Read the Book First
Episodes
We Watched Adventures in Love and Birding (with Marissa and Delaney)
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Jenessa and her two favorite bird nerds, Marissa and Delaney, as they discuss the 2025 Hallmark adaptation, Adventures in Love and Birding. Che...
We Review Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb (with Marissa and Delaney)
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's the bird nerd special! We have not one, but TWO returning guests! Marissa and Delaney join us to discuss Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. ...
We Watched Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2 (with Amanda)
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jenessa and Amanda finish their trio of The Sea of Monster episodes with an episode all about Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2.Send us Fan...
We Watched Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (with Amanda)
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ahoy! Join Jenessa and Amanda as they dive into the 2013 adaptation, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters.Make sure to check out the Patreon exclusive video...
We Review The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (with Amanda)
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jenessa and Amanda return to the world of Percy Jackson. We reread The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan and had a blast! Listen to hear our full thou...
We Watched People We Meet On Vacation (with Marissa)
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marissa joins us to discuss the 2026 film People We Meet On Vacation. Can men and women be "just friends"? Is this the beginning of the rom...
We Review People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (with Marissa)
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Romance is so back! Marissa joins the pod to discuss People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Which Emily Henry book is your favorite?!Send a tex...
We Watched Wuthering Heights (2026) (with Spencer @Septemberance)
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer and Jenessa discuss the ups, downs, and "what in the world" of Emerald Fennell's 2026 adaptation, "Wuthering Heights"...
We Review Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (with Spencer @septemberance)
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into this Victorian gothic novel with Jenessa and returning guest, Spencer!This was Jenessa's first time reading Wuthering Heights by Emily ...
We Watched Heated Rivalry - Season 1 (with Jenn @lit.with.jenn)
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We've been obsessed with Heated Rivalry since November 2025 and we are so excited to discuss all six episodes of Season 1 with Jenn!This episode ...
We Review Game Changer and Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (with Jenn @lit.with.Jenn)
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Read the Book First!For our Season 5 premier, we're talking all things Game Changer and Heated Rivalry! These books by Rachel Rei...
We Watched Wicked: For Good (with Amanda)
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Season 4 finale! Amanda joins us to break down Wicked: For Good.Thank you all for listening in this season. We're already plannin...
Jenessa and Amanda are very excited for Wicked: For Good - Bonus Episode!
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Surprise! A bonus episode! Jenessa and Amanda discuss the second act of Broadway's Wicked and their hopes and worries about Wicked: For Good.Ma...
We Watched New Moon (with Stephanie)
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie returns to join us as we watch and review New Moon.Make sure to check out our Patreon in order to find out how I "stumped Stephanie wit...
We Review New Moon by Stephanie Meyer (with Stephanie)
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie returns to help us continue reading and reviewing the Twilight Saga, with this discussion of New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. Make sure you chec...
We Watched the 1975 and 2004 Adaptations of The Stepford Wives (with Marissa)
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Marissa and Jenessa as they discuss and compare the 1975 and 2004 adaptations of The Stepford Wives. Which movie is the more accurate adaptation...
We Review The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin (with Marissa)
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marissa joins us to discuss the 1972 sci-fi, horror novella, The Stepford Wives.Is this a satire? Is this still relevant over 50 years later? Listen t...
We Watched Sense and Sensibility (1995) (with Spencer from @septemberance)
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer returns to help Jenessa analyze the 1995 film adaptation, Sense and Sensibility. Is this the best Austen adaptation? Is Emma Thompson the gre...
We Review Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (with Spencer from @septemberance)
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to dive into the podcast's first Jane Austen novel! Jenessa and Spencer discuss what is "sense" and "sensibility&qu...
We Watched Bridge to Terabithia (2007) (with Amanda)
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda and Jenessa watch the 2007 film adaptation, Bridge to Terabithia.Make sure to check out our Patreon to watch more Jenessa and Amanda shenaniga...
We Review Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (with Amanda)
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda joins us to reread the heartbreaking children's classic, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. Read and cry along as we discuss chi...
We Watched Much Ado About Nothing (1993) (with Neha from @thenoveltea.pod)
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Neha returns to discuss the 1993 film adaptation, Much Ado About Nothing. Neha and Jenessa also discuss Anyone But You (2023) and Jenessa briefly rec...
