Best Backlist Books Podcasts (2025)

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Summer books 2025 1:10:31

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30d ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Books we think you might enjoy on a plane, by the pool or in the park. Andy, Nicky and our old friend Una McCormack discuss the following fantastic beach reads - Birch reads? - and a novel from Backlisted's own backlist: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Sceptre); The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier, trans. Adriana Hunter (Penguin); Poetry in th…

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Nicholas Harvey on Writing Dual Timelines, Collaboration, and Digital Nomad Life 51:50

14h ago51:50

51:50

275 / Nicholas Harvey, adventure, suspense, and thriller novelist and digital nomad, shares his journey from race car driver and motorsports professional to full-time author. He discusses how his unique background shapes his storytelling, the challenges of writing female protagonists, and navigating the ever-evolving indie publishing landscape. Tra…

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Desert Island Picks 1:06:33

16h ago1:06:33

1:06:33

This week, we’re going to be sharing our desert island picks for categories from entertainment, to food, clothing, beauty, and more! Shoutout to Hillary Kerr’s newsletter for the episode inspo! Some of our picks Books to read for the rest of time: Becca - The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer The Wedding People by Alison Espach Olivia - Demon Copperhead…

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Ep 485: A midyear reading check-in 1:00:52

1d ago1:00:52

1:00:52

A midyear reading check-in has become a small tradition around here, and today Anne is welcoming team member Shannan Malone back to the podcast. Today, you'll hear Anne and Shannan dive into the history of this practice before exploring how this year’s been going so far, what they're each excited about, and what’s working (and not working) in each …

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Angel by Elizabeth Taylor 1:14:16

1d ago1:14:16

1:14:16

Angel (1957) by the English writer Elizabeth Taylor, is the subject of this special episode - and, as you'll hear, the next episode of Locklisted too.* Joining Andy and Una for a hotly disputed umpteenth appearance on the podcast is our guest, the critic and broadcaster Andrew Male. We last featured Elizabeth Taylor in 2019 when we discussed The So…

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A Professor Turns Sleuth in This Sharp Academic Mystery 43:38

6d ago43:38

43:38

Zoe Wallbrook shares how her debut mystery, History Lessons, blends academia, amateur sleuthing, and suspense in this clever, twisty campus mystery with heart. In today's special July 4th Book Gang episode, author Zoe B. Wallbrook joins me for a smart and surprising conversation about her dazzling debut, History Lessons. This mystery novel brings t…

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Writing and Life Update after Our June Break 35:34

8d ago35:34

35:34

274 / We’ve had a month-long break and are back with a catch-up chat about what’s been going on with our writing and our lives, including ADHD and productivity, juggling creative projects, and book launches. Sara: special edition pre-production and timelines, launching on her direct store Jami: ADHA update, drafting a new novel, ads 💙 Become a supp…

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July 2025 Three Things 1:12:47

8d ago1:12:47

1:12:47

It’s time for July Three Things! Tune in for a game, fantasy dinner parties, writing process dives, best books of the year (so far), Materialists thoughts, and more! Becca’s Things Materialists Hallmark Movie Game Dream Summer Dinner Party Olivia’s Things Materialists Favorite Reads in 2025 so far (Becca’s includes One Golden Summer by Carley Fortu…

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Rae's Corner - Fantastical Waiting Room 1:14:20

8d ago1:14:20

1:14:20

S2 E7 Rae sits down with Rhiannon Rollness and Ali Williams to talk about fantasy, how to the subgenres can bring different reader expectations, and fun quirky things about their work. Rhiannon Rollness is a fantasy author, nurse, wife, and mother. When not balancing all of these, you can find her reading, obsessively listening to the same song on …

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Ep 484: A summer to slow down and sink into what you love 49:11

8d ago49:11

49:11

Today's guest is looking for ways to slow down and sink into what she loves most as she plans her summer of reading. Chelsea Siler is an early childhood special education teacher in Tacoma, Washington. She's often found reading to be a source of joy, escape, and growth, and she'd like these positive experiences to be reflected in her reading select…

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#140 - Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag 20:42

9d ago20:42

20:42

Reading Goals Check In + my reading year so far Patreon https://www.patreon.com/talkbookishpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talkbookishpodcast/ Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/talkbookishpodcast/ Interested in being a guest on the podcast? https://forms.gle/KtaEnr2Z8eKi6E1x8

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Mysteries and Thrillers for Audiobook Month 48:30

12d ago48:30

48:30

Katie McLain Horner and Kendra Winchester recommend some of their favorite mystery and thriller audiobooks. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more mystery/thriller recs and news, sign up for our Unusual Suspects newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! T…

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How a Chemistry Major Wrote a High-Stakes Debut 54:41

13d ago54:41

54:41

Not knowing the publishing rules helped Austin Taylor sell her debut, Notes on Infinity. From lab notes to spreadsheets, learn her data-driven approach. In today's Book Gang episode, debut author Austin Taylor joins me to discuss her dazzling new novel Notes on Infinity. This high-concept campus novel follows Zoe and Jack, two brilliant students wh…

