Editor's Top Picks
Currently Reading
"A relatable, multi-voice book club that discusses reading culture, not just individual titles...."
Read ReviewBacklisted
"The definitive podcast for rediscovering lost and forgotten literary classics...."
Read ReviewThe New York Times Book Review
"Unparalleled access to the world's most influential authors and critics...."
Read Review🏆 The Ultimate List of Best Books Podcasts
The best books podcasts treat literature as a living conversation rather than a classroom assignment. They bring authors onto the mic, dig into the cultural moment a book arrived in, and find the connections between stories separated by centuries. Whether you prefer literary fiction, genre reads, or narrative nonfiction, there’s a show on this list for you.
📬 Currently Reading
Host Literary Hub
Currently Reading is a lively and honest conversation about books. The three 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. What sets Currently Reading apart from other books podcasts is its a relatable, multi-voice book club that discusses reading culture, not just individual titles. The show is particularly valuable for book club members, voracious readers, and anyone looking for honest opinions about new books. New episodes are released weekly, making it easy to stay up to date with the latest content. Currently Reading is completely free to listen to on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
- Multiple perspectives and diverse tastes
- Honest reviews (they'll tell you if they DNF'd a book)
- Fun and conversational tone
- Consistent weekly release schedule
- Focuses primarily on literary fiction and non-fiction
- Group discussion format can feel chaotic
"Currently Reading is a must-listen for books enthusiasts. Its weekly episodes consistently deliver high-quality content that sets it apart from competitors. A relatable, multi-voice book club that discusses reading culture, not just individual titles. It's one of the most reliable and rewarding podcasts in its category."
📬 Backlisted
Host Unbound / John Mitchinson & Andy Miller
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. What sets Backlisted apart from other books podcasts is its the definitive podcast for rediscovering lost and forgotten literary classics. The show is particularly valuable for serious readers, english literature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for book recommendations outside the mainstream. New episodes are released bi-weekly, making it easy to stay up to date with the latest content. Backlisted is completely free to listen to on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
- Expert guests provide fascinating literary context
- Champions overlooked and diverse books
- Genuinely passionate and knowledgeable hosts
- Consistent bi-weekly release schedule
- Focused on older, often literary fiction
- Can be quite academic in its analysis
"For anyone interested in books, Backlisted is an essential listen. The podcast excels at delivering insightful, well-produced content on a bi-weekly basis. The definitive podcast for rediscovering lost and forgotten literary classics. At free, it's one of the best values in the books podcasting space."
📬 The New York Times Book Review
Host Gilbert Cruz
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. It's an indispensable guide for any serious reader. What sets The New York Times Book Review apart from other books podcasts is its unparalleled access to the world's most influential authors and critics. The show is particularly valuable for avid readers, literary critics, and anyone who wants to stay on top of the global book conversation. The New York Times Book Review is completely free to listen to on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
- High-quality journalistic depth
- Access to the biggest names in literature
- Covers a wide range of genres and topics
- Consistent weekly release schedule
- Focuses heavily on new, high-profile releases
- Can be quite fast-paced
"The New York Times Book Review earns its reputation as a top-tier books podcast. The show stands out for its high-quality journalistic depth, and the weekly release schedule keeps listeners engaged. Unparalleled access to the world's most influential authors and critics. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this podcast is well worth your time."
📬 What Should I Read Next?
Host Anne Bogel
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. What sets What Should I Read Next? apart from other books podcasts is its personalized book recommendations tailored to each guest's taste. The show is particularly valuable for readers looking for high-quality recommendations and a community of book lovers. New episodes are released weekly, making it easy to stay up to date with the latest content. What Should I Read Next? is completely free to listen to on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
- Excellent and diverse book recommendations
- Warm and insightful hosting
- Deeply understands reader psychology
- Consistent weekly release schedule
- Format can be repetitive across many episodes
- Focuses more on popular and literary fiction
"What Should I Read Next? is a must-listen for books enthusiasts. Its weekly episodes consistently deliver high-quality content that sets it apart from competitors. Personalized book recommendations tailored to each guest's taste. It's one of the most reliable and rewarding podcasts in its category."
📬 The Librarian Is In
Host New York Public Library
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. Every episode is a masterclass in intelligent, personalized curation.
- Expert, curated recommendations
- Covers all genres and reading levels
- Warm, inviting, and accessible hosting
- Consistent bi-weekly release schedule
- Narrowly focused on book culture
- Shorter episodes may leave listeners wanting more depth
"The Librarian Is In is expert book curation at its finest. If you want recommendations from people who have read literally everything and know exactly who each book is right for, this is the show."