We Review Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (with Neha from @thenoveltea.pod)
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we read our second Shakespeare play for the podcast, Much Ado About Nothing! Neha, from The Novel Tea, joins us to dive into this messy frie...
We Watched Murderbot Season 1 (with Marissa)
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marissa joins us to discuss Apple TV's Murderbot, Season 1, starring Alexander Skarsgård! Join our Patreon to listen to the exclusive mini-epis...
We Review All Systems Red by Martha Wells (with Marissa)
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marissa joins us as we discuss the award winning novella, All Systems Red by Martha Wells. We discuss space capitalism, why Jenessa doesn't typi...
We Watched Matilda (1996) and Matilda the Musical (2022) (with Amanda)
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Review Matilda by Roald Dahl (with Amanda)
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda returns to revisit a childhood classic, Matilda by Roald Dahl.We discuss Matilda's powers, our favorite Roald Dahl books, and whether or ...
We Watched Five Feet Apart (with Ashley from @ifitwasabook)
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Review Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott (with Ashley from @ifitwasabook)
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
We Watched How Stella Got Her Groove Back (with Alyssa from @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alyssa and Jenessa discuss the 90s classic starring Angela Bassett and Taye Diggs, How Stella Got Her Groove Back.Follow Alyssa and her podcast, Stor...
We Review How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan (with Alyssa from @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Watched Mickey 17 (with Marissa)
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Read Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton (with Marissa)
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Watched Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (with Delaney)
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 contro...
We Started a Patreon!
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 he...
We Read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (with Delaney)
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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&apos...
We Watched the Wild Robot (with Amanda)
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 beg...
We Review The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (with Amanda)
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Watched Warm Bodies (with Kara)
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Review Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (with Kara)
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
We Watched Redwall Season 1 (with Isaac)
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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! List...
We Review Redwall by Brian Jacques (with Isaac)
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ou...
Madeline Book vs Film (with Delaney)
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonjour! Join us as we visit Paris through the beautiful illustrations of Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans and the 1998 film adaptation starring Frances M...
We Watched Nightbitch (with Alyssa from @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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!Clic...
We Review Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder (with Alyssa from @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alyssa from Stories and Spoilers Podcast joins Jenessa to discuss Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder. Is this book an accurate depiction of motherhood? Is the...
The Polar Express Book vs. Movie (with Isaac)
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's our first Christmas special! Isaac and Jenessa sat down to discuss Chris Van Allsburg's award-winning picture book, The Polar Express. ...
We Watched Wicked Part 1 (with Amanda)
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
We Review Wicked by Gregory Maguire (with Amanda)
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Broa...
The Wizard of Oz Book vs. Film (with Sam)
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Watched True Blood Season 1 (with Marissa)
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 be...
We Review Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (with Marissa)
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We Watched Twilight (with Stephanie)
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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&a...
We Review Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (with Stephanie)
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Which Dracula movie is the best adaptation? (with Amanda)
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Dracula Film Festival! Amanda and I watched four Dracula adaptations to determine which one will reign supreme! content warnings: descr...
We Review Dracula by Bram Stoker (with Amanda)
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
We Watched Uglies (with Chandler)
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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?If you've e...
We Review Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (with Chandler)
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 operati...
Season 3 Trailer
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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! ...
Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman vs. Aquamarine - the 2006 movie (with Charlotte)
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Hoffm...
We Watched Eragon (with Beau)
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beau returns to help us figure out what exactly went wrong with the 2006 film adaptation, Eragon. Is it truly the "worst movie adaptation"? ...
We Review Eragon by Christopher Poalini (with Beau)
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My younger brother, Beau, joins me to discuss Eragon by Christopher Poalini. We revisit our family's nostalgic favorite road trip audiobook. Is i...
We Watched Cats (2019) (with Amanda)
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 &...
We Watched Cats! - the 1998 Broadway Recording (with Amanda)
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
We Review Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot (with Amanda)
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that the most produced musical, Cats, is based on a collection of poetry by T. S. Eliot? We didn't until Amanda convinced us to read...
We Watched Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2 (with Jenn)
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where are all the Polin (Penelope + Colin) scenes we were promised? Why are there so many plotlines? What went right in Season 3 Part 2 of Bridgerton ...
We Watched Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 (with Jenn)
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jenn returns to help Jenessa analyze Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1. They discuss Colin's flirting failures, Penelope's brilliance, Pitbull&apo...
