We read Grey, Darker, and Freed—the Fifty Shades trilogy told from Christian Grey’s POV—and now we have thoughts. In this episode, we’re talking about what it was like to revisit the story through Christian’s eyes, whether these books gave us new insight, and how his narration changed the overall experience of the series.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian by E.L. James [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/7984c613-6aa8-4e0a-a219-872abee7a847]
 * Darker by E.L. James [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/04a50b35-24d2-4008-a6bf-77b365d8467b]
 * Freed by E.L. James [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ce75e506-fdac-4e52-8b96-ca0f01264c20]

Listen to Grey, Darker, and Freed on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Links:

 * Grey [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780399565304]
 * Darker [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780525634638]
 * Freed [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780593453568]

Want to follow our entire journey through reading and watching Fifty Shades of Grey from the very beginning? Start here! [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUt2fEjNXoNBFvZM_4mSi56SeeZ1q3i1&si=u8BSRfyYuhXNNswy]

Question of the Episode:

 * If you've read other POV retellings, which ones work or totally miss the mark?

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/get-freaky]

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(03:05) "Christian Said What??" Game

(09:51) Book Ratings/Ranking

(16:47) Series Breakdown

(39:50) Final Verdicts & Question of the Episode

S4:E15 Reading Christian Grey's POV So You Don't Have To

We’re kicking off our Finishing Our Series theme with Fifty Shades Freed, the final installment in the original Fifty Shades trilogy. In this episode, we discuss how the adaptation wraps up the series, sharing our thoughts on the story, the characters, the drama, and whether the ending delivered for us. We also look back on the trilogy, compare this final movie to the others, and talk about where we ultimately landed by the end of it all.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James [https://beta.thestorygraph.com/books/900441fa-fec9-4db9-a056-3b24935a8dc2]
 * Fifty Shades Freed (2018 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4477536/]

Listen to Fifty Shades Freed on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link! [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781004141333]

Want to follow our entire journey through reading and watching Fifty Shades of Grey from the very beginning? Start here! [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUt2fEjNXoNBFvZM_4mSi56SeeZ1q3i1&si=u8BSRfyYuhXNNswy]

Question of the Episode:

 * What's something you thought was romantic when you were younger but now see totally differently?

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/get-freaky]

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(00:54) Recap & Spoiler Warning

(03:13) Book Ratings

(09:53) Book vs Movie Breakdown

(54:36) Final Verdict & Question of the Episode

S4:E14 Fifty Shades Freed (2018 Film)

This week, we’re discussing The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. This episode closes out our Anything Goes April theme with a mystery full of charm, humor, clever twists, and a very memorable cast of characters. We’re diving into the mystery itself, the dynamics between the members of the Thursday Murder Club, the tone of the story, and what made this one such a fun read to talk about.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/bdc207d9-da4c-4983-9b83-f143827fddbe]
 * The Thursday Murder Club (2025 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12001534/]

Question of the Episode:

 * Joyce is always baking up some goodies for guests. What is your favorite treat to offer company, or your favorite treat to be offered when you visit others?

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/get-freaky]

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:18) Book Ratings

(08:58) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(48:33) Final Verdicts & Question of the Episode

S4:E13 The Thursday Murder Club (2025 Film)

This week, we’re diving into Vladimir by Julia May Jonas and its 2026 Netflix adaptation. In this episode, we talk about the book’s dark humor, unsettling tone, unreliable narration, and the obsession at the center of the story, along with how those elements translated to the screen. We break down our thoughts on the narrator, the character dynamics, the social commentary, and the adaptation choices that worked for us—and the ones that didn’t. From uncomfortable tension to messy characters and very different reactions to the book and series, Vladimir gave us a lot to discuss.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Vladimir by Julia May Jonas [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/da86f127-e910-48bb-9709-48300ec3d692]
 * Vladimir (2026 Netflix Series) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35997699/]

Listen to Vladimir with Our Affiliate Link! [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781797137032]

Question of the Episode:

 * What is a character that is unliked by many but you actually love?

