September 30, 2021
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I am a bibliophile! There, I said it! I read books, I listen to books, I buy books, I borrow books, I give books, I write about books, I cook with books, I talk about books, and I decorate with books. When I can’t get my fix from one or more of these things, guess what I do???? I listen to other people gush about their love of books via literary podcasts. As I battle my never-ending to-do list, I eagerly listen to author interviews and new and old book recommendations making my routine chores much more bearable. I relish all of the dialogue, opinions, and banter between the hosts and their guests and oftentimes pretend I am there too chatting amongst friends. Like all my fellow bookworms, my days are so much brighter when books are a part of them. Today I am sharing four podcasts that bring me lots of joy. Get ready to pop in your earbuds, hit play, and escape into a world of endless reading possibilities.
What Should I Read Next hosted by Anne Bogel is the quintessential weekly literary podcast. I have been listening to this show since 2016 and it never grows old. Anne talks with one guest each week about their reading life and what they would like to change or make better. Her unique format is what makes her so special and I love how predictable and comforting each episode feels. Guests need to name three books they love, one book they don’t like, and what they are reading now. Anne then offers three book recommendations based on their responses. What I love about this podcast is that it is not hyper-focussed on hot new releases. New books are of course recommended, but I discover so many “new to me” backlist books that make me squeal! Her guests are a variety of everyday readers, authors, and people in the book industry. Episodes run between 40-60 minutes long making What Should I Read Next, my go-to listen while cleaning out my pantry. Anne and her guests are great company while I vacuum up crumbs, put chip clips on bags, and get rid of cereal boxes that were put back EMPTY. Anne is famous for her literary matchmaking skills and she never ever disappoints.
Moms Don’t Have Time To Read Books is the award-winning podcast hosted by Zibby Owens. Lovers of shiny new books will be in their glory listening to this gem. Zibby is THE Literary Cheerleader for all books. She talks with a different author EVERY DAY about their new or upcoming book. Episodes are light and fun and showcase fabulous writers and their book babies. Episodes are spoiler-free and range from 20-30 minutes long making Moms Don’t Have Time To Read Books perfect to listen to while waiting in the school pickup line. Zibby and her fellow writers ease the boredom of sitting in an endless line of cars and make school pick-up almost pleasurable. If you want to be in the know about all things books and writing, Zibby is where it is at. In case you were wondering…there are over 800 episodes to listen to.
This is My Hobby is hosted by Maddie and Abby, two MN teachers who break down one book each week for our listening pleasure. Because book spoilers are plentiful, I enjoy listening to episodes that focus on a book that I have already read. This gives me different perspectives and insight which I absolutely crave after I complete a book. Maddie and Abby talk freely with each other and their dialogue is organic and enjoyable to listen to. There is explicit language from time to time, so be mindful of the little ones around. This podcast debuted in December 2020 and episodes range from 50-90 minutes long. I love tuning in to This is My Hobby while managing mountains of laundry. Folding endless piles of clothes is actually somewhat enjoyable when Maddie and Abby are around.
Book Talk, etc. is hosted by Tina and Renee, two mid-west mood readers easily distracted by new release books. This podcast is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It debuted in May 2021 and has been going strong ever since. Each week, these ladies discuss a specific literary theme such as Book Hangovers, Celebrity Book Clubs, Under The Radar Books, One-Sit Reads, etc. I absolutely love how accessible and unintimidating their conversations are. Not only do they share all of the new and old books they have read, but they also reveal books that they are eagerly awaiting as well. Before they dive into all of the books, Tina and Renee briefly share what they are loving lately, which can include skincare, podcasts, TV shows, etc. I have definitely gotten more than just great book recommendations from these two beauties. Episodes range from 45-70 minutes in length. Each week I pretend I am hanging out with Tina and Renee on Book Talk etc. while I vacuum and mop my floors. Sometimes they even accompany me in the bathroom while I aggressively scrub toilets and shine toothpaste splattered mirrors.
I hope you check out all of these lovely podcasts Mr. H. Who knows… maybe your books have been talked about 🥰🥰🥰!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. I am out of witty things to say today. Just go listen!
