phil Earle takes us to London during the blitz, where a gorilla changes the life of an angry boy in 'When the Sky Falls'. Sue Divin looks to bridge sectarian divides in her Derry-based debut 'Guard Your Heart'. And we return to Katya Balen for the Books of Your Life.

This week we're celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We hear about ‘Her Heart For a Compass’. Robert Kirkwood discovers some Crown jewels in the RNIB Library. Onjali Q Rauf takes us on a right royal adventure as ‘The Boy at the Back of the Class' struggles to keep a royal appointment. Hannah Tausz celebrates some of the great reads from across The Commonwealth among the 70 titles selected for The Big Jubilee Read. And we return to Sarah, Duchess of York, for the Books of Your Life.

Robert Kirkwood takes us to Dumfries House in Ayrshire for the Boswell Book Festival, the world's only festival of biography and memoir. We hear from Keith Brymer Jones, host of the Great Pottery Throwdown and author of Boy in a China Shop, Katherine McInnes tells us about the Snow Widows left behind by Scott's ill-fated South Pole mission, Andrew O'Hagan talks about his book Mayflies and his old job at Blind Veterans UK, Emma Soames edits her mother's diaries for Mary Churchill's War,Giles Milton has some Fascinating Footnotes from History, Frank Skinner and Denise Mina talk about retracing Johnson and Boswell's Grand Tour of Scotland, Lady Glenconner talks about her depiction in The Crown and narrating an audiobook at 89, and we return to Keith Brymer Jones for the books of his life.

The first of our Yoto Carnegie Medal specials! Julian Sedgwick blends prose and manga to revisiting the aftermath of the Fukishima nuclear catastrophe in 'Tsunami Girl'. Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock tackles teen issues in her series of short stories 'Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town'. Manjeet Man explores the things we have in common, no matter where we come from, through her verse novel 'The Crossing'. And we return to Julian Sedgwick for The Books of Your Life.

This week, we’re focussing on blind authors: Fiona Scott-Barrett charts the journey of her book ‘The Exit Facility’ from first concept to fully accessible print and audiobook.84-year-old debut author Jill Fry describes what life was like for her as a low-vision child in her memoir ‘Born Too Soon’.Blind crime writer Mark Hardie shares some of the tricks of his trade.I dust off a gem written by a man who lost his sight when his brother shot him in the eye with an arrow!And we return to Fiona Scott-Barrett for the Books of Your Life.

Ahead of the Yoto Carnegie Medal, we will be considering how children’s books approach some of the more sensitive topics life has to offer: LD Lapinski takes us to a dark place in the final adventure with her Strangeworlds Travel Agency Kwame Alexander gets poetic as he considers bereavement in his novel 'Rebound'. Angie Thomas addresses gun violence and racism in her breath-taking debut 'The Hate U Give'. Lou Kuenzler tells us how she approached writing a story aimed at giving early years readers a better understanding of sight loss. And we return to LD Lapinski for the Books of Your Life.

We’re investigating some novels inspired by the Golden Age of Crime-writing: Louise Hare takes us onboard the Queen Mary for a transatlantic cruise with a side-order of murder, in her new book 'Miss Aldridge Regrets'. Stuart Turton blends Agatha Christie, Cluedo, Groundhog Day and Quantum Leap then lets the murder and mayhem fizz, in his dazzling debut 'The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle'. Vicki Goldie introduces us to her blind detective and reveals how he was inspired by both her husband and Agatha Christie! And we return to Louise Hare for the Books of Your Life.

This week we’ve got a crime scene special: Former CSI T Orr Munro reveals how her work in the field informed her debut thriller 'Breakneck Point'. Graeme Macrae Burnet discusses the real crime memoir that inspired him to write 'His Bloody Project'. Emma Flint re-examines the evidence in one of the most notorious unsolved crimes in American history in her novel ‘Little Deaths’. And we return to T Orr Munro for the Books of Your Life.

World War II may be over for the shop girls of Marlow’s, but as their creator Joanna Toye tells us, post-war Britain still has its battles, in 'Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls'.Children’s author Jane Clarke helps us celebrate Easter with some try-this-at-home experiments and an ostrich egg.And narrator Becky Wright reveals some of the highs and lows of her recording career.

This week there is a musical note to proceedings:As Bob Dylan turns 80, Spencer Leigh takes us back down some of the many routes taken by this most mercurial of musicians.We catch up with the Bookshop Band and hear how they condense tomes into tunes.Is it a book or an album? Well both actually; Laura Barnett discusses her multimedia novel 'Greatest Hits'.And Penny Melville-Brown helps us get in tune with Scandinavian crime fiction.

Dr Ranj Singh will talk us through his new book ‘Brain Power’. A group of RNIB Talking Book narrators including Steve Hodson will be sharing some favourite titles. And Professor Richard Wiseman will discuss the psychology of fear, and share a tip that is guaranteed to make you smile.

