PODCAST · arts
Watch It or Read It
by Gotham West Studios
Watch It Or Read It dives into book-to-film adaptations to help you decide: should you read the book, watch the movie, or both?Hosts Amanda Johnson and Dayelle Watts, this podcast explores beloved and buzzworthy titles—from The Hunger Games to Little Women—and how they transform on screen. Each episode compares the book with its movie or TV adaptation, breaking down what’s changed, what worked, and what didn’t.Expect thoughtful analysis on storytelling, character arcs, visual direction, and how adaptations reshape narratives. Whether you’re a reader, film fan, or pop culture junkie, Watch It Or Read It offers fresh insights and fun debates. New episodes every Tuesday.
Episodes
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Persuasion (Jane Austen)
Amanda and Dayelle are packing their parasols and heading straight into Jane Austen’s Persuasion. From the classic 1995 adaptation with all its Regency elegance and aching restraint to the Netflix version. A Modern, bold take. Between Anne Elliot’s quiet strength, Captain Wentworth’s smoldering...
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Vampire Academy (Richelle Mead)
This week Amanda pulls Dayelle into the world of Vampire Academy, written by Richelle Mead. Dayelle skipped watching the 2014 movie entirely and dove straight into the Peacock series…only to end up completely confused. Because lets just say its not the book...BUT Amanda insists the series gets so...
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My Lady Jane (Jodi Meadows)
Amanda and Dayelle are back in the Tudor-verse with a very special guest—author Jodi Meadows, one of the brilliant minds behind My Lady Jane! They’re talking all things Jane: the delightfully bonkers book, the pitch-perfect (and sadly not-renewed 😭) TV adaptation, and what it’s really like to...
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Eat Pray Love (Elizabeth Gilbert)
Amanda and Dayelle are packing their bags (and their emotional baggage) for Eat Pray Love—Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir AND the 2010 film starring Julia Roberts. But they’re not alone…Katie from Broad Abroad Podcast joins the journey! From Italy’s perfect pasta to India’s spiritual chaos...
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I Know What You Did Last Summer (Lois Duncan)
Amanda and Dayelle dive into the chilling world of I Know What You Did Last Summer—the classic 1997 slasher and the book that started it all. Let’s just say… there’s secrets, suspense, and some seriously questionable decisions. (There’s a killer, a hook, and lots of teenage drama.) They’re...
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Far From the Madding Crowd (Thomas Hardy)
Amanda and Dayelle take a moody stroll through the English countryside with Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd and its 2015 film adaptation. Let’s just say… Dayelle may never live this one down. (There’s a dog. There’s a flock of sheep. There’s trauma.) Will Amanda forgive her? TBD.…
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The Babysitters Club-Kristy's Great Idea(Ann M. Martin)
Amanda and Dayelle are heading back to middle school—scrunchies, friendship bracelets, and all—for a true coming-of-age classic: The Babysitters Club! They’re diving into Kristy’s Great Idea, the very first book in Ann M. Martin’s iconic series, and comparing it to the 1995 cult-favorite movie....
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Divergent (Veronica Roth)
This week Dayelle and Amanda are jumping off the train and straight into dystopia—Chicago-style. They’re diving into Divergent by Veronica Roth and its big-screen adaptation, breaking down the factions, the action, and the absolutely perfect casting (hello, Theo James). Is the book better? Did…
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Our Book Nook
Welcome to The Book Nook—where the gossip is hot, the TBR is taller than a tower of paperbacks, and the screen adaptations are chef’s kiss level exciting. In this special episode, Amanda and Dayelle are cozying up for a good ol’ bookish catch-up. What are they binge-watching? What’s keeping them…
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Till Summer Do Us Part (Meghan Quinn)
This week on Watch It or Read It...we got to chat with the QUEEN herself—Meghan Quinn! She’s sweet, she’s hilarious, and she’s served up another summer romance you won’t want to miss with her latest book Til Summer Do Us Part. She gives you New York City, the fake husband troupe AND a spicy adult...
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The Summer I Turned Pretty (Jenny Han)
This week, the ladies are turning the page on Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty (book one) and things get pretty emotional. Amanda didn’t want to read this one… but surprise! She ended up loving the sweet, nostalgic chaos of Cousins Beach. Meanwhile, Dayelle is calling it the Gen Z Are You...
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Fallen (Lauren Kate)
This week on Watch it or Read it, Amanda and Dayelle take a dive (or maybe a fall?) into Fallen, the YA paranormal romance that promised epic angel drama… and delivered something else entirely. They read the book, endured the epically bad movie, and checked out the newer TV adaptation so you…
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On Swift Horses (Shannon Pufahl)
This was an unexpected one. The ladies had the rare opportunity to see a screener of On Swift Horses before it hit theaters AND were so moved, they immediately picked up the novel. What they found was a quietly powerful story about hidden desires, queerness, aching isolation, and the pursuit of...
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Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
Season Four is here! AND we’re starting with a swoon worthy BANG! Amanda and Dayelle are heading through the stones to 18th Century Scotland with the one and only Outlander, written by Diana Gabaldon. Let’s be real...this episode is 50% book talk, 50% Jamie Fraser thirst. The chemistry between...
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Long Bright River (Liz Moore)
Amanda and Dayelle are diving into Long Bright River by Liz Moore. This one took us on a ride we weren’t expecting. A gripping mix of crime thriller, family drama, and emotional depth, this book had us hooked from page one. And just when we thought we had our opinions locked in, the new screen...
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New Moon
This week, Amanda and Dayelle are heading back to Forks, Washington, where the rain never stops, vampires sparkle, and werewolves have the best hair game in town. That’s right—they’re diving into The Twilight Saga: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer! From Bella’s heartbreak and Edward’s dramatic exit to...
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Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
This week Amanda and Dayelle are throwing it back to their awkward tween years as they revisit Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. From "Grow with Me" bras to figuring out who you are, they’re spilling all the tea on Margaret’s relatable journey through girlhood. Plus, they’ll…
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Bridget Jones's Diary
This week, Amanda and Dayelle are diving into the world of wine-soaked journals, awkward encounters, and every Pride & Prejudice easter egg. If you guessed Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding, you're spot on! Join them as they break down the beloved book and its iconic movie adaptation. From...
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Bonus: What We're Reading
This week Amanda and Dayelle dive into what they are currently reading, what's on their TBR's and a whole lot of book gossip! Including a quick mention of a certain author, her book to movie adaptation thats been getting a lot of attention. Some Onyx Storm recapping (no spoilers don't worry) AND...
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Daisy Jones & the Six
Amanda and Dayelle dive into Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel and its TV adaptation, Daisy Jones & The Six. Amanda had to put some pressure on Dayelle to read this one. AND after some major arm twisting (figuratively) Dayelle folded. So in the end did the show capture the magic of the…
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A Little Princess
Amanda and Dayelle revisit A Little Princess, the beloved childhood classic that made them believe in magic, resilience, and the power of kindness. Whether you grew up with Frances Hodgson Burnett’s timeless novel or the breathtaking 1995 film adaptation, this story is one that stays in your…
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The Secret Garden
Amanda and Dayelle unlock The Secret Garden (AND a lot of tears)—this timeless classic has had several screen adaptations...From a Hallmark love story to a visually magical remake in 2020 starring Colin Firth as little Mary's uncle, to the iconic 1993 adaptation. (Which is both Amanda and…
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The Chronicles of Narnia
Come with Amanda and Dayelle as they step through the wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia, with The Loin, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Dayelle shares why she wasn’t super excited to revisit the book, while Amanda reveals why it might just be her all-time favorite. But both...
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New Year's Special
Happy New Year! Amanda and Dayelle decided to give everyone a little taste of behind the scenes of Watch it or Read it. They dive into upcoming book releases, books slated to be adapted to scene and so much more! Let’s see how many times they bring up Henry Cavill…AND ACOTAR fan casting OR mainly...
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Little Women
Amanda and Dayelle are sharing their love for Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. From Katharine Hepburn’s iconic Jo to Greta Gerwig’s stunning adaptation, they’re diving into the book and its MANY versions. And are you: a Meg, a Jo, a Beth or an Amy? Whether you read the book now or in the middle…
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Christmas in Evergreen
Okay let’s set the scene… A Small Town (Evengreen) The Big-City Protagonist (A widowed doctor who has a daughter) The Charming Local (Allie-a young, beautiful town vet) The Conflict (Allie is leaving Evergreen, The doctor is passing through) The Festive Event (The Christmas Festival) Family and...
