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This post is sponsored by the Book Club for Kids podcast, a 20-minute podcast devoted to middle grade books and readers. Each episode features a trio of students discussing a favorite book, an interview with the author, and a celebrity reading. The podcast is hosted by Kitty Felde.
This post also may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.
This month, I'm excited to feature book podcast recommendations that are made by independent podcasters. If you love to read, these are the shows for you!
This is the second post in a new monthly feature that highlights independent podcasts.
Reminder: independent (or "indie") podcasts are shows that do not belong to a podcast network. They're produced by passionate and creative podcasters, who are hustling to get in your earbuds.
And this month, these particular podcasters are passionate about something else: BOOKS.
The reason I love podcasts is the same reason I love books: both tell stories that open me up to new worlds.
I've been an avid reader all my life. When I was a little girl, I would read while hanging upside down from the monkey bars on my backyard swing set. When my family took 4-hour road trips to Connecticut every month, I always had a book with me in the backseat.
These days, I don't have much time to search Goodreads, or find cool independent book stores, so podcasts about books are how I add titles to my To Be Read list.
I get a feeling of connection with these podcast hosts. They love to read just as much as I do. They have similar quirks about books and reading, which makes me feel like I belong to a special group.
Finding time to listen to podcasts - and to read books - can be difficult for some people, I know. I recommend that you figure out a way to make both a priority, so that you can be opened up to new worlds, too.
Indie Book Podcasts to Find Your Next Great Read
Book Club for Kids
Book Club for Kids is a podcast that aims to encourage reading as a lifelong habit. And the best way to do that is to start young!
The podcast is for kids in 5th to 9th grades (these are just guidelines; the appropriateness of the podcast can be based on reading level or maturity of your child). It's also intended to be listened to by parents, teachers, and librarians.
I absolutely adore the concept of this podcast. It takes me back to 5th grade, and how much I enjoyed the reading exercises that made me think about the story, the characters, the language, and the author's intentions.
The young guests in each episode are thoughtful and candid. The episode on Old Yeller is sweet, funny, and touching.
If you have children - or you play a role in the life of a child - you should listen to Book Club for Kids. And also check out their great resources for getting kids interested in reading.
Sarah's Book Shelves Live
Sarah is a book blogger, now indie podcaster. She started the Book Shelves Live podcast in January, and releases new episodes weekly.
Each episode includes a conversation between Sarah and a guest, all about books they love, books they don't love, and which books they're excited to read once released.
I really enjoyed episode 15, which features a book and travel blogger named Christine. Sarah and Christine discuss travel books and books that are set abroad, which is one of my favorite genres.
If you like Anne Bogel's What Should I Read Next? podcast, you'll enjoy Sarah's Book Shelves Live.
Listen to Sarah's Book Shelves Live
A Novel Adaptation
Who hasn't watched a movie that was based on a book and thought, "WHA?! The book was way better!"
(Sure, there are rare occasions when you watch a movie and say, "Wow, they totally captured the essence and important parts of the book." But let's be honest...)
A Novel Adaptation is hosted by Emily and Jordan, a bookworm and a movie buff. In each episode, they discuss a book and the movie adaptation of the book, plus what it takes to make an exemplary book-to-screen story.
There are other "which was better, book or movie?" podcasts out there, but I like A Novel Adaptation because most of the books they select are in my reading wheelhouse. Episode 4 is about one of my all-time favorite books, The Lovely Bones.
Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books with Zibby Owens
If you enjoy author interviews, this casual but insightful podcast is for you. Writer Zibby Owens sits down with authors (mostly women, but some men) and talks about a specific book they've published.
This podcast is not just for moms, and the books that they talk about are from all genres and for all types of readers.
What I love about this podcast is that the interviews aren't too buttoned-up. Sometimes author interviews are super formal, but not on MDHTTRB.
The authors really get into how they came up with the idea for the story, the challenges they had writing it, and how they feel about reactions to the book. They discuss the characters and settings for the stories, but without any spoilers.
I'm always introduced to new authors when I listen to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books; I usually just pick an episode at random, without reading the show notes. I especially enjoyed the episode with author Claire Gibson.
Listen to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books
Black Chick Lit
Black Chick Lit gives you book reviews, news, and opinions from the point of view of two women of color (specifically, hosts Dani and Mollie). The podcast highlights books that are written by women of color and feature characters of color.
Episodes drop every other week; one about a specific book, and the another a chit chat episode about book news and topics related to reading (like the episode titled, Do You Re-read Books?)
Dani and Mollie are so entertaining (their conversations and jokes flow so naturally) that I don't even mind that the show runs long (usually an hour at minimum). They always know so much going on in the world of books and reading, it seems like they live and breathe it.
The Inside Flap
If the idea of a fun radio talk show with a bookish twist sounds good to you, check out The Inside Flap podcast. It's best for fans of mystery, thriller, or science fiction books.
The show is hosted by friends Laura, Andrew, and Dave. The first twenty minutes are usually filled with chit chat about the latest things going on in their lives. After that, they play book-related games, interview authors, and recommend books and audiobooks.
A recent episode that I enjoy is from May 19, titled Italian Women, The Long Con and German Horror (Fairytales). Like most episodes of The Inside Flap, I don't recommend it for kids or teens.
Check This Out Next!
The Best Podcasts for Book Lovers
Looking for more story podcasts to listen to? Check out all of the Story Podcast Recommendations
Do you have an indie book podcast recommendation? Mention it in the comments below to share with other podcast fans!
Thank you so very much for the mention!!! We are thrilled! – Laura
Hi Laura! I’m so glad that you found this post (so quickly!) and that you’re thrilled to be included! Your show is super fun to listen to, and often introduces me to authors I’ve never heard of before (you all touch on genres that aren’t my “norm”)!
Thanks so much for including my podcast and I’ll have to check out a couple others on this list!