The 8 Best Literature Podcasts
Whether you’re a writer yourself or an avid reader, there’s nothing better than having insightful writers in your ears discussing their work, inspiration, and process. Covering everything from classic literature to literary criticism and children’s books, there are lots of talented writers, academics, editors, and readers creating a whole ecosystem of compelling and enlightening literature podcasts. This list of the best literature podcasts will help you carve out a sacred, creative space to think about craft, literary analysis, and the history of literature. From English literature to American literature to literary fiction and journalism, these podcasts about literature will help you read the world around you more deeply. So dive into this list of the best literature podcasts, curated by Podyssey’s community of podcast lovers.
Last Updated: Jan 25th, 2022
1. Longform
Interviews with writers, journalists, filmmakers, and podcasters about how they do their work. Hosted by Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky, and Evan Ratliff.
Most Recommended Episode
51:51 | Apr 1st, 2020
3 RECOMMENDATIONS
Ed Yong is the author of I Contain Multitudes and a science writer at The Atlantic . His most recent article is "How the Pandemic Will End." “Normally when I write things that are about a pressing s...Show More
2. The New Yorker: Fiction
A monthly reading and conversation with the New Yorker fiction editor Deborah Treisman.
Most Recommended Episode
A. M. Homes Reads Shirley Jackson
31:58 | Nov 12th, 2008
1 RECOMMENDATION
A. M. Homes reads Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery," and discusses it with The New Yorker's fiction editor, Deborah Treisman.
3. What Should I Read Next?
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 t...Show More
Most Recommended Episode
Ep 162: The best bad ending you'll ever read
52:18 | Dec 4th, 2018
2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Today’s guest Traci Thomas has had a hard time finding her niche in the online bookish community, because, as she puts it, she “reads like a dad”. But I have a hunch lots of listeners will relate to h...Show More
4. The Guardian Books podcast
The Guardian Books podcast is our weekly look at the world of books, presented by Claire Armitstead, Richard Lea and Sian Cain. In-depth interviews with authors from all over the world, discussions and investigations make this the perfect companion f...Show More
Most Recommended Episode
Richard Ford discusses his family memoir – books podcast
40:43 | Jun 6th, 2017
1 RECOMMENDATION
The Pulitzer prize-winning author talks to Sarah Churchwell about his new memoir, Between Them: Remembering my Parents
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.5. Fictional
Classic lit with a modern tone, every other week. From the creators of Myths and Legends, comes an altogether same-but-different podcast set in the world of classic lit. These are the stories of Dracula, The Time Machine, The Three Musketeers. The...Show More
Most Recommended Episode
29:24 | Aug 22nd, 2017
1 RECOMMENDATION
The story of two old friends, one strange item that can grant your wildest dreams, and three wishes...but every desire has a cost. Want to leave a review? It really helps the show. Check out http://ap...Show More
6. Overdue
Overdue is a podcast about the books you've been meaning to read. Join Andrew and Craig each week as they tackle a new title from their backlog. Classic literature, obscure plays, goofy childen’s books: they'll read it all, one overdue book at a time...Show More
Most Recommended Episode
Ep 200 - Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace
2:25:38 | Sep 26th, 2016
1 RECOMMENDATION
Here it is: the big two-hundo! This week, Andrew tackles David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest in a show that is nearly 2.5 hours long and yet somehow still not quite long enough to get to everything. ...Show More
7. The Book Review
The world's top authors and critics join host Gilbert Cruz and editors at The New York Times Book Review to talk about the week's top books, what we're reading and what's going on in the literary world.
Most Recommended Episode
David Mitchell's Vast and Tangled Universe
1:02:09 | Jul 10th, 2020
2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Daniel Mendelsohn discusses Mitchell's career and new novel, "Utopia Avenue," and Maria Konnikova talks about "The Biggest Bluff."
8. The Allusionist
Adventures in language with Helen Zaltzman. TheAllusionist.org
Most Recommended Episode
17:48 | Nov 30th, 2018
3 RECOMMENDATIONS
Jim Glaub and Dylan Parker didn’t think too much of it when, every year, a few letters were delivered to their New York apartment addressed to Santa. But then one year, 400 letters arrived. And they d...Show More
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