One of the greatest ways to get book recommendations is by listening to book related podcasts. Usually the hosts have years of reading under their belts and are just as excited by books as you are. Consequently they understand genre and structure and can give a good overall impression of what the book is about.
Things I Look For in a Good Book Podcast
Firstly keep in mind these are very specific to what I like in my podcasts and you might be looking for something a little bit different.
Their book reviews are constructive.
Whether they like a book or not they should still speak to it with readers in mind who may enjoy it anyway. I appreciate honesty from the hosts and want to hear about what isn’t working but I don’t just want it to be just about criticizing the book. Consequently good hosts know there is a reader for every book.
They have an extensive knowledge of books.
Ultimately, a good podcast will also be able to give comparisons to books similar to the one they are recommending or other books the author may have written. They also should expand outside what is hot and new. Backlist gems are always a plus.
If there is more than one host they should have an effortless interaction.
I like a conversation that sounds like two friends having a chat over coffee. However I don’t mind them occasionally talking over each other as that naturally occurs with friends. Most importantly I want the banter to be fun and authentic.
They have voices that are pleasant to listen to.
I don’t mind failures in technology (bad sound, echoes) as these things can happen. Similar to audiobooks; when the voices are great then so is the experience and I am likely to keep coming back.
They don’t just talk about books.
If this is going to be a podcast I am going to spend time with once or twice a week I want to get to know them as people as well. It’s amazing how someone who has similar books tastes might have other non book related recommendations that are perfect for you as well.
Podcasts I Love
Here are the podcasts I enjoy listening to the most. I have included what their paid Patreon content also includes as sometimes the bonuses are totally worth the monthly subscription.
Book Talk, etc.
Hannah and Tina are Midwesterners whose recommendations have filled my TBR this past year. Their weekly podcast focuses on their current reads, books that fit a topic for the episode and their shelf additions (books they’re looking forward to reading). They also like to start each episode with a “loving lately” which can be anything from shows, to gadgets to beauty products.
Patreon Content: Includes things like community reads (think text based book club), zoom happy hours where you can share your current read, niche novel episodes, and interviews with bookstores. They will also have DNF specific episodes where you get to hear what they didn’t finish.
Currently Reading
Meredith and Kaytee have such fun banter for hosts that have very different reading wheel houses. Episodes start with what they are currently reading before they dive into a “bookish” topic like morning reading habits or virtual reading retreats. At the end they make a bookish wish at the fountain; for things to improve our reading and overall lives.
Patreon Content: Includes a romance-centric and murdery, mystery-centric series, interviews with bookstores, insights into the publishing industry and more.
What Should I Read Next?
The show’s host Anne is presented with a challenge that a reader is facing. Those looking for books that take them on a specific journey, books set in places they want to travel to or even how to refine an out of date TBR. The reader discusses books they loved, didn’t love and what they are currently reading at which point Anne uses her wealth of book knowledge to recommend what to read next.
Patreon Content: Best books episodes from members of the WSIRN team, seasonal reading guides, mini book matchmaking (think the big show but in smaller chunks for readers) as well as industry insights.
Book Riot – The Podcast
While you will certainly get book recommendations from the team at Book Riot you are also going to get the latest in depth news from the publishing industry from AI lawsuits to big book deals to reviews of the long and short lists of major book prizes.
NPR’s Book of the Day
And finally for those that want short and sweet this is the pod for you. Each day NPR releases a 10-15 minute long episode featuring an interview with an author about their current book.
Other podcasts that I won’t go into detail about but also hit my weekly up next list include:
There are so many podcasts to choose from. You have to sample. You have to try some out. Start with ones that speak to genres you like to read. Or have structures you think will fit your personality. Or look in the show notes and see if they have covered a book you have read and loved and see how they talk about it.
Also don’t be afraid to give up on one and go to the next. Just like books; there is a book podcast for everyone.
If you are interested in more Book Lover content check these out:
*please note all podcasts link go to Apple Podcasts. All podcasts are available at your podcast app of choice.