Read the Book First
At Read the Book First, we love watching book adaptations come alive on screen! Whether a movie, tv show or a YouTube mini-series, there's something magical about seeing someone's interpretation of a book come to life! We do however believe that you should always try to read the book first.Each week we'll read a book and discuss it together. Then we'll watch one or two of the book's adaptations and consider the good, bad, and entertaining choices made throughout the adaptations.
We Watched Murderbot Season 1 (with Marissa)
Marissa joins us to discuss Apple TV's Murderbot, Season 1, starring Alexander Skarsgård!
Join our Patreon to listen to the exclusive mini-episode where Marissa and I rank iconic characters played by the Skarsgårds!
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We Review All Systems Red by Martha Wells (with Marissa)
Marissa joins us as we discuss the award winning novella, All Systems Red by Martha Wells.
We discuss space capitalism, why Jenessa doesn't typically enjoy sci-fi, and what determines sentience.
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All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com
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We Watched Matilda (1996) and Matilda the Musical (2022) (with Amanda)
Amanda helps us analyze Matilda (1996) and Matilda the Musical (2022).
We discuss the original stage production and how adapting a book into a movie then a stage production and then a movie musical changes a story.
time stamps:
00:00:37 - Matilda (1996)
00:51:51- Matilda the Musical (stage production
00:54:21 - Matilda the Musical (2022)
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We Review Matilda by Roald Dahl (with Amanda)
Amanda returns to revisit a childhood classic, Matilda by Roald Dahl.
We discuss Matilda's powers, our favorite Roald Dahl books, and whether or not Ms. Honey is a good teacher.
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All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst
Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!
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We Watched Five Feet Apart (with Ashley from @ifitwasabook)
Ashley of If It Was a Book joins Jenessa to discuss the teenage star-cross lovers movie, Five Feet Apart.
Follow Ashley and If it Was a Book! Jenessa was a guest on Ashley's podcast, so definitely check that out as well!
If It Was a Book - Instagram
If It Was a Book - YouTube
If It Was a Book - Spotify
content warnings: cystic fibrosis, chronic illness, death of a loved one
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We Review Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott (with Ashley from @ifitwasabook)
Join Ashley, from If It Was a Book, and Jenessa as they discuss Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry, and Tobias Iaconis.
This book was written at the same time as the film's screenplay, so did the book actually come first? Listen to find out!
Follow Ashley and If it Was a Book! Jenessa was a guest on Ashley's podcast, so definitely check that out as well!
If It Was a Book - Instagram
If It Was a Book - YouTube
If It Was a Book...
We Watched How Stella Got Her Groove Back (with Alyssa from @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)
Alyssa and Jenessa discuss the 90s classic starring Angela Bassett and Taye Diggs, How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
Follow Alyssa and her podcast, Stories and Spoilers!
@stories.and.spoilers.podcast on Instagram
@Stories.and.spoilers.booktalks on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
content warning: age gap romance, steamy scenes, cursing
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We Review How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan (with Alyssa from @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)
Alyssa returns to help us dive into the tropical romance, How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan.
We discuss the age gap featured and what is the "groove" Stella was looking to get back.
Follow Alyssa and her podcast, Stories and Spoilers
@stories.and.spoilers.podcast on Instagram
@Stories.and.spoilers.booktalks on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
the video mentioned by Jenessa and Alyssa
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We Watched Mickey 17 (with Marissa)
Marissa joins us to discuss the 2025 sci-fi film, Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho and starring Robert Pattinson.
We discuss how cute the creepers were, the accent work done by Pattinson, and the fact that there was too much bodily fluids used.
Check out the Vanity Fair interview Jenessa referenced.
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We Read Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton (with Marissa)
Marissa joins us to discuss Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton.
We discuss the Ship of Theseus, the pros and cons of space travel, and how much we enjoyed the "creepers".
Make sure to check out our Patreon! We have exclusive minisodes with guests, reading vlogs from Jenessa, early access to episodes, and more!
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We Watched Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (with Delaney)
Delaney joins us to dive into the 2016 film directed by Tim Burton, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
This film is known to be controversial to the book fans. Listen to find out our opinions!
Delaney and I filmed a minisode where I had Delaney decide if certain birds were "peculiar" or not". You can watch that video exclusively on our Patreon, patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst
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We Started a Patreon!
We started a Patreon! Patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst
"Why did you start a Patreon?" you may be asking. Well, it's a one woman show over here. Just me, myself, and I. In order to continue the podcast, dedicating time to read, record, edit, and market the podcast, I need some financial help.
Instead of trying to chase the algorithm to monetize my podcast, I've decided to go straight to you, my lovely listeners! I want to offer some exclusive content just for my patrons! Throughout our first few months of this Patreon, I'll be...
