21 Best Podcasts About Books
The worlds of books and bookish discussions are vast and endlessly fascinating. There's something truly special about getting lost in a story, exploring new ideas, and connecting with characters that feel so real. But equally captivating is the act of talking about books – dissecting themes, debating interpretations, and sharing the joy of reading with others. These two experiences, reading and discussing, complement each other beautifully, enriching our understanding and appreciation of literature. While book clubs offer a fantastic avenue for in-depth conversations, sometimes we crave insights beyond our immediate circle.
This is where the magic of book podcasts comes in. They bridge the gap between solitary reading and communal discussion, offering a unique way to engage with books even when you're on the go. Whether you're curious about a newly released novel, seeking recommendations for your next read, or simply want to delve deeper into the works of your favorite authors, book podcasts offer a treasure trove of information and entertainment. They can give you a feel for a book's plot and themes without giving away major spoilers, introduce you to diverse perspectives on literature, and even provide fascinating background on the authors themselves. Listening to experts and fellow book lovers discuss their passions can spark new interests, expand your literary horizons, and reignite your love for reading.
So, if you're a bookworm looking for your next literary fix, or simply someone who enjoys a good conversation about all things bookish, you've come to the right place. Today, I'm sharing a round-up of some of the very best podcasts that talk about books. From author interviews and in-depth analyses to lighthearted discussions and reading recommendations, there's something here for every type of reader. Get ready to tune in, discover your next favorite podcast, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of books!
I want to note that I do not get paid to do these posts, I just love authors and the book industry. However, they do take time and energy to create. If you want to donate a few dollars to my coffee fund, which keeps this blog going, you can do so here: https://venmo.com/AshleyHasty or here: http://paypal.me/hastybooklist.
21 Best Podcasts About Books
Beyond simply listing the best podcasts, I'll also be exploring the fascinating relationship between listening to podcasts and reading books. We'll delve into the unique strengths of each medium, examining how the experience of listening to someone discuss a book differs from the act of reading it yourself. Understanding these nuances can help you appreciate the value that podcasts bring to the literary landscape. Perhaps you'll discover that podcasts are the perfect complement to your reading habits, offering a new dimension to your engagement with books. Or maybe you'll find that podcasts are a great way to "read" books when you don't have the time to sit down with a physical copy. By understanding the interplay between these two forms of media, you can maximize your enjoyment of both and discover new ways to connect with the stories and ideas you love.
Is Listening To Podcast Like Reading A Book?
Listening to a podcast about a book is not the same as reading the book itself, though it can offer a complementary experience. They are distinct activities with different strengths and limitations. Here's a breakdown:
Reading a Book:
Direct Engagement with the Text: Reading allows for a direct, unmediated connection with the author's words. You control the pace, re-read passages, and form your own interpretations without external influence (except perhaps from your own prior knowledge and biases).
Active Cognitive Processing: Reading is an active process that requires focus and engagement. You decode words, construct meaning, visualize scenes, and analyze information, which strengthens cognitive skills like comprehension, critical thinking, and memory.
Personal Interpretation: Reading is a deeply personal experience. Your individual background, experiences, and emotions shape your understanding of the text, leading to unique interpretations.
Sensory Experience: The tactile feel of a book, the visual layout of the text, and even the smell of the pages can contribute to the reading experience.
Control and Flexibility: You can read anywhere, anytime, at your own pace. You can pause, rewind, and reread as needed.
Listening to a Podcast about a Book:
Indirect Engagement: You're experiencing the book through someone else's lens – the host, the author, or a guest. Their interpretations and opinions are filtered through their own experiences and perspectives.
Passive Reception (Mostly): While you still need to pay attention, listening is generally a more passive activity than reading. You're less likely to engage in deep analysis unless the podcast specifically prompts it.
Shared Experience: Podcasts can foster a sense of community, connecting you with other listeners who share similar interests. You might gain insights and perspectives you hadn't considered on your own.
Accessibility: Podcasts can be consumed while multitasking – commuting, exercising, doing chores, etc. They can also be more accessible for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
Different Focus: Podcasts might focus on specific aspects of the book, such as the author's life, the historical context, or a particular theme. They might not cover the entire book in detail.
Entertainment Value: Many book podcasts prioritize entertainment, using engaging discussions, interviews, and storytelling to make the experience enjoyable.
Key Differences Summarized:
Level of Control: Reading offers significantly more control over the pace and interpretation.
Cognitive Engagement: Reading is typically a more active cognitive process.
Personal vs. Shared Experience: Reading is primarily a solitary activity, while podcasts offer a shared experience.
Accessibility: Podcasts can be more accessible in certain situations.
Focus: Podcasts might narrow their focus to specific aspects of a book.
Can Podcasts Enhance the Reading Experience?
Absolutely! Podcasts can be a fantastic complement to reading. They can:
Provide context: Offer background information about the author, the book's creation, or its historical setting.
Spark discussion: Introduce different interpretations and perspectives, enriching your own understanding.
Introduce you to new books: Help you discover authors and genres you might not have encountered otherwise.
Offer a different perspective: Hearing someone else's thoughts can challenge your own assumptions and lead to new insights.
In conclusion: Listening to a podcast about a book is a valuable activity in its own right, but it's not a substitute for reading the book itself. Think of it as a different, complementary way to engage with literature. Both reading and podcast listening offer unique benefits, and together, they can create a richer and more fulfilling experience.
What Are The Best Podcasts On Books?
Check out this list of book recommendation podcasts.