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/get-freaky]

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

00:00) Introductions

(01:31) Book Ratings

(05:46) Adaptation Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(58:17) Final Verdicts

(1:09:12) Question of the Episode

S4:E12 Vladimir (2026 Series)

Weddings, chaos, and three generations of movie dads! We’re diving into Father of the Bride by Edward Streeter and the surprising franchise it created. In this episode, we start with the original novel before comparing three different adaptations across decades: the 1950 classic, the beloved 1991 version, and the 2022 modern remake. Join us as we compare each movie to see which one captures the heart (and panic) of being the father of the bride the best and discuss which version completely changes the story for a new generation.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Father of the Bride by Edward Streeter [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ac95369e-932d-4efb-92bf-d5b24d94b7ee]
 * Father of the Bride (1950 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042451/]
 * Father of the Bride (1991 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101862/]
 * Father of the Bride (2022 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13249596/]

Question of the Episode:

 * Which wedding traditions do you think it's time to retire or which ones should make a comeback?

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/get-freaky]

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(04:49) Book Ratings

(08:33) Book vs Adaptations (SPOILERS)

(45:42) Final Verdict & Question of the Episode

S4:E11 Father of the Bride: Three Weddings & a Podcast

We’ve finished breaking down Season 2 of Percy Jackson, but now it’s time to travel back to an earlier era of demigod adaptations. This week, we’re revisiting Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, the sequel to The Lightning Thief movie starring Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, and Brandon T. Jackson. We talk about how this movie stacks up against the book, what changes we liked or disliked, and whether the sequel deserves more credit.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Percy Jackson & The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c7be250d-42cf-4df0-b973-9f701276039a]
 * Percy Jackson Disney+ Series [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12324366/]
 * Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1854564/]
 * Van Helsing (2004 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338526/]
 * Eragon (2006 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449010/]
 * Shadowhunters TV Series [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4145054/]
 * Divergent Films [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1840309/]

Listen to The Sea of Monsters on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link! [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780739331200]

Question of the Episode:

 * What is your favorite bad adaptation?

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/get-freaky]

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(02:55) Movie Comparisons

(05:38) Character and Cast Breakdown and Dislikes

(23:00) What We Liked About the Movie

(42:38) Final Verdict and Question of the Episode

S4:E10 Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013 Film)

Dive into Anything Goes April with us as we head back to Camp Half-Blood for Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters. In this episode, we compare the second book in Rick Riordan’s beloved series to the Disney+ adaptation, breaking down what the show kept, what it changed, and how it brought this mythological adventure to life on screen.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Keri and Crystal.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Percy Jackson & The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c7be250d-42cf-4df0-b973-9f701276039a]
 * Percy Jackson Disney+ Series [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12324366/]

Listen to The Sea of Monsters on LibroFM with Our Affiliate Link! [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780739331200]

Question of the Episode:

 * If you were a demigod, what do you think your fatal flaw would be?

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/get-freaky]

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:53) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(09:58) Book vs Series Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(1:08:30) Final Verdict & Question of the Episode

S4:E9 Percy Jackson & Sea of Monsters (Series)

We’re wrapping up Made of Madness March with one of the wildest adaptations we’ve covered yet: Poor Things by Alasdair Gray and its 2023 film adaptation starring Emma Stone. This strange, bold story about Bella Baxter takes us from page to screen in a way that’s as chaotic as it is fascinating. We break down the biggest differences, the themes of identity and freedom, and whether the movie captured the spirit of the book.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Crystal and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Poor Things by Alasdair Gray [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/77517ded-d972-4d86-87fa-2d603f80313d]
 * Poor Things (2023 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14230458/]

Listen to Poor Things on LibroFM with our Affiliate Link! [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781004141333]

Question of the Episode:

 * Who is the greater moral offender: Godwin Baxter or Victor Frankenstein?

