Use an app instead of a receiver
Radio Talking Book is not just for listeners with visual disabilities. It can be an asset for people whose disabilities limit hand movements, making it difficult to read a book.
The sampling published monthly in Access Press doesn’t represent the full array of programming. Many more programs and books are available.
The service has phased out its longtime receivers. Enjoy programming anytime and anywhere on a hand-held mobile device, for either iOS or Android. Just visit the Apple App Store for iOS, or Google Play for Android, and download the Minnesota Radio Talking Book app. It’s quick, it’s easy, and provides a convenient way to tune in wherever and whenever.
Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available for loan through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. The catalog is at www.mnbtbl.org, click on the link Search the Library Catalog. Call the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library at 800-722-0550, Mon-Fri, 9 am – 4 pm CST for details. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books via an inter-library loan by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.
To find more information about Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network events go to the Facebook site, Minnesota Radio Talking Book. Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline. Register for the NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.
The NFB-NEWSLINE service provides access to more than 500 magazines and newspapers, plus information on COVID-19 in the “Breaking News” section. To learn more, visit www.nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline.
Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate
Listen to RTB’s live or archived programs online at www.mnssb.org/rtb
Chautauqua
Monday – Friday 6 a.m.
The Happiness Effect, nonfiction by Donna Freitas, 2017. Social media has become a dominant force in people’s lives. But many believe it has magnified something else: the need to appear happy. Read by Mary Hall. Thirteen broadcasts; begins Mon, Sept. 6. – L
Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist, nonfiction by Paul Kingsnorth, 2017. Green activist Paul Kingsnorth believes the environmental movement has gone wrong, and advocates instead for “uncivilization.” Read by Mike Piscitelli. 11 broadcasts; begins Thu, Sept. 23.
Past is Prologue
Monday – Friday 11 a.m.
The Age of Acrimony – Nonfiction by Jon Grinspan, 2021. Think present-day politics are bad? They’re child’s play compared to the half-century after the Civil War, says historian Jon Grinspan. Read by John Potts. 13 broadcasts; begins Mon, Sept. 13. – L
Angels in the Sky, nonfiction by Robert Gandt, 2017. Volunteer airmen from around the world fought for Israel during its war of independence, risking their lives for a righteous cause. Read by Marylyn Burridge. Fifteen broadcasts; begins Thu, Sept. 30.
Bookworm
Monday – Friday noon
House of Gold, fiction by Natasha Solomons, 2018. The Goldbaum family had wealth and power throughout Europe in the early 20th century. But all that would change with the shifting times. Read by Pat Muir. 17 broadcasts; begins Mon, Sept. 13.
The Writer’s Voice
Monday – Friday 1 p.m.
Good Things Happen to People You Hate, nonfiction by Rebecca Fishbein, 2019. Humorist Rebecca Fishbein shares anecdotes of her life’s struggles, inspiring a spirit of resilience. Read by Karen Ray. Seven broadcasts; begins Thursday, September 30. – L
Choice Reading
Monday – Friday 2 p.m.
A Lucky Man, fiction by Jamel Brinkley, 2018. Fathers and sons salvage relationships with their friends and family members, to confront past mistakes. Each focuses on the past to sort through what got them to the present. Read by Don Gerlach. 11 broadcasts begins Wed, Sept. 15.
The Lioness of Morocco, fiction by Julia Drosten, 2017. In 1830s London, marriage was Sibylla’s ticket to freedom and travel – until her new husband’s dark dealings threaten her family’s safety. Read by Esmé Evans. 14 broadcasts; begins Thu, Sept. 30.
Afternoon Report
Monday – Friday 4 p.m.
Bending Toward Justice, nonfiction by Sen. Doug Jones and Greg Truman, 2019. Former US Attorney Doug Jones chronicles his case against Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church bombers. Read by Mike Casper. 15 broadcasts; begins Mon, Sept. 13.
Night Journey
Monday – Friday 7 p.m.
Twelve Angry Librarians, fiction by Miranda James, 2017. College librarian Charlie Harris is known for long walks with his cat Diesel. But when his nemesis is found dead, can he and Diesel clear his name? Read by Diane Ladenson. Seven broadcasts, begins Thu, Sept. 16. – L, V
Another Kind of Eden, fiction by James Lee Burke, 2021. Aaron Broussard wants to publish a novel, convince the woman he loves to marry him, and earn enough money to live. But he knows that when in a rage he will find it hard to stop until someone, maybe himself, is dead. Read by Tom Speich. Seven broadcasts; begins Mon, Sept. 27. – L
Off the Shelf
Monday – Friday 8 p.m.
The One Real Thing, fiction by Samantha Young, 2016. A doctor in a woman’s prison discovers 40-year-old love letters and sets out to deliver them. Read by Anne Obst. Twelve broadcasts; begins Mon, Sept. 20. – L, S
Potpourri
Monday – Friday 9 p.m.
A Change Is Gonna Come, nonfiction by Brian F. Harrison, 2016. We can’t change everyone, but Brian F. Harrison teaches us how to persuade the persuadable. This is for people willing to have the conversations that might change the world. Read by Michele Potts. Six broadcasts; begins Mon, Sept. 6.
Who Says You’re Dead?, nonfiction by Jacob M. Appel, 2019. How would you act when facing medical cases that raise serious ethical concerns? Read by Yelva Lynfield. 11 broadcasts; begins Tue, Sept. 14.
Good Night Owl
Monday – Friday 10 p.m.
Oddjobs, fiction by Heide Goody and Iain Grant, 2016. Even while aliens prepare to destroy the Earth, a young woman still must complete the government paperwork. Read by John Holden. Twelve broadcasts; begins Mon, Sept. 20. – L, V
RTB After Hours
Monday – Friday 11 p.m.
Among the Survivors, fiction by Ann Z. Leventhal, 2017. Raised to always fear what might happen next, Karla tries taking risks that lead her to a more satisfying life. Read by Jodi Lindskog. Ten broadcasts; begins Thu, Sept. 2. – L, S
Same Beach, Next Year, fiction by Dorothea Benton Frank, 2017. Two couples begin a friendship one summer that will last more than twenty years and transform their lives with unexpected attractions. Read by Sue McDonald. 11 broadcasts, begins Thu, Sept. 16. – L, S
Weekend Program Books
Your Personal World. 1 p.m. Sat, presents The Handbook for Bad Days by Eveline Helmink (L); followed by The In-Betweens by Mira Ptacin (L), both read by Beverly Burchett.
Rated R, 11 p.m. Sat, presents Cheaters Always Win by J.M. Fenster (L), read by Scott McKinney.
For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz, read by Michelle Juntunen.
Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents Advice from the Lights by Stephen Burt, read by Laura Rohlik; followed by Palominos Near Tuba City by Denise Sweet, read by Michele Potts.
The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents The I-35W Bridge Collapse by Kimberly J. Brown, read by Jim Gregorich.
All times listed are Central Standard Time.
Abbreviations V – violent content, R – racial epithets, L – strong language, G – gory descriptions, S – sexual situation