Read the Book First

This week we discuss the Oscar winning short film, Hair Love, and the picture book that came shortly after. Make sure you watch the short film and listen along!Follow Alyssa @stories.and.spoilers.podcast and listen to our past collab episodes!We Review Nightbitch by Rachel YoderWe Watched NightbitchWe Review How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillanWe Watched How Stella Got Her Groove BackWe Discuss Dinner with Vampires on @stories.and.spoilers.podcastSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Join Jenessa and her two favorite bird nerds, Marissa and Delaney, as they discuss the 2025 Hallmark adaptation, Adventures in Love and Birding. Check out Delaney's outdoor adventure tour, Out To Sea Expedition Company!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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. Dubb!Check out Delaney's outdoor adventure tour, Out To Sea Expedition Company!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 where Jenessa and Amanda discover their godly parent!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 thoughts on one of our childhood favorite books!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 romcom-aissance? Listen to find out!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Spencer and Jenessa discuss the ups, downs, and "what in the world" of Emerald Fennell's 2026 adaptation, "Wuthering Heights".content warnings: death, sexual content, explicit languageSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Dive into this Victorian gothic novel with Jenessa and returning guest, Spencer!This was Jenessa's first time reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and WOW was it an enthralling read!Next week we'll be discussing the 2026 Emerald Fennel adaptation.content warning: abuse, death, trauma, supernatural, gothic themesSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 is a long one. Check out the chapter markers for specific time stamps of when we discuss each of the 6 episodes. Episode 1 - 00:02.28 - 00:34.11Episode 2 - 00:34.12 - 00:55.57Episode 3 - 00:55.58 - 01:24.27Episode 4 - 01:24.28 - 01:39.57Episode 5 - 01:39.58 - 02:04.42Episode 6 - 02:04.43 - 02:24.50Make sure to follow Jenn! @lit.with.jennSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 Reid have taken over the internet and our brains. Jenn, from @lit.with.jenn, returns to help us break down these two best-selling hockey romances!Next week we'll discuss Season 1 of Heated Rivalry. Our schedule of upcoming episodes can be found on our Instagram, @reathebookfirstpodcast. Time Stamps:Game Changer Review - 00:04.29Heated Rivalry Review - 00:29.44Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 planning Season 5! Keep an eye out for that in Spring 2026. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to get all the updates and to give your input on what books we read and which adaptations we watch!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Surprise! A bonus episode! Jenessa and Amanda discuss the second act of Broadway's Wicked and their hopes and worries about Wicked: For Good.Make sure to check out Jenessa and Amanda's ranking of the Wicked soundtrack on our Patreon!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 with a truck" in the guess the character game we played.content warnings: depression, suicidal ideation, werewolves, vampires, blood, death, self harmSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Stephanie returns to help us continue reading and reviewing the Twilight Saga, with this discussion of New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. Make sure you check out last year's episode discussing Twilight!blog post mentioned in the episode - https://stepheniemeyer.com/the-books/new-moon/new-moon-the-story/ content warnings: vampirism, death, self-harm, suicide, abandonment, emotional abuse, depressionSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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? Check out the Patreon exclusive episode where Marissa and Jenessa play "F Marry K*ll"!content warnings - brain washing, robots, misogyny, kidnapping, death Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 to find out!content warnings: brain washing, lack of consent, kidnapping, domestic violenceSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Spencer returns to help Jenessa analyze the 1995 film adaptation, Sense and Sensibility. Is this the best Austen adaptation? Is Emma Thompson the greatest actress of all time?You can follow Spencer on her bookstagram, @septemberance.Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