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All the Other Mothers Hate Me Book Club 50:11

15d ago50:11

50:11

We’re excited to dive into our June Book Club Pick: June Book Club Pick - All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman. We had a great time reading this hilarious and Scaredy Cat approved mystery, and can’t wait to hear what you think! Watch the full interview with Sarah Harman Olivia mentioned here. Obsessions Becca - Milk Duds Olivia - Vitality …

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Ep 483: Help me find my new go-to summer author! 1:05:42

15d ago1:05:42

1:05:42

We often discuss auto-buy authors and completist authors around here, and today's guest is a completist on a mission to discover her new favorite summer author. Stephanie Edwards-Gass is a seventh-grade English teacher and an Elin Hilderbrand completist. For years, she's turned to Hilderbrand's novels for summer reading satisfaction. She's read (an…

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The Corner That Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner 1:16:13

16d ago1:16:13

1:16:13

Sylvia Townsend Warner's The Corner That Held Them (1948) is the subject of this episode, almost ten years since Backlisted covered the same author's classic debut Lolly Willowes (1926). Joining Andy, Una and Nicky to discuss this magnificent and inimitable historical novel - and to consider what, if anything, we have learnt during the last decade …

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Dolen Perkins-Valdez Writes Like Every Book Is Her Last 36:01

20d ago36:01

36:01

Dolen Perkins-Valdez shares the riveting history behind her new book, Happy Land, the research surprises she uncovered, and how urgency drives her storytelling. In today's Book Gang episode, New York Times bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez joins me to discuss Happy Land, a transporting novel inspired by the true story of a lost kingdom built …

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2025 Reading Preview Part 2 1:17:40

22d ago1:17:40

1:17:40

It’s time for Part 2 of our 2025 reading preview! We invited some friends of the pod to chat about the books they’re most excited to pick up this year! Lauren Puckett-Pope’s Picks - Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (Out August 26), Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab Kristen L. Berry’s Picks - Greenwich by Kate Broad (Out July 22), It's Dif…

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Ep 482: Diving into evocative ocean reads 47:25

22d ago47:25

47:25

We always love reading on a theme, and today's guest would love to see her real-life love of the ocean mirrored in the pages of her books. Noelle Leong is a science and medicine-focused librarian at a small liberal arts college. She especially loves her work for the opportunities it provides her to join the students on trails and visiting tidepools…

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#139 - Summer Reading Guide (backlist & new releases) 24:19

23d ago24:19

24:19

Summer is here and that means you probably have more time to read. But what books should you be reading? I have compiled some recommendations both new and old to get you started. Aardvark Book Club https://aardvarkbookclub.com/ Use code TALKBOOKISH to get your first book for $4 Books mentioned + even more recs: https://bookshop.org/lists/summer-rea…

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Rae's Corner - Dark Romance Gray Area 1:08:45

25d ago1:08:45

1:08:45

S2 E6 Rae is in conversation with Ayla Cox and Mia Heintzelman about all things dark romance, their dive into the subgenre and their future plans regarding what they want to bring to life. Ayla Cox writes romance/morally gray/romcom/erotica. She is an award-winning, bold storyteller that crafts emotionally intense, character-driven romances full of…

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Mysteries and Thrillers for Pride Month! 44:59

26d ago44:59

44:59

Katie McLain Horner and Kendra Winchester recommend mysteries and thrillers for Pride Month. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more mystery/thriller recs and news, sign up for our Unusual Suspects newsletter! Stumped on a great gift this Father's Day? Tailored Book Recommendations brings a personalized touch …

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Why Allegra Goodman Hid Her Isola Manuscript 43:40

27d ago43:40

43:40

Allegra Goodman tells the surprising origin story of Isola—from a children's book discovery to immersive museum research—all written in complete secrecy. In today's Book Gang episode, celebrated author Allegra Goodman joins me to discuss her stunning survival novel Isola, the incredible true story that inspired it, and the highly unusual creative p…

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2025 Mid-Year Goals Check In 1:24:25

29d ago1:24:25

1:24:25

It’s time to check in on our 2025 Goals! Are we on track with our writing goals? Did Becca reduce her screen time? Did Olivia manage to give up Jarlic? Keep listening to find out! Obsessions Olivia - Bose Ultra Open Headphones Becca - Stick Season (Her Version) by Deeps What we read this week Becca - Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross (out 6/17)…

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Ep 481: A reading life that comes in waves 51:26

29d ago51:26

51:26

Nonfiction books often change the way that readers see the world, and today's guest Evan Carlson is on the hunt for fiction that packs the same punch as the nonfiction works he loves. Evan's joining Anne from Chicago, where he lives and works as an actor and poet. He's found that reading poetry and nonfiction helps him challenge his ways of thinkin…

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Milo Todd is Reclaiming Trans History 1:07:11

1M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

Milo Todd discusses the research process for his debut, The Lilac People. This sweeping historical fiction novel shares a devastating chapter in trans history. Debut novelist Milo Todd joins me to discuss his book, The Lilac People, in honor of Pride Month. This heartbreaking historical fiction novel uncovers a devastating chapter in queer and tran…

