Podcasts have become a major part of our daily lives, offering content on everything from entertainment to education. For book lovers, the world of podcasts is rich with discussions about literature, author interviews, book recommendations, and more. Whether you’re looking to discover new reads, explore in-depth book analyses, or just enjoy light-hearted conversations about literature, there’s a book-related podcast out there for you. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the best book-related podcasts that every reader should tune into.
Content Table
- Why Book-Related Podcasts are a Must-Listen for Readers
- 1. The Book Review (The New York Times)
- 2. What Should I Read Next?
- 3. Literary Disco
- 4. Reading Women
- 5. LeVar Burton Reads
- 6. The Stacks
- 7. All the Books!
- 8. The Guardian Books Podcast
- 9. Book Riot: The Podcast
- 10. Smart Podcast, Trashy Books
- 11. By the Book
- 12. Books Unbound
- Conclusion
Why Book-Related Podcasts are a Must-Listen for Readers
Before we dive into specific podcasts, let’s talk about why these shows are essential for book lovers.
- Discover New Books: Book-related podcasts often feature recommendations that range from bestsellers to hidden gems, helping you expand your reading list.
- Deep-Dive into Literature: These shows provide thoughtful discussions on themes, characters, and settings that can deepen your understanding of your favorite books.
- Author Interviews: Many podcasts feature interviews with authors, offering insight into their writing process, inspiration, and upcoming projects.
- Community Building: Listening to book-related podcasts helps you feel connected to a larger community of readers who share your passion for literature.
Now, let’s explore the best book-related podcasts that should be on every reader’s playlist.
1. The Book Review (The New York Times)
If you’re looking for a podcast that offers insightful and well-researched discussions about books, The Book Review from The New York Times is a must-listen. Hosted by The New York Times Book Review Editor, Pamela Paul, this podcast covers a wide range of literary genres. From interviews with best-selling authors to discussions about the latest book trends, it offers something for every type of reader.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- In-depth discussions with authors, critics, and reviewers.
- Regularly updated with new episodes that cover the latest in the literary world.
- Offers both critical reviews and light-hearted discussions on books.
2. What Should I Read Next?
Hosted by Anne Bogel, What Should I Read Next? is perfect for readers who are always on the lookout for their next great book. In each episode, Bogel invites a guest to discuss their reading preferences and then provides personalized book recommendations based on their literary tastes. This podcast offers a broad selection of book genres and can help listeners expand their reading horizons.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- Personalized book recommendations tailored to guests’ preferences.
- A wide range of book genres are discussed, from historical fiction to sci-fi and fantasy.
- Bogel’s conversational style makes for easy, enjoyable listening.
3. Literary Disco
If you enjoy fun and energetic discussions about books, Literary Disco is the podcast for you. Hosted by writers Tod Goldberg, Julia Pistell, and Ryder Carroll, this show features lively conversations about everything from classic novels to contemporary bestsellers. The hosts are passionate and unfiltered, offering honest and engaging opinions on a wide range of literary works.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- Hilarious and candid discussions that make literary analysis fun.
- Covers a diverse selection of books, from obscure titles to well-known classics.
- Perfect for readers who enjoy lively debates and different perspectives.
4. Reading Women
Reading Women is a podcast that focuses on female authors and women’s experiences in literature. Hosted by Kendra Winchester and Sumaiyya Naseem, the show aims to amplify the voices of women writers and provide thoughtful discussions about their works. Each episode often revolves around a theme, whether it’s women in history, feminist literature, or women of color in publishing.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- Focuses exclusively on books by female authors.
- Highlights marginalized voices, offering perspectives that are often overlooked.
- Offers insightful conversations about gender, identity, and representation in literature.
5. LeVar Burton Reads
For fans of audiobooks, LeVar Burton Reads offers a unique twist on the traditional podcast format. Each episode features LeVar Burton reading a different short story, often by emerging or underrepresented authors. Burton’s soothing voice and expert narration make this podcast feel like an intimate storytime session, perfect for winding down after a long day.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- High-quality storytelling with Burton’s signature narration.
