Podcast Summary: "I'll Read What She's Reading" – Episode on Book to Movie/TV Adaptations

Podcast Information:

• Title: I'll Read What She's Reading
• Host/Authors: Kennedy, Reggie, & Mikayla
• Description: Join Kennedy, Reggie, & Mikayla every Wednesday as they delve into everything from "smash or pass" on favorite book characters, deep dives into beloved authors, and more. Each month features a book club selection for a communal reading and discussion. Perfect for those eager to discover their next read!
• Episode: Book To Movie/TV Adaptations
• Release Date: October 16, 2024

1. Episode Introduction and Book Updates (00:00 – 10:30)

Mikayla opens the episode, introducing the main topic: book-to-movie and TV adaptations. Before diving in, the trio updates listeners on books they've recently read as part of their mutual recommendations segment.

a. "Scythe" by Neil Shusterman

• Mikayla shares her thoughts on "Scythe," rated 3.53 stars.
• Quote: “The world itself was very interesting and different, which I really enjoyed.” (00:01:22)
• She appreciated the unique dystopian setting but struggled with the young adult characters, a sentiment shared by Kennedy.
• Kennedy cautions potential readers to approach with low expectations, commenting, “It’s not anything revolutionary.” (02:50)

b. "The Things We Live For" by Rebecca Yarros

• Reggie praises the book, initially rating it four stars but later reflecting it deserves five stars.
• Quote: “There wasn't anything I disliked about it got me in my feels.” (04:00)
• The dual perspective and timeline were highlights, with Kenney adding it was a tearjerker and a “feel-good” book. (05:27)

c. "War of Lost Hearts" Trilogy by Carissa Broadbent

• Kennedy discusses the first book, “Daughter of No Worlds," rating the series four stars.
• She expresses emotional moments, including crying while reading, and admires the magic system and main characters.
• Quote: “The magic system is really cool and the main male character is just a little sweetie pie.” (06:40)

d. General Reflections on Reading Trends

• Mikayla and Kennedy discuss a recent slump in finding satisfying reads, attributing it to personal preferences rather than book quality.
• Reggie emphasizes adopting low expectations to rediscover enjoyment in reading.

2. Transition to Book-to-Movie/TV Adaptations (10:30 – 11:00)

With updates concluded, the trio smoothly transitions into the main discussion on adaptations, setting the stage to explore various book-to-screen projects.

3. Book-to-TV Adaptations Discussed (11:00 – 56:55)

a. "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch (10:31 – 14:10)

• Kennedy praises both the book and its TV adaptation, rating the show highly despite initial pacing concerns.
• Quote: “I really, really loved that book. It made me fall in love with sci-fi.” (10:31)
• Reggie shares her husband’s experience, highlighting the show's intense moments and recommending reading the book beforehand.
• Mikayla and Kennedy commend the faithful adaptation, noting added elements that enhanced the TV experience.

b. "A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" (14:10 – 19:00)

• The discussion touches on the adaptation's fidelity to the source material, with concerns about spoilers from TikTok affecting interest.
• Kennedy expresses apprehension about reading the book post-movie exposure.
• Reggie finds the casting intriguing but remains cautious about potential plot deviations.
• Comparisons to "Game of Thrones" arise, emphasizing the challenges of adapting incomplete book series.

c. "Uglies" (19:00 – 23:06)

• Mikayla reveals disappointment with the TV adaptation, criticizing the casting and CGI quality.
• Reggie reflects on the book's nostalgia factor, acknowledging that maturity affects perception of earlier works.
• Kennedy and Reggie express skepticism about the adaptation’s ability to capture the book’s essence, citing poor reviews and fan expectations.

d. "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" (23:06 – 27:32)

• Reggie and Kennedy discuss the Netflix adaptation's deviations from the book, particularly the omission of the protagonist’s podcasting element.
• Quote: “She actually makes a podcast and is podcasting the whole updates on everything.” (24:20)
• Concerns are raised about the series’ continuity for future seasons without key plot elements.
• Despite changes, Reggie appreciates the cast and visual aesthetics but hopes for better integration of essential story components.

e. "Silo" by Hugh Howey (27:32 – 34:25)

