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.

Podcasting since 2023 • 103 episodes

Read the Book First

Latest Episodes

We Watched Practical Magic 2 (with @emma_tobias_books)

It's time for the witchiest movie of the season! Today we're discussing the 2026 film, Practical Magic 2!Follow Emma on Instagram and ...

September 15, 2026 • Season 5 • Episode 22 • 37:58

We Review The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman (with @emma_tobias_books)

In preparation for Practical Magic 2 coming to theaters, Emma joins Jenessa to discuss The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman.Follow Emma on Instagram

September 07, 2026 • Season 5 • Episode 21 • 1:02:34

We Watched Big Fish (with Isaac)

This week Jenessa is joined by Isaac to discuss Tim Burton's 2003 adaptation of Big Fish.

August 31, 2026 • Season 5 • Episode 20 • 1:05:57

We Review Big Fish by Daniel Wallace (with Isaac)

Isaac joins Jenessa to discuss Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Daniel Wallace. How much truth is within the stories we tell each other? Can one become immortal through stories? Listen to find out!

August 24, 2026 • Season 5 • Episode 19 • 58:32

We Watched Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (with Alexa)

Today's episode is a little bit different. Even though we both read the book (epic poem) first, Jenessa and Alexa discuss Christopher Nolan's 2026 adaptation of The Odyssey.Alexa's Recommended Odyssey Reads:

August 11, 2026 • Season 5 • Episode 18 • 1:26:10

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