Not sure what to read next? These 14 book podcasts are just for bibliophiles

March 2 is National Read Across America Day and we’re not saying you should replace your book club with these literary podcasts. Or, if you like your book club, you could expand your reading circle even wider! For the best way to enhance your reading experience, check out these podcasts all about good reads.

Whether you’re a fan of the classics, strictly a romance reader, or you’re interested in hearing the most chilling tales – we have so many listening options. Learn what people are excited about in the literary world or find your next read here. No matter what you are looking for, these book podcasts are sure to supplement your list.

What Should I Read Next?

For those of you who read books faster than you can find them, you are not alone. Host Anne Bogel, of the blog Modern Mrs. Darcy, interviews a guest each week about the books they love, hate, and the books on their night stand. Listen to “What Should I Read Next?” for recommendations from Anne and her slew of bookworm friends.

The Book Review

From The New York Times, “The Book Review” gathers the world’s top authors and book critics to talk about what’s going on in the world of literature. Host Gilbert Cruz and guests uncover favorites, the books that they are obsessed with right now, and what they would suggest for listeners. One of the top podcasts in the world, “The Book Review” is perfect for people who are always looking for their next read.

The Book Case

Charlie Gibson and his daughter Kate Gibson are chatting with guests like Oprah and sharing their favorite reads on “The Book Case.” Tune in for new episodes on Thursdays for interviews with authors, tastemakers, independent bookstore owners, and more. This series is presented by GMA and caters to readers looking to break out of their usual favorite genre or “reading rut.”

Overdue

Headgum’s “Overdue” covers books that are likely on your must-read list. Hosts Andrew and Craig dive into classic literature, plays, children’s books, and more reads.

LeVar Burton Reads

LeVar Burton selects some of his favorite short stories and reads them on this podcast. Burton’s superb storytelling skills transport listeners to fictional and immersive worlds. Tune in for readings from authors like Neil Gaiman, Kurt Vonnegut, Octavia Butler, Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, and many more in episodes averaging less than an hour. This podcast is presented by LeVar Burton and Stitcher.

If Books Could Kill

Michael Hobbes and Peter Shamshiri analyze “airport bestsellers that captured our hearts and ruined our minds” while encouraging misinformation and “American stupidity.” “If Books Could Kill” dives into titles like Freakonomics, The Secret, The Game, and The Clash of Civilizations.

Novel Pairings

“Novel Pairings” is for the people who love classic literature but don’t want to get too scholarly about it. Chelsey and Sara want to make the classics more readable and talk about the books they adore and abhor. “Novel Pairings” is a match for any literary taste that will make sure your backlist is never empty.

Black Chick Lit

“Black Chick Lit” is a bi-monthly podcast that talks about books written by Black women about Black women. The literary world wasn’t previously known as a very inclusive sphere, and is still gate-kept in certain ways, but Danielle and Mollie are shedding light on the Black authors we should be reading. Featuring books from the likes of Stacey Abrams, Zora Neale Hurston, and Oyinkan Braithwaite, “Black Chick Lit” is one of the best literary podcasts out there.

Hot & Bothered

For all of the super fans of romance, “Hot and Bothered” is the podcast you have been looking for. Every week, Vanessa Zoltan and Lauren Sandler read through iconic romance novels and compare it to the love standards of today. Through quarantine, they read through the entire Twilight saga, a delightful series of love and hate filled episodes. But now, in season four, Live from Pemberley, the co-hosts are diving into Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Marlon and Jake Read Dead People

Man Booker Prize-winning and internationally bestselling author Marlon James and his editor, Jake Morrissey, Executive Editor at Riverhead Books review their favorite dead authors’ works. With great episodes like “Dead Authors for a Desert Island” and “Trashy Novels to Die For,” we are so happy that “Marlon and Jake Read Dead People” existed, even though the last episodes were uploaded in 2022. The series was presented by Penguin Random House.

Backlisted

Unbound’s “Backlisted” is a literary podcast hosted by John Mitchinson and Andy Miller. Each week, they choose one author to focus in on; discussing their most beloved work and other notable books they’ve penned. Check out episodes like “Science Fiction Special,” “The Plague and I by Betty MacDonald,” and “Miss Pym Disposes by Josephine Tay” for some great literature review, author biographies, and reading suggestions.

Something Scary

We didn’t forget about the horror fans. Less about fiction novels and more about scary stories, Markeia is bringing you the creepiest, crawliest ghost stories, legends and folktales. There are over 200 episodes to have you crawling out of your skin on Studio71’s “Something Scary.”

Suggestible

For anyone looking for suggestions from any medium, Planet Broadcasting’s “Suggestible” is letting you know what to read, watch, and listen to. Hosts James Clement and Claire Tonti suggest three things to put on your list each week. Check out “Suggestible” for your next binge-read or binge-watch!

Fresh Air

NPR’s “Fresh Air” is from the Peabody-award winning magazine of contemporary arts and issues, WHYY. While it’s not all books, they frequently interview up-and-coming young authors and writers on what’s new with them. Warning: you may get addicted to this podcast. Every episode is an intriguing informational dump that’s easy on the ears.