• Kennedy introduces "Silo," comparing it to "Fallout," and describes its dystopian setting.
• Reggie notes the anticipation for the second season and praises Apple TV’s track record with quality adaptations.
• The complexity of translating the book’s depth into a limited TV format is discussed, with hopes for faithful storytelling and strong CGI.

f. "Daisy Jones and the Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid (34:25 – 35:55)

• Reggie lauds the adaptation, particularly Sam Claflin’s performance despite age concerns.
• Quote: “Sam Claflin did a very phenomenal job.” (31:40)
• Kennedy and Mikayla highlight the show's soundtrack and 70s vibe, though Mikayla admits a lack of deep engagement.
• The trio appreciates the visual and musical elements, acknowledging it as a memorable adaptation despite personal preferences.

g. "Percy Jackson" Series (37:50 – 41:09)

• Mikayla excitedly discusses the reimagined Percy Jackson TV series, emphasizing nostalgia and character development.
• Quote: “It's the very beginning of the Hunger Games.” (38:30)
• Anticipation for season two is high, with Kennedy connecting it to successful franchises like "Harry Potter."
• The hosts express hope for faithful adaptations, superior casting, and effective CGI to capture the beloved series’ magic.

h. "It Ends with Us" (41:09 – 45:57)

• The trio recount their private screening event for "It Ends with Us," discussing standout performances and necessary changes from the book.
• Kennedy praises Justin Baldoni’s portrayal of Ryle, rating the movie 4 out of 5.
• Reggie appreciates the cast but laments the exclusion of certain emotional and backstory elements, hoping future adaptations will enrich the narrative.
• Mikayla concurs, noting the inevitable omissions in adaptations but valuing the overall execution.

4. Upcoming Book-to-Screen Adaptations (46:00 – 57:50)

a. "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros (46:00 – 52:44)

• Reggie expresses high expectations, highlighting author involvement and potential for quality.
• Quote: “She is just like, this is the way we're gonna do it.” (47:43)
• Kennedy and Mikayla discuss production uncertainties, including potential casting and CGI quality.
• Concerns about maintaining the book’s essence while adapting for screen limitations are voiced, alongside optimism for a successful project.

b. "Powerless" by Lauren Roberts (52:44 – 56:55)

• Kennedy is optimistic, appreciating minimal CGI reliance and strong dialogue.
• Reggie trusts the casting to deliver memorable performances, emphasizing faith in the author’s vision.
• The hosts reminisce about Lauren Roberts’ journey from TikTok to successful publishing, hoping the adaptation honors the book’s spirit.
• Quote: “I think it's gonna be a better movie than it is a book.” (56:55)

c. "People We Meet on Vacation" (56:55 – 57:50)

• Reggie and Kennedy express excitement for the rom-com adaptation, applauding the cast and filming locations.
• Pop culture references and enthusiasm for budget success underline their anticipation.
• The hosts conclude with high hopes for the adaptation’s reception and impact.

5. Final Thoughts and Conclusion (57:50 – End)

• Kennedy and Reggie reflect on the challenges and rewards of adapting books to screen, emphasizing the importance of faithful storytelling and quality production.
• Mikayla and Reggie express interest in potentially continuing the discussion with a Part Two episode, given the extensive list of ongoing and upcoming adaptations.
• The episode wraps up with the hosts thanking listeners and teasing future content, encouraging engagement and continued participation in their book club activities.

Notable Quotes:

• Mikayla (00:01:22): “The world itself was very interesting and different, which I really enjoyed.”
• Kennedy (02:50): “It’s not anything revolutionary.”
• Reggie (04:00): “There wasn't anything I disliked about it got me in my feels.”
• Kennedy (10:31): “I really, really loved that book. It made me fall in love with sci-fi.”
• Reggie (24:20): “She actually makes a podcast and is podcasting the whole updates on everything.”
• Reggie (31:40): “Sam Claflin did a very phenomenal job.”
• Reggie (47:43): “She is just like, this is the way we're gonna do it.”
• Kennedy (56:55): “I think it's gonna be a better movie than it is a book.”

Conclusion: This episode of "I'll Read What She's Reading" offers an insightful exploration of various book-to-movie and TV adaptations, blending personal experiences with critical analysis. The hosts provide valuable perspectives for both fans of the original books and newcomers, making it a comprehensive guide to navigating the often tumultuous landscape of literary adaptations.