We Review Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (with Jenn)
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's Polin (Penelope + Colin) season! In preparation for season 3 of Netflix's Bridgerton, Jenn joins Jenessa in discussing Romancing Mr. Br...
We Watched Wild (with Delaney)
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lace up your hiking boots and join us as we traverse Reese Witherspoon's film adaptation of the bestselling memoir, Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Is th...
We Review Wild by Cheryl Strayed (with Delaney)
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What an adventure! Delaney joins Jenessa in analyzing the hike and emotional journey of Wild: from Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl ...
We Watched Perks of Being a Wallflower (with Sam)
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam returns to help me review the 2012 coming-of-age film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. How "tumblr" is this movie? Do we really expect ...
We Review Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (with Sam)
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join my friend Sam and me as we discuss the YA coming-of-age class, Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. We had a blast rereading this book...
We Watched Howl's Movie Castle (with Isaac)
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Isaac and Jenessa break down Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle and discuss how it's different (better?) than the book it's base...
We Review Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (with Isaac)
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let's dive into the magical world of the 1986 middle-grade classic, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Join Jenessa and Isaac as the...
Percy Jackson and the Olympians - TV Show (with Amanda)
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
IT'S THE SEASON ONE FINALE! Amanda returns to close up the Percy Jackson Spectacular Month to help me dive into the first two episodes of the Dis...
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief - Movie + The Lightning Thief: a Percy Jackson Musical (with Amanda)
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Percy Jackson Spectacular Month continues with a double adaptation episode! Amanda and I discuss the highs and low lows of the 2010 film adaptatio...
Our Review of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (with Amanda)
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Amanda and me as we embark on the Percy Jackson Spectacular Month! All of December we will be reading, watching, and listening to all things Perc...
The Princess Diaries - Movie (with Marissa)
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Marissa and me as we dive into the nostalgic time capsule film that is the Princess Diaries.Send us a textSupport the showAll episodes can be pl...
We Review The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (with Marissa)
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with an exciting episode! Marissa has returned to help us dive into Meg Cabot's infamous, The Princess Diaries. Send us a textSu...
Escape to Witch Mountain & Race to Witch Mountain - Movies (with Amanda)
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join the car chase of a journey that are these two very different Disney adaptations, Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) and Race to Witch Mountain (...
We Review Escape to Witch Mountain by Alexander Key (with Amanda)
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda returns to help break down Escape to Witch Mountain by Alexander Key. This novel truly took us on a journey!Send us a textSupport the showAll e...
Practical Magic - Movie (with Chandler)
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's officially October so let's get spooky! Join Chandler and me as we discuss the 1998 cult classic, Practical Magic. Send us a textSuppo...
We Review Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (with Chandler)
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's the start of Autumn which means it's essentially Halloween! To usher in the Spooky Season, my dear friend Chandler joined me in reading...
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Movie (with Isaac and Charlotte)
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We have not just one special guest, but TWO! Isaac and Charlotte join me as we adventure through the 2005 film adaptation of The Hitchhiker's Gu...
We Review The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (with Isaac)
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Isaac and I explore the wonders of Douglas Adam's galaxy saga in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy! Send us a textSupport the...
The Princess Bride - Movie (with Amanda)
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda joins me to fangirl over the classic film, The Princess Bride. "She gets kidnapped. He gets killed. But it all ends up okay. "Send u...
We Review The Princess Bride by William Goldman (with Amanda)
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda returns as my guest host to help me dissect The Princess Bride by S. Morgenstern abridged by William Goldman. What an adventure! Send us a tex...
The Taming of the Shrew and 10 Things I Hate About You (with Isaac)
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My wonderful boyfriend Isaac joins me for a special episode that contains both our discussion of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the fi...
Red, White & Royal Blue - Movie (with Marissa)
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Marissa returns to dissect the recent Amazon Prime adaptation, Red, White & Royal Blue. Will the movie hold up to our beloved nov...
We Review Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (with Marissa)
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Marissa joins me to discuss the JOY that is "Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston. If you've not read the b...
Treasure Planet vs. Muppet Treasure Island (with Amanda)
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Amanda and Jenessa discuss Disney's Treasure Planet and the Muppet's Treasure Island. Which is the stronger adaptation? Whi...
We Review Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (with Amanda)
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jenessa and her guest, Amanda, discuss Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. Is Long John Silver really the best pirate villain...