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Miracle on 34th St
Amanda and Dayelle couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk about the timeless Christmas classic that makes you feel all kinds of warm and fuzzy inside, The book written by Valentine Davies, Miracle on 34th Street. Yupe its a book! The ladies are swooning over the heartfelt magic of the book, the...
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It's a Wonderful Life
It’s beginning to look a lot like...The Greatest Gift! Amanda and Dayelle unwrap the story behind one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time, It's a Wonderful Life. From George Bailey’s magical journey of hope and redemption to one of their favorite NAMED characters Clarence the Angel...
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Season 3 Trailer
Watch It or Read It Season three is almost here! Amanda and Dayelle are back with brand new episodes coming out every Tuesday, beginning December 3rd. Starting the season with your favorite holiday stories – It’s a Wonderful Life, Little Women, The Chronicles of Narnia, and more! Join them as…
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A Discovery of Witches
Amanda and Dayelle are wrapping up their Season of Witches AND Season Two with the captivating book, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness! Amanda loved the book—it’s incredible—but felt the series adaptation fell short especially with the casting. *COUGH*Diana's lack of showing any...
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Escape to Witch Mountain
Dayelle and Amanda continue their Season of Witches with a slight twist. This week it’s all about Escape to Witch Mountain by Alexander Key. So...no witches. BUT Tia and Tony do have powers and the word witch is in the title. Also Amanda couldn't talk about this book without talking about her...
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The Witches
The witchy vibes continue on Watch it or Read it! In this episode, Amanda and Dayelle take a fun trip down memory lane as they revisit The Witches by Roald Dahl, a book both read in elementary school. "In fairy-tales, witches always wear silly black hats... but this is not a fairy-tale. This is...
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Practical Magic
It's the season of Witches on Watch it or Read it! Join Amanda and Dayelle as they gush over the cult classic Practical Magic—an ode to the beginning of fall and all things magical. Yes, it's a book too! Was it worth the read, or should you stick to the screen? Should you watch it, read it, or...
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My Lady Jane
"My Lady Jane" (2024) is a lesser-known historical fantasy romance series on Amazon Prime Video, based on the book by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand. Starring Emily Bader as Lady Jane Grey, the show features an all-star cast including Edward Bluemel and Anna Chancellor. It's a...
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Gone Girl
Amanda and Dayelle explore a genre they haven't tackled on the show before, thrillers. Kicking things off with a bang by discussing Gillian Flynn's gripping novel, Gone Girl. This book has been a hot topic since it hit shelves, and it's no wonder why. The story is a rollercoaster ride that keeps...
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To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Amanda and Dayelle dive into Jenny Han's romance novel "To All The Boys I've Loved Before." Fans might recognize Han from her other hit series turned Netflix show, "The Summer I Turned Pretty." Despite wondering if they were a bit too old for this teen romcom, both hosts couldn't help but fall…
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Emma
Amanda and Dayelle tackle Jane Austen's beloved novel, Emma! For Dayelle, it's her number one favorite, while for Amanda, it's a very close second. These Austen aficionados dive headfirst into the charming world of Emma Woodhouse, celebrating the wit, humor, and heart that make this novel a...
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Bridge to Terabithia
Join Amanda and Dayelle as they dive into the childhood classic, Bridge to Terabithia. Amanda, who first read this book because it was a school assignment, shares her enduring love for the story that has stayed with her ever since. Dayelle, experiencing the book for the first time in preparation...
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A Walk to Remember
Join Amanda and Dayelle on a nostalgic journey as they revisit Nicholas Sparks' classic, A Walk to Remember. They discuss the beloved book and its heartfelt movie adaptation, sharing what they loved (and didn’t love) about both. AND answering the question Watch it or Read it or BOTH. Advertising...
