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.
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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.
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 stares, and enough longing glances to fill a seaside promenade, this is peak Austen territory. We’re talking second chances, missed moments, and two very different takes on the same timeless love story. AND Should you watch it or read it. We’ve got thoughts (and sighs) to spare.
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 much better the deeper you go, Dayelle’s not convinced. So in the end should you watch it or read it? Or just let Amanda summarize the whole series for you?
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 co-write a novel with two other authors. Plus, Jodi spills the tea on her new and upcoming books—you’re going to want to add these to your TBR ASAP. It’s book nerd heaven, and yes, there will be squealing.
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 to Bali’s maybe-too-perfect romance, they’re dishing on:
🍝 Whether the book or movie nails the emotional depth
🎥 Javier Bardem’s casting (hot take incoming!)
🛫 Katie’s real-world travel advice for Eat-Pray-Love-style adventures
🤔 Is it inspiring, indulgent…or just a very long Airbnb review?
It’s self-discovery, soul-searching, and a little side of travel inspo. Should you watch it, read it, or maybe just book a one-way ticket to Rome?
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 unpacking the differences between the book’s tension and the movie’s iconic scares. AND should you watch it or read it?
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. They’re breaking down Bathsheba’s many romantic entanglements, the gut-punch subplots, and the dramatic love triangle(s) that put modern-day rom-coms to shame. AND should you watch it or read it?
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. Expect real girl talk about everything from diabetes to divorces to the joys (and drama) of growing up in the '90s. AND should you watch it or read it? Or both? Grab your trapper keeper and join the club to find out.
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 the movie hold up? And are we all secretly a little Dauntless? AND in the end should you Watch it or Read it?
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 up way too late reading? Which upcoming adaptations have them excited and nervous? And yes, there will be book world drama...because we love a little literary tea. No spoilers (okay maybe a few), just good vibes, great recs, and the kind of chaotic book talk you’d expect from your favorite reading besties. So grab a cozy blanket, pour a drink, and settle in—The Book Nook is officially open.
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 summer camp in the Catskills. WINNING.
We’re talking smut, writing, and all things swoony and chaotic. Meghan is the moment—and this episode is EVERYTHING.
Book besties. It’s summer, it’s steamy, it’s Meghan Quinn.
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 There God? It’s Me, Margaret—a coming-of-age tale packed with sun-soaked angst, first loves, and an unfairly addictive love triangle. They’re breaking down book one vs season one of the Prime Video adaptation. What they loved and maybe didn't love....BUT it all comes down to the ultimate summer showdown: Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? Oh, and did we mention? Pomegranate margaritas will be involved.
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 don’t have to (but maybe you should?). Amanda did not hold back, she's got thoughts. Big ones. Meanwhile, Dayelle may or may not have watched the movie more times than she’s willing to admit and still has a soft spot for this gloriously messy movie. From tortured angels to confusing timelines to fanfiction-level dialogue, they dish hard on everything Fallen. So… should you watch it or read it, or let this one stay in 2009 where it belongs?
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 freedom. They break down the breathtaking adaptation—moody, magnetic, and charged with longing and how it both mirrors and deepens Shannon Pufahl’s stunning prose. And if you stick around to the end, you’ll get to hear from Shannon herself. Yep—they got to interview her, and she was absolutely incredible. Thoughtful, generous, and just as brilliant as her writing. You don’t want to miss this one.
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 Claire and Jamie? Off the charts. The adaptation? Practically perfect. The kilts? Always welcome. Whether you’re Team Book, Team Show, or just Team "Let’s Gush About Jamie," this is the episode to kick off your next obsession. AND of course should you Watch it or Read it? OR BOTH.
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 adaptation dropped on Peacock, shaking things up even more. Did it do the novel justice? Were the characters as compelling on screen as they were on the page? And most importantly should you watch it or read it?
Oh, and we were supposed to interview Liz Moore herself… but let’s just say, plans took an unexpected turn. We’ll spill all the details in the episode!
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 Jacob’s luscious locks. Amanda and Dayelle will compare the book to its movie adaptation, explore what worked (and what didn’t), and, of course, tackle the ultimate question: Should you watch it or read it?
So grab your Team Edward or Team Jacob merch, settle in with a cozy drink, and join Amanda and Dayelle as they revisit the world of New Moon!
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 dish on how the recent movie adaptation stacks up against the beloved book—what made them laugh, what made them cry and of course they’ll settle the big question: Should you Watch it or Read it?
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 Bridget’s judgy inner monologue to the unforgettable love triangle with Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver, Amanda and Dayelle chat about everything they loved—and what didn’t quite hit. And of course, they’ll tackle the age-old question: Should you watch it or read it?
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 catch up on all things book related.
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.