Best Book Review Podcasts: Top 10 for Readers (2026)

The New York Times Book Review podcast is the audio companion to the legendary weekly publication. It features interviews with the world's most prominent authors, critics, and editors, discussing the most important new releases and the stories behind the headlines in the literary world. Every episode gives you the context to understand not just whether a book is good — but why it matters right now. An indispensable guide for any serious reader.

Reading Glasses is a podcast for bookish people. Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara aren't here to tell you what to read, but how to read. They discuss everything from literary etiquette and ebook vs. print to dealing with massive TBR piles. It's a celebration of every kind of reader, from genre fans to high-literature lovers. One of the warmest and most relatable book podcasts available.

Backlisted champions books that deserve a second look. Each episode, the hosts and an expert guest revisit a classic, overlooked, or forgotten book and make the case for why it still matters. It's perfect for deepening your appreciation of literature and finding gems you might have missed from the 20th century and beyond. The show has introduced thousands of readers to books they never would have discovered otherwise.

In each episode, Anne Bogel (the Modern Mrs Darcy) interviews a reader about three books they love, one book they hate, and what they've been reading lately. Anne then recommends three books she thinks they should read next. It's a goldmine for book recommendations and an exploration of reading personality. If you've ever struggled to find your next great book, this show is the answer.

Currently Reading is a lively and honest book club conversation. The hosts bring different perspectives and reading tastes, making it feel like joining the world's best book club. They cover new releases, backlist favorites, and the broader culture of reading with humor and genuine passion. No forced enthusiasm — just honest readers sharing what they actually think.

Hosted by librarians from the New York Public Library, The Librarian Is In is the ultimate book recommendation engine. From bestsellers to hidden gems, fiction to non-fiction, the hosts help listeners navigate the overwhelming world of new releases and find their next great read. Their passion for books is contagious and their knowledge of the literary world is unmatched by anyone outside a library.

LeVar Burton — Reading Rainbow's legendary host — reads short fiction from established and emerging authors. It's a beautiful audio experience that reminds listeners of the sensory pleasure of being read to. Genres range from science fiction and fantasy to literary fiction and horror. More than a book podcast, it's a performance — and one of the most unique listening experiences in the medium.

Fresh Air with Terry Gross is one of the most celebrated interview programs in American media — and authors are among its most frequent and most illuminating guests. Terry Gross's ability to get writers to reveal the true stories behind their books, their creative processes, and their lives is unmatched. For book lovers, Fresh Air is an essential companion: every author interview adds a new dimension to the books they've written.

The New Yorker Radio Hour brings the literary intelligence of The New Yorker magazine to audio. Each episode features author interviews, readings from the magazine, and discussions of the most important books and writing of the moment. The level of literary engagement is exceptional — every episode feels like a graduate seminar in contemporary literature, hosted by the world's most sophisticated literary journalists.

The Anthropocene Reviewed is John Green's deeply personal podcast in which he reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale. From scratch-and-sniff stickers to sunsets to the Taco Bell breakfast menu, Green brings his signature literary intelligence to everyday objects and experiences. Each essay is a miniature book review of life itself — funny, moving, and astonishingly well-written. The podcast became a bestselling book, but the audio versions remain the definitive experience.