We Read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (with Delaney)
Welcome to Season 4 of Read the Book First! We are so excited for this season's episodes!
Delaney returns to help us dive into Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. We talked about birds, time travel, and the spooky pictures featured throughout the book.
We now have a Patreon! If you like the podcast and want to support us directly, please consider becoming a patron! We will have exclusive episodes, vlogs, and other content just for you! Go to patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst to become a patron.
We...
We Watched the Wild Robot (with Amanda)
It's our Season 3 finale! Join Amanda and Jenessa as they discuss the Oscar nominated film, The Wild Robot.
Season 4 is in the works and will begin later this Spring. Thank you to every one who listened to Season 3. I love talking about books and the fact I have even one listener brings me such joy!
Join our Discord for more bookish banter and to have a say in future episodes!
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We Review The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (with Amanda)
It's our last book episode of Season 3!
Amanda joins us to discuss The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. This chapter book was one of my favorite books I read in 2024. It's joyful, heartwarming, and challenging. Listen along to hear all our thoughts!
Peter Brown's blogpost referenced in the episode - https://www.peterbrownstudio.com/the-wild-robot/
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We Watched Warm Bodies (with Kara)
Kara joins us to watch and review the 2013 zomcom, Warm Bodies.
Is this Hollywood's zombie answer to the end of the Twilight craze? Is this a substantial Romeo and Juliet retelling? Does the movie convince us to fall in love with zombie Nicholas Hoult? Listen and find out!
content warnings: zombies, blood, cannibalism, vomit, weapons, war, death
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We Review Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (with Kara)
This week we dive into the zombified world of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. Is this a zombie love story? How similar to Romeo and Juliet is it? Is this book really about zombies or hope? Listen to find out!
content warnings: zombies, blood, cannibalism, vomit, weapons, war, death
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We Watched Redwall Season 1 (with Isaac)
Isaac returns to help us discuss the tv show adaptation, Redwall. We revisit a nostalgic favorite of ours and cross our fingers that it holds up! Listen to find out our thoughts.
You can watch the Redwall show here.
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Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst
Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!
Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com<...
We Review Redwall by Brian Jacques (with Isaac)
Isaac joins us on the podcast to revisit a childhood favorite, Redwall by Brian Jacques.
Is this the perfect cozy fantasy? Maybe... Listen to hear our full thoughts!
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Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!
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Madeline Book vs Film (with Delaney)
Bonjour! Join us as we visit Paris through the beautiful illustrations of Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans and the 1998 film adaptation starring Frances McDormand. What about this children's book makes it a beloved favorite?
Check out Delaney and the "Bird of the Week" at Out to Sea Expedition!
the 1955 animated Madeline
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We Watched Nightbitch (with Alyssa from @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)
Alyssa joins us again to discuss Nightbitch, the 2025 film staring Amy Adams.
Make sure to check out Alyssa and her podcast, Stories and Spoilers!
Click here for her Spotify
Click here for her YouTube
Click here for her Instagram
episode content warnings: mentions blood, animal violence, drug use, and animal death
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We Review Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder (with Alyssa from @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)
Alyssa from Stories and Spoilers Podcast joins Jenessa to discuss Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder.
Is this book an accurate depiction of motherhood? Is the mother ~actually~ a dog?
Make sure to check out Alyssa and her podcast, Stories and Spoilers!
Click here for her Spotify
Click here for her YouTube
Click here for her Instagram
To read the interview with Rachel Yoder that Jenessa mentioned in the episode, click here!
episode content warnings: mentions blood, animal violence, drug use, and animal death
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The Polar Express Book vs. Movie (with Isaac)
It's our first Christmas special! Isaac and Jenessa sat down to discuss Chris Van Allsburg's award-winning picture book, The Polar Express. Jenessa also convinced Isaac to watch the 2004 adaptation starring Tom Hanks.
Is the Polar Express a Christmas classic or just creepy?
We hope you and your family have a safe, peaceful holiday season. See you in 2025!
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We Watched Wicked Part 1 (with Amanda)
Amanda joins Jenessa in analyzing what makes Wicked different from other movie musicals. In this episode, we break apart Act One of the Wicked stage production and compare it to the 2024 film adaptation.
Wicked Broadway Stage Production - 00:01.55
Wicked Part One 2024 film - 01:03.00
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<...
We Review Wicked by Gregory Maguire (with Amanda)
Amanda joins us in analyzing Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. This novel has been turned into a hit Broadway play and recently a movie-musical (both will be discussed in an episode next week).
