The Ghouls are in full spooky-season mode in this Halloween Based on a Book Special! Keri kicks things off with a hilarious game where she badly describes popular Halloween movies, and Lindsey and Crystal do their best to guess them (with plenty of laughter along the way). We also dive into our favorite spooky-season movie and book recommendations, share some beloved Halloween traditions, and chat all things fall and festive. It’s a cozy hangout with your favorite ghouls—perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit!

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Links to Recommendations Mentioned in Episode:

 * https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WUbabRSAq3v4VFEdfBjRFFgdIX9ELCVj/view?usp=drive_link

Listen to our Spooky October Reads on Libro.FM with our Affiliate Links:

 * The Watchers by A.M. Shine [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781004081783]
 * 20thCentury Ghosts by Joe Hill (The Black Phone Short Story) [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780061554667]
 * Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781442362499]

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/konstantin-garbuzyuk/zombie-party]

License code: OOE59QMR9YJO9N69

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:08) Dead Wrong Descriptions: Halloween Edition

(12:04) Defining Spooky Season Watches

(15:03) Spooky Season Recs

(31:10) Halloween Traditions and Favorite Costumes

S3:E13 Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun

To wrap up Spooky Month, we're heading into the enchanting world of Practical Magic—where sisterhood, spells, and small-town gossip collide with love, loss, and a dash of danger. Based on Alice Hoffman’s beloved novel and the 1998 film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, this episode dives into the cozy, witchy chaos that made Practical Magic a cult favorite. We discuss the differences between book and movie, the enduring charm of the Owens family, and why this story feels like Halloween comfort for the soul.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode:

 * Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/721238d6-34e4-424a-be48-1c825aaa65b0]
 * Practical Magic (1998 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120791/]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781442362499]

Question of the Episode:

 * What is your cocktail of choice for an impromptu pajama party?

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/konstantin-garbuzyuk/zombie-party]

License code: OOE59QMR9YJO9N69

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:19) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(10:48) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(50:53) Final Verdict

(51:35) Question of the Episode

S3:E12 Practical Magic (1998 Film)

What happens when a disconnected rotary phone becomes your only lifeline? In this week’s episode, we’re diving into The Black Phone by Joe Hill and its chilling 2021 movie adaptation directed by Scott Derrickson. We explore how the short story stacks up against the film, from the terrifying Grabber and that iconic mask to the supernatural calls that blur the line between life and death. We’ll break down the similarities, the differences, and why this adaptation captures the perfect mix of horror, heart, and suspense.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode:

 * 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/be8971ea-0117-40d4-ba0c-33a394ee1127]
 * The Black Phone (2021 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7144666/]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill (The Black Phone Short Story) [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780061554667]

Question of the Episode:

 * The Grabber has his mask—if you were a horror villain, what signature prop or accessory would you use?

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/konstantin-garbuzyuk/zombie-party]

License code: OOE59QMR9YJO9N69

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:09) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(07:50) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(47:06) Final Verdict & Question of the Episode

S3:E11 The Black Phone (2021 Film)

It’s Spooky Month, and our first title of the month is A.M Shine’s haunting horror novel The Watchers—and its eerie 2024 film adaptation starring Dakota Fanning and Georgina Campbell. In this episode, Keri guides us through the shadowy threads between page and screen, exploring what the movie nailed, what it missed, and whether either version truly delivered the spine-tingly scares we were hoping for.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode:

 * The Watchers by A.M Shine [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a0882f0a-b7c7-47c5-aa1f-45ec97238817]
 * The Watchers (2024 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26736843/]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * The Watchers by A.M. Shine [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781004081783]

Question of the Episode:

 * If the Watchers were spying on you, what's the strangest part of your daily routine they would catch?

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/konstantin-garbuzyuk/zombie-party]

License code: OOE59QMR9YJO9N69

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(02:32) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(07:34) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(46:44) Final Verdict

(47:28) Question of the Episode

S3:E10 The Watchers (2024 Film)

Spooky Month is upon us, and what better way to kick it off than to take a look at how vampire folklore has influenced media. Tales from all over the world have inspired poems, plays, music, movies, books, and in weekly television shows. We're here to help connect the dots and bite into October!