General Bookish/Literary Podcasts:
Backlisted
Backlisted is a literary podcast hosted by John Mitchinson and Andy Miller that celebrates overlooked and forgotten books. Each episode explores a different "backlisted" title, spanning various genres and eras, with insightful commentary and enthusiastic discussions, often featuring guest contributors. The podcast champions hidden literary gems, introducing listeners to fascinating and underappreciated works they might otherwise miss.
The New Yorker: Fiction Podcast
A monthly reading and conversation with The New Yorker’s fiction editor, Deborah Treisman.
Book Riot Podcast
Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky of Book Riot cover the latest books, from new releases and adaptations to industry news. As North America's largest independent book site, Book Riot offers diverse content, including podcasts, newsletters, and more for readers of all genres.
The New York Times Book Reviews Podcast
Host Gilbert Cruz and New York Times Book Review editors discuss the week’s top books, literary news, and reading trends with leading authors and critics. Available on NYT Audio, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Literary Hub Podcast
A weekly deep dive into the fascinating, dynamic, and unexpected sides of literary culture, featuring Lit Hub staff, columnists, and special guests. Hosted by Drew Broussard.
Poured Over (Barnes & Noble)
Poured Over is the podcast for readers who love details, obsess over stories and characters, and ask big questions—just like host Miwa Messer, a lifelong bookseller and passionate reader. Tune in for insightful conversations, unexpected twists, plenty of laughs, and standout book recommendations from bestselling authors and rising stars. New episodes drop Tuesdays and Thursdays, with occasional bonus episodes on Saturdays.
Reading Glasses
Join Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara each week for tips on improving your reading life! They share advice on tackling TBR piles, organizing bookshelves, reviewing reading gadgets, and solving bookish dilemmas—all with a fun, lighthearted twist. Perfect for book lovers of all kinds!
Genre-Specific Podcasts:
The History of Literatur
Join amateur enthusiast Jacke Wilson as he explores the history of literature, from ancient epics to modern classics. Episodes aren't in chronological order, so feel free to dive in at any point!
The Sword and Laser
Join the Sword and Laser book club for readers who want to dive deep into classic sci-fi and the latest in gritty fantasy. Subscribe for lively book discussions, author interviews, genre news, and must-read releases!
Fated Mates
Fated Mates, the top romance novel podcast, is co-hosted by bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop. Each week, they dive into romance novel read-alongs and engaging discussions, celebrating the genre as a powerful tool in challenging the patriarchy—no kink-shaming allowed.
Crime Time FM
In Person with Paul, hosted by Paul Burke, and On the Sofa with Victoria, hosted by bestselling thriller author Victoria Selman, bring you regular crime, thriller, and mystery interviews, features, and reviews. Heads Together is a monthly magazine-style chat show featuring Paul, Victoria, and Crime Time editor/Financial Times crime critic Barry Forshaw.
YA Book Chat
Love reading YA books? Whether you're in the target age group or just enjoy the genre, this podcast is for you! Join Leah Stuhler and her friends as they dive into your favorite YA books and authors. Each episode starts with a spoiler-free discussion, followed by a warning before we enter the spoiler zone. I'll also feature special episodes with interviews from YA authors.
Author Interview Podcasts:
Fully Booked by Kirkus Reviews
Get the inside scoop on the best new books with the editors at Kirkus Reviews. They interview top authors, review bestseller list titles, share behind-the-scenes insights, and introduce you to hidden literary gems you might otherwise miss.
Bad on Paper
Join Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter every Wednesday for a lively mix of books, banter, and inspiring interviews with incredible women.
Between The Covers
Between the Covers, a literary radio show and podcast hosted by David Naimon, is presented by Tin House. Known for its in-depth, long-form interviews, it has been recognized by The Guardian, Book Riot, The Financial Times, and BuzzFeed as one of the top book podcasts for writers and readers.
Book Fight
Book Fight started in 2012 when Mike asked Tom if he wanted to do a podcast about books, writing, and the challenges of the literary world. Although Tom initially didn’t know what a podcast was, the show has since evolved into a more professional production while keeping its original spirit of humor, friendship, and honesty. Each episode features a guest author who selects a book, essay, or short story that has taught them something valuable, sparking wide-ranging and unpredictable discussions, with a predictable Lightning Round in every episode.
Smart Podcast, Trashy Books
Each week on Smart Podcast, Trashy Books, Sarah Wendell interviews authors, readers, reviewers, bloggers, editors, librarians, and other publishing professionals about the world of romance novels, one of the most popular genres in fiction. Topics cover the changing landscape of romance novels, the people who read and create them, and common issues among romance readers. Plus, they share book recommendations that they're currently enjoying.
Podcasts for Authors
Best of Book Marketing
The Book Marketing Podcast, hosted by Lainey Cameron and Paulette Stout, explores what's worth your time, what's just hype, and the valuable lessons fellow authors have learned on their journeys.
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
New podcast episodes are released every Monday, featuring interviews, inspiration, and insights on writing and the business of being an author.
Writing Excuses
Join Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler as they explore writing techniques in a fast-paced weekly podcast about the craft and business of writing.
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
Each week, host Kelton Reid talks with acclaimed writers about how they keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer's block.
What Makes a Podcast Unique?
Several factors contribute to a podcast's uniqueness:
Host Personality and Chemistry: The hosts' personalities and their dynamic with each other can greatly impact the listening experience.
Content Focus: Some podcasts specialize in a particular genre or theme, while others offer a broader range of topics.
Format: Podcasts can vary in format, from interviews and discussions to readings and reviews.
Production Quality: Sound quality, editing, and overall production value can enhance the listening experience.
Community Engagement: Some podcasts foster a strong sense of community by interacting with listeners on social media or hosting live events.
This is just a small sampling of the many great book podcasts available. I recommend exploring different podcasts to find the ones that best suit your interests and preferences. Happy listening!