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Me Before You
Join Amanda and Dayelle as they chat about the beloved story of Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. This touching tale, brought to life on screen by the enchanting Emilia Clarke and the charismatic Sam Claflin, has left a lasting impression on both of them. They discuss the tender nuances of the book…
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Tuck Everlasting
Join Amanda and Dayelle as they gush over the beloved book "Tuck Everlasting" and its charming 2002 movie adaptation. Dayelle shares why this book holds a special place in her heart, while both hosts can't help but swoon over actor, Jonathan Jackson as Jesse Tuck in the movie. This beautiful...
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The Idea of You
We all love a good rom-com! Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine star in the 2024 Netflix adaptation of "The Idea of You" by Robinne Lee. This contemporary romance follows 39-year-old art gallery owner Solène Marchand as she unexpectedly falls for 20-year-old Hayes Campbell, a member of the…
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Bridgerton Part 3
Dearest listeners, It would seem that our gracious hosts, Amanda and Dayelle, have returned for a second season. The subject of today's discourse? The third season of Netflix's most watched series on record, Bridgerton! This season draws its inspiration from Julia Quinn's 2002 novel, “Romancing...
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Bridgerton Part 2
Dearest readers, it appears that two most delightful ladies, Amanda and Dayelle, have taken to the airwaves to discuss matters that we Bridgertonians hold dear to our hearts. Their topic of discourse? None other than the tumultuous, heart-fluttering, and scandalously delicious tale from "The...
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Bridgerton Part 1
Dearest readers, gather round, for I, Lady Whistledown, have quite the treat for you. In this most tantalizing episode of "Watch it or Read it," our hostesses, Amanda and Dayelle, take to the microphones to discuss that which has set all of London aflutter: the first book in the Bridgerton…
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One Day
Amanda and Dayelle (tissue boxes in hand) travel to England on July 15th, 1988. They are introduced to Dex and Emma. A story unfolds on the same day for 20 years. If you haven't guessed it yet...They are talking about One Day written by David Nicholls. A story that isn't new to the film world…
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The Princess Diaries
Amanda and Dayelle join Mia Thermopolis, a five-foot-nine, flat-chested freshman, who also happens to be flunking Algebra on the biggest adventure of her life. They also delve into some of the biggest differences between the book and movie adaptation. Advertising Inquiries:...
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Cinderella
Dayelle and Amanda revisit the classic fairytale Cinderella by The Brothers Grimm. They gush over their favorite Cinderella adaptation, Ever After. The 1998 movie starring Drew Barrymore. To them it's the only retelling you need to see. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands “Watch…
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Damsel
Dayelle and Amanda discuss the flaws in the "Damsel" film adaptation compared to the book, noting shallow characters and missed emotional depth while appreciating its world-building. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands “Watch It Or Read It” is a registered trademark of Gotham West...
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Jane Eyre
Dayelle and Amanda analyze the timeless themes of love and resilience in "Jane Eyre," exploring character dynamics, mental health portrayals, and societal themes in the novel and its adaptations. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands “Watch It Or Read It” is a registered trademark…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Watch It Or Read It dives into book-to-film adaptations to help you decide: should you read the book, watch the movie, or both?Hosts Amanda Johnson and Dayelle Watts, this podcast explores beloved and buzzworthy titles—from The Hunger Games to Little Women—and how they transform on screen. Each episode compares the book with its movie or TV adaptation, breaking down what’s changed, what worked, and what didn’t.Expect thoughtful analysis on storytelling, character arcs, visual direction, and how adaptations reshape narratives. Whether you’re a reader, film fan, or pop culture junkie, Watch It Or Read It offers fresh insights and fun debates. New episodes every Tuesday.
HOSTED BY
Gotham West Studios
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Watch It or Read It have?
Watch It or Read It currently has 58 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Watch It or Read It about?
Watch It Or Read It dives into book-to-film adaptations to help you decide: should you read the book, watch the movie, or both?Hosts Amanda Johnson and Dayelle Watts, this podcast explores beloved and buzzworthy titles—from The Hunger Games to Little Women—and how they transform on screen. Each...
How often does Watch It or Read It release new episodes?
Watch It or Read It has 58 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Watch It or Read It?
You can listen to Watch It or Read It on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Watch It or Read It?
Watch It or Read It is created and hosted by Gotham West Studios.
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