For a solo hobby, reading can also be quite a social activity. in fact, many of us love talking about books as much as we love reading them, which helps explain why book podcasts are so plentiful. But despite all the options, the book podcast genre is hungry for innovation. the author interviews, while inspiring, quickly become repetitive. and many shows feature the same guests promoting the same books. To remedy this, some podcasts start with a tantalizing conceit: book fights! desert island novels!—but these ideas often turn out to be tricks. others, just boring. Just as reading shouldn’t be a chore, neither should listening to a podcast.
Instead of dwelling on tired formats, we should tune in to shows that make us excited to read. Plus, book podcasts allow us to peek into other people’s shelves, creating a sense of community with readers we might never otherwise meet. what better way to find your next great read? With all of that in mind, here are the best book podcasts to get you excited about reading.
You are reading: Podcast that read books
book riot: the podcast
Book podcasts tend to have two main problems: on the one hand, they can be confusing and unfocused; on the other, they can be so specific that their discussions become dry. book riot: The podcast avoids both of these pitfalls, which makes me wonder why so many other shows have the wrong formula. perhaps the answer lies in experience. The show is hosted by the editors of Book Riot, a couple who clearly distinguish their Cusk from their Chbosky. Drawing on their knowledge of the industry, Book Riot approaches their topic through engaging and expansive conversation. each episode explores a variety of topics, digesting books and literary media with a dose of skepticism, intelligence, and irony.
borrowed
borrowed, despite its name, feels original. many public libraries now have their own podcasts. many of them are excellent, like the ones at nypl. borrowed, by the brooklyn public library, does things a little differently. the show has moved away from interviews and book reviews to offer stories coming from its local community, stories like the history of black women’s suffrage, why brooklyn produces so many great writers, and stories from the library itself, asking that question that we have all done. I was dying to have answered: “what do librarians do all day?” You don’t have to live in Brooklyn to enjoy borrowed books, as each episode comes with its own curated book list, making the show not only entertaining, but also a great resource as we wait for libraries to reopen. .
newcomer
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Hosted by writer Adam Vitcavage, the Debutiful Books Podcast is a show that celebrates the weird, exciting, and often terrifying experience of being a debut novelist. listening to an interview with an author still wet is a rewarding experience. Sure, there will be those pearls of wisdom that only come from writers who have been at work for decades, but these newcomers add an essential perspective to contemporary fiction. fresh voices like brandon taylor, cherie jones and zak salhi remind us that great new talent emerges every day. vitcavage is a presenter who believes in his show, making debutiful a witty and rewarding passion project.
educated black girl
glory edim is always looking for a good story. Her book club, Black Girl Well Read, started in 2015 and has since grown into a book, online community, and podcast. the tone? this is a show for women writers of color, seeking to raise their voices, publicize their work, and dissect their practices. oh, and he also wants to inspire the next generation. It seems like a lot to accomplish in one show, but Edim takes it in stride. What makes an educated black girl a great listener is Edim’s thought-provoking questions. you will not find a superfluous word in his delivery. this, combined with an excellent guest list, makes for an excellent podcast that will likely go far.
The New Yorker: Fiction
The New Yorker: Fiction Podcast features a monthly reading and conversation with some of the most recognizable, exciting and successful writers working today. Interviewed by the magazine’s own fiction editor, Deborah Treisman, each guest reads a piece of prose, usually a short story, by another author previously published in The New Yorker. this podcast seamlessly blends discussion with an exploration of the magazine’s vast archive, providing an enjoyable glimpse into how writers inspire each other with their work.
npr’s book of the day
npr’s book of the day is a daily program focused on the latest novels, poetry collections, and children’s books, delivering inspiring conversations in the time it takes to drink your morning coffee. the podcast does not discriminate genders either. they are considered nonfiction, science fiction, and fantasy books, allowing the listener (read: me) to expand their literary horizons. As is typical of npr, production is smooth. softer, even, than your average roast. If you feel overwhelmed by the pace of our world, the Book of the Day is a welcome addition to a slower morning routine.
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books & goofy
books & boba sets the standard for how to run a book club via podcast: consistently great content, enthusiastic hosts, and a diverse reading list. Based in California, hosts Marvin Yueh and Reera Yoo focus on books by Asian and Asian-American authors, but their choice of genre is broad and inclusive. its scope includes science fiction and fantasy, historical fiction, and contemporary literature. its monthly episodes are interspersed with news updates and author talks, but at the heart of the show are interesting and nuanced discussions of the novels. And let’s be honest, that’s why we signed up for book clubs in the first place.
small atoms
little atoms started as a radio show in 2005. it was a small production done in a small studio about an indian takeaway restaurant in london. Although, sixteen years later, the show has become an informed and successful podcast, Little Atoms is still a delight. With nearly seven hundred episodes, the show demonstrates all the strengths of an independent press by responding quickly to developments in literary culture. His interviews are diverse and include big names and new writers, both fiction and non-fiction. little atoms crosses genres, making each episode open in an exciting and unpredictable way, just the way I like my writing.
book fight
A self-described “tough love of literature,” I’d say Book Fight cuts no corners, but the hosts would probably comment on my use of the cliché. Hosts Mike Ingram and Tom McAllister are happy to give critiques, giving examples from essays, classic literature, and the occasional contemporary novel for their literary takes. their comments are constructive and, no doubt, often justified. His examination of the legacy of David Foster Wallace is the highlight of his compelling creative nonfiction season, a great example of content that appeals to readers and writers alike. Book Fight has created a community of active listeners by inviting their audience to respond with their own critiques, a welcome inclusion on the show, if only for comments like this: “I don’t agree with everything Mike and Tom say. .. but the opinions are thoughtful, entertaining, and often funny.”
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alice florence orr is a podcast review staff writer based in edinburgh. her work has appeared in scottish review, like the wind, and nomad journal. you can connect with her on twitter or instagram.
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