We’ve spent the last few weeks exploring some heavy and (hopefully) thought-provoking topics and so, this week, it’s time to turn things down a notch with a palate cleanser of a blog post.
But, alas, I’m writing this one from the throes of a reading slump. Dramatic, maybe. Deflating, definitely. A reading slump - notorious for its lack of focus in the face of an ever-growing mountain of fresh paperbacks - is not a comfortable feeling for someone like me, someone who is a hopelessly devoted bibliophile.
I love reading books, buying (far too many) books, talking about books, and yes, I could listen to other people talk about books till the cows come home.
And so, if there’s one sure-fire way to gently pull me back into the delightful depths of the reading zone, it’s through a handful of inspiring book podcasts.
As I find myself increasingly indulging in some of my favourites these days, I’ve decided to cut through the book podcast clutter and curate some dulcet-toned recommendations for you today.
Let’s listen (and read) along together.
Enjoy.
#1 What Should I Read Next?
LITERARY MATCHMAKING FOR THE SOUL.
This is, by far, my number one book podcast at the moment. In fact, I think it’s pretty much just my number one podcast at the moment.
Each week, host Anne Bogel brings in a guest (a fellow bibliophile, of course) who is in need of a reading reset. The guest in question typically has a glitch in their reading life that they’re looking to fix - perhaps they can’t stop abandoning books halfway through, or maybe they’d like to incorporate more non-fiction into their reading list, but aren’t quite sure where to begin.
And so, the pair kick off the episode by discussing the reading challenge at hand, and all the creative ways to tackle it. We then delve further into our guest’s reading life as they discuss the three books they loved, one book they didn’t, and the books you’ll find them curled up with at the moment. As the conversation progresses, we begin to uncover and discover the elements that constitute a great read for them.
Bogel then expertly mixes together these elements to craft a unique reading concoction for her guest. In one of the most satisfying segments of the show, our guest is presented with a carefully prepared line-up of book recommendations – a book prescription, of sorts – to dive into next.
For me, this book podcast is a winner, because its guests are not celebrities – renowned authors, Ultimate Frisbee champions, or actors – but rather, just fellow book lovers. This makes for a thoroughly relaxing and relatable listen (although who knows, maybe I have more in common with an Ultimate Frisbee champion than we think).
Best consumed: When you’re on the hunt for your next great read, or when you’re after some reassurance and advice on a particularly pesky reading problem.
Listen to What Should I Read Next? here.
#2 You’re Booked
PEEK into the bookshelves of your favourite authors.
I’ve always liked to believe that you can tell a lot about a person by their bookshelves. Granted, it’s a little reductive, but perusing through someone’s reading choices can certainly gift you a deeper insight into who that someone is – the parts they don’t tell you, or the parts they may want to tell you but don’t know how.
And so, naturally, You’re Booked has been a mainstay of my weekly book podcast rotation. In each episode, host Daisy Buchanan visits an author’s home to learn more about them through their bookshelves.
Over the course of the episode, Buchanan and her guest (or, well, host, depending on how we look at it) browse through and discuss the reading collection in question - the books our guest devoured in one sitting, the books they bought in an Amazon sale five years ago but never read (guilty), and the books they were ‘supposed’ to love but really, truly, couldn’t.
And that’s what makes this book podcast so unique. Daisy’s guests are always honest about their reading preferences, and the candid conversations that emerge are a breath of fresh air. It’s always comforting to hear the author of your favourite book discuss how she, too, struggled with Crime and Punishment. And, of course, when you share the same passion for a book series as your favourite novelist, it’s bound to make you smile (or, if you’re are book-crazy as me, make your day).
Best consumed: By scrolling through the archives, choosing an author you know or like, and exploring their bookshelves with Daisy.
Listen to You’re Booked here.
#3 Books and Authors
UNIMAGINATIVELY TITLED, BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, and don’t judge a podcast by its title. When it comes to this BBC Radio 4 gem, I’d hope its simple name doesn’t discourage you from listening - because this is a two-in-one podcast that alternates between two brilliant shows: A Good Read and Open Book. This means fresh, inspiring, episodes every few days.
I’m particularly partial to A Good Read, in which host Harriet Gilbert brings together two guests - prominent figures that have included singers, comedians, and lawyers - to settle in for a cosy book club discussion. Ahead of the taping, Gilbert and her two guests each select a book for the trio to read and contemplate, ready to discuss on the episode. And this discussion of the three books is always a fascinating one, as you’ll get the chance to hear three diverse perspectives on the same piece of work.
In Open Book, we are invited in to conversations with fiction and non-fiction authors about their latest releases. We learn about their sources of inspiration, their writing process, and - my personal favourite - the stories behind the characters they’ve created. The show also hosts publishers, who divulge upcoming book launches we can get excited for, and current trends in the reading world.
Best consumed: If you’re not in a position to commit to a book club and just feel like dipping into someone else’s now and then, press play on A Good Read. And when you’re after a much-needed dose of book news, pop on an episode of Open Book.
Listen to Books and Authors here.
And yes, listening to book podcasts regularly will almost guarantee that your to-be-read pile will grow exponentially. Prepare your budget (and self-restraint) accordingly. 😉
Happy listening, happy reading. ✨
Until next time,
S
Tell me: Do you listen to book podcasts? What are your favourites?
If you’re hungry for more podcast recommendations, have a scroll through my handy Summer Podcast Guide.
And if you’re keen to continue the bookversation (yes, I went there), let’s become friends on Goodreads.
Podcast cover images courtesy of Apple Podcasts.
Cover image captured by Jukka Aalho for Unsplash.
