Worth a Listen: Summer Reading with New England Authors
By Joshua Smith
Summer reading season is upon us, and there is no better time to find a new book for the porch, the camp chair, the beach bag, or the little table beside the bed. This week’s podcast list is for readers who like author interviews, local storytelling, independent bookstores, and the kind of books that make you say, “I’ll just read one more chapter.”
1. Vermont Artists and Authors
We’ll start close to home. Vermont Artists and Authors is our podcast celebrating creative voices from the Green Mountain State, including writers, poets, illustrators, artists, and storytellers. It is a great companion for summer reading because it lets listeners hear directly from the people behind the work: where their ideas come from, how they shape a story, and why creating art in Vermont has its own special flavor.
2. Writers on a New England Stage
Recorded in New Hampshire, this series features well-known authors discussing their books, their writing lives, and the stories behind the stories.
3. NHPR Books
A strong pick for readers who want a mix of author conversations, book recommendations, and literary features from New Hampshire Public Radio.
4. ReadLocalNH
This podcast celebrates New Hampshire authors, independent bookstores, libraries, and readers. It is a fine choice for anyone who likes discovering books from nearby shelves.
5. Write the Book: Conversations on Craft
A Vermont-grown writing podcast featuring authors, poets, editors, and publishing professionals. Good for readers and aspiring writers alike.
6. Maine Calling
While not only about books, Maine Calling regularly features authors, reading lists, and literary conversations, including summer reading recommendations.
7. Rumble Strip
This Vermont storytelling podcast is not strictly an author show, but it captures people, place, memory, and voice in a way that book lovers will appreciate.
8. Bookstore Explorer
A podcast for anyone who loves independent bookstores. It travels behind the shelves to talk with booksellers, authors, and bookish folks.
9. The Maris Review
A literary interview show with thoughtful conversations featuring novelists, poets, journalists, and essayists.
10. The Writer’s Voice
This podcast lets writers read their own short fiction, which is a nice way to hear the rhythm and personality of a story right from the author.
This summer, don’t just make a reading list. Build a listening list too. And start local with Vermont Artists and Authors, available through Storycomic and wherever you enjoy podcasts.