Welcome to A Year of Reading, a feature on this website I list suggestions and recommendations on how to make the most of out your reading year.
A good way to aim to read more is to listen to other people talking about books. Book podcasts are a great way to encourage you to read more. Hearing other people talk about books might be just the push you need to pick up that book that has been calling you from your bookshelf. Also, you might find yourself listening to enlightening conversations about issues and events that you didn’t even know was happening in the book world. If listening to podcasts may be of interest of you and you don’t know where to start, here are some of my recommendations:
Note: Podcast links are embedded directly to Spotify, but most of these podcasts are also available on other platforms. Some podcasts will contain descriptions directly from their main website.
Mostly Book Talk
This podcast said it is mainly for teachers, librarians and parents who are passionate about “supporting children’s and teenagers’ reading for pleasure”. But if you are interested in supporting and uplifting in general, you will also enjoy this podcast. The hosts, Katy Donnelly and Alison Palmer, dive into the world of children and YA literature by offering book recommendations, conducting engaging author interviews and giving great advice on how to cultivate a lifelong love of reading. They are also doing a series of episodes connected to the UK’s National Year of Reading, which, so far, I have found to be enlightening and informative.
The Conversation with Nadine Matheson
The Conversation is hosted by crime and thriller writer Nadine Matheson and hosts conversations where authors tell the truth. Matheson sits down with authors from around the world for conversations that go far beyond the usual author interview. This is a chance for listeners to know more about their favorite authors or discover a new book to read. Either way, these enlightening conversations go in depth on how writers hone their craft.
I was a guest on her podcast in the first season. Take a listen to the episode here!
Libro.fm Podcast
Description: A monthly series of interviews and conversations with authors, narrators, and book lovers from the Libro.fm team.
Delete My Browser History
A podcast hosted by YA authors, Cynthia Murphy and Georgia Bowers as they talk with writers about their journeys to publishing their book and also about the weird and strange stuff their research has taken them. Come for the book recommendations, stay for the humor and weird search history.
Reclaiming Jane
Hosted by Emily Davis-Hale & Lauren Wethers, this is a podcast not only for book lovers but also for Janeites! This podcast aims to show that Jane Austen is for everyone. Episodes gives you the “historical context of each work, draw connections to pop culture, and discover new ways of interpreting old texts”, all finding new ways for listeners to understand and appreciate the Austen canon.
I was recently on the Reclaiming Jane podcast. You can listen to that episode here!
BBC Radio 4: Bookclub
Description: Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels
NPR’s Book of the Day
Description: In need of a good read? Or just want to keep up with the books everyone’s talking about? NPR’s Book of the Day gives you today’s very best writing in a snackable, skimmable, pocket-sized podcast. Whether you’re looking to engage with the big questions of our times – or temporarily escape from them – we’ve got an author who will speak to you, all genres, mood and writing styles included.
BBC Radio 4: Opening Lines
Description: Producer and writer John Yorke has worked in television and radio for 30 years, and he shares his experience with Radio 4 listeners as he unpacks the themes and impact behind the books, plays and stories that are being dramatised in Radio 4’s weekend afternoon dramas.
Austen Chat
Description: Welcome to Austen Chat, the podcast of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA). Join us each month as we interview scholars, authors, and subject experts on a wide range of topics related to Austen’s writings, her life and times, and more. There is always more to learn and enjoy about Jane!
What Should I Read Next?
Description: What Should I Read Next? is the show for every reader who has ever finished a book and faced the problem of not knowing what to read next. Each week, Anne Bogel, of the blog Modern Mrs Darcy, interviews a reader about the books they love, the books they hate, and the books they’re reading now. Then, she makes recommendations about what to read next. The real purpose of the show is to help YOU find your next read.
And we can’t leave out two podcasts that should be on the top of your list:
Fake Book Club
Join us at the Fake Book Club, a conversational podcast where we dive in topics ranging from movies, TV, sports, music and occasionally, the books we are reading. Join for the conversation, stay for the laughs and occasional arguments.
Tea and Books Chat
Tea and Books Chat, hosted by this blog, is a dedicated podcast brings you engaging conversations with authors and illustrators from every genre. These conversations will give you insight into your favorite author’s creativity and might inspire your own as well!
Do you have a favorite bookish podcast or one to try out that wasn’t mentioned above? List your recommendations in the comments below!
You can view more posts featured in a Year of Reading at the link below!
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