12 books that read like podcasts

Malcolm Gladwell’s book is truly a history podcast fan’s dream. In The Bomber Mafia, Gladwell sets his sights on the microhistory of precision bombing combat developed during World War II. Gladwell deftly weaves the threads of many historical figures into one breathtaking story. Audiobook listeners will definitely want to check this one out on audio, as the audiobook includes archival material and special content. Find more information on how to listen The Bomber Mafia here.

This animated biography of George Washington dissects the mythical man he became in American history. Rather than dragging on for hundreds or even thousands of pages, Alexis Coe’s article You never forget your first time is a manageable read that’s so absorbing that you’ll find yourself ending soon enough. Coe’s wit and cheeky voice make this biography an entertaining pick that reads like a concise podcast miniseries reimagining a major historical figure.

by Danya Kufaka Note on an execution is an innovative thriller that true crime podcast fans will appreciate. Kufaka’s novel centers on the execution of a serial killer, Ansel Packer. In his final hours, a group of people whose paths have intertwined with Ansel’s reflect on his chaotic and troubled life. Note on an execution is a biting look at the glamorization and fetishism of true crime while considering the murky ethics and morals of the criminal justice system.

A scary work of true crime, Becky Cooper We keep the dead close is a book you’ll want to free up your schedule to read. We keep the dead close focuses on the unsolved 1969 murder of a Harvard graduate student and Harvard graduate author Becky Cooper’s epic search for a solution. Cooper’s story is haunting as she travels back and forth between past and present, exposing the systematic cover-up of the murder by Harvard authorities and local police in this riveting book.

In 1938, England was on the brink of war. It is also a period of great interest in the supernatural. London housewife Alma Fielding emerges as a promising psychic after her home is plagued by unexplainable phenomena that headlines say is a poltergeist. But what is really going on? Ghost hunter Nandor Fodor investigates, trying to uncover the truth. The deeper Fodor sinks, the murkier his mission becomes. This fascinating page-turner is a must-read for anyone who loves podcasts that investigate the paranormal.

What happens when science meets the supernatural? This fascinating intersection is what Mary Roach explores in frighten. Roach focuses his attention specifically on the afterlife… what we know about the afterlife, what we don’t know about the afterlife, and what we believe about the afterlife. Fans of paranormal podcasts will appreciate Roach’s sense of humor and curiosity in this book which may contain more questions than answers…

Some of the best podcasts are miniseries that dive deep into a subject or theme and explore its meaning over several self-contained yet still cohesive episodes. In The address book, historian Deirdre Mask does so by looking at a little-known subject: postal addresses. Mask uses addresses as a lens into major sociological questions, like what your street address says about your identity or your wealth. This revealing book is ideal for fans of history and sociology podcasts.

One of my favorite non-fiction writers, Jon Ronson, writes about life on the fringes… extremists, internet trolls, the porn industry and, in The psychopath test, commerce, industry and the psychology of psychopaths. In captivating chapters so intriguing you’ll make up excuses to read it, the psychopath test will get you addicted to Ronson’s expedition into the world of psychopaths. You’ll encounter industry profiteers, cold-blooded killers, and larger-than-life characters in Ronson’s journey through the underbelly of psychopathology.

My go-to capsules are all political conversations and interview podcasts like Hacks on tap, five thirty eightand Pod Save America. (I have a list of books for Message of public interest fans here on Book Riot.) Read Mira Jacob’s graphic memoir good conversation fits perfectly. Only in this book the conversations are not between politicians but rather between Jacob and his son growing up in the complex dynamics of contemporary America. A flawless but tender story, good conversation opens the dialogue between the adults who deal with today’s young people.

Anyone deeply into politics and current affairs podcasts knows the sticky, hyper-partisan dynamic of the Supreme Court, both who sits in the chair and those who are caught in the world of the glorified nine. If you like topical podcasts, you’ll find plenty to like while justice sleeps the gripping thriller from politician and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams. Twisty and addictive, this book about the drama on the Supreme Court when a judge falls into a coma to be a serious, real look at power – who has it and who would nothing To see her.

Some of the best podcasts are oral histories of a specific era, piece of art, or an interesting cultural movement. If you are a fan of this kind of podcast, take the novel The final revival of Opal & Nev. Dawnie Walton’s debut follows the spinoffs of a famous (fictional) 1970s rock duo, years later they parted ways through the prism of an oral history. Themes of race, gender and feminism run through this gripping story.

Are you an arts and culture podcast addict? You’ll definitely want to check out Emily Nussbaum I like to watch. A Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, Nussbaum brings together his varied writings on the ups and downs of television in the new millennium. With topics as varied as buffy the vampire slayer, The Sopranosand reality TV, I like to watch is essential reading for podcast listeners who never tire of TV.