Best Book Podcasts in 2026 🎧📚 - THE Top 8 BOOK Podcasts Every Reader Should Listen To
- Jessica Graham
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Looking for the best book podcasts to listen to in 2026? Whether you’re into deep literary analysis, author interviews, or fun, interactive formats, there’s a book podcast out there for you.
Before we dive in, a quick note: we host one of the podcasts on this list - Book Trivia Podcast. We’ve included it because it offers something genuinely different, but we’ll let you decide where it ranks for you.
With that said, here are some of the top book podcasts worth listening to right now.
1. Book Trivia Podcast 🎙️ (Best TRIVIA Book Podcast)
If you only try one show from this list of the best book podcasts, make it Book Trivia Podcast.
(Yes, we host this one—so take this as a completely unbiased recommendation from two people with absolutely no agenda whatsoever…😂)
Hosted by Jess and Rach, this podcast flips the traditional format on its head by turning books into a game. Instead of long, serious analysis, each episode is packed with trivia, fun facts, and interactive segments you can actually play along with.
Why it’s one of the best book podcasts:
🎯 Interactive trivia format (rare in this space)
📖 Covers popular and classic books
😂 Funny, relaxed, and highly engaging
🧠 You don’t even need to have read the book
It’s the perfect entry point if you find traditional literary podcasts too heavy, or if you just want something genuinely fun.
👉 Best for: Casual readers, trivia lovers, and anyone who wants a more entertaining take on books
2. Backlisted (Best for Rediscovering Great Books)
Backlisted is one of the best podcasts about books for readers who want to explore overlooked or underappreciated titles. Each episode revisits a single book and dives into why it deserves more attention.
👉 Best for: Expanding your reading list beyond the obvious
3. What Should I Read Next? (Best for Book Recommendations)
This podcast is ideal if you’re constantly asking, “What should I read next?” Each episode pairs reader preferences with tailored suggestions.
👉 Best for: Finding your next favourite book quickly
4. The Stacks (Best for Diverse Perspectives)
The Stacks features interviews with authors and conversations about books through a cultural and social lens.
👉 Best for: Thoughtful, wide-ranging discussions
5. Books and Authors (Best for Literary Coverage)
A staple in the book podcast world, this show offers interviews, reviews, and insights into the publishing landscape.
👉 Best for: Staying up to date with the literary scene
6. Currently Reading (Best for Everyday Readers)
This podcast focuses on what people are reading right now, with a relaxed, conversational tone.
👉 Best for: Easy listening and relatable recommendations
7. Overdue (Best for Funny Book Discussions)
Overdue brings humour to books that hosts have been meaning to read, making even classics feel accessible.
👉 Best for: Lighthearted deep dives
8. Worst Bestsellers 🎧 (Best for Funny Book Roasts)
Worst Bestsellers is perfect if you love the idea of book podcasts—but don’t take books too seriously.
Hosted by a group of friends, this podcast dives into popular books that didn’t quite live up to the hype, breaking them down with humour, honesty, and plenty of chaotic energy. It’s less about literary analysis and more about having a good time while questioning what makes a “bestseller” in the first place.
👉 Best for: Listeners who enjoy humour, hot takes, and a more critical (but still fun) look at books
How to Choose the Best Book Podcast for You
Not all book podcasts are the same so the “best” one depends on what you’re looking for:
🎮 For fun & interactive content: Book Trivia Podcast
📚 For rediscovering classics: Backlisted
🔍 For personalised recommendations: What Should I Read Next?
🌍 For broader perspectives: The Stacks
📰 For literary updates: Books and Authors
If you want something that feels fresh, modern, and genuinely entertaining, Book Trivia Podcast stands out from the rest.
Quick Picks: Best Book Podcasts at a Glance
Podcast | Best For |
Fun & interactive listening | |
Rediscovering classics | |
Recommendations | |
Diverse perspectives | |
Funny critiques |
Why Book Podcasts Are So Popular Right Now
The rise of the best book podcasts isn’t surprising, they make reading more accessible and fit easily into busy lives. Listeners love them because they:
Turn reading into a social experience
Help discover new books faster
Add context and insights to stories
Provide entertainment beyond the page
And increasingly, the most popular shows are those that prioritise engagement and personality not just analysis.
FAQs About the Best Book Podcasts
What are the best book podcasts in 2026?
Some of the best book podcasts include Book Trivia Podcast, Backlisted, What Should I Read Next?, and The Stacks. The right one depends on whether you prefer entertainment, deep dives, or recommendations.
Are book podcasts worth listening to?
Absolutely. The best podcasts about books help you discover new titles, revisit favourites, and engage with stories in a more interactive way.
What is the most fun book podcast?
If you’re looking for something entertaining rather than analytical, Book Trivia Podcast is one of the most fun and interactive book podcasts available right now.
Final Thoughts: The Best Book Podcast to Start With
There are plenty of great options on this list but if you’re looking for the best book podcast that combines entertainment, knowledge, and originality, Book Trivia Podcast is the clear standout.
It’s one of the few podcasts that doesn’t just talk about books it turns them into an experience.
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