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Is the Book Better?

Is the Book Better?

De : Jake Martini
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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.

© 2026 Is the Book Better?
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  • Bridges of Madison County - Book Vs. Movie
    Apr 27 2026

    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.

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    32 min
  • Project Hail Mary Book Vs Movie
    Mar 29 2026

    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.

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    22 min
  • Hamnet - Book Vs. Movie
    Mar 16 2026

    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.

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    30 min
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