Based on a Book

This week, we’re discussing Mockingjay Part 2 and breaking down both the book and the second film as the rebellion reaches its devastating conclusion. In this episode, we talk about the emotional weight of the ending, the cost of war, the Capitol showdown, and how this final installment brings Katniss’s story to a close. We also get into the adaptation choices, the biggest moments from the book and movie, the characters, the heartbreak, and whether this ending felt satisfying after everything that came before it.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015 Film)

Listen to Mockingjay on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link!

Want to follow our entire journey through reading and watching The Hunger Games series from the very beginning? Start here!

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Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

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License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:16) Book vs Movie (SPOILERS)

(03:06) First Impressions — Book & Movie

(1:02:12) Final Verdicts & Question of the Episode

This week, we’re stepping into the rebellion with Mockingjay Part 1, discussing both the book and the film as the story moves away from the Games and into propaganda, resistance, trauma, and war. We break down the emotional tension, the role Katniss is forced to play, and how this first half of Mockingjay builds toward the final fight.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014 Film)

Listen to Mockingjay on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link!

Want to follow our entire journey through reading and watching The Hunger Games series from the very beginning? Start here!

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(02:48) Quick Recap

(03:07) Book Ratings

(33:08) Book vs Movie Discussion

This week, we’re discussing The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman and the third and final season of His Dark Materials. As we wrap up this trilogy, we’re diving into the book, the adaptation, and all the big emotions, themes, and character moments that come with the final chapter of Lyra and Will’s story. From Dust to destiny to the emotional weight of saying goodbye to these characters, The Amber Spyglass gave us plenty to unpack.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
• His Dark Materials (TV Series)

Listen to The Amber Spyglass on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link!

Want to follow our entire journey through reading and watching His Dark Materials from the very beginning? Start here!

Question of the Episode:

• There are quite a few more related short stories and novellas set in this universe, which story do you want to see adapted if they made another limited series?

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:22) Book Ratings

(04:21) Series Recap & Book vs Series Breakdown

(50:26) Final Verdicts

(52:15) Question of the Episode

We read Grey, Darker, and Freed—the Fifty Shades trilogy told from Christian Grey’s POV—and now we have thoughts. In this episode, we’re talking about what it was like to revisit the story through Christian’s eyes, whether these books gave us new insight, and how his narration changed the overall experience of the series.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian by E.L. James
• Darker by E.L. James
• Freed by E.L. James

Listen to Grey, Darker, and Freed on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Links:

• Grey
• Darker
• Freed

Want to follow our entire journey through reading and watching Fifty Shades of Grey from the very beginning? Start here!

Question of the Episode:

• If you've read other POV retellings, which ones work or totally miss the mark?

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(03:05) "Christian Said What??" Game

(09:51) Book Ratings/Ranking

(16:47) Series Breakdown

(39:50) Final Verdicts & Question of the Episode

We’re kicking off our Finishing Our Series theme with Fifty Shades Freed, the final installment in the original Fifty Shades trilogy. In this episode, we discuss how the adaptation wraps up the series, sharing our thoughts on the story, the characters, the drama, and whether the ending delivered for us. We also look back on the trilogy, compare this final movie to the others, and talk about where we ultimately landed by the end of it all.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James
• Fifty Shades Freed (2018 Film)

Listen to Fifty Shades Freed on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link!

Want to follow our entire journey through reading and watching Fifty Shades of Grey from the very beginning? Start here!

Question of the Episode:

• What's something you thought was romantic when you were younger but now see totally differently?

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(00:54) Recap & Spoiler Warning

(03:13) Book Ratings

(09:53) Book vs Movie Breakdown

(54:36) Final Verdict & Question of the Episode

This week, we’re discussing The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. This episode closes out our Anything Goes April theme with a mystery full of charm, humor, clever twists, and a very memorable cast of characters. We’re diving into the mystery itself, the dynamics between the members of the Thursday Murder Club, the tone of the story, and what made this one such a fun read to talk about.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
• The Thursday Murder Club (2025 Film)

Question of the Episode:

• Joyce is always baking up some goodies for guests. What is your favorite treat to offer company, or your favorite treat to be offered when you visit others?

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:18) Book Ratings

(08:58) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(48:33) Final Verdicts & Question of the Episode

This week, we’re diving into Vladimir by Julia May Jonas and its 2026 Netflix adaptation. In this episode, we talk about the book’s dark humor, unsettling tone, unreliable narration, and the obsession at the center of the story, along with how those elements translated to the screen. We break down our thoughts on the narrator, the character dynamics, the social commentary, and the adaptation choices that worked for us—and the ones that didn’t. From uncomfortable tension to messy characters and very different reactions to the book and series, Vladimir gave us a lot to discuss.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Vladimir by Julia May Jonas
• Vladimir (2026 Netflix Series)

Listen to Vladimir with Our Affiliate Link!

Question of the Episode:

• What is a character that is unliked by many but you actually love?

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

00:00) Introductions

(01:31) Book Ratings

(05:46) Adaptation Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(58:17) Final Verdicts

(1:09:12) Question of the Episode

Weddings, chaos, and three generations of movie dads! We’re diving into Father of the Bride by Edward Streeter and the surprising franchise it created. In this episode, we start with the original novel before comparing three different adaptations across decades: the 1950 classic, the beloved 1991 version, and the 2022 modern remake. Join us as we compare each movie to see which one captures the heart (and panic) of being the father of the bride the best and discuss which version completely changes the story for a new generation.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Father of the Bride by Edward Streeter
• Father of the Bride (1950 Film)
• Father of the Bride (1991 Film)
• Father of the Bride (2022 Film)

Question of the Episode:

• Which wedding traditions do you think it's time to retire or which ones should make a comeback?

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(04:49) Book Ratings

(08:33) Book vs Adaptations (SPOILERS)

(45:42) Final Verdict & Question of the Episode

We’ve finished breaking down Season 2 of Percy Jackson, but now it’s time to travel back to an earlier era of demigod adaptations. This week, we’re revisiting Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, the sequel to The Lightning Thief movie starring Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, and Brandon T. Jackson. We talk about how this movie stacks up against the book, what changes we liked or disliked, and whether the sequel deserves more credit.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Percy Jackson & The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
• Percy Jackson Disney+ Series
• Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013 Film)
• Van Helsing (2004 Film)
• Eragon (2006 Film)
• Shadowhunters TV Series
• Divergent Films

Listen to The Sea of Monsters on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link!

Question of the Episode:

• What is your favorite bad adaptation?

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(02:55) Movie Comparisons

(05:38) Character and Cast Breakdown and Dislikes

(23:00) What We Liked About the Movie

(42:38) Final Verdict and Question of the Episode

Dive into Anything Goes April with us as we head back to Camp Half-Blood for Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters. In this episode, we compare the second book in Rick Riordan’s beloved series to the Disney+ adaptation, breaking down what the show kept, what it changed, and how it brought this mythological adventure to life on screen.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Keri and Crystal.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Percy Jackson & The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
• Percy Jackson Disney+ Series

Listen to The Sea of Monsters on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link!

Question of the Episode:

• If you were a demigod, what do you think your fatal flaw would be?

Connect with Us

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

• 💌 Contact us directly via email
• 📱 Follow us on all our socials
• 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
• 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:53) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(09:58) Book vs Series Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(1:08:30) Final Verdict & Question of the Episode