Based on a Book

To kick off our first episode of Season 2, we’re sinking our teeth into Warm Bodies, a unique love story that’s equal parts romance, humor, and brain-eating zombie action. We’ll discuss Isaac Marion’s heartwarming (and a little gruesome) book and how it was adapted into the charming 2013 movie starring Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer.

Get ready to laugh, swoon, and shamble your way into the new season!

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
• Warm Bodies (2013 Film)

Question of the Episode:

• “If you were a zombie and could only say one word to express yourself, what would it be?”

Share your opinions with us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podfriend, and Castbox!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(1:58) Let's talk book ratings

(6:04)  Warm Bodies Book vs. Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS) 

(1:16:18) Final Verdicts – even though it's obvious

(1:18:47) Question of the Episode

Welcome to our official Season 2 of Based on a Book trailer! Join Lindsey, Crystal, and Keri as they tackle book-to-screen adaptations with a twist. From February to June, we’ll be rolling out monthly themes, and each host will pick an adaptation they feel best captures the theme. There’s something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, something spooky, or just a bit of chaos.

Be sure to follow the podcast’s social media for sneak peeks at each month’s themes and the adaptations we’ll be exploring! Got guesses for our themes or titles? Let us know—we might just confirm your theories (or keep you guessing).

Share your opinions with us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podfriend, and Castbox!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

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

It’s time to celebrate Based on a Book’s very first season! 🥳 Join us for a special mini episode where we take a quick stroll down memory lane and revisit all the amazing titles we’ve covered so far. From spine-chilling thrillers to laugh-out-loud comedies, epic love stories, and beyond, we’ve explored the wild, wonderful world of book-to-screen adaptations together.

Which story surprised us the most? Which adaptation stole our hearts? And which one had us screaming, “Why would they do that?!” 🤔

As we wrap up this season, we want to thank YOU for being part of the journey. ❤️ Don’t miss this episode filled with gratitude, laughs, and hints about what’s coming in Season 2. Spoiler: It’s going to be even bigger and better!

Grab a cup of cocoa (or your beverage of choice) and celebrate with us! Here's to an amazing first season and many more to come! 🌟

Share your opinions with us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or email us at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

Thanks for listening to “Based on a Book” - see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(00:32) Crystal’s Hear Me Out Explanation

(01:20) We play Hear Me Out (Warning - It gets unhinged!)

(18:40) Let’s reflect on Season 1 and talk about Season 2!

Ho-ho-hold onto your Santa hats because we’re wrapping up Season 1 with a festive bang! 🎁 In our final episode of the season, we’re diving into John Grisham’s hilarious holiday novel Skipping Christmas and its over-the-top movie adaptation, Christmas with the Kranks. Is this a holiday classic or a seasonal misstep? We have opinions! Plus, we reflect on what makes the holidays truly special—and why it’s okay to rewrite traditions. Don’t miss this cheerful and chuckle-filled finale as we say goodbye to an incredible first season and look ahead to what’s coming in Season 2! 🥂

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Content Warnings: Humor based on social pressure, mild violence/slapstick, body shaming/appearance comments, grief and loss, bullying/peer pressure

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
• Christmas with the Kranks

Question of the Episode:

• What is one of your holiday or winter traditions?

Share your opinions with us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or email us at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

Happy holidays from all of us at Based on a Book! Thank you for an amazing season, and we’ll see you in 2025!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:55) Synopsis

(02:30) Non-Spoiler Reviews & Ratings

(08:03) Book vs. Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(01:19:31) Final Verdict

(01:21:40) Question of the Episode

Hi-ho, the gang’s all here,

To talk of tales both old and dear!

From The Sobbin’ Women by Stephen Vincent Benét,

To the technicolor charm of a musical great!

It’s our first-ever musical episode—oh, what fun!

We’re singing, we’re laughing, we’re on the run.

From pioneer tales to big-screen tunes,

We’re dancing under rustic moons!

Is it romantic? Is it absurd?

You’ll have to listen to catch every word!

We’ll sing, we’ll dance, we’ll chat, we’ll jest,

It’s an episode you simply can’t miss!

So grab your saddle, or your Sunday best,

Join us as we dive into the west.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers—it’s wild and zany,

And yes, we’re discussing the Stockholm-y, brainy!

🎵 Don’t miss this delightful affair,

Where books and movies fill the air! 🎵

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Content Warnings: Kidnapping and coercion, gender stereotypes, patriarchal themes, romanticized abduction, violence, isolation, outdated cultural norms

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• The Sobbin' Women by Stephen Vincent Benét
• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954 Film Adaptation)

Questions of the Episode:

1. If you are trapped in a mountain cabin for four months with zero communication, do you think you could make it, or would you go stir crazy
2. Which fictional character do you wish would take you away?

Share your opinions with us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or email us at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

Thanks for listening to “Based on a Book” - see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions and Synopsis

(01:26) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Reviews

(06:00) Book vs Movie Breakdown

(49:20) Final Verdicts

(50:47) Questions of the Episode

Get ready for a deep dive into the chilling world of Henry James’ novella The Turn of the Screw and its haunting Netflix adaptation, The Haunting of Bly Manor. In this episode, we break down the timeless psychological thriller that has been sending shivers down readers' spines for over a century. We’ll explore how the novella's themes of ambiguity, fear, and unreliable narration translate into the ghostly, gothic atmosphere of The Haunting of Bly Manor. How does the show expand on the novella’s story? What elements of The Turn of the Screw remain at the core of Bly Manor? We’ll discuss all the heart-stopping moments and dig into the ways in which the series weaves in additional themes like love, grief, and the haunting passage of time.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Content Warnings: Psychological manipulation, mental illness, death of children, ghosts/supernatural, ambiguous reality, isolation, fear, murder, grief/loss, drowning/suffocation, possession, abusive relationships, violence

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (1898)
• The Haunting of Bly Manor (Netflix, 2020)
• The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix, 2018)

Question of the Episode:

• What’s your favorite ghost story or haunted house tale?

