

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

Mar 30, 2024 • 56min
Autobiography Trivia with Aamer Khan
On today's episode: One of the beautiful things about audiobooks is the flexibility they give us. If you’re reading a print book, you just sit there and look down at your book. With an audiobook, on the other hand, you have both your hands available and you’re free to walk around and do whatever you want while you listen. We want to discuss how we use that extra flexibility. Plus, Aamer Kahn, our very own audiobook curator, prepared an autobiography trivia game for us.
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

Mar 23, 2024 • 54min
Autobiography of Malcolm X & Rapid Fire Reviews with Karoline Bourdeau
On today's episode: How much do we really know about the people who've shifted and coloured our histories?We review The Autobiography of Malcolm X, written by American Minister Malcolm X in collaboration with American journalist Alex Haley, narrated by the incredibly performative Laurence Fishburne.Plus, stepping up to the plate for this week's Rapid Fire Review is community member and friend Karoline Bourdeau, who hits us with five very different books with five very intriguing titles.Our conversation with Karoline touches on the difficult choices made by Muslim women living in North America around their bodies and their relationships, as well as our own stories of losing touch with people who've left significant marks in our lives.
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

Mar 16, 2024 • 56min
"Archer's Voice" a Small-Town Romance Review & Rapid Fire Reviews with Greg David
On today's episode: Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan is a New York Times best-selling romance novel about the healing and transformative power of love. Seeing as romance is not one of Ramya and I’s typical go-to genres, this ended up being a very different listening experience for us. Alia Abdel-Majid, who initially brought our attention to this one, is with us today for an honest, in-depth review. If you recognize that family name, that’s because she’s none other than our technical producer, Nisreen Abdel-Majid’s sisterAnd later, Rapid Fire Review veteran Greg David is back to show us all how RFR is done.
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

Mar 9, 2024 • 54min
Book Sales Trends & AI Narrated Audiobooks
On today's episode: Dissecting book sales trends doesn’t just concern the capitalists. It’s also relevant to those of us who love to inspect the deeper implications. Sometimes there’s a direct correlation between the newest sales trends and notable societal changes but often, it leaves us scratching our heads.Karen McKay and Theresa Power from CELA are here to help us analyze the sales data from 2022 to 2023.Plus, Sara Hillis joins us in the second half to share with us her findings on AI-narrated audiobooks.
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

Mar 2, 2024 • 56min
The Benefits of Audiobooks & Rapid-Fire Reviews with Ted Cooper
On today's episode: Listening to an audiobook, as opposed to reading it in print, is a different experience. Not better or worse, just different. But how exactly does it differ? And how does that change the way we appreciate the story? Yes, we’re not done talking about this.Plus, later, Ted Cooper is here for Rapid-Fire review.
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

Feb 24, 2024 • 56min
Is Listening to Audiobooks the Same as Reading?
On today's episode: Did you read a book if you listened to the audiobook version? If you research this question online, you’ll find all sorts of opinion pieces, message boards, and social media posts that make it clear that people have strong feelings on both sides.Why is this such a contentious issue? Why is this seemingly innocuous question always striking such a nerve? There’s a lot at play here and we’re here to talk about it. Plus, later Ammer Khan, our very own audiobook curator is with us with this month’s batch of specially curated titles, just for you. That’s in the second half of the show.
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

Feb 17, 2024 • 55min
Silly, Ridiculous and Cringy Book Titles
On today's episode: First impressions matter, and the title of an audiobook is more than likely going to be the first thing you’ll react to when coming across a potential next read. Sometimes that title is intriguing. Sometimes it’s confusing. Sometimes it sounds dumb as hell. The point is, that titles matter, and we’re prepared to break it down for you. We also have a list of silly, ridiculous, and cringy book titles.Plus, in the second half of the episode, we ask ourselves: is listening to a book the same as reading print?
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

Feb 10, 2024 • 54min
The Popularity of Romantasy + Celebrity Narrators
On today's episode: The Romantasy genre has blown up in the past few years and Booktok is responsible. What is it about this genre that’s made it so irresistible to its ravenous fanbase? What’s the appeal? Why is it blowing up now? And how does Booktok wield so much influence? Karen McKay and Theresa Power of CELA are here to help us answer these questions.
Plus, in the second half of the show, Sarah Hillis joins us to discuss the merits and pitfalls of celebrity narrators. 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.ca
About AMI
AMI 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.ca
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Feb 3, 2024 • 56min
Episode 125: Behind the Scenes of Audiobooks
On today's episode:
We’ve spoken in the past about the huge role audiobook producers have over the final product of a project.
So many small decisions on their part come together to shape what we end up spending hours eagerly consuming.
Our guest this week, Caleb Stoll, is the technical director of the audiobook program at Penguin Random House Canada.
He’s involved in many of the stages of production for the audiobooks they produce out of their studios in Toronto.
From the technical aspects of sound recording, engineering sessions and directing narrators,
Caleb is well placed to shine some light on the behind the scenes of the audio book world. 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.ca
About AMI
AMI 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.ca
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Jan 27, 2024 • 55min
Episode 124: The Art of Book Recommendations
A huge part of living the audio bookworm lifestyle is constantly seeking out your next read. That means taking tons of recommendations, be it from websites, close friends or coworkers. That said, not all recommendations are made equal.
What is it that makes us take recommendations seriously? And how can we do better the next time we recommend an audiobook to our friends?
Today we’re talking about the art of the book recommendation, and what better person to have for this discussion than our very own Audiobook curator, Aamer Khan?
A little later, we’ll also get to the book club’s input on this topic. 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.ca
About AMI
AMI 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.ca
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc