I respect the cohosts a lot since they seem very articulate and intelligent. They have good opinions about books and I LOVE that they bring books from BIPOC authors. My only feedback is the awkward pauses when someone doesn’t know how to respond to the other co-host and also the monotone, dry unenthused tone at times. I think the transitions can use a bit of work, just some editing feedback to keep the listener engaged in the discussion 30 minutes into the podcast.

These two will put you right to sleep. Zero enthusiasm in their tone. Reminds me of that SNL skit from years ago about schweaty balls. NPR type monotone.

So glad I found this podcast a couple of years ago. Love both women’s reviews as well as their personalities!

I love book podcasts, and I want to add this one to my repertoire because I have very similar tastes in books as they do. I know that podcasts take a lot of work, and editing is a bear. I’ve been told that it takes almost 8 hours to edit 1 hour of a show. But I think I’d prefer a less frequent show with editing than a more frequent show that’s not edited at all. There are a lot of awkward pauses, like they haven’t planned what they are going to be saying. I hate hate hate being judgy. But I think there needs to be more conversation in addition to more editing. Gayle has a good energy for most episodes. Nicole comes across more monotone and very low energy in a lot of episodes and doesn’t really have much to say to Gayle/reactions. I think if they could see each other’s notes in advance and plan for some more questions of each other/discussion, it would seem less like they go back and forth giving book reports….with awkward pauses in between. The pauses get soooo awkward, and I cringe just listening to it. I have listened to about 30 episodes. I keep trying but the assorted things that keep me from liking something I should like finally prompted me to write this review. As a crazy side note, I’ve been listening to the Stuck in the 80’s podcast for years, and I “think” Gayle is the same “Gayle in DC” who very occasionally cohosts on that show. I identified her by voice only. Good job! Take or leave the feedback, but please know that I’ve been debating writing this for several weeks. I love the concept of the show.

I recently discovered The Readerly Report and it’s become my favorite among the dozen or so I listen to. The reason I like it better than all the others is due to two factors - 1) the hosts choose books that aren’t usually the latest hyped books and 2) these are two mature, intelligent women. If their conversation is scripted I would be very surprised, as I feel like I am listening to two good friends having a casual conversation about books. They both have sort of a dry sense of humor but fortunately there isn’t a lot of giggling (which is my pet peeve when listening to podcasts!). Both hosts are very straightforward and I really feel I am getting an honest opinion. Their reading taste don’t always completely mirror mine but they are the closest I have found among all other podcasts of choosing books I most likely wanting to read.

I have only just discovered this podcast in the past year through Sarah’s Bookshelf. I am a retired baby boomer and lifelong reader. I thoroughly enjoy listening to Gayle and Nicole’s weekly conversations for the fact that they are real, not overly edited, as any conversation should be. They are not hyped up, over the top, trying too hard to be cool. In my opinion you are either cool or you’re not, it’s not something you aspire to be. And they are just that-very cool and laid back. That is probably the biggest draw for me. They are easy on my brain. Their recommendations I feel are spot on, not that I always agree with them. They have enough diversity for broad appeal to various audiences. They take pains to not spoil which is hard to do when describing why you either like or dislike a book. I urge you to give these gals a listen as they also have a lifelong love of reading and it really comes through in their labor of love podcast. Hang in their girls, and stay true to your selves and your mission. Much love and gratitude- Cheryl

For those that are reading some of the lower reviews, I want to highlight that many of those issues are no longer a problem. Nicole and Gayle have higher energy and seem more positive generally about the books they read. I think COVID may have been a big factor to the hosts seeming negative or low energy. Both hosts seem much more prepared with fewer pauses, which may be due to editing or due to a better rapport. I enjoy that both hosts openly admit which books they did not enjoy and are okay with disagreeing with each other about books they liked. Nicole is great at coming up specific reasons why books do not work for her. However, I notice Gayle struggles with this more and provides reasons that don’t necessarily make sense. For example, on the most recent episode Gayle said that the childhood experience of the characters in Seven Days in June wasn’t very realistic. Yet somehow believes their adult experience was more realistic, despite both characters being famous authors that are the top on their respective genres. This comes across as dismissive of the experience of people who had childhoods like the characters. I think many times when Gayle doesn’t like a book it’s because it includes themes or experiences Gayle cannot relate to the characters (which is totally okay!), I just wish she would focus more on how it’s due to her reading taste rather than invalidating the experiences of others.

I might be a book twin with Gayle! Love this relaxed book chat between friends.

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Such a great podcast. I've gotten so many of great recommendation from here; they cover a great variety of books and a nice conversation between two thoughtful readers.

I love listening and getting book recs. This podcast is not flashy, but the hosts are smart and cool. Listen to it if you need some ideas of what to read next.

I get so many great recommendations from this podcast because Gayle is my book doppelgänger!

It comes across that the hosts don’t discuss the podcast prior to recording, nor do they spend time thinking about what books will be discussed. As a listener, I feel like I’m imposing on their time and they could rather be doing anything else than talking about books.

I love the variety of books they discuss, but over the last few months I have lost interest because they are CONSTANTLY forgetting the names of books, authors, etc. They really need more pre-show preparation, or post-show editing. Listeners don’t want to hear you struggling to recall details, or keys typing as you google a name. Great books but lacking in solid book talk.

I really want to love this podcast but I get so bored listening to it. For the most part, I like the content, but it lacks energy. It seems the pace of the conversation is so slow, there are a lot of long pauses, or having to stop and remember what they were going to say. Many, many times, the hosts can’t remember the name of a book they’re talking about, or the author, they say the name wrong, etc. Seems they could be a little more organized in preparation and maybe work on editing out some of the long pauses. That might make it seem like a less sleepy conversation.

This is a must-listen for me. I get great book recommendations from Nicole and Gayle and I like their rapport.

I appreciate the book talk, recs and synopses. An auto-download! Thanks, ladies!

I’m so glad I found The Readerly Report. I started listening a few months ago, and I have really come to enjoy and appreciate this great bookish podcast. Gayle and Nicole are smart, honest, witty, thoughtful, and kind. They engage in substantive conversation about books and the industry, covering backlist, new releases, and various genres. They have a wonderful rapport with one another. I appreciate that they aren’t afraid to voice differing opinions, and in fact embrace their differences and have an obvious respect for- and kinship with- one another. I just love how straightforward and honest they are about the books, their reading habits, and other relevant anecdotes about their lives. Highly recommend!

I really enjoy listening to this podcast. The hosts have good book recommendations and literary news. It is definitely one of y favorite book podcasts.

I had been a long time listener of this podcast. Over the last several months, I just felt the hosts were more negative than positive, I was literally getting anxious listening to them. Talk about books you actually like.

Don’t mind this podcast but feels like they forget things a lot. Oh I had that on my book club list oh I forgot what I picked. Be a little more organized. It seems like they are distracted a lot while talking to each other.

As an adult who recently became visually impaired, I have become increasingly reliant upon podcasts to learn about new and backlist titles. Nicole and Gayle are intelligent readers whose enthuasiam for books shines through in every show. They dive deeply into why they do or do not like each book (but do not give away the whole plot) and that helps me decide if I want to try a title. For example, Gayle's recommendation of "The Other's Gold" helped me choose that title as one of the audiobooks I reviewed this fall for a publication I review for, and while I did not like the book as much as Gayle seemed to, I was glad I read it. Their reading tastes diverge enough that it makes their discussions lively, but they each have their own well-formed tastes and opinions. And as a NYC resident, I enjoy all the references to city life which is often missing in other book podcasts I listen to. Terrific podcasts that I very much enjoy. Thanks, Michelle

I heard about the Readerly Report from another book podcast (can't remember which one.) I listen most weeks to this podcast. The pros: The episodes are two friends sharing about what they have read and are going to read. I enjoy hearing other people's conversations about books. Also, I have heard of some books to put on my TBR as a result of listening to the podcast. Cons: There are many times in the podcast where nothing is being said. One host asks a question of the other host and then there is a silent pause before the other host answers. It seems very awkward. I don't know if this is a recording problem, or an editing problem, but it makes it seem like they aren't always listening to each other. The other con is that very often it seems like nothing is prepared ahead of time. Titles of books being currently read are forgotten, hosts don't know the authors for books they are talking about. Seems like there should be a bit more preparation even for a podcast that is built on friendly dialogue. I would give this podcast more stars if these things were improved!

I love this podcast! I love your voices, I love the energy, and I love the cadence of the show. I appreciate that the reviews are honest, and that you don’t overhype the newest, “most popular” books like some other podcasts do. I’ve found several great older books because of you, that I’d never have read otherwise. Listening to this show feels like having a conversation with a good friend. ❤️

I was happy to find this new podcast I have never listened to before about books. That was until I listened to one episode and most of the episode was talking giving away spoilers in a variety of the books. Not everyone has read every single book out there yet, even popular ones.

I love Nicole and Gayle’s discussions! I binge listened to them all! They play off each other so well and have great taste in books!!!

I really enjoy listening to these book chats. For me, it’s a tad low energy, but I enjoy it nonetheless.

I'm an eighteen year old in college and I listen to this podcast every week, it's my savior when it comes to stressing out about school and such. Gayle and Nicole are so charismatic and fun to listen to, you never get tired of them! There are so many great book recommendations. I always add to my towering tbr. I love that they give their honest opinions of the books and I know what to expect and whether a book might be for me. A welcome addition to my poidcast lineup. Please never stop this lovely series, I just might die.

Readerly Report is one of the few bookish podcasts I never, ever miss! I love Nicole and Gayle’s reading taste and get countless great recommendations from them. I also love how they’re not afraid to say when they don’t like a book.

I discovered this podcast thanks to a podcast recommendation and it's become one of my go to podcasts. We have similar book tastes so it's been a great find to get book recommendations. Keep up the good work!

There's nothing better than listening to smart women talking about books. I listen to tons of podcasts centering around the literary world and this is one of my favorites. I love how honest Nicole and Gayle are. The best thing about this podcast is it centers around the review of books and not the authors. There are just too many author interview podcast out there; its refreshing to have one that simply talks about the books. Thank you Gayle and Nicole.

Updating: It's official - this is more accessible and more useful than the NYT Book Review. Am I the only one who cannot find an opinion in most of the NYT book reviews? The hosts of this podcast are clear about their picks and very entertaining. One idea: part of a podcast dedicated to books you started but did not finish (perhaps already done?) - maybe part of the mid-year report. Thoughtful reviews by a pair of warm, engaged readers. Perfect for busy people who are looking for intelligent reads. Recommendations are diverse and down-to-earth- love it !

Nicole and Gayle have a great rapport and their knowledge of what's new and upcoming in the book world is amazing. They'll definitely help you find your next favorite read. Plus, they're funny- which is what really counts!

I love the blogs written by these ladies and so far their recommendations have been great. I look forward to the next podcast!