

AMI Audiobook Review
Accessible Media Inc.
Hosted by Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan, AMI Audiobook Review is THE go-to show for all things Audiobooks. With a focus on curation and audiobook reviews, you're guaranteed to find your next favourite listen.
Our steady rotation of regular contributors and special guests will keep you on your toes, ensuring that no perspective is left unexplored and that you leave with plenty of witty banter for your next book club meeting.
Our steady rotation of regular contributors and special guests will keep you on your toes, ensuring that no perspective is left unexplored and that you leave with plenty of witty banter for your next book club meeting.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 24, 2025 • 27min
Book Review: “Not Quite Dead Yet” by Holly Jackson
Holly Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, is back with a twisty thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder. While this is Jackson’s first novel for adults, Sara Hillis seems to think it reads more like a young adult thriller. Do you agree? Listen in as Jacob Shymanski and Sara weigh in with their opinions on “Not Quite Dead Yet.”
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 23, 2025 • 28min
Disability Portrayal in Literature Part Two: In Conversation with Red Széll
Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll continue their conversation on authentic portrayals of disability in fictional literature. They explore issues of stereotypical tropes and Flanderization for characters. Plus, they discuss the importance of disability research and character development within a story.Books mentioned in this episode include:• “Molly the Maid” series by Nita Prose• “The Color of Bee Larkham's Murder” by Sarah J. Harris• Joe Abercrombie’s book “Best Served Cold” - “friendly” character• “All the Light we Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 17, 2025 • 28min
From Baseball to Politics: Rapid Fire Review with Jeff Rainey
In this rapid-fire review, Jacob Shymanski and Jeff Rainey explore five titles that have an eclectic blend from baseball to politics and biographies. The baseball angle I know you’ve sort of done before but it actually works great for two reasons: Jeff’s rapid-fire picks are: • “Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home” by Tom Wilson • “Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life” by Andrew Lawton • “Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s” by Dan Epstein• “Home Games: Two Baseball Wives Speak Out” by Bobbie Bouton and Nancy Marshall • “The Best Team Money Can Buy: The Los Angeles Dodgers' Wild Struggle to Build a Baseball Powerhouse” by Molly Knight Other books referenced in this episode include: • “Ball Four” by Jim Bouton • “Ripper: The Making of Pierre Poilievre” by Mark Bourrie • “Values: Building a Better World for All” by Mark Carney • “The Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays: A Curated History of the Jays” by Keegan Matheson
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 16, 2025 • 28min
Classic Book Review: "A Song of Ice and Fire"
In this classic throwback, Jacob Shymanski and Aamer Khan review George R. R. Martin’s 1996 fantasy novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” which includes “A Game of Thrones.” They break down the pros and cons of the book including its multiple plotlines, slow pace and world building. Plus, they consider how HBO’s television adaptation of the series stacks up.
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 10, 2025 • 28min
A Tale of Biological Marvels: Review of “The Ocean's Menagerie” by Drew Harvell
"The Ocean's Menagerie” is a science and nature book by marine ecologist Dr. Drew Harvell. The book explores the science of the world’s most remarkable creatures and the need to protect its ancient ecosystems. Jacob Shymanski and Danielle McLaughlin share their favourite takeaways from the book and offer their honest opinions on its peculiar writing style. Books mentioned in this episode include: “I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life” by Ed Yong
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 9, 2025 • 28min
Disability Portrayal in Literature: In Conversation with Red Széll
When was the last time you encountered a character with a disability in a book? Were they accurately portrayed? Jacob Shymanski chats with Red Széll about the importance of disability portrayal in literature. They start off by exploring some of the worst examples and explain why bad depiction is harmful. They also dive into some good examples of healthy portrayal and discuss how disability traits can make characters more distinctive and memorable to the reader.
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 1, 2025 • 27min
Self-control: A Review of “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins
You can’t control others, but you can control how you respond. This is the concept behind Mel Robbins’ New York Times bestseller “The Let Them Theory.”Jacob Shymanski and Karoline Bourdeau give their honest review of the self-help book and share their takeaways.
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Jul 30, 2025 • 29min
Suburban Thriller: A Review of Megan Abbott’s “El Dorado Drive”
Megan Abbott’s “El Dorado Drive” follows three once-wealthy sisters in suburban Detroit who become entangled in “The Wheel,” a secretive women-only financial scheme that spirals into betrayal, desperation, and murder. Jacob Shymanski and Sarah Hillis review this suspenseful thriller.
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Jul 25, 2025 • 29min
The 7 A’s of Vision Loss: Victoria Nolan Discusses Her New Book “Refocus”
Refocus is an essential guide designed to empower people experiencing vision loss to live happy and successful lives through the seven A’s.Co-author and Paralympian Victoria Nolan breaks down the guide with Jacob Shymanski. Together they explore the implications and positivity of living with vision loss.
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Jul 23, 2025 • 29min
Memorable Characters: The Best & Worst with Red Szell
Does plot propel characters or do characters propel the plot? Jacob Shymanski and Red Szell discuss the most memorable characters in books and describe why they are so important to driving a story. They also dive into the best genres that develop strong characters.Characters and books referenced in this episode include:• Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle• Holden Caulfield by J.D. Salinger's in “The Catcher in the Rye”• James Bond by Ian Fleming• George Smiley by John le Carré• Frodo Baggins and Gollum in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” and The Hobbit”• Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple by Agatha Christie• All the characters in the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling• Willy Wonka by Roald Dahl• Frankenstein’s Monster by Mary Shelley
AMI Audiobook Review is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes three new podcast episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Follow AMI Audiobook Review on YouTube & Instagram!We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: audiobookreview@ami.caAbout AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc