Based on a Book

Worlds are colliding, and we’re slicing into The Subtle Knife! This week’s episode kicks off the first half of our deep dive into Philip Pullman’s The Subtle Knife and Season 2, Episodes 1–3 of His Dark Materials. We explore how the story expands beyond The Golden Compass, introducing new worlds, new faces, and the mysterious weapon that gives this book its name. From Lyra’s growing independence t...

The spark has officially caught fire! We’re kicking off Next Chapter November, our month-long theme where we continue the series we started back in Season 2, with Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins and its explosive movie adaptation. This episode dives back into the world of Panem for the 75th Hunger Games, where survival means rebellion and no one is safe. Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal an...

The Ghouls are in full spooky-season mode in this Halloween Based on a Book Special! Keri kicks things off with a hilarious game where she badly describes popular Halloween movies, and Lindsey and Crystal do their best to guess them (with plenty of laughter along the way). We also dive into our favorite spooky-season movie and book recommendations, share some beloved Halloween traditions, and chat...

To wrap up Spooky Month, we're heading into the enchanting world of Practical Magic—where sisterhood, spells, and small-town gossip collide with love, loss, and a dash of danger. Based on Alice Hoffman’s beloved novel and the 1998 film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, this episode dives into the cozy, witchy chaos that made Practical Magic a cult favorite. We discuss the differences betw...

What happens when a disconnected rotary phone becomes your only lifeline? In this week’s episode, we’re diving into The Black Phone by Joe Hill and its chilling 2021 movie adaptation directed by Scott Derrickson. We explore how the short story stacks up against the film, from the terrifying Grabber and that iconic mask to the supernatural calls that blur the line between life and death. We’ll brea...

It’s Spooky Month, and our first title of the month is A.M Shine’s haunting horror novel The Watchers —and its eerie 2024 film adaptation starring Dakota Fanning and Georgina Campbell. In this episode, Keri guides us through the shadowy threads between page and screen, exploring what the movie nailed, what it missed, and whether either version truly delivered the spine-tingly scares we were hoping...

Spooky Month is upon us, and what better way to kick it off than to take a look at how vampire folklore has influenced media. Tales from all over the world have inspired poems, plays, music, movies, books, and in weekly television shows. We're here to help connect the dots and bite into October! Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey. Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Ep...

We’re closing out Stephen King month with The Long Walk. Written under his Richard Bachman pen name, this story takes us on a relentless, unsettling journey where survival comes down to every single step. In this episode, we dive into the book, its brand-new movie adaptation, and the fascinating legacy behind one of King’s earliest works. Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri. Links to...

Stephen King Month continues as we delve into The Monkey, a chilling short story from his Skeleton Crew collection—now reimagined in a 2025 film adaptation starring Theo James. We take a closer look at Osgood Perkins’ horror-comedy spin on King’s sinister wind-up toy monkey, which brings death and chaos to the lives of two brothers. Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal. Links to Books...

Welcome to our first adaptation of Stephen King Month! We’re kicking things off with The Life of Chuck, a story that’s equal parts haunting, beautiful, and unexpected. Hosted by Crystal, this episode dives into King’s unique structure—told in reverse—and explores what it really means to celebrate a life. Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey. Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed i...

It’s officially Stephen King month on Based on a Book, and we’re kicking things off with a deep dive into the master of horror himself. Whether you’re a constant reader or just here for the creepy vibes, this episode sets the stage for a thrilling month of episodes ahead. Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri. Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode: https://drive.goo...

To wrap up our Back-to-School theme, we’re diving into the emotional drama—My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan and its 2025 Netflix adaptation starring Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest. We’ll unpack the film’s major differences from the book, explore how its tragic ending reshapes the story’s impact, and talk about whether this adaptation captures the depth of Julia Whelan’s perspective—or loses somet...

Stranded on Mars with nothing but a heap of science, a wicked sense of humor, and a whole lot of potatoes. This week, Crystal takes the helm for our third Back to School episode of Season 3 with Andy Weir’s The Martian. We dive deep into Mark Watney’s fight for survival—from botany experiments gone wrong to Matt Damon’s take on Watney, we’re breaking down which version left us more starstruck. Gra...

Secrets, scandals, and a masked killer lurking in the hallways. Welcome to Osborne High, where gossip spreads fast and no one’s secret is safe. In this episode, Lindsey kicks off our Back-to-School theme with Stephanie Perkins’ YA slasher, There’s Someone Inside Your House! We’re diving into the chilling murders, messy teenage drama, and that wild reveal of the Osborne Slayer’s motives. Hosted by...

We’re halfway through the year and starting a new Season of Based on a Book! Join us as we recap our reading progress, talk about the latest book-to-screen adaptation news, and share a quick sneak peek of what’s coming in Season 3. Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal. Upcoming Books & Adaptations: There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins There’s Someone Inside Your H...

Season 3 is almost here, and we’ve got a bookshelf’s worth of excitement to share! In this quick trailer episode, we’re giving you a sneak peek at what’s in store as we continue our monthly themes with a whole new lineup of book-to-screen adaptations. Connect with Us Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page for everything in one place! https://beacons.ai/basedonabo...

It’s the end of Season 2—and we’re going out with a bang (and possibly a Mockingjay whistle). Lindsey is back to host the finale, bringing everything full circle from our very first episode of the season. And what better way to wrap things up than by heading straight into the arena? This week, we’re diving into The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and its iconic film adaptation. Hosted by Lindsey w...

We are continuing in our First in a Series theme with Keri’s selection—Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James and its 2015 movie adaptation starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. Keri takes us through how this spicy, controversial romance novel started as a Twilight fan-fiction (her favorite) and proceeded to take the world by storm. We talk book ratings (a reread for some and first-time read for o...

Bonus! We couldn't discuss His Dark Materials without also covering what we thought of the 2007 movie! In this episode we discuss The Golden Compass, the casting, the author's thoughts, and how it holds up to the BBC/HBO series. Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey. Books & Adaptations Mentioned: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman The Golden Compass (2007 Film) The Inheritance Cy...

Welcome to our second His Dark Materials discussion. In this episode, Crystal leads us into the world of The Golden Compass (also known as Northern Lights) by Philip Pullman. We’re covering the second half of the first book in the His Dark Materials trilogy and episodes 5-8 of the HBO/BBC adaptation. Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey. Books & Adaptations Mentioned: The Golden Co...

Welcome to the first stop on our First in a Series journey! In this episode, Crystal leads us into the world of The Golden Compass (also known as Northern Lights) by Philip Pullman. We’re covering the first book in the His Dark Materials trilogy and the first four episodes of the HBO/BBC adaptation. Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey. Books & Adaptations Mentioned: The Golden Com...

The votes are in and murder is in the air. In this episode of Based on a Book, we head back to Shadyside High to cover the latest Fear Street Netflix installment: Prom Queen! Join us as we break down the blood-soaked drama, 80s nostalgia, and slasher tropes that make this new addition to the Fear Street franchise so deliciously deadly. We talk final girls, killer clues, prom-worthy fashion, and ho...

In this chilling and twist-filled episode of Based on a Book, we're diving into No Exit by Taylor Adams and its nail-biting Hulu film adaptation. Trapped in a remote rest stop during a brutal snowstorm, one woman discovers a kidnapped child locked in a van outside. With no way out and no one to trust, she must figure out who the kidnapper is—and fast. Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Ke...

In this bonus episode of Based on a Book , we get hyped for Netflix’s upcoming Fear Street adaptation based on The Prom Queen by R.L. Stine, revisiting the original Fear Street trilogy and diving into what makes it such a fun, bloody love letter to slasher horror. We share our thoughts of The Prom Queen book and make predictions on what Netflix might bring to its audience. Plus, we play The Final...

This week, things get a little wild... literally. Join us as we dive into Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder and its 2024 movie adaptation starring Amy Adams. We’re breaking down the book’s surreal exploration of motherhood, rage, isolation, and reclaiming identity—then comparing it to how the movie transforms those same themes for the screen. Whether you're a parent, a creative spirit, or just someone wh...