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June 2025 Three Things 1:16:58

1M ago1:16:58

1:16:58

It’s time for our June Three Things! But first, vote for our July Book Club Pick in our Facebook Group! Stay tuned for discussions about TJR getting the star treatment in Time magazine, the state of indie podcasting, a book battle mini-game, and more! Becca’s Things Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Time Profile The efficacy of learning languages via Duolingo …

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Ep 480: Branching out with escapist, emotionally resonant novels 58:23

1M ago58:23

58:23

Feeling more confident about finding the right reads is a common bookish goal. In today's conversation, Anne welcomes Tynisha Coleman to the show to talk about her current reading goals. Tynisha is a leadership development coach, university lecturer, and sci-fi and fantasy lover from New Jersey. She doesn't shy away from books that tackle tough plo…

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165. Celebrate Novel Pairings with Chelsey and Sara with a Farewell Q&A 1:06:19

1M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

For our final episode of Novel Pairings, we opened up the mailbag to answer your thoughtful listener questions. From reflections on our favorite classics to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re sharing a lot today! And celebrating the journey we’ve shared with all of you. We’ll also be offering some closing thoughts on what this podcast has meant to us…

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147 - Books About Death and Dying 28:52

1M ago28:52

28:52

This week, I'm joined by Lisa Pahl who talks about an inventive way to talk about death and dying, through use of The Death Deck. We also discuss books that deal with this topic. The Clouds Far Behind Me by Laurie Lo Cicero Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living by Penny Hawkins Smith Things in Na…

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#138 - "It Girl" Reading List 13:02

1M ago13:02

13:02

Books Mentioned + more recs https://bookshop.org/lists/it-girl-reading-list Patreon https://www.patreon.com/talkbookishpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talkbookishpodcast/ Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/talkbookishpodcast/ Interested in being a guest on the podcast? https://forms.gle/KtaEnr2Z8eKi6E1x8…

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Rae's Corner - Kiki'ing Over Rom Coms 1:43:05

1M ago1:43:05

1:43:05

S2 E5 Rae Shawn is in conversation with Olivia Linden, Mia Heintzelman, Ashlyn Harmon, Lindo Forbes and Monique Fisher about romantic comedy, the nuances of the industry, movies, books and so much more. To miss spoilers regarding Robinne Lee’s The Idea of You, skip from 49:06 to 50:24. Monique Fisher is a theatre and comic book geek who always has …

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Summer Reads from Real People 51:37

1M ago51:37

51:37

Katie McLain Horner and Kendra Winchester recommend summer reads! Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more mystery/thriller recs and news, sign up for our Unusual Suspects newsletter! Ready to level up your reading life? Become a Book Riot All Access member and explore our full library of members-only content, …

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Hit the Road with Annie Hartnett 59:48

1M ago59:48

59:48

Annie Hartnett discusses the inspiration behind her quirky road trip novel The Road to Tender Hearts and why she breaks all the rules in writing her stories. Annie Hartnett joins me to discuss her latest bestselling novel, The Road to Tender Hearts, and the inspiration behind this road trip story. We explore the heartfelt and humorous moments that …

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Katie Kitamura on Writing Audition 30:06

1M ago30:06

30:06

We had the pleasure of recording a bonus episode with Katie Kitamura, the author of our May Book Club Pick, Audition! We ask her about the book’s inspiration, the writing process of such an experimental novel, what’s ~actually~ going on in the plot, and the origins of the scenes that have stuck with us the most. This Month’s Book Club Pick - All th…

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Trixie Silvertale on Making Your Backlist Work for You when You Need a Break 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

Ep 273 / Trixie Silvertale joins us to discuss resilience and adaptability in business. Trixie shared how a personal tragedy shifted her writing and publishing and resulted in her leveraging her backlist. Plus keeping a long series fresh, and writing interesting small town settings. Topics: Trixie’s dictation process, which involves roller skates 🛼…

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Audition Book Club 1:15:52

1M ago1:15:52

1:15:52

We’re SO excited to discuss Audition by Katie Kitamura! While this book may be hard to recap (uh, what actually happened??), we can’t wait to dive into theories and themes. We share our feelings about the ambiguous plot and discuss the theme of performance throughout the book. We also explore overlaps with two other past pieces of favorite content.…

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Ep 479: Balancing backlist with shiny new releases 1:12:38

1M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

Every year we get some variation of this question: how can a reader like today’s guest, Elise Brancheau, balance all the shiny new books of summer with the backlist titles that are already patiently waiting on her to-be-read list? Elise is a New Jersey-based professional classical singer who describes herself as a huge reading-planning nerd. We kno…

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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend 1:15:50

1M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

The wonderful Nina Stibbe, award-winning novelist and diarist, joins us for a discussion of Sue Townsend's classic comic creation. When it was first published in 1982, the confidential journal of Leicester's foremost teenage poet and intellectual was an overnight success, eventually going on to become the best-selling British novel of the 1980s. Fo…