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode:

 * https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XbMiT367dFV0IvUq-_gduqVUU2ugPigG/view?usp=drive_link

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * The Watchers by A.M. Shine [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781004081783]
 * 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill (The Black Phone Short Story) [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780061554667]
 * Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=2111371&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781442362499]

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/konstantin-garbuzyuk/zombie-party]

License code: OOE59QMR9YJO9N69

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:19) Folklore

(11:55) Media

(27:52) Vampire or Game

S3:E9 Vampires: Folklore vs Media

We’re closing out Stephen King month with The Long Walk. Written under his Richard Bachman pen name, this story takes us on a relentless, unsettling journey where survival comes down to every single step. In this episode, we dive into the book, its brand-new movie adaptation, and the fascinating legacy behind one of King’s earliest works.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode:

 * The Long Walk by Stephen King, Richard Bachman [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/29c3135b-b157-483f-b93b-a00eb86c7677]
 * The Long Walk (2025 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10374610/]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * The Life of Chuck [https://tidd.ly/3UNdAsv]
 * Skeleton Crew [https://tidd.ly/41vSzX4]
 * The Long Walk [https://tidd.ly/45COVx0]

Question of the Episode:

 * Now that we’ve explored more of his works, have your opinions changed on what your favorite King adaptation is?

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) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(11:15) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(52:22) Final Verdict

(53:13) Question of the Episode

S3:E8 The Long Walk (2025 Film)

Stephen King Month continues as we delve into The Monkey, a chilling short story from his Skeleton Crew collection—now reimagined in a 2025 film adaptation starring Theo James. We take a closer look at Osgood Perkins’ horror-comedy spin on King’s sinister wind-up toy monkey, which brings death and chaos to the lives of two brothers.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode:

 * The Monkey by Stephen King [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a3072b69-2d93-42fe-b96d-65a195903555]
 * The Monkey Film [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27714946/]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * The Life of Chuck [https://tidd.ly/3UNdAsv]
 * Skeleton Crew [https://tidd.ly/41vSzX4]
 * The Long Walk [https://tidd.ly/45COVx0]

Question of the Episode:

 * What element in a horror film genuinely terrifies you or makes you uneasy?

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

(02:20) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(06:05) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(45:54) Final Verdict

(47:12) Question of the Episode

S3:E7 The Monkey (2025 Film)

Welcome to our first adaptation of Stephen King Month! We’re kicking things off with The Life of Chuck, a story that’s equal parts haunting, beautiful, and unexpected. Hosted by Crystal, this episode dives into King’s unique structure—told in reverse—and explores what it really means to celebrate a life.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode:

 * If It Bleeds (The Life of Chuck) by Stephen King [https://beta.thestorygraph.com/books/0a3ef60a-a2a4-4d8e-b995-082dafef90d1]
 * The Life of Chuck (2024 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12908150/]
 * The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020 Series) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10970552/]
 * The Loser’s Club: A Stephen King Podcast – The Life of Chuck Movie Review [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2G7xOe48GF1WCL812qSCBG]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * The Life of Chuck [https://tidd.ly/3UNdAsv]
 * Skeleton Crew [https://tidd.ly/41vSzX4]
 * The Long Walk [https://tidd.ly/45COVx0]

Question of the Episode:

 * What is a seemingly small moment that stuck with you leaving an impact most people wouldn't expect?

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

(01:19) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(05:04) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(43:26) Final Verdict

(46:08) Question of the Episode

S3:E6 The Life of Chuck (2024 Film)

It’s officially Stephen King month on Based on a Book, and we’re kicking things off with a deep dive into the master of horror himself. Whether you’re a constant reader or just here for the creepy vibes, this episode sets the stage for a thrilling month of episodes ahead.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Links to Books & Adaptations Discussed in this Episode:

 * https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r0gn5DVNGJhu9ggJZh_rpnpuKaR4WyRe/view?usp=sharing

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * The Life of Chuck [https://tidd.ly/3UNdAsv]
 * Skeleton Crew [https://tidd.ly/41vSzX4]
 * The Long Walk [https://tidd.ly/45COVx0]

Question of the Episode:

 * What is your favorite Stephen King 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

(00:54) The King of Page and Screen

(17:45) King or Not King?

(27:35) Question of the Episode

S3:E5 The King of Page & Screen

To wrap up our Back-to-School theme, we’re diving into the emotional drama—My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan and its 2025 Netflix adaptation starring Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest. We’ll unpack the film’s major differences from the book, explore how its tragic ending reshapes the story’s impact, and talk about whether this adaptation captures the depth of Julia Whelan’s perspective—or loses something essential on screen.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3a1fea1e-28ba-4823-a8df-e146fc76f53d]
 * My Oxford Year Film [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4978342/]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * My Oxford Year [https://tidd.ly/45b3FS5]

Question of the Episode:

 * Can a romance book still be satisfying to you personally without a happily ever after? Can a bittersweet ending still feel like a good ending in a romance book?

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

(01:52) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(05:01) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(43:28) Final Verdict

(45:28) Question of the Episode

S3:E4 My Oxford Year (2025 Film)

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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