Newstalk has launched the Eason Book Club in association with The Pat Kenny Show - a monthly book club segment which aims to get Newstalk listeners reading and engaging with great books.

Each book will be reviewed by a panel made up of former Fianna Fáil TD and author Mary O'Rourke, singer songwriter Brian Kennedy and Rory Cowan, star of 'Mrs Brown's Boys.'

On the first Monday of every month, Pat and his panel will select a Book of the Month from a shortlist of four recommended books provided by Eason.

Newstalk listeners will be encouraged to read the book and tune in later in the month for the review.

In the last week of every month the panel will return to discuss the book on air and engage in a lively debate on the characters and themes of the chosen book.

Commenting at the announcement, Pat Kenny said, "I'm delighted to launch the Eason Book Club and to announce our diverse panel of literature enthusiasts. My goal for this book club is to recommend brilliant reads and facilitate thought-provoking discussion and debate and I've no doubt that our panel will have strong and entertaining opinions each month."

"Book clubs are on the rise among groups of friends and reading enthusiasts all over the country and this taps into this growing phenomenon."

Brendan Corbett, group Head of marketing at Eason said, "Our customers are always asking us for book recommendations and the Eason Book Club gives us the opportunity to share our favourites every month from the popular to the critically acclaimed, across all genres and for all ages."

"We are delighted to partner with the Pat Kenny Show and Newstalk - we know that Pat and his team, like us at Eason, are avid readers and passionate about books and this will make for great radio for all the book lovers amongst his listeners."

The first Book of the Month is 'Villa America' and will be reviewed on The Pat Kenny Show on Thursday April 30th.