What did Maguire add to the rich world of Baum's Oz? How does Elphaba develop from a misunderstood girl to a wicked witch? Who truly decides your fate?
content warnings: sexual assault, genocide, political violence, self-harm
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The Wizard of Oz Book vs. Film (with Sam)
Sam joins us to discuss L. Frank Baum's children's classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and the 1939 film adaptation, The Wizard of Oz. Did Baum write the seminal American folktale? Is The Wizard of Oz the best movie in American cinema? Listen to the episode to find out!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book discussion - 0:02.00
The Wizard of Oz film discussion - 0:42.50
final thoughts on both the book and film - 1:24.20
mentioned in the episode:
Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Pénélope Bagieu
video: Wizard of Oz...
We Watched True Blood Season 1 (with Marissa)
Marissa and Jenessa discuss the first season of the critically acclaimed HBO show, True Blood. What made this show so successful? Why is it so much better than the book?
content warnings: descriptions of blood, vampirism, drug addiction, alcoholism, assault, SA, and similar topics
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We Review Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (with Marissa)
Marissa is back to help us figure out why we hated reading Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris, yet we couldn't put the book down! Join us as we review the book that inspired the HBO series, True Blood.
content warning: descriptions of blood, abuse, SA, and racism.
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We Watched Twilight (with Stephanie)
Stephanie returns to help us figure out why people still love the 2008 film, Twilight. What about Twilight draws people to it year after year?
If you've enjoyed the podcast, please consider answering five questions on this google form. It'll help us create the best listening experience and help us decide the future of the podcast.
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We Review Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (with Stephanie)
Vampire month continues with a deep dive into Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Why were teenagers so obsessed with Twilight? Does Twilight live up to our nostalgia? Listen to find out!
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Which Dracula movie is the best adaptation? (with Amanda)
Welcome to the Dracula Film Festival! Amanda and I watched four Dracula adaptations to determine which one will reign supreme!
content warnings: descriptions of blood, vampirism, assault, SA, suicide, and other abuse associated with Dracula
Nosferatui (1933) - 00:02.55
Horrors of Dracula (1958) - 00:23.07
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) - 00:48.43
Renfield (2023) - 01:21.59
Dracula (1931) - 01:35.45
final thoughts - 01:37.36
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We Review Dracula by Bram Stoker (with Amanda)
It's officially autumn so grab a copy of Dracula by Bram Stoker and get into the spooky mood! In this episode, Amanda and I figure out what makes this gothic novel so beloved. How has Dracula become ubiquitous with the modern idea of vampires?
content warning: descriptions of blood, death, assault, and other vampire-related themes
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We Watched Uglies (with Chandler)
Chandler returns to help us figure out just where the Uglies movie went wrong. How bad is this adaptation? Or is it a good adaptation?
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We Review Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (with Chandler)
Our first episode of Season 3 follows the adventure of Scott Westerfeld's YA dystopia, Uglies. In this world, when you turn 16 you get an operation to become "pretty". Tally has wanted to be a "pretty" her whole life, but when she befriends the rebellious Shay, Tally discovers her society may not be all it seems.
Listen along as Chandler and Jenessa figure out how farfetched this dystopia may or may not be.
If you've enjoyed the podcast, please consider answering five questions on this google form. It'll help us create the best listening experience as...
Season 3 Trailer
Read the Book First is back with Season 3! We are so excited for this season of the podcast! The first episode of Season 3 releases on September 9th!
If you've enjoyed the podcast, please consider answering five questions on this google form. It'll help us create the best listening experience as well as help us decide the future of the podcast.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast to keep updated on any announcements.
In the first half of Season 3, we will be reading:
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
...
Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman vs. Aquamarine - the 2006 movie (with Charlotte)
It's our Season 2 finale!! Charlotte joins me as we diiive in (heh, get it?) and explore the middle-grade chapter book, Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman, and the 2006 teen movie adaptation, Aquamarine.
Thank you to everyone who listened to the last two seasons of episodes. We appreciate it from the bottom of my heart! Season 3 is currently in production so make sure you follow our Instagram to keep up to date during our hiatus!
p.s. My AC unit was on high gear as we recorded due to the Summer heat so I apologize if you hear t...
We Watched Eragon (with Beau)
Beau returns to help us figure out what exactly went wrong with the 2006 film adaptation, Eragon. Is it truly the "worst movie adaptation"? Are people too harsh?
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We Review Eragon by Christopher Poalini (with Beau)
My younger brother, Beau, joins me to discuss Eragon by Christopher Poalini. We revisit our family's nostalgic favorite road trip audiobook. Is it just Start Wars with dragson? Is there more to it? Listen to find out!
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We Watched Cats (2019) (with Amanda)
Amanda returns to round out our trilogy of Cats episodes. We watched (suffered) the 2019 film adaptation of Cats. How bad is it really? Is any of it "good"?
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We Watched Cats! - the 1998 Broadway Recording (with Amanda)
It's time for the Jellicle Ball! Amanda helps us dive into the musical world of Cats! Join us as we replay the chaos that is the 1998 Broadway recording of Cats.
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Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!
Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com
