Podcasting 101

10 Podcasts About Books for the Curious Book Lovers

By Dear Media | December 18, 2024

If there’s one thing you can count on from us here at Dear Media, it’s that we’re ALWAYS down to listen to a podcast. It’s our favorite form of media, after all!

Podcasts are a great way to boost your brain and your learning, work on self-improvement, get new information, and expand your knowledge on everything from current events to personal development. If you’re as obsessed with the written word as we are, then you must know there are few better ways for book lovers to discover new books than through the power of podcasts. Whether you’re a voracious reader or simply looking for your next great read, there’s something out there that will stir your intellectual curiosity and make you want to add exciting new titles to your TBR pile.

Today, we’re thrilled to bring together a curated roundup of the top must-listens in literary podcasts that’ll whisk you away into a thrilling world of literature, widen your horizons, and fire up that book love. Whether you want smart book reviews, charismatic interviews with authors, or boisterous book club discussions, there’s something here for every curious bookworm.

So, get your coziest blanket out, pour yourself a steaming cup of tea, and get ready to add some fascinating new titles to your reading list!

What Are The Best Podcasts About Books?

NPR’s Book of the Day

This show, from NPR, showcases a range of today’s great writings, from thought-provoking nonfiction to imaginative fiction and true page-turners. Whatever you’re in the mood for, this show has something to get the interest of every book lover.

With a team of talented hosts from NPR, each episode of the podcast is a 15-minute overview of a recently published title to help listeners find their next great read. The show spans everything from popular new releases to under-the-radar gems in genres including science, fiction, fantasy, romance, and more.

One of the standout aspects of NPR’s Book of the Day is how their picks often engage in deeper themes they can then explore the societal relevance of. The hosts don’t just summarize the plots; they have the authors engage them in thought-provoking conversations that reveal the inspirations, insights, and important questions underlying each work.

For instance, in one episode, comedian Kashana Cauley talked about her method of marrying comedy and tragedy in her novel “The Survivalists,” a doomsday prepper novel that examines the world through the lenses of race and racism in America. Another episode had author Ann Napolitano discussing how her novel, “Hello Beautiful” explores the themes of family, sisterhood, and generational trauma.

The Readheads Book Club Podcast

The Readheads Book Club is a podcast for lovers of books and the great experience that involves being able to listen in and engage with the world of podcasts. From host Jackie Oshry of The Morning Toast, joined by her best friends, Margo, Dana, Jackie, and Becky, it’s a monthly podcast that creates an amazing journey through different literary genres.

Each episode focuses on a new book, handpicked by one of the hosts so that every installment can brings something different to the table. From thought-provoking literary fiction to captivating thrillers and imaginative fantasy, the Readheads take on all with their signature mix of enthusiasm, insightful analysis, and dynamic banter.

The podcast feels like you’re in a real-life book club with your friends, as the hosts catch up first on their personal lives and then dive head-first into a more in-depth discussion regarding the featured title. The group, helmed by charismatic Jackie, delves deep into the plot, the character development, and deeper, underlying themes, offering up opinions that are uniquely theirs, not without disagreement.

From the great imaginary worlds of “The Midnight Library,” to the unraveling mystery of “The It Girl,” and the enthralling historical tapestry of “Code Name Hélène,” the Readheads Book Club has something for every literary lover. With infectious energy, great insights, and a willingness to take on both classics and less well-known treasures, this podcast is a true delight for book lovers of all stripes.

The London Review Podcast

The LRB Podcast, brought to you by Europe’s leading magazine of culture and ideas, the London Review of Books, offers a rich tapestry of weekly conversations that dives deep into the literary and intellectual spheres.

Presented by the LRB’s Thomas Jones and Malin Hay, with guest appearances from the magazine’s US editor Adam Shatz, along with a stellar list of contributors including Meehan Crist, Rosemary Hill, and many others, this podcast takes listeners to an unparalleled level of insight and analysis.

Recent episodes have covered everything from the complex legacy of psychoanalyst Masud Khan to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. “Saving Masud Khan” is a rebroadcast of a 2001 piece that gives a bewildering and disastrous portrait of this tumultuous career, read with compelling intensity by Duncan Wilkins.

The podcast also veers into popular culture, as it does in the episode “On Lisa Marie Presley,” where host Thomas Jones and guest Jessica discuss the ambivalent relationship the late Presley had with her extraordinary, often unwanted fame.

From in-depth explanations of intellectual developments in the Early Modern era to explaining the modern legacy of trendsetting African writer Binyavanga Wainaina, every podcast from the LRB is guaranteed to stir up your thinking and maybe even leave you seeing the world a little differently.