📬 The Anthropocene Reviewed
Host John Green / WNYC
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, 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.
- Beautifully written and performed
- Deeply insightful and life-affirming
- Great for short, thoughtful listens
- Consistent monthly release schedule
- The poetic style can be a bit 'earnest' for some
- Very personal and idiosyncratic
"The Anthropocene Reviewed is the most beautifully written podcast available. John Green's essays are literature, and his ability to find profound meaning in ordinary things makes every episode a reminder of why we love reading in the first place."
📬 Reading Glasses
Host Brea Grant & Mallory O'Meara
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. What sets Reading Glasses apart from other books podcasts is its focuses on the culture and habits of reading rather than just book reviews. The show is particularly valuable for avid readers, librarians, and anyone who loves talking about the experience of reading. New episodes are released weekly, making it easy to stay up to date with the latest content. Reading Glasses is completely free to listen to on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
- Inclusive and welcoming to all types of readers
- Practical advice for building better reading habits
- Passionate and funny hosts
- Consistent weekly release schedule
- Less focus on specific book recommendations
- Host banter can be extensive
"For anyone interested in books, Reading Glasses is an essential listen. The podcast excels at delivering insightful, well-produced content on a weekly basis. Focuses on the culture and habits of reading rather than just book reviews. At free, it's one of the best values in the books podcasting space."
📬 Fresh Air
Host Terry Gross / NPR
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 and makes you want to read them immediately.
- Terry Gross is widely considered the best interviewer ever
- Incredible diversity of guests
- Legendary 40+ year archive
- Consistent daily release schedule
- Very NPR-style pacing
- Interviews can be quite long
"Terry Gross is the greatest interviewer in American media, and her conversations with authors are a masterclass in literary criticism done through intimate conversation. Essential listening for any serious reader."
📬 LeVar Burton Reads
Host LeVar Burton
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 — one of the most unique and pleasurable listening experiences in the medium.
- LeVar Burton’s voice is pure magic
- Excellent selection of diverse authors
- Great for shorter listens (standalone episodes)
- Consistent weekly release schedule
- Anthology format means you might not love every story
- Some people may find it too 'calm' compared to full audio dramas
"LeVar Burton Reads is one of the most genuinely pleasurable listening experiences in podcasting. It makes a powerful case for why read-aloud fiction should be part of every book lover's life."
📬 The New Yorker Radio Hour
Host The New Yorker / WNYC
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.
- Incredible access to world-class thinkers and writers
- Breadth of topics (politics, art, science)
- David Remnick is a masterful interviewer
- Consistent weekly release schedule
- Very 'New Yorker'-centric perspective
- Can be quite long and talky
"The New Yorker Radio Hour is the most intellectually serious literary podcast available. If you want book discussion at the highest level of cultural criticism, this is it."
📊 Quick Comparison
| Podcast | Frequency | Price | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currently Reading | Weekly | Free | Book club members, voracious r... |
| Backlisted | Bi-weekly | Free | Serious readers, English liter... |
| The New York Times Book Review | Weekly | Free | Avid readers, literary critics... |
| What Should I Read Next? | Weekly | Free | Readers looking for high-quali... |
| The Librarian Is In | Bi-weekly | Free | Expert library curation and bo... |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How did you select the best books podcasts for this list?
Our editorial team spent hours listening to and evaluating dozens of shows. We look for audio quality, actionable insights, host expertise, and consistency. Only the most reliable and highly-rated books podcasts make the cut.
Q. Are these books podcasts free to listen to?
Yes, the vast majority of the podcasts on this list are completely free on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. We clearly indicate if a show requires a premium subscription.
Q. How often is this list of books podcasts updated?
We update this list regularly, with the last review cycle completed in February 2026. We constantly monitor the podcasting space to swap entries if quality declines or new incredible shows launch.
How We Selected These Podcasts
Our editorial team spent 200+ hours researching and evaluating podcasts across all major categories. We personally listen to each podcast on this list and evaluate new episodes monthly to ensure this collection remains the definitive resource for finding your next favorite show.
Content Quality
Originality, depth, and actionable insights that provide real value to listeners.
Consistency
Regular publishing schedule with reliable episode releases.
Engagement
Active community, high listener retention, and positive audience feedback.
Growth
Strong listener momentum and high retention rates over the past year.
Last review cycle completed: April 2026. Quarterly updates scheduled for July, October, and January.