Robin Kall is the creator and host of Reading with Robin, a RI radio talk show that airs on WHJJ 920AM and is devoted to authors, readers, and the books they love. The show was launched in November of 2002 with an entertaining and lively look at the books and topics about which people are talking. Listeners are invited to call in with comments and questions for the day’s guest and to participate in contests where the prizes are…you guessed it…sought-after books.
Some of her memorable guests include: Adriana Trigiani, Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Weiner, Alice Hoffman, David Baldacci, Claire Cook, Tom Perrotta, Jane Green, Chris Bohjalian, Caroline Leavitt, Courtney Sullivan, Khaled Hosseini and Ann Hood, Gary David Goldberg and Henry Winkler.
Robin has always been active in the community and has been attracted most to those activities that involve reading. As a volunteer at Women & Infants Hospital of RI, she was a member of the auxiliary who worked on their first Storybook Ball in the 80s, and its Festival of Authors. She organized Moses Brown School book fairs that brought in leading children’s authors, and initiated the Reading Circle at Temple Beth El in Providence, and a mother/daughter book club with friends in the community. The 2nd Monday night book club has been added into the mix of book-related activities and is a perfect example of “never say never” as Robin was sure she’d never have enough reading time for another book club. (She often doesn’t) A frequent speaker at many library events, women’s groups and a guest at many book clubs across the state are also on Robin’s reading radar.
She has served on the Board of Directors of Reading Across Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Center for the Book. Robin was an Honorable co- Chair for years 2008 and 2010 when authors Sara Gruen- Water for Elephants and Annie Barrows – The Guernsey and Literary Potato Peel Pie Society were the honorees. June of 2010 brought authors Jill Zarin (Real Housewives of New York) Lisa Wexler (host, The Lisa Wexler radio show) and their mom, Gloria Kamen to RI for a sell-out author event for Secrets of a Jewish Mother, which Robin co-chaired for the Jewish Federation of RI.
Close to Robin’s heart is her involvement in The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Listeners and friends have come out to make the “Walking with Robin” team one of the top fundraising efforts in 2003-10 and are looking forward to an even bigger 2011! Robin was the state emcee for the 2004 kick-off event as well as the 2007 Pacesetter kick-off event emcee. The 2006 Walking With Robin team was highlighted on a special ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer poster, which included her personal story. In her effort to raise money and awareness for the Walk each year Robin hosts a highly anticipated author event each fall. Past attendees include: Jennifer Weiner, Claire Cook, Jane Green, Ann Hood, Tom Perrotta, Courtney Sullivan and Elin Hilderbrand.
Robin’s weekly column, “Well-Read” www.golocalprov.com appears on Tuesdays and true to its name, is being enjoyed by many each week. Robin shares books, authors, events and subjects, which surround the book world. She also shares her favorite titles along with the “back-stories” of the authors and interesting insider tidbits.
Robin, her husband Burt and their dog, Aristotle (Ari) make their home in East Greenwich, R.I. Robin’s adult children don’t live too far and often come home to walk their dog. While her family has a lot of diverse interests, everyone enjoys reading and all are enthusiastic supporters of her book-related endeavors.