This week we’ve got a Mother’s Day special: Erica James examines the shift in family dynamics that occurs when children grow up and start acting like parents, in her new novel 'Mothers and Daughters'. Alex Hyde talks to Hannah Tausz about her debut novel 'Violets', a story of motherhood set at the end of World War II. Juliet Stevenson reveals why she likes nothing better than narrating a great big novel for the RNIB. And we return to Erica James for the Books of Your Life

Sophie Haydock introduces us to the four women who dared to model for controversial Austrian artist Egon Schiele in 'The Flames'. Top actor Adjoa Andoh looks back on the long and varied list of books that she has brought to life as an RNIB narrator. Best-selling author Mark Sullivan retells the story of an extraordinary escape from Ukraine during World War II. And we return to Sophie Haydock for the Books of Your Life.

Cathy Bramley explores the regenerative power of friendship and laughter in her new novel 'The Summer that Changed Us'.RNIB Publishing Relationships Manager Richard Holmes opens his Library to share some of the books that he has been enjoying.The Former Director of the British Museum reveals the inspiration behind A History of the World in 100 Objects.And we return to Cathy Bramley for the Books of Your Life.

This week we’re leafing back through the pages of historical non-fiction. Journalist and author John Carlin gives us a first-hand account of the day that South Africa had a Glimpse of Utopia Jeremy Paxman talks to Robert Kirkwood about 'Britain's Great War' Narrator Sherri Baines reveals how parliament tried to stop women getting the vote I receive a history lesson from the RNIB librarians. And Kate Summerscale shares her love of storytelling through the Books of Her Life.

We’ll be celebrating World Book Day with Lynne Livingstone and taking a look at some of the wonderful stories on offer from The RNIB Library.Paulina Kuchorew goes in search of Practical Happiness with Pamela Gail Johnson, the founder of the Society of Happy People.Onjali Q Rauf shares a right royal adventure featuring The Boy at the Back of the Class.And Jenni Murray shares the books of her life.

Dr Richard Firth-Godbehere explores 'A Human History of Emotions', and explains the role that emotions have played in shaping society. Sarah Stovell takes a wry look at the maxim that you should never criticise how 'Other Parents' bring up their kids. We meet Regina Regan, the perfect candidate to narrate Mary Berry’s autobiography! And we return to Dr Richard Firth-Godbehere for the Books of Your Life.

We take a dystopian trip to the near future with partially sighted author Fiona Scott-Barrett. The former host of Woman’s Hour, Jenni Murray discusses her book 'A History of the World in 21 Women'. We meet Becky Wright, the RNIB narrator who proves that there’s life after death in The Archers. And we return to Fiona Scott-Barrett for the Books of Your Life.

To celebrate the announcement of the winner of the 2021 Costa Book of the Year Award this week, Read On will be looking back over some of the Costa highlights from previous years, including: Our interview with Hilary Mantel when ‘Bring Up the Bodies’ won Best Novel in 2013. Ali Smith discussing her novel ‘How to Be Both’. A review of Frances Hardinge’s brilliant story for Young adults ‘The Lie Tree’. And award-winning poet J.O. Morgan on recording his epic poem ‘Assurances’ as a Talking Book. And of course we will also bring you the reaction of this year’s winner, poet Hannah Lowe, on winning this most popular of British literary awards.

In this, the second of our episodes on the Costa Book Awards, we introduce you to some of this year's winners. Claire Fuller, winner of the Novel Award, talks about 'Unsettled Ground' and the pitfalls of rural isolation. Manjeet Mann, winner of the Children's Book Award, introduces us to Natalie and Sammy, two teenagers from different sides of the world, in 'The Crossing'. And John Preston, winner of the Biography Award, unveils the complex character of media mogul Robert Maxwell in 'Fall'.

In this, the first of our episodes on the Costa Book Awards, we introduce you to some of this year's winners. Caleb Azumah Nelson, winner of the Debut Novel Award, introduces us to 'Open Water'. Hannah Lowe discusses the influence of teaching in an inner city school on her book 'The Kids', winner of the Poetry Award. We look back at last year's overall winner, Monique Roffey, with her enchanting tale 'The Mermaid of Black Conch'. And we return to Caleb Azumah Nelson for the Books of Your Life.

Maud Rowell urges us to see visual impairment differently in her new book 'Blindspot'Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger introduces us to 'The Woman at the Gates', the story of how Ukrainian resistance fighters tried to save their country from both Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany during World War II.Founder of the Happiness Institute, Meik Wiking, has some tips to brighten up the long winter nights.And we return to Maud Rowell for the Books of Your Life.

This week a snowy special: Lucy Foley takes us to the Scottish Highlands in her chilling crime thriller ‘The Hunting Party’. Robert introduces Red to a comedy classic set on the slopes of a Himalayan mountain. Sir Chris Bonington shares some of his own, real life, tales from the snowy peaks. And we discover more about another cool customer at home in winter conditions – the robin.

We look back at the Best of Read On 2021, Part 2.Helen Fisher introduces us to a terrific time-travel story with a strong and positive link to sight loss.We’ll meet down-at-heel Victorian gum-shoe William Arrowood and his creator Mick Finlay.The Blind Poet Dave Steele gives us an exclusive preview of his new series of children’s stories in verse.We’ll hear how 81-year old Ann Rachlin built a home studio to record Talking Books for the RNIB Library during lockdown.And I share an out-of-this world conversation with astronaut Tim Peake!

