Episode 1 - Treasure Island

“Kia ora and welcome to Dear Reader, the show where we explore the stories that we should read at least once in our lives!

I’m your host, Tracy. Like many people I know, I read lots of books as a child and at school. Then as university, life and parenthood came along, the time to read for pleasure was very limited. So now, I am on a mission to rectify that situation and discover classic books that I should have read by now. I am a lifelong bibliophile and would like to think that this podcast could encourage more people to love books.

Each week, I’ll provide a spoiler free review of the book, explore the life of the author and the world when the book was published. I’ll offer my reflections, a fun quiz, and a bookshelf‑level rating to help you decide if it deserves a place on your shelf.

“Today we’re setting sail with one of the most famous adventure stories ever written: Treasure Island written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1883.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

RSS Feed Apple Podcasts Spotify

About the Podcast

Dear Reader

“Welcome to Dear Reader — the podcast where we rediscover the classics we probably should’ve read by now.”

Podcast show trailer Welcome to Dear Reader, the podcast where I finally read the classics we all meant to get to. I’m Tracy, and each week I’ll take you on a spoiler-free journey through a well-loved book — exploring the story, the author behind it, and the time it was written. We’ll reflect on why it still matters today, and whether it’s worth adding to your own reading list. Season 1 consists of 10 episodes. Some books, like Pride and Prejudice and Little Women, are old favourites I’m revisiting with fresh eyes. But most — like Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers, The Jungle Book, The Secret Garden, The Road to Wigan Pier, Beowulf, and The Hobbit — are completely new to me. And for a special Christmas episode, we’ll unwrap A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Each episode includes a quick book overview, a peek into the author’s life, a look at the world they were writing in, and a few thoughts on how the story still speaks to us today. There’s even a fun quiz at the end — and I’d love for you to play along. So whether you’re catching up on the classics or discovering them for the first time, Dear Reader is your invitation to read along, reflect, and rediscover the stories that shaped us.

About your host

Tracy Fleming

Tracy Fleming is the founder of Flaming Allatt Productions, a new creative media venture launched after more than two decades in the white‑collar industry. In a new chapter, she now channels her skills into podcasting, storytelling, and design. Tracy writes, hosts, and produces four distinct shows—Learn to Fly, The Rewind Sessions, Beyond the Records, and Dear Reader—each blending heritage, pop culture, and community connection. With a passion for music nostalgia, family history, and inclusive education, she crafts engaging audio experiences that invite listeners to learn, laugh, and reflect while celebrating the stories that shape us.