Share your opinions with us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or email us at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

Thanks for listening to “Based on a Book” - see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions and Synopsis

(02:00) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Reviews

(08:56) Book vs Series Breakdown

(1:23:56) Final Verdict

(1:26:11) Question of the Episode

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for a tale as old as time! 🎄✨ This week, we’re kicking off December with Beastly by Alex Flinn and its movie adaptation. Think Beauty and the Beast—but make it modern, moody, and filled with high school drama.

We’ll chat about this YA book’s fresh take on the enchanted tale, discuss how the movie brought it to life, and debate if true beauty really comes from within—or if it’s just good lighting. 

Grab your cocoa, snuggle up by the fire, and let’s get into the enchantment of Beastly! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss next week’s episode—our holiday lineup is packed with festive fun! 🎁

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Content Warnings: Superficiality, bullying, transformation, isolation, parental neglect, verbal abuse, body image, imprisonment/forced confinement, drug use

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Beastly by Alex Flinn
• Beastly: Lindy's Diary by Alex Flinn
• Beastly (2011 Film Adaptation)

Question of the Episode:

• Beastly is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, what other story retelling(s) do you recommend others should read?

Crystal’s Recommendations:

• Ever After
• Star Trek: The Next Generation - S4.E20 - Qpid

Lindsey’s Recommendations:

• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith (Novel)
• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel
• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Movie

Group Recommendation:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Keri’s Recommendations:

• Entreat Me by Grace Draven
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Share your opinions with us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or email us at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:34) Synopsis

(02:30) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Reviews

(10:54) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(1:16:40) Final Verdict

(1:17:35) Question of the Episode

Happy Thanksgiving, listeners! This year, we’re trading turkey for terror as we dive into Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1963 thriller The Birds, based on Daphne du Maurier’s chilling novella.

Join us as we pick apart the bird-filled chaos, discuss how a simple story became a cinematic masterpiece, and marvel at Hitchcock’s knack for making seagulls absolutely terrifying. We’ll also chat about the differences between the book and the film, explore the deeper themes hidden beneath the feathers, and share our own theories about nature’s revolt. Whether you're a fan of Hitchcock’s suspense or du Maurier’s literary brilliance, this episode will have you cawing for more.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Content Warnings: Animal violence/violence against animals, death/implied death of children, blood and gore, psychological distress, isolation, jump scares, sexism

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• The Birds by Daphne du Maurier
• The Birds (1963 Film)

Question of the Episode:

• How long do you think you would have lasted in the avian apocalypse?

Share your opinions with us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or email us at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

Thanks for listening to “Based on a Book” - see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(00:59) Synopsis

(01:28) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Reviews (Book)

(03:26) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Reviews (Movie)

(08:05) Book vs Movie Breakdown

(1:14:39) Question of the Episode

In this episode of Based on a Book, we’re diving into Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption from his collection Different Seasons, and its 1994 film adaptation, The Shawshank Redemption, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. We’ll discuss the themes of hope, freedom, and perseverance as portrayed in both the book and the film, and how the adaptation beautifully captures King’s message of friendship and survival against all odds.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Content Warnings: SA, violence, suicidal themes, murder, corruption, strong language, mental health issues, imprisonment, and substance abuse.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption
• The Shawshank Redemption

Question of the Episode:

• If you were stuck in a place for 19 years, what hobby or skill would you master to pass the time?

Share your opinions with us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or email us at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

Thanks for listening to “Based on a Book” - see you in the next chapter!

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introductions

(00:43) Synopsis

(01:20) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Reviews

(06:45) Book vs. Movie Breakdown

(1:08:41) Final Verdicts

(1:12:59) Question of the Episode

In this episode of Based on a Book, we are covering the first book in Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series and the 2024 Netflix adaptation starring Joey King. Join us as we discuss Tally’s journey through the dystopian playground of sharp cheekbones and questionable ethics. We dive into the drama, dodgy CGI (we're talking about you hoverboard scenes), and serious monologues on beauty standards in the world of Uglies. Find out if we think this adaptation made the cut or needed a serious makeover!

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Content Warnings: Body image and beauty standards, violence, mind control and manipulation, social discrimination, and rebellion and government oppression

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld 
• Uglies Movie

Question of the Episode:

• Would you choose to stay 'ugly' and keep your individuality, or become 'pretty' but lose some of your personality?

Share your opinions with us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or email us at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to "Based on a Book" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Send us a Book Adaptation Request!

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

Thanks for listening to “Based on a Book” - see you in the next chapter!

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introductions and Synopsis

(02:40) Ratings (Book and Movie) and Non-Spoiler Reviews

(08:49) “Convincing” Spoiler Warning - Let Us Save You the Trouble

(09:38) Uglies World Crash Course

(18:00) Book vs. Movie Breakdown

(1:23:40) Question of the Episode