Cover image of show Is the Book Better?

Is the Book Better?

Podcast by Jake Martini

English

Culture & leisure

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About Is the Book Better?

Welcome to Is the Book Better, Though? — the podcast where stories go head-to-head on page and screen. Each episode, I compare books and their movie adaptations to decide once and for all which one does it better. From Oscar winners to cult classics, I dig into what the book nailed, what the movie missed, and whether the film should have been made at all.Expect witty commentary, honest opinions, and the occasional existential crisis over casting choices. If you love reading, movie nights, or just arguing about both, this is your new favourite podcast.🎬📚 Join me every other week as we tackle everything from The Lord of the Rings to The Hunger Games — because sometimes Hollywood gets it right… and sometimes the book really is better.

All episodes

25 episodes

episode The Wild Robot - The Book Vs The Book Vs The Movie artwork

The Wild Robot - The Book Vs The Book Vs The Movie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509512/fan_mail/new] In this episode, I finally sit down and compare The Wild Robot properly — the original book, the film, and the kids version — after reading the full story with my daughter. On the surface they’re all telling the same story… but they don’t feel the same at all. The book is slower, quieter, and builds its emotion over time. The film goes in the opposite direction — bigger, more immediate, and much more focused on the parent-child relationship. And the kids version? That’s more of a stripped-back entry point. So the question becomes: 👉 which one actually works best? I get into: * how the book handles themes like survival, nature, and belonging * why the film leans so heavily into emotion and parenting * what gets lost (and what improves) when the story is simplified This isn’t just a “book vs film” debate — it’s more about how the same story changes depending on how you experience it. If you’ve watched the film, read the book, or you’re thinking about introducing it to your kids, this should help you figure out which version is worth your time.

4 May 2026 - 23 min
episode Bridges of Madison County - Book Vs. Movie artwork

Bridges of Madison County - Book Vs. Movie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509512/fan_mail/new] Season 2 is back 🎙️ This week we’re getting into The Bridges of Madison County — the book by Robert James Waller vs the film with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. And honestly… we’ve got questions. We’re told this is one of the greatest love stories ever — but it’s also a 4-day affair that somehow lives rent-free in her head for 20 years… so where do you land on that? We get into: * Book vs film differences (and why the film hits harder) * Whether we’re actually supposed to root for the adulterers * Kincaid being less “mysterious legend” and more… slightly desperate * The VERY long, very wet kissing scenes * Why Francesca might actually be the most sensible person in the whole story * And yeah… the oversharing with the kids — because some things you can keep to yourself If you’ve ever wondered: Is Bridges of Madison County romantic… or just a bit mad? We’ve got you.

27 Apr 2026 - 31 min
episode Project Hail Mary Book Vs Movie artwork

Project Hail Mary Book Vs Movie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509512/fan_mail/new] In this episode we’re diving into a full Project Hail Mary book vs movie comparison to answer the big question: Is the Project Hail Mary movie actually better than the book? Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary novel became a huge hit thanks to its mix of science, humour, and emotional storytelling, following Ryland Grace as he tries to save Earth from extinction. But how does the Project Hail Mary film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling compare? We break down the key differences between the Project Hail Mary book and movie, including what the film changes, what it simplifies, and whether losing some of the heavy science actually makes the story better. If you’re into book vs movie comparisons, sci-fi adaptations, Andy Weir books, or the Project Hail Mary film, this episode breaks down everything that works — and what doesn’t — in both versions.

29 Mar 2026 - 21 min
episode Hamnet - Book Vs. Movie artwork

Hamnet - Book Vs. Movie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509512/fan_mail/new] In this episode we’re comparing the Hamnet book vs the Hamnet movie adaptation to see which version tells the story better. Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell became one of the most talked about historical novels of recent years, telling the story of Hamnet, the son of William Shakespeare, and the devastating impact his death had on the family. The novel is famous for its incredible atmosphere and emotional storytelling. But how does the Hamnet film adaptation directed by Chloé Zhao compare? In this episode we break down the key differences between the Hamnet book and movie, including what the film changes, what it keeps, and whether simplifying the story actually makes the adaptation stronger. I talk about: * The incredible atmosphere in the Hamnet novel * Why the story isn’t really about Shakespeare at all * Hamnet’s inner monologue and why it makes the tragedy even more devastating * The performances in the Hamnet movie * The emotional moments that completely ruined us (yes… the “my boy” scene) * Why the film reaches Hamnet’s death much earlier * And whether the movie or the book tells the story of Shakespeare’s family better If you’re interested in book vs movie comparisons, literary adaptations, Shakespeare history, or Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet, this episode breaks down everything that works — and what doesn’t — in both versions of the story.

16 Mar 2026 - 29 min
episode Life of Chuck - Book Vs Movie artwork

Life of Chuck - Book Vs Movie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509512/fan_mail/new] Stephen King. Mike Flanagan. Existential apocalypse. And somehow… it’s cheesy? In this episode, we break down The Life of Chuck — comparing the Stephen King novella to Mike Flanagan’s film adaptation. Is the book profound or half-baked? Is the movie elevated cinema or just polished sentimentality? We talk: * 3 major similarities * 3 big differences * Why the dance scene is less cringe on screen * Why King writing modern dialogue sounds weird * And whether this story should have been adapted at all Hot take: The movie is better. Colder take: That’s not saying much. If you love Stephen King reviews, honest book vs movie debates, and slightly unhinged literary analysis — this one’s for you.

2 Mar 2026 - 29 min
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