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)

Stranded on Mars with nothing but a heap of science, a wicked sense of humor, and a whole lot of potatoes. This week, Crystal takes the helm for our third Back to School episode of Season 3 with Andy Weir’s The Martian. We dive deep into Mark Watney’s fight for survival—from botany experiments gone wrong to Matt Damon’s take on Watney, we’re breaking down which version left us more starstruck. Grab your space suit, strap in, and get ready for a conversation that’s out of this world.

Hosted by Crystal with co-hosts Keri and Lindsey.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * The Martian by Andy Weir [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/977e301d-c438-40f4-810b-25a96dbee03e]
 * The Martian (2015 Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/]

Question of the Episode:

 * What did you learn from this 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

(01:22) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(10:18) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(1:12:30) Final Verdict

(1:13:25) Question of the Episode

S3:E3 The Martian (2015 Film)

Secrets, scandals, and a masked killer lurking in the hallways. Welcome to Osborne High, where gossip spreads fast and no one’s secret is safe. In this episode, Lindsey kicks off our Back-to-School theme with Stephanie Perkins’ YA slasher, There’s Someone Inside Your House! We’re diving into the chilling murders, messy teenage drama, and that wild reveal of the Osborne Slayer’s motives.

Hosted by Lindsey with co-hosts Crystal and Keri.

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

 * There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f2db4262-0ed0-4429-9a82-f18fef2eb60a]
 * There’s Someone Inside Your House Film [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8150814/]
 * Anna and the French Kiss Series by Stephanie Perkins [https://app.thestorygraph.com/series/99]
 * Black Girl Nerds: The Cast and Crew of 'There's Someone Inside Your House' Share Creepy Moments from the Film [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAdF4-tzV_M]

Listen on Libro.fm with Our Affiliate Links!

 * There’s Someone Inside Your House [https://tidd.ly/45ceSSG]

Question of the Episode:

 * What was your favorite class in high school?

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

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page 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

(01:40) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Discussion

(07:55) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(49:02) Final Verdict

(52:12) Question of the Episode

S3:E2 There's Someone Inside Your House (2021 Film)

We’re halfway through the year and starting a new Season of Based on a Book! Join us as we recap our reading progress, talk about the latest book-to-screen adaptation news, and share a quick sneak peek of what’s coming in Season 3.

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Upcoming Books & Adaptations:

 * There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f2db4262-0ed0-4429-9a82-f18fef2eb60a]
 * There’s Someone Inside Your House Film [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8150814/]
 * The Martian by Andy Weir [https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/977e301d-c438-40f4-810b-25a96dbee03e]
 * The Martian Film [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/]
 * 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!

 * There’s Someone Inside Your House [https://tidd.ly/45ceSSG]
 * My Oxford Year [https://tidd.ly/45b3FS5]

Question of the Episode:

 * Each host drop a one-word hint for an episode in October!

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

Want to keep up with all things Based on a Book? Head to our Beacons page 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

(07:22) Mid-Year Reading Check-In Questions

(28:41) Adaptation News

(34:30) Getting Into Season 3

S3:E1 Books, Screens, & Everything Between: Season 3 & Mid-Year Recap

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

Shows