- Features a wide variety of genres, from sci-fi and fantasy to literary fiction.
- Showcases lesser-known authors, making it a great way to discover new voices.
6. The Stacks
The Stacks, hosted by Traci Thomas, is a dynamic podcast that blends book discussions with social and cultural commentary. Thomas invites guests from all walks of life to talk about the books that have shaped their worldview. Episodes range from in-depth book reviews to conversations about how literature intersects with issues like race, identity, and politics.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- Thoughtful discussions on how literature connects with real-world issues.
- Guest-driven format with engaging interviews and diverse perspectives.
- A focus on books by authors of color, offering a rich, inclusive reading experience.
7. All the Books!
For readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest releases, All the Books! is the perfect podcast. Hosted by Liberty Hardy and Rebecca Schinsky, this show focuses on new book releases, offering recommendations across a variety of genres. Each week, Hardy and Schinsky discuss the most exciting upcoming titles, helping you stay ahead of the literary curve.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- A fantastic resource for discovering new and upcoming releases.
- Covers a broad range of genres, from fiction and nonfiction to YA and sci-fi.
- Engaging, fast-paced discussions that get straight to the point.
8. The Guardian Books Podcast
Produced by The Guardian, this podcast features interviews with leading authors, discussions about the latest literary trends, and coverage of major book events. Whether you’re looking for deep-dive interviews or thought-provoking conversations about the future of publishing, The Guardian Books Podcast offers intelligent, well-rounded episodes that are perfect for book lovers.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- In-depth, intelligent conversations with prominent authors and literary figures.
- Coverage of major literary events like book festivals and award shows.
- Offers insights into the latest trends in the publishing world.
9. Book Riot: The Podcast
Book Riot is one of the most popular online communities for book lovers, and their podcast is just as engaging. Hosted by Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky, Book Riot: The Podcast offers news, opinions, and analysis on everything happening in the world of books and reading. The hosts cover a wide range of topics, including new releases, book industry news, and reading culture.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- A comprehensive resource for staying updated on the latest in the book world.
- Features book news, trends, and thoughtful commentary on literary culture.
- Perfect for readers who love staying in the loop with industry updates.
10. Smart Podcast, Trashy Books
If you’re a fan of romance novels, Smart Podcast, Trashy Books is the podcast for you. Hosted by Sarah Wendell, this show offers humorous and thoughtful discussions about romance novels, including recommendations, reviews, and interviews with authors. The podcast explores everything from the appeal of specific romance tropes to the intricacies of romance writing.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- Focuses exclusively on the romance genre, which is often underrepresented in literary discussions.
- Offers a mix of light-hearted and analytical discussions about romance novels.
- Features fun interviews with romance authors and experts in the genre.
11. By the Book
By the Book is a unique podcast that blends self-help with literary discussion. Hosts Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer live by the rules of a different self-help book every two weeks and then discuss their experiences. The podcast provides a hilarious and often insightful look at how self-help literature can (or cannot) impact our lives.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- A unique podcast that combines self-help and book discussion.
- Hilarious and relatable as the hosts experiment with various self-help methods.
- Offers a fresh perspective on self-help books, going beyond just reviews.
12. Books Unbound
Books Unbound is a podcast hosted by two bookish friends, Ariel Bissett and Raeleen Lemay, who love nothing more than chatting about books. Each episode features casual, friendly discussions about recent reads, book recommendations, and other literary topics. With a light-hearted tone, this podcast is great for readers looking for bookish camaraderie.
Why It’s a Must-Listen:
- Fun and casual discussions that feel like chatting with fellow book lovers.
- Focuses on a wide variety of genres and types of literature.
- The hosts’ chemistry makes for an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Conclusion
Book-related podcasts provide an excellent way for readers to discover new books, enjoy engaging literary discussions, and connect with the wider reading community. Whether you’re looking for deep dives into specific genres, candid author interviews, or just some light-hearted bookish banter, there’s a podcast on this list that will appeal to you.
So, next time you’re commuting, exercising, or just relaxing, plug into one of these top book-related podcasts and let the literary conversations enrich your day.
