The Radical Origins of Book Clubs
When you think of book clubs, you might picture cozy gatherings filled with polite conversation and cups of tea. However, the origins of these clubs are surprisingly radical. Dating back to the 1700s, and possibly even earlier, book clubs emerged as a gathering of women who, restricted from formal education, convened in the backs of bookshops or neighbors’ kitchens to discuss their writing and reading. From these impromptu seminars, the modern book club model was born. Fast forward to 2025, and thanks in part to the viral phenomenon of #BookTok—where influencers share literary recommendations with their TikTok followers—book clubs are experiencing an unprecedented resurgence. Interestingly, 83 percent of Gen Z report that they read regularly, compared to 75 percent of those aged 30 to 45.
It’s not just the traditional format of book clubs—informal meet-ups with friends or neighbors selecting a new book each month—that has gained popularity. Over the past four years, there has been a staggering 350 percent increase in book club events listed on Eventbrite. Recent years have also seen attempts to bring book clubs to the screen, with shows like Sky Arts Book Club Live, hosted by Liz Day and Andi Oliver, and the BBC’s Between the Covers, fronted by Sara Cox, both launching in 2020. Additionally, Gen Z celebrities have embraced the trend, with Dua Lipa’s Service95 book club featuring author interviews on YouTube, and actress Kaia Gerber’s Library Science similarly engaging audiences. Yet, as we move into 2025, one new format is emerging as a standout: the book club podcast.
The Rise of Book Club Podcasts
Take, for example, Books and Boba, hosted by Reera Yoo and Marvin Yueh, which specializes in Asian and Asian American authors. The formula is straightforward: a host (or hosts) selects a book to discuss, and listeners tune in at their convenience, often reading the book beforehand. This trend has proven to be immensely popular. In fact, I can hardly scroll through my phone these days without encountering announcements for new book club podcasts launching left and right. It’s a perfect fit for those of us who prefer not to leave the house or feel anxious about interacting with strangers. While a podcast lacks the immediacy and interactive exchange of ideas present in an in-person club, that might actually be a relief for many book lovers. Podcasts provide a similar sense of calm that reading offers.
Translating the book club experience into a podcast allows listeners to enjoy the intricacies of a complex narrative without having to compete for snacks at a gathering. This is also true for television book clubs, which aim to provide an engaging viewing experience with literary analysis and celebrity guests. However, books are inherently not visual mediums; they thrive in the written word rather than on screen. Therefore, merging the two can often feel forced. The essence of discussing literature through a podcast remains intact, allowing listeners to appreciate the conversations without the visual distractions.
Podcasts can indeed be solitary experiences, but they don’t have to be. Many shows cultivate online communities where discussions can continue on forums and social media at the listener’s convenience. For example, the NTS Radio book club boasts a dedicated Discord channel where subscribers can join in the conversation about the latest reads. Furthermore, sharing an intriguing podcast episode with a friend is a breeze—far simpler than convincing them to sit through an entire TV episode or painstakingly recounting an in-person discussion.
For me, the portability of a podcast enhances its appeal as the ideal format for book clubs. Podcasts can accompany listeners throughout their day, turning mundane activities like commuting, washing dishes, or folding laundry into opportunities for insightful literary exploration. This format allows for the mental space to ponder character arcs, question plot developments, or contemplate ideas that may not have surfaced during solitary reading. The convenience of accessing podcasts makes it easy to explore episodes focused on books you haven’t yet read; many podcasters even encourage listeners to read along. It’s a fantastic way to broaden your literary horizons while managing daily tasks.
As the internet continues to reshape our lives, traditional concepts are finding innovative new expressions. So, why not dive into the world of book club podcasts? They’re a refreshing take on the classic format, and to help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best podcast book clubs to help you find your community.
The Book Club Review
Hosted by Laura Potter and Kate Slotover, both seasoned professionals in the publishing industry, The Book Club Review takes a thoughtful approach to reading. Their episodes blend author interviews, book recommendations, and insights from their in-person book clubs. They offer heartfelt critiques and engaging discussions, making it a haven for book purists.
Sara and Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club
Marketed as a book club for those who “don’t like people or wine or nibbles,” this podcast is a delightful blend of literature and humor. Hosted by comedians Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd, the atmosphere feels like a classic panel show without the usual male-centric humor. They invite guests, including comedians and actresses, to join in discussions about the selected book, resulting in entertaining and often hilarious conversations.
Bookclub
Radio 4’s Bookclub elevates the book club concept by placing authors at the center of each discussion. Hosted by former Today presenter James Naughtie, the format includes questions posed by a live audience, creating a unique environment where everyday readers can interact directly with writers. While this setup may temper some criticism, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for insight into the author’s perspective.
Books & Boba
Books and Boba centers on Asian and Asian American authors, presenting a monthly book selection with lively discussions hosted by award-winning producer Marvin Yueh and writer Reera Yoo. The episodes engage with themes of politics and identity in the publishing realm while offering passionate literary analysis. With many episodes exceeding an hour, they are perfect for those who enjoy in-depth conversations.
Joel Golby’s Book Club
In a format that leans more towards audio reviews than a traditional book club, journalist and author Joel Golby presents Joel Golby’s Book Club. Each episode is a concise exploration of a book, typically lasting under half an hour, and concludes with a straightforward rating out of ten. Golby’s blend of personal insights and objective critique makes for engaging listening, with his selections ranging from classic favorites to contemporary hits. His humor and intelligence make it hard not to wish for a friendship with him.