We bring you the Best of Read On 2021, Part 1. Costa Book of the Year Award winner Monique Roffey introduces us to The Mermaid of Black Conch. We’ll meet an extraordinary veteran of the First World War who flew a biplane to Darjeeling then set out to become the first man to conquer Everest. Kate Wilkinson takes us onto the London Underground and into the magical world of Edie and The Box of Flits. Top children’s author Jason Reynolds shares his reaction to winning the 2021 CILIP Carnegie Medal. And RNIB volunteer and blind chef Kim Jaye shares her love of reading Through the Books of Her Life.

We go back in time to uncover the untold history of the talking book and the roots of the RNIB Library. Robert Kirkwood gets a fascinating insight into the fragile history of libraries through the ages. CILIP Carnegie Medal shortlisted author Joseph Coelho discusses the vital role that libraries have played in his life. Museum expert Rachel Morris tells Robert what she found in the boxes under her bed! And we return to the authors of The Library: A Fragile History for the Books of Your Life.

Val Wood discusses her new historical romance Children of Fortune and reveals how it was shaped by lockdown.Robert Kirkwood explores a true historical crime with tartan noir author Denise Mina.I meet one of the RNIB Talking Books studio’s most prolific narrators, Jeff Harding. Robert gets a lesson in how to love animals from author Henry Mance. And we return to Val Wood for the Books of Your Life.

Anita Frank discusses her new novel 'The Return', and reflects on the changing landscape of the home front during World War II.After the success of 'The Tower' on TV, I discuss where the series goes next with its author Kate London.We meet doyen of Audio Description Di Langford and explore her history as a Talking Books narrator.And we return to Anita Frank for the Books of Your Life.

This week we’re reflecting on the regenerative power of nature. Salley Vickers discusses her new novel 'The Gardener' and how it grew out of her long affinity with trees and gardens. Environmentalist Mark Lynas gives us 'Our Final Warning' about climate change and outlines the bitter harvest we will reap if we ignore it. Ellie Marsh goes digging in the RNIB Library to bring us a crop of titles that focus on the environment. Robert Kirkwood hears about some of the highs and lows of leading a more sustainable life from drummer turned farmer Chris Stewart. And we return to Salley Vickers for the Books of Your Life.

This week we’re all at sea! I discuss a mysterious case of people who can change into seals at the full moon, with author Melanie Golding.Ellie Marsh goes behind the scenes to explore 'The North Water' with its author Ian McGuire.Robert Kirkwood drops in on the recording of 'The Shark and The Albatross' with wildlife film maker John Aitcheson.And we return to Ian McGuire for the Books of Your Life.

91-year-old author Hilma Wolitzer discusses her new collection of short stories 'Today A Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket'. Sir Derek Jacobi reflects on his long and distinguished career and reveals some studio secrets about his work as a narrator. And Robert Kingett reveals how and why he set out to compile a collection of short stories written by blind authors.

Robert Kirkwood travels to a real life book festival for the first time in a few years!Read On this week was recorded on location at the Wigtown Book Festival and features...Booker Shortlisted author Graham Macrae Burnet on his new novel, Case Study (Starts at 1.56)Comedian Robin Ince on The Importance of being Interested (11.11)Girl on the Train author, Paula Hawkins on A Slow Fire Burning; (25.53)Autograph Hunter Adam Andrusier on Two Hitlers and a Marylin (31.41)We get the Books of My Life from literary editor of the Scotsman, Stuart Kelly. (48.13)Plus as an online bonus we also get the Books oy My Life from Graham Macrae Burnet (58.20)

This week we’ve got the second of our special episodes focussing on the novels shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize. Richard Powers reveals how a '60s sci-fi classic inspired him to create his latest novel, 'Bewilderment'. Patricia Lockwood reveals her close links to sight loss, as we discuss her razor sharp novel, 'No One is Talking About This'. And we take 'A Passage North' through war-ravaged Sri Lanka with author Anuk Arudpragasam.

This week we’re taking a look at some of the novels shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize: Maggie Shipstead considers the significant role played by women in the early history of aviation in her barnstorming novel 'Great Circle'. Damon Galgut takes a wry look at life, death and the broken promise of post-Apartheid South Africa. Nadifa Mohamed transports us back to 1950s Cardiff to re-examine a notorious miscarriage of justice. And we return to Maggie Shipstead for the Books of Her Life.

Alison MacLeod reimagines the circumstances surrounding the writing and suppression of 'Lady Chatterley’s Lover'. We celebrate National Poetry Day with a world exclusive from The Blind Poet. Lisa Hall takes us to Britain’s most haunted village and introduces us to 'The Woman In the Woods'. And we return to Alison MacLeod for the Books of Your Life.

Award-winning author Shirley Mann reveals how moved she was by the reaction of an RNIB Library customer to one of her novels. Loyal listener Penny Melville-Brown reviews some cat-and-mouse thrillers from the other side of the Atlantic. Paralympic gold medallist Libby Clegg discusses her book, 'My Life with Hattie, A Dog who knows Everything'. And we return to Shirley Mann for the Books of Your Life.