Podcasts for Book Lovers
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As much as I'd like to, I just can't listen to audiobooks all the time. I tend to listen to fiction on audio, and sometimes I'm multi-tasking and just want a shot of nonfiction. Or sometimes I just want to learn about the latest book news or have someone read me a short story while I'm putting on my makeup or cooking. That's where podcasts come in.
The hosts of BOTNS work in the publishing industry editing and selling books, so they have some amazing insights on the industry and commentary on what books get published, how books get published, who writes the book jackets, why books are priced like they are, and other things a book nerd has always wanted to know. They also frequently post talks and interviews with authors since they have easy access to contacting them.
Who doesn't love having stories read to them? Really, it's not just for kids. On the New Yorker Fiction Podcast, an author who has been published in The New Yorker picks a story from the magazine's archives to read aloud. The readers always discuss why the story is important to them for a few minutes before and after the story. I always end up adoring the stories that are chosen, but--at once a month--the podcast doesn't publish nearly enough episodes. Luckily, the podcast has been in existence for a long time, so definitely check out those archives.
There's not an ounce of book snobbery on the Overdue podcast. These guys are reading books they "should" have read by now. (We all know that feeling. But, hey, required reading varies from school to school and region to region.) It's interesting to follow them on their journey of reading these books that you feel like everyone has read, but you just haven't gotten around to yet.
It's no secret that the NYPL is one of the most renowned libraries in the country, and they've certainly got the author lineup to back them up. If you love listening to author talks, this is definitely the podcast for you. There are so many excellent ones, though my favorite is the one where Junot Diaz interviews Toni Morrison. This podcast harnesses the wisdom of an incredible number of prolific authors, so it's an excellent way to start your day. I like listening to episodes of Live at the NYPL over breakfast.
If you don't love true stories told live, well, then leave. ;) We wouldn't love books without the stories, and each Moth episode is essentially a short story. In a single Moth Radio Hour, you might find yourself laughing hysterically, fighting back tears, and smiling uncontrollably. It's an emotional roller coaster of the best type because the common thread between each story is that it makes you believe in the inherent beauty of humanity.
Do you listen to any of these podcasts or other book-related podcasts? Let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to share this post with the book lovers in your life.
