The Book Review
The New York TimesThe 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. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. ... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 603 | Founded | 21 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
Imagine, if you will, that for unknown reasons North Korea has just launched a nuclear bomb at the United States. What happens next?
The journalist Annie Jacobsen has imagined exactly that, and spent more than a decade interviewing dozens of experts... more
What are the best thrillers published since 2000?
That was the question that the team at The New York Times’s Book Review posed to hundreds of writers of every kind of crime fiction, from legal thrillers to spy novels to cozy mysteries, as well as l... more
Early in Douglas Stuart’s new novel, “John of John,” the Booker Prize-winning author describes a peculiar irony: “What skinned him was that the closer he got to home, the more lost he felt.”
It’s a passing line, but it captures the tension at the he... more
The editors at The New York Times Book Review spend almost the entire year discussing, debating and sometimes arguing about the year’s best books. We’re halfway through 2026, which means it’s time for the host Gilbert Cruz and the Book Review editors... more
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Recent Guests
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Reviews
- Only 2 episodes
Can’t listen to old podcasts. I’m a new potential listener, and I don’t like the topics in the last 2 episodes. So then you lost a listener before it even started.
Apple Podcasts1Husky88
Canada13 days ago - Monthly book club
MJ Franklin is the best. I look forward to the monthly book club and MJ Franklin really excels at leading the discussion. The book club is the best part of the entire Book Review podcast.
Apple Podcasts4Ray and Gracie
United States19 days ago - Downhill fast
When I first starting listening to this podcast it was smart and professional. The critics would engage with one another and bring to light books I had never heard of previously. Dwight Garner was one of my favorites. Interviews were well thought out and executed. I’m a regular reader, certainly not a critic so how is it I read most of the books they discuss each week? (notable exception The Calamity Club and Yesterday Year)
Khatib and Cruz giggle and act like two high school kids on their first... more
Apple Podcasts2Michelep63United Statesa month ago - A revised opinion
I have been a devoted listener and subscriber for years. Last year I wrote an unkind review. Of Gilbert and this Podcast. I regret any feathers that might have been ruffled but after that review, I noticed some changes that have brought this Podcast back to its outstanding standard.
It has been absolutely wonderful hearing from all of the different editors and writers on the podcast. The diverse viewpoints and variety of works discussed has enlightened my reading life again.
They actually seem... more
Apple Podcasts5Generic ReaderUnited Statesa month ago - Madeline Miller & the Odyssey discussion
Ms Miller is my favorite author at the moment and loved her on The Daily and this pod discussing The Odyssey, Circe, Son of Achilles (and Watership Down which is another beloved book I had no idea related to the Odyssey!). Fascinating discussion and I can’t get enough.
Apple Podcasts5deniser:)United Statesa month ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #5 | United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #22 | United States/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #13 | Canada/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #23 |  United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #47 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Talking Points
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Book Review
What is The Book Review about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A high‑level literary discussion show featuring in-depth author interviews, panel debates, and book club style conversations. Episodes typically center on new or classic books, with guests ranging from renowned authors and critics to editors and journalists, often pairing author bios with insider industry perspectives. A recurring highlight is the blend of rigorous literary analysis with accessible, conversational banter, plus occasional forays into film, TV, and pop culture when books intersect with other media. A notable strength is the show's long‑running presence in book culture, bringing together acclaimed writers, investigative journalists, and poets, which can offer listeners diverse perspectives on craft, publishing, and adaptation.... more
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How many listeners does The Book Review get?
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How many subscribers and views does The Book Review have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Book Review?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Book Review:
1. NPR's Book of the Day
2. The New Yorker Radio Hour
3. Critics at Large | The New Yorker
4. The Interview
5. Fresh Air
How many episodes of The Book Review are there?
The Book Review launched 21 years ago and published 603 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Book Review?
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What guests have appeared on The Book Review?
Recent guests on The Book Review include:
1. Annie Jacobsen
2. Tina Jordan
3. Sarah Lyall
4. Madeline Miller
5. Jill Lepore
6. Liz Egan
7. Isaac Butler
8. Ryan Holiday
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.