Once upon a time, in a realm where dragons slept on bookshelves and wizards went to war for power, there lived a powerful reader, always in search of the best book podcasts. And so the masters of podcasting granted them their wish, publishing this article about the 11 powerful podcasts about books that could cast a reading spell with a single listen.
Sorry, wrong tale, dear reader! Looks like we got carried away, but don’t close the book just yet: your quest is just beginning! Here are 11 book podcasts to enchant your ears and warm your heart!
1. Overdue
If you want to feel smarter, laugh harder, and enjoy real dramatics and banter, Overdue is the book podcast you’re looking for. The authentic and fun conversations between the two hosts make you feel like you are listening to your close friends at 3 AM. From Fight Club to Fourth Wing, Andrew and Craig make sure they do their research on every book, actually read it, and deliver the most entertaining review full of personality and inside jokes.
2. Literary Quest
Epic fantasy audiobook and podcast enthusiasts looking to bury themselves in a world full of dragons, swords, mysterious strangers, court schemes, bloody roses, and creatures yet unknown to men will find their next favorite read in every episode of this podcast. It covers a wide range of fantasy novels, from popular series to lesser-known gems. However, beware, my friend, for spoilers lurk within, but if you're bold, don’t hesitate, proceed. See? That rhymed!
3. Kingcast
Stephen King fans are going to have a blast with this one, since ladies and gents, here comes a podcast with everything King-related. Just by listening to the creative, most ideal intro of this podcast, you’ll find yourself immersed in the legendary author’s dark fantasies and psychological suspense. In every episode, the true King devotee hosts Eric Vespe and Anthony Breznican discuss King’s books with new guests. Spoiler alert: They even have an interview podcast with the actor of Pennywise, aka Bill Skarsgard, and the legendary narrator of Stephen King’s audiobooks, a true artist, Willem Defoe.
4. Books & Boba
There are many book podcasts out there, but not much about celebrating Asian and Asian American authors. Luckily, this podcast exists! If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of Asian and Asian American authors, Books & Boba is the podcast for you. It covers a large variety of genres, from historical fiction and graphic novels to science fiction and thrillers, showing the beauty of Asian culture and minds.
5. Reading Glasses
This one chaotic podcast is more than just about books. It’s also about how you read, tips, tools, and hacks to make your reading experience epic! The hosts hype you up to grab any book you’re eyeing and dive right into it without a safety net (yes, even if it’s just a cookbook). It’s perfect for readers who always keep a book in every bag, believe in the magic of annotating, or just want their reader quirks celebrated.
6. Fantasy Fangirl
Booktok guys and gals, this one is for you! Two sisters, Nicole and Lexi, fangirl over fantasy stories, theories, and characters with you on Fantasy Fangirls. With over 10 million downloads and a loyal listener base, it's a go-to destination for curing your book hangovers. The hosts are the pure representation of the term ‘fangirling,’ making you just as giddy! Beyond regular episodes, Fantasy Fangirls offers bonus content like "Ask Us Anything" sessions, book teasers, guest interviews, and story predictions. This has helped them build a huge community around their podcasts that not only enjoys reading but their company as well.
7. The Book Review (by NYT)
Of course, the New York Times has a professional book podcast for readers. It’s like your front-row seat to the literary world, hosted by Gilbert Cruz. There are episodes with top authors and critics discussing the week’s top books and literary trends. The podcast offers an insider’s view of the bookish universe, so if you want to stay informed about significant books, this one is for you.
8. I’ll Read What She’s Reading
One thing is for sure: you’ll want to read what they are reading. This is one of the funniest podcasts you might come across this year. In this lively podcast, three best friends instantly become your book besties too, with their ‘smash or pass’ debates on favorite book characters to in-depth analyses of beloved authors and even trending fanfics (Dramione fans assemble). Their genuine relationship and shared love for literature create an inviting atmosphere for listeners to discover new reads and engage in thoughtful discussions.
9. Book Club for Masochists
Such an intriguing podcast name, don’t you think? And it’s well justified since it’s about reading outside your comfort zone, one genre at a time. Each month, the hosts randomly select a genre and read books from it, discussing their experiences and insights regardless of personal preferences. Best for adventurous readers eager to explore diverse genres.
10. Hey YA
Hey, ya, have you heard this podcast about YA? Because everything about the Young Adult genre is buried within the episodes of this podcast. Created by the book website Book Riot, Hey YA focuses on everything from new releases to forgotten classics, on-screen adaptions, and even current issues in the genre. This young adult podcast offers the perfect escape into worlds that speak to the heart of the young generation.
11. You're Booked
Author and journalist, Daisy Buchanan takes you on a nosy journey along with her to explore your favorite writers' personal bookshelves and delve into the volumes that have influenced and shaped their literary journeys. In every episode, there’s a different author talking about books they have never returned, or the ones they secretly read under the covers, or the ones that left a strong impression on them. It feels like "snooping" around authors' bookshelves, learning all their reading habits, dark secrets, and intimate stories.
