Not sure what to read next? These 11 book podcasts are just for bibliophiles

I’m not saying you should replace your book club with these literary podcasts, just that you could. Or, if you like your book club, you could expand your reading circle even wider! For the best way to augment your reading experience, check out some of 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 it all. Listen to a series on Jane Eyre, find out 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 TBR list. Check out our favorites here:

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 Pamela Paul uncovers their favorite books, 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.

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 gatekept 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 & 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 their third season, aptly titled “On Eyre”, they are analyzing Charlotte Brontë’s novel that shaped a genre, Jane Eyre.

Marlon & 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” is back for a second season.

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 “The Plague and I by Betty MacDonald” and “Miss Pym Disposes by Josephine Tay” for some great literature review, author biographies, and reading suggestions.

The Something Scary Podcast

I didn’t forget about the horror fans, you little freaks. While we do not watch horror movies because we like to sleep at night, horror stories are a whole other monster. 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 “The Something Scary Pod”.

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.