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/get-freaky]

License code: OAZT1MIMW1Y3V3HP

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(02:25) Content Warning

(03:30) Book Background, Ratings, & Non-Spoiler Reviews

(11:10) Book vs Movie Discussion (SPOILERS)

(54:40) Final Verdicts

(57:30) Question of the Episode

S4:E8 Poor Things (2023 Film)

The madness continues, and a winner will be crowned. In this episode of Based on a Book, we return to our Frankenstein adaptation tournament to finish the bracket and determine which version best captures the spirit of Mary Shelley’s legendary story. After narrowing the field in Part 1, the remaining adaptations now battle it out in the final half of the tournament. Using our scoring system, we debate which films deserve to advance and which ones fall short. By the end of the episode, we reveal our Top 3 Frankenstein adaptations and crown the ultimate winner of our tournament. Did your favorite survive the madness?

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Frankenstein by Mary Shelley [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/35c95a51-9732-4f02-97db-67a08f32d9fc]
 * Frankenstein Adaptations PDF  [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mJukzybWZDd-Uq3bEzSpqTC-s68fTvVa/view?usp=sharing]

Frankenstein Rating System Sheets [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IVkBi9Rl0CDxecbBmKG7RxuHsIgcWK43/view?usp=sharing]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Link [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780241422625]

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/eine-kleine-nachtmusik-mozart]

License code: U4DTEOAWJIPZ2ADH

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:45) Part 1 Recap

(03:10) Round Seven

(11:10) Round Eight

(30:00) Final Match Up

(50:00) Crowning the Champion

S4:E7 Frankenstein: 12 Adaptation Face-Off (Part 2) 

It’s alive, and so is our Frankenstein adaptation tournament! In this episode, we officially kick off our 12-film Frankenstein face-off, where adaptations from across decades battle it out to determine which version best captures the spirit of Mary Shelley’s legendary novel.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * Frankenstein by Mary Shelley [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/35c95a51-9732-4f02-97db-67a08f32d9fc]
 * Frankenstein Adaptations PDF  [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mJukzybWZDd-Uq3bEzSpqTC-s68fTvVa/view?usp=sharing]

Frankenstein Rating System Sheets [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IVkBi9Rl0CDxecbBmKG7RxuHsIgcWK43/view?usp=sharing]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Link [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780241422625]

Connect with Us [https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast]

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page linked above for everything in one place!

 * 💌 Contact us directly via email
 * 📱 Follow us on all our socials
 * 🎧 Catch our latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms
 * 📖 Submit a book-to-screen adaptation you want us to cover!

Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) [https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/eine-kleine-nachtmusik-mozart]

License code: U4DTEOAWJIPZ2ADH

Thanks for listening to Based on a Book—see you in the next chapter!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:05) Tournament Rules & Rating System

(05:50) Round One

(14:30) Round Two

(21:10) Round Three

(34:20) Round Four

(39:35) Round Five

(47:05) Round Six

S4:E6 Frankenstein: 12 Adaptation Face-Off (Part 1)

Welcome to “Based on a Book”, the podcast that started with a shared love for failed book clubs, bad books, and binge-watching. We’re your hosts Crystal, Lindsey, and Keri: 3 work besties with the ultimate book-based friendship. Each episode, we dive into the captivating stories that make the leap from page to screen and everything in between. From timeless classics to modern bestsellers, we explore the adaptations that bring our favorite books to life. Join us as we dissect the differences, celebrate the successes, and discuss what makes these stories resonate in print, on screen, and in airwaves. Expect plenty of laughs, surprising insights, and a healthy dose of literary gossip! Whether you're a book lover, a movie buff, or just love a good story, “Based on a Book'' has something for you. Tune in here for the page-turners and plot twists that you won’t want to miss!

Follow us on social media for updates: https://beacons.ai/basedonabookpodcast

Keri Chamberlain

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