I've read the book, I've watched the film...which is better? I DECIDE

Freida Mcfadden creates a page turning masterclass and of course it has become a film, but will the film hold up?

Lets see...

This week on the podcast I’m finally back after an accidental Christmas break (yes, I genuinely forgot it was Christmas). Apologies for missing last week.

In this episode, I dive into the Christy Martin book and compare it to the film adaptation, looking at what worked, what didn’t, and how the story changes when it moves from page to screen. We talk truth vs dramatization, what the film captures brilliantly, and what the book does better — plus a bit of honest reflection on why this story hits so hard in both formats.

Thanks for sticking with me — normal service resumes now.

In this episode of Is the Book Better?, I take on The Revenant — comparing Michael Punke’s historical novel with Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. From brutal frontier survival to icy revenge, I break down what the book actually focuses on versus what the movie turns into an endurance test for both Leo and the audience.

We dig into the true story of Hugh Glass, the differences between historical fact and cinematic spectacle, and why the book is more about obsession, survival, and the American frontier — while the movie leans hard into suffering, silence, and awards-season vibes. There’s talk of bear attacks, fur trappers, revenge narratives, and whether the film’s visual mastery makes up for what it leaves out from the source material.

If you’re into book vs movie comparisons, film adaptations, historical fiction, or just enjoy arguing about whether the book is always better, this episode is for you.

So strap on your snowshoes and join me as I decide once and for all: is The Revenant book better… though?

In this episode of Is the Book Better, Though?, I compare Forrest Gump the novel by Winston Groom with the Oscar-winning Tom Hanks film that became a pop culture phenomenon. From shrimp boats to running across America, I break down what the book got right, what the movie left behind, and why the tone couldn’t be more different.

We’re talking darker humor, weirder adventures, and a Forrest who’s a lot less sweet and a lot more chaotic than the film made him out to be. Plus, I dive into how Hollywood polished the rough edges to give us that feel-good classic — and whether it actually made the story better.

Join me for a funny, thoughtful, and slightly baffled look at one of the strangest book-to-movie adaptations ever. Because life might be like a box of chocolates… but not every page tastes the same.

Welcome to the podcast where we compare books vs movies every single week — diving deep into what each adaptation gets right, what it leaves behind, and which version tells the stronger story.
If you love book-to-movie comparisons, story adaptation breakdowns, and fun, spoiler-filled chats, you’re in the right place.

This week, we’re jumping into YA fiction with a full The Fault in Our Stars book and movie review. We explore the biggest differences between the book and film, the emotional moments that hit hardest, and how John Green’s bestselling YA novel transforms on screen. Whether you’re a fan of YA book podcasts, teen fiction discussions, or you’re searching for insights on Hazel and Gus, this episode delivers a detailed TFIOS adaptation deep dive.

Perfect for book lovers, movie lovers, book club listeners, and anyone obsessed with young adult novels and films, film vs novel discussions, or pop culture and media analysis podcasts. Each episode helps you decide what to read next and what to watch next, with recommendations, insights, and plenty of humour.

If you enjoy John Green books, YA movie adaptations, book recommendations, spoiler discussions, and film critique podcasts, make sure to follow — new episodes drop weekly with a different book-to-film matchup every time.

In this episode, we dive headfirst into Moneyball, where spreadsheets meet home runs and Brad Pitt somehow makes baseball statistics look cool. I compare Michael Lewis’s groundbreaking book to its Hollywood adaptation, unpacking what got left on the cutting-room floor (and what Brad Pitt’s jawline may have added back in).

We’re talking data, drama, and dingers — plus whether Jonah Hill’s character really does justice to the real-life numbers nerd behind the Oakland A’s revolution. So grab your peanuts, settle into the dugout, and let’s find out once and for all: is the book better, though?

Sorry this is long overdue, life got in the way a little bit.

Also sorry for the sound quality, someone didn't press record on the sound deck! That someone was me...

We had a lot of fun doing this and spoke for a couple of hours, we went off on about 50 more tangents that are in this episode.

Also, this podcast will be renamed 'Was the book better, though?' from next release and I will be comparing books to their movies and seeing which one is worth your time, should you watch Forrest Gump or read the book?

Suggest your ideas and who knows, I might do it. I already have 8 in the pipeline,

Much love to all who listen to this, I'll see you in a couple of weeks.

one trial done and a second one is this episode, Lucians life in the hands of an illiterate human, he's got to be annoyed.