Shelf Indulgence

For the avid readers of Burton-on-Trent, Micro Brew Radio’s Shelf Indulgence podcast is a must-listen. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Jim and Wendy, this show takes listeners on a delightful deep dive into the world of literature, exploring a wide range of genres and authors.

Whether you’re into sprawling fantasy universes, white-knuckle crime thrillers, or intellectually stimulating fiction, Shelf Indulgence has something that will pique the interest of every book lover. In each episode, Jim and Wendy engage in lively discussions, sharing their personal takes and offering insightful analyses that will have you scrambling to add new titles to your ever-growing reading list.

Recent episodes have included: the art of world-building in fiction; nuanced adaptations of Harlan Coben’s novels; and the year in review of literary highlights for 2023. In a particularly engrossing episode, “Literary Worlds,” Jim and Wendy took a deep dive into worlds created by various authors and what makes for an immersive experience when reading.

Listeners can also expect seasonal indulgence, such as when the duo explores Agatha Christie’s classic mysteries over the holiday season. The Shelf Indulgence podcasts, however, are more than an avenue to review books; they are a toast to the power of stories and communities that thrive along every word written.

Maris Kreizman’s The Maris Review

Then, of course, there’s “The Maris Review” with Maris Kreizman, the noted cultural critic and bestselling author of Slaughterhouse 90210, in which she dishes out daily book recommendations, behind-the-scenes peeks, and so much more.

With years in the book industry, Kreizman brings a unique perspective and impeccable taste to every episode of The Maris Review, making it feel like a cozy chat with your most well-read friend. Whether she’s discussing the latest must-read releases, dissecting publishing scandals, or shining a spotlight on literary gems from the backlist, Kreizman’s engaging personality and genuine passion for books are palpable throughout.

Our Recommendations:

Aparna Nancherla on her new memoir, Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Imposter Syndrome – Maris Kreizman talks to the comedian about her honest and hilarious exploration of imposter syndrome.
Chloé Cooper Jones on her debut memoir, Easy Beauty – Kreizman discusses this Pulitzer Prize-finalist’s powerful and introspective work on disability, identity, and the human experience.

In addition to insightful book recommendations, Kreizman uses The Maris Review to weigh in on publishing industry trends, dole out personalized recommendations for paid subscribers, and even indulge in a bit of literary-themed silliness. Be you a voracious reader or just beginning to cut your teeth in the world of books, if you want an engaging, authoritative, and delightfully entertaining guide through the literary landscape, this podcast is unmissable.

Book Fight Podcast

Book Fight is an excellent podcast in which writers Tom McAllister and Mike Ingram have honest discussions about books, writing, and the world of literature. Both authors and long-time editors for the nonprofit literary magazine and book publisher Barrelhouse, they bring a wealth of knowledge and a refreshingly candid perspective to the podcast.

Each episode tackles everything from detailed discussions of books and authors to more general conversations about the craft of writing and what goes on behind the scenes in publishing. Some recent highlights have included:

“The Pink Panther“: In this episode, the guys wrap up their noir-themed season with a discussion on the 1963 Peter Sellers film and the noir/detective genre at large. They reflect on what they learned from diving deep into the world of noir and discuss their favorite books of the season.

“Nadira Goffe on Blacktop Wasteland“: The hosts are joined by culture writer Nadira Goffe to discuss S.A. Cosby’s Black, Southern noir novel, using car-chase sequences and metaphors in the genre.

“Daniel DiFranco on Do Evil in Return“: Novelist and high school teacher Daniel DiFranco on Margaret Millar’s noir novel, getting into camp and seriousness but mainly trying to explore the plot and the building to an end.

Beyond the main podcast, Book Fight also offers bonus episodes for its Patreon subscribers, providing an even deeper dive into the world of books and writing. Whether you’re an aspiring author, an avid reader, or simply curious about the literary landscape, the Book Fight podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and business of storytelling.

The Book Review Podcast

Simply named, The Book Review podcast, hosted by Gilbert Cruz, Books editor of The New York Times, is an infectiously engaging and comprehensive look into the world of books and literature. As the official podcast from the renowned New York Times Book Review, this podcast gives listeners an insider’s perspective on new literature releases, bestsellers, and the evolving art of publishing.

Every week, in-depth conversations with top authors, critics, and the editor of the Book Review. Recent guests include:

“21st Century Books Special Edition: Isabel Wilkerson on ‘The Warmth of Other Suns‘ – The Times’ project “100 Best Books of the 21st Century” continues with an interview by host Gilbert Cruz of Isabel Wilkerson, whose seminal work “The Warmth of Other Suns” told the story of the Great Migration of African-Americans from the South to the North.

“Book Club: ‘My Brilliant Friend,’ by Elena Ferrante” Editors MJ Franklin, Joumana Khatib, Emily Eakin, and Gregory Cowles on the first novel in Elena Ferrante’s beloved Neapolitan quartet, chosen as the best book of the 21st century so far by the Times.

