Read On - The Audiobook Show from RNIB

World Book Day on 5 March 2020 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 13 titles available in audio (DAISY CD) and braille. Robert Kirkwood finds out what books are available, for free, from RNIB Library. Organised by UNESCO, World Book Day is marked in more than 100 countries around the world, with 2020 being the 23rd year of celebrations. RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999 RNIB and World Book Day (https://www.rnib.org.uk/reading-services/world-book-day-2020)

This week we talk to the winner of the Costa Book of the Year, Jack Fairweather (Starts at 1.00) We celebrate the publication of ‘Kika and Me: How One Extraordinary Guide Dog Changed My Life’ we have an in-depth conversation with Dr Amit Patel - the other half of a winning team. (10.00) And to keep Kika happy Robert Kirkwood chases up some of the other shaggy dog stories in the RNIB Library (39.30) Then a return to Amit Patel for the Books of his Life. (50.50)

This week, Author Preti Taneja re-imagines King Lear in modern-day India. (Starts at 1.02) Narrator David Monteach recalls some of the terrific titles he has turned into Talking Books. (19.22) We celebrate Valentine’s Day with Francesca Segal - author of ‘The Innocents’ and daughter of the man who wrote ‘Love Story’. (31.10) And a return to Preti Taneja for the books of her life. (47.30)

Holly Kyte introduces us to the Roaring Girls – eight women who broke the mold and paved the way for modern feminism. (Starts at 1.10) Ursula and Alasdair Buchan describe the recording of ‘Beyond The Thirty-nine Steps: a biography of the father of the modern thriller. (17.00) Jeremy Paxman reveals a family tie to World War 1 that compelled him to write his book ‘Great Britain’s Great War’. (28.10) Bringing us right up to date, blogger Holly Tuke reviews ‘It’s Not What It Looks Like’ by YouTube sensation Molly Burke. (42.50) Find Holly at Life of A Blind Girl (https://lifeofablindgirl.com/) And a return to Holly Kyte for the books of her life. (49.15)

Natalie Haynes explores the enduring appeal of Greek and Roman myth and launches her new novel ‘A Thousand Ships’. (Starts at 1.08) Jonathan Coe reveals how the characters of ‘The Rotters Club’ have responded to Brexit. (19.45) Red Szell reviews 'Fifty Days That Changed The World'. (36.00) The winner of the Costa Book of the Year Award. (44.10 - Full interview next week) And the author of ‘The Belfry Witches’ conjures up the books of her life. (47.17)

This week, the Costa Book Award Winners in four categories Sara Collins talks to Robert Kirkwood about her debut novel, ‘The Confessions of Frannie Langton’ (Starts at 1.55) Jack Fairweather reveals the untold story of ‘The Volunteer’ who infiltrated Auschwitz. (17.35) Jasbiner Bilan takes Red Szell on a Himalayan quest with ‘Asha and the Spirit Bird’. (32.45) Poet Mary Jean Chan on her collection, Fleche. (41.15) And we return to Sara Collins for the books of her life (50.10) (We'll have Jonathan Coe next week!)

Ade Adepitan discusses wheelchair basketball, The London Paralympics and his new book - ‘CyborgCat and the Night Spider’. Emma Heatherington blends cosy romance with harsh reality in her most latest novel ‘Rewrite The Stars’. And, it started with a Tweet: the poet laureate of Twitter, Brian Bilston, gives his reaction to being shortlisted for The Costa First Novel Award.

Beth O'Leary talks about her best-selling and award winning debut, 'The Flat Share' (Starts at 1.34) Limmy talks about his autobiography, 'Surprisingly Down to Earth and Very Funny' (13.13) Ursula Buchan chats about 'Beyond the 39 Steps: A Life of John Buchan' (34.04) Chigozie Obioma give us the (never before heard) Books of His Life (52.00)

A little bonus chat from Robert and Red (that was supposed to be 5 minutes but ended up at almost 13) wishing you a Happy New Year, chatting about the show, some favourite interviews and a couple of behind the scenes stories.

In an hour long special, John le Carré talks about his life and work, Brexit, his confidence trickster father, and much more. This longer version contains around 10 extra minutes that were cut for broadcast.