I have quite the variety of podcasts I listen to (seriously, there is no algorithm that could ever anticipate what might interest me next) and, the least shocking to anyone, is among them I’ve amassed quite a list of book podcasts/literary podcasts in that rotation.
I have a good mix of podcasts about books (like book recommendations and reviews) as well as podcasts for book lovers that interview different authors of books or talk about other literary things and issues.
I have some that talk widely and eclectically across genres and some that are more specific genre book podcasts — honestly it really reflects how wide my book tastes are.
So if you are a book lover looking to add some new book-related podcasts to the mix — check out this list of my favorite & (imo) best book podcasts about books and the literary life that will really enhance your reading life, help you find new books to read and fuel your love of books and literature.
Best Book Podcasts For Readers
What Should I Read Next?
Best for: readers who have eclectic tastes and want thoughtful recommendations
Anne Bogel’s What Should I Read Next? is one of the best book podcasts on this list, truly. It’s popular but it still remains an absolute gem. I get oodles of book recommendations from her and I absolutely LOVE how she recommends books and the format of the episodes.
She talks to authors, book people and just everyday readers and my favorite episodes are the ones when she is talking to everyday readers to help them figure out what to read next based on what books they’ve enjoyed and what they are looking for/not looking for.
I get great recommendation from the guest but then Anne herself. She has this knack for truly pulling out great recommendations by really listening and understanding what someone loved about a book.
I also love that I think so thoughtfully about my reading life and what I want to read when I listen to this podcast. (Not shocked because her reading journal is one of the best reading journals out there and makes you really think thoughtfully about your reading life).
The Stacks
Best for: readers who love non-fiction and literary fiction especially books that explore race, politics, culture and other social issues
Traci always has the most interesting guests! I always find books that I wouldn’t have otherwise picked up or maybe wouldn’t have come across but find myself so interested in them based on the conversations Traci has with the author about their book, the author themselves or themes in their books. I also love her book club episodes where she talks about a specific book.
There’s such thought-provoking and powerful conversations — always so interesting! Listening always reminds me how much books shape us, move us and just how much they mean in general for society in a variety of ways.
Book Talk, Etc.
Best for: readers who are looking for straight-up book recommendations and love perusing themed book lists for potential reads
I started listening to this because Tina and I have followed one another for years on Bookstagram and I really enjoy her book taste. I just love the conversational nature and the chemistry between Tina and Renee and they give really solid book recommendations.
While they talk widely about books old and new, they do talk a lot on new releases (have a monthly segment each month) and do a lot of book talks on a theme which is fun.
Most of the time it’s just the two of them but sometimes they do have guests!
Sarah’s Bookshelves Live
Best for: a good mix of book-related talk/interviews and recommendations
Another fellow book person I’ve followed on the internet for a long time and whose recommendations are top tier!
Sarah typically has a guest (author, publishing professional, other book people) and they will talk about a subject — maybe a genre or another book-related topic — and then in every episode her guest gives some book recommendations: 2 backlist books they loved, 2 new books they loved, 1 they didn’t and one they are excited about.
Her interviews with authors are some of my favorite — she asks such great questions that lead to interesting conversation!
(one of my random book-related dreams is to get on this podcast!)
Currently Reading podcast
Best for: book recommendations & general readerly talk
Friends discussing what they are currently reading/read recently (spoiler-free!) and other general book talk! Seriously, have a notebook handy for all the great recommendations you will come across (if you have similar book taste to them that is — which I do).
Smart Podcast, Trashy Books
Best for: readers of romance books and rom-coms
I’ve been a fan of the Smart Bitches, Trashy Books blog since at least 2010 and I enjoy listening to Sarah on the podcast!
From book talks about specific romance books or general recommendations, interviewing romance authors to talking about the romance genre and industry as a whole — there is so much to listen to here.
I often skip the writing-centric episodes because I have no plans to be an author but I don’t miss any of the others.
It’s a lot of fun and I’m always getting great romance recs and be introduced to romance authors I hadn’t heard of. Especially since I’ve been following the blog for so long, it feels like listening to an old friend!
Book Off!
Best for: people who love a mix of interesting conversations with authors as well as really well pitched book recommendations
I just adore this new-to-me book podcast. The host features two authors each episode and they talk about their books a bit and books/reading/writing in general. Always smart and interesting conversations with some authors I really love!
But my favorite part of each episode is towards the ending.and then each other faces off to give a book recommendation and “sell” it to the host and he picks which one was the winning pitch out of the two recommendations.
Fated Mates
Best for: people who love romance and discussing the genre’s ins-and-outs
I adore Sarah MacLean’s romance novels and her creating a podcast with romance critic, Jen, is the best thing that ever happened to me. If anyone has ever shamed you for loving romance, this podcast will serve for just how wrong they are about the genre and remind you why it is brilliant (if you even needed that!).
Great guests, smart and hilarious discussions, a plethora of book recs — it’s definitely one of the top romance book podcasts!
Lit Society
Best for: people looking for deep dives of one book each episode
These life-long friends, Alexis and Kari, are my new favorite listen and definitely an underrated pick on this list. I enjoy the ease and flow of their book conversations. They have SUCH a good mix of books and I really love listening to every episode. Always honest and I trust their recs.
I typically don’t listen to book podcast episodes of books I read (unless it was super recent!) but these two will make me listen to every episode.
Their podcast focuses on one book per episode and it’s a great way to get a good recommendation,, reminisce about a book you’ve read or move a book on your TBR list up (or down).
A recent fave that I’m really enjoyed
The Readerly Report
I just started listening and going through back episodes of this podcast — only to realize I’ve followed Nicole for years and didn’t even know about this endeavor of hers!
Really enjoying it. I’ve only listened to a few episodes so far but I can see it sneaking up in my rotation as I catch up. A nice mix of recommendations, reading/book lover talk and more! I’m loving the themed book recommendations especially!
I’d love to hear what literature podcasts you can’t miss an episode of! Do you listen to any of these?
Liz says
You should check out Shit She Read. Its a millennial woman re-reading books that came out when we were younger and discussing them. They cover a lot of Judy Blume, Sweet Valley High, Baby Sitters Club etc. Lots of time other authors are her guests!
Jamie says
Ooh this sounds so up my alley! Thanks for the rec!
Molly @ Molly's Book Nook says
You know, I never listen to bookish podcasts! I love podcasts but mostly true crime and political ones hahah I’ll have to check some of these out! Thanks for the list 🙂
Jamie says
What are your fave true crime ones?
Mia says
I might be biased but… Reading Through Life is a fun podcast that my best friend and I host. 🙂
Jamie says
Will check it out!!