“21st Century Books Special Edition: Jennifer Egan on ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad” – Another installment in the “100 Best Books” series, this episode features Jennifer Egan discussing her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the music industry.

The Book Review podcast encompasses a wide-ranging array of genres-from fiction and nonfiction to poetry, classic literature, and academic works. One should expect a great discussion where deeper themes and cultural significance are reviewed for the books, as well as the personal and creative insights from guests.

The New Yorker: Fiction Podcast

This podcast is a riveting monthly series of readings and discussions by known writers of short stories from the magazine’s deep archives. The series is hosted by Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker’s fiction editor, who provides an unparalleled opportunity for audiences to experience and understand literary fiction.

Each episode features a different guest author who selects and reads aloud a short story that has previously appeared in The New Yorker. Following the reading, Treisman and the author engage in a thought-provoking discussion, exploring the nuances, themes, and inspirations behind the chosen work.

Recent highlights include:

The range of authors and stories published on the podcast is a testament to the breadth and depth of The New Yorker’s fiction. Listeners can expect to hear everything from the experimental and avant-garde to the classic and beloved.

The Backlisted Podcast

For readers looking for an entertaining and intellectual podcast, Backlisted is a must-have. Hosted by the incomparable double act of John Mitchinson and Andy Miller, this podcast on books will lead listeners through the rich tapestry of classic and forgotten works of fiction.

Where most book-based podcasts just review and recommend new releases, Backlisted digs deeper into the back catalog to root out lost gems and rediscover the timelessness of old books. On every episode, there’s a lively discussion with a special guest who joins the hosts in making a case for why this one book needs a new lease on life.

From taking deep dives into the hard-boiled world of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon with crime novelist Mark Billingham to unraveling intrigue and historical importance in Giordano Bruno and the Embassy Affair by John Bossy with critics Suzi Feay and Stephanie Merritt, the Backlisted team brings their infectious enthusiasm and formidable literary expertise to every conversation.

Books & Boba

For those seeking to expand their view on new pieces of literature, there’s an incredibly lively world in the hands of Asian and Asian-American writers that has just created a perfect place within Books & Boba. It’s produced and managed by an energetic host who gets on to review numerous different varieties such as historical fiction, graphic novels, philosophical science fiction, and great thrilling reads.

Books & Boba is deeply invested in giving a voice to voices that are under-represented and shining light on the richness and diversity that exists within Asian and Asian-American experiences in literature. Each episode showcases engaging interviews with authors, granting listeners a unique opportunity to experience the creative processes, inspirations, and personal narratives shaping such remarkable works of literature firsthand.

But Books & Boba is more than an author conversation platform. It also doubles as a rather lively book club, in which the hosts choose a different title every month for their audience to read and discuss. Lively group discussions not only delve into the plot lines and themes of the featured books but also examine the broader sociocultural implications and how these stories resonate with readers of diverse backgrounds.

It also keeps its listeners updated with the latest news and developments within the publishing world, ensuring that its audience is on par with the ever-changing landscape of Asian and Asian-American literary successes. From award-winning releases to emerging new voices, Books & Boba is a trusted guide through the rich tapestry of recommendations it curates for its devoted following.

Are There Any Podcasts That Read Books?

Of course! Besides the great book-centered podcasts we already mentioned, there are a few great shows that move the experience of listening a step further by actually reading and discussing books chapter by chapter.

The iconic example that comes to mind is the aforementioned The New Yorker: Fiction podcast, hosted by the incomparable Deborah Treisman. It invites renowned authors to read and discuss some short stories from the magazine’s back issues intensely and insightfully.

Some other podcasts that read books include

“The Librarian Is In” by The New York Public Library: This podcast features librarians reading excerpts from various books and discussing the content.

“LeVar Burton Reads“: Actor LeVar Burton, who hosted the classic children’s show “Reading Rainbow,” reads short stories and excerpts from books on this podcast.

“Book Riot: The Podcast“: Although not full-book reading, this podcast of the Book Riot team has a lot of summaries of books, recommendations, and discussions.

Podcasts about books are what every bookworm needs!

There you have it, besties! All the best podcasts about books in one place, just for you. Be it to discover new authors, to rediscover the ones you grew up reading, or simply to bask in the joy of literature, these “read-along” style podcasts are a true treasure trove for the curious book lover.

We love sharing with you our favorite podcasts, and, believe us, we’re far from done. If you’re like us and you just CAN’T get enough, check out our Dear Media list of shows. You can also go here for more podcast recommendations:

Happy listening, fellow bookworms! May these podcasts transport you to different worlds and inspire your next great read.