It's time to dive into the podcast's first Jane Austen novel! Jenessa and Spencer discuss what is "sense" and "sensibility", the f-boy-ness of a certain love interest, and whether or not this book is a love story.Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Amanda and Jenessa watch the 2007 film adaptation, Bridge to Terabithia.Make sure to check out our Patreon to watch more Jenessa and Amanda shenanigans. Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Amanda joins us to reread the heartbreaking children's classic, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. Read and cry along as we discuss childhood lonely, friendship, and grief.Content Warnings: neglect, abuse, grief, death of a childSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Neha returns to discuss the 1993 film adaptation, Much Ado About Nothing. Neha and Jenessa also discuss Anyone But You (2023) and Jenessa briefly recaps Much Ado About Nothing (2012).Follow the Novel Tea on their Instagram, substack, and on your preferred podcast platform!content warning: death, infidelity, innuendo, betrayalSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 friend group!Follow the Novel Tea on their Instagram, substack, and your preferred podcast platform!content warning: death, infidelity, innuendo, betrayalSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Marissa joins us to discuss Apple TV's Murderbot, Season 1, starring Alexander Skarsgård! Join our Patreon to listen to the exclusive mini-episode where Marissa and I rank iconic characters played by the Skarsgårds!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Marissa joins us as we discuss the award winning novella, All Systems Red by Martha Wells. We discuss space capitalism, why Jenessa doesn't typically enjoy sci-fi, and what determines sentience. Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 then a stage production and then a movie musical changes a story. time stamps: 00:00:37 - Matilda (1996)00:51:51- Matilda the Musical (stage production00:54:21 - Matilda the Musical (2022)Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Amanda returns to revisit a childhood classic, Matilda by Roald Dahl.We discuss Matilda's powers, our favorite Roald Dahl books, and whether or not Ms. Honey is a good teacher.Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 was a guest on Ashley's podcast, so definitely check that out as well!If It Was a Book - InstagramIf It Was a Book - YouTubeIf It Was a Book - Spotifycontent warnings: cystic fibrosis, chronic illness, death of a loved oneSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 written at the same time as the film's screenplay, so did the book actually come first? Listen to find out!Follow Ashley and If it Was a Book! Jenessa was a guest on Ashley's podcast, so definitely check that out as well!If It Was a Book - InstagramIf It Was a Book - YouTubeIf It Was a Book - Spotifycontent warnings: cystic fibrosis, chronic illness, death of a loved one, deportationSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Alyssa and Jenessa discuss the 90s classic starring Angela Bassett and Taye Diggs, How Stella Got Her Groove Back.Follow Alyssa and her podcast, Stories and Spoilers! @stories.and.spoilers.podcast on [email protected] on YouTubeListen on Spotifycontent warning: age gap romance, steamy scenes, cursingSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 is the "groove" Stella was looking to get back.Follow Alyssa and her podcast, Stories and Spoilers @stories.and.spoilers.podcast on [email protected] on YouTubeListen on Spotifythe video mentioned by Jenessa and AlyssaSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 were, the accent work done by Pattinson, and the fact that there was too much bodily fluids used. Check out the Vanity Fair interview Jenessa referenced.Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 "creepers".Make sure to check out our Patreon! We have exclusive minisodes with guests, reading vlogs from Jenessa, early access to episodes, and more!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 controversial to the book fans. Listen to find out our opinions!Delaney and I filmed a minisode where I had Delaney decide if certain birds were "peculiar" or not". You can watch that video exclusively on our Patreon, patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 here. Just me, myself, and I. In order to continue the podcast, dedicating time to read, record, edit, and market the podcast, I need some financial help.Instead of trying to chase the algorithm to monetize my podcast, I've decided to go straight to you, my lovely listeners! I want to offer some exclusive content just for my patrons! Throughout our first few months of this Patreon, I'll be asking for feedback on what you like, wish you had, or ideas for other exclusive content!Some of the perks that you can gain access to are...-early access to episodes-reading vlogs from Jenessa-minisodes with guests hosts-voting on future books to be featured on the podcast-stickers and bookmarks designed by JenessaAND MORE!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. We talked about birds, time travel, and the spooky pictures featured throughout the book.We now have a Patreon! If you like the podcast and want to support us directly, please consider becoming a patron! We will have exclusive episodes, vlogs, and other content just for you! Go to patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst to become a patron.We are also hosting a giveaway on our Instagram! Go check out the post and enter the giveaway by May 9th to be entered into a chance to win a book and exclusive a Read the Book First sticker and bookmark!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 begin later this Spring. Thank you to every one who listened to Season 3. I love talking about books and the fact I have even one listener brings me such joy! Join our Discord for more bookish banter and to have a say in future episodes!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 I read in 2024. It's joyful, heartwarming, and challenging. Listen along to hear all our thoughts!Peter Brown's blogpost referenced in the episode - https://www.peterbrownstudio.com/the-wild-robot/Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 substantial Romeo and Juliet retelling? Does the movie convince us to fall in love with zombie Nicholas Hoult? Listen and find out!content warnings: zombies, blood, cannibalism, vomit, weapons, war, deathSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 this book really about zombies or hope? Listen to find out!content warnings: zombies, blood, cannibalism, vomit, weapons, war, deathSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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! Listen to find out our thoughts.You can watch the Redwall show here.Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 our full thoughts!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Bonjour! Join us as we visit Paris through the beautiful illustrations of Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans and the 1998 film adaptation starring Frances McDormand. What about this children's book makes it a beloved favorite?Check out Delaney and the "Bird of the Week" at Out to Sea Expedition!the 1955 animated Madeline Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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!Click here for her SpotifyClick here for her YouTubeClick here for her Instagramepisode content warnings: mentions blood, animal violence, drug use, and animal deathSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

Alyssa from Stories and Spoilers Podcast joins Jenessa to discuss Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder. Is this book an accurate depiction of motherhood? Is the mother ~actually~ a dog? Make sure to check out Alyssa and her podcast, Stories and Spoilers!Click here for her SpotifyClick here for her YouTubeClick here for her InstagramTo read the interview with Rachel Yoder that Jenessa mentioned in the episode, click here!episode content warnings: mentions blood, animal violence, drug use, and animal deathSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

It's our first Christmas special! Isaac and Jenessa sat down to discuss Chris Van Allsburg's award-winning picture book, The Polar Express. Jenessa also convinced Isaac to watch the 2004 adaptation starring Tom Hanks. Is the Polar Express a Christmas classic or just creepy? We hope you and your family have a safe, peaceful holiday season. See you in 2025!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 production and compare it to the 2024 film adaptation.Wicked Broadway Stage Production - 00:01.55Wicked Part One 2024 film - 01:03.00Send us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 Broadway play and recently a movie-musical (both will be discussed in an episode next week). What did Maguire add to the rich world of Baum's Oz? How does Elphaba develop from a misunderstood girl to a wicked witch? Who truly decides your fate?content warnings: sexual assault, genocide, political violence, self-harmSend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]

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 Baum write the seminal American folktale? Is The Wizard of Oz the best movie in American cinema? Listen to the episode to find out!The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book discussion - 0:02.00The Wizard of Oz film discussion - 0:42.50final thoughts on both the book and film - 1:24.20mentioned in the episode:Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Pénélope Bagieuvideo: Wizard of Oz and The Oz Books: Everything You Didn't Know | SYFY WIRESend us Fan MailSupport the showAll episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.comJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirstDon't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading!Business inquiries only - [email protected]