Read the Book First

We Review Big Fish by Daniel Wallace (with Isaac)

Isaac joins Jenessa to discuss Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Daniel Wallace. How much truth is within the stories we tell each other? Can one become immortal through stories? Listen to find out! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (with Alexa)

Today's episode is a little bit different. Even though we both read the book (epic poem) first, Jenessa and Alexa discuss Christopher Nolan's 2026 adaptation of The Odyssey. Alexa's Recommended Odyssey Reads: The Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson Women of Troy series by Pat Barker Circe by Madeline Miller Emily Wilson's review of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched James & the Giant Peach (with Amanda)

Amanda and Jenessa discuss the 1996 adaptation, James & the Giant Peach. Were the changes good? Is the stop motion fun or just creepy? Listen to find out! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Review James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (with Amanda)

We're back after our mid-season 5 hiatus! Amanda returns to help us discuss another Roald Dahl classic, James and the Giant Peach. We discuss how James doesn't know "stranger danger", giant bugs, and how sharks can't quite eat the giant peach. Check out Amanda's Shark Report, exclusively on our Patreon! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

Mid-Year Check-In, Q&A, and Podcast Updates with Jenessa

Welcome to the first Mid-Year Check-In with Jenessa! In this episode, Jenessa talks about what books she's read in the first half of 2026, answers some questions from listeners, and gives some updates on the podcast. Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched Ella Enchanted (with Marissa)

Marissa and Jenessa discuss the whimsical, early 00's fantasy, almost juke-box musical, Ella Enchanted. Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Review Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (with Marissa)

Today's episode is all about one of Jenessa's favorite childhood books, Ella Enchanted! Listen along as Jenessa and Marissa discuss middle grade literature, ogres, diaries, and magic! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

Cinderella - The Original Fairytale vs. Adaptations (with Marissa)

Marissa and Jenessa discuss the origins of the classic fairytale, Cinderella, as well as the many movie and book adaptations that have been made throughout the years. What version of Cinderella is your favorite? Content Warning - (via discussion of the Brothers Grimm fairytale) bodily harm, death, murder, abuse Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched Hair Love (with Alyssa @stories.and.spoilers.podcast)

This week we discuss the Oscar winning short film, Hair Love, and the picture book that came shortly after. Make sure you watch the short film and listen along! Follow Alyssa @stories.and.spoilers.podcast and listen to our past collab episodes! We Review Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder We Watched Nightbitch We Review How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan We Watched How Stella Got Her Groove Back We Discuss Dinner with Vampires on @stories.and.spoilers.podcast Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched Adventures in Love and Birding (with Marissa and Delaney)

Join Jenessa and her two favorite bird nerds, Marissa and Delaney, as they discuss the 2025 Hallmark adaptation, Adventures in Love and Birding. Check out Delaney's outdoor adventure tour, Out To Sea Expedition Company! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Review Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb (with Marissa and Delaney)

It's the bird nerd special! We have not one, but TWO returning guests! Marissa and Delaney join us to discuss Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb! Check out Delaney's outdoor adventure tour, Out To Sea Expedition Company! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2 (with Amanda)

Jenessa and Amanda finish their trio of The Sea of Monster episodes with an episode all about Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2. Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

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We Watched Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (with Amanda)

Ahoy! Join Jenessa and Amanda as they dive into the 2013 adaptation, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. Make sure to check out the Patreon exclusive video where Jenessa and Amanda discover their godly parent! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Review The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (with Amanda)

Jenessa and Amanda return to the world of Percy Jackson. We reread The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan and had a blast! Listen to hear our full thoughts on one of our childhood favorite books! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched People We Meet On Vacation (with Marissa)

Marissa joins us to discuss the 2026 film People We Meet On Vacation. Can men and women be "just friends"? Is this the beginning of the romcom-aissance? Listen to find out! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Review People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (with Marissa)

Romance is so back! Marissa joins the pod to discuss People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Which Emily Henry book is your favorite?! Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched Wuthering Heights (2026) (with Spencer @Septemberance)

Spencer and Jenessa discuss the ups, downs, and "what in the world" of Emerald Fennell's 2026 adaptation, "Wuthering Heights". content warnings: death, sexual content, explicit language Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Review Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (with Spencer @septemberance)

Dive into this Victorian gothic novel with Jenessa and returning guest, Spencer! This was Jenessa's first time reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and WOW was it an enthralling read! Next week we'll be discussing the 2026 Emerald Fennel adaptation. content warning: abuse, death, trauma, supernatural, gothic themes Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

We Watched Heated Rivalry - Season 1 (with Jenn @lit.with.jenn)

We've been obsessed with Heated Rivalry since November 2025 and we are so excited to discuss all six episodes of Season 1 with Jenn! This episode is a long one. Check out the chapter markers for specific time stamps of when we discuss each of the 6 episodes. Episode 1 - 00:02.28 - 00:34.11 Episode 2 - 00:34.12 - 00:55.57 Episode 3 - 00:55.58 - 01:24.27 Episode 4 - 01:24.28 - 01:39.57 Episode 5 - 01:39.58 - 02:04.42 Episode 6 - 02:04.43 - 02:24.50 Make sure to follow Jenn! @lit.with.jenn Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

• Chapters

We Review Game Changer and Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (with Jenn @lit.with.Jenn)

Welcome back to Read the Book First! For our Season 5 premier, we're talking all things Game Changer and Heated Rivalry! These books by Rachel Reid have taken over the internet and our brains. Jenn, from @lit.with.jenn, returns to help us break down these two best-selling hockey romances! Next week we'll discuss Season 1 of Heated Rivalry. Our schedule of upcoming episodes can be found on our Instagram, @reathebookfirstpodcast. Time Stamps: Game Changer Review - 00:04.29 Heated Rivalry Review - 00:29.44 Send us Fan Mail Support the show All episodes can be played at readthebookfirst.buzzsprout.com Join our Patreon at patreon.com/ReadtheBookFirst Don't forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow us on Instagram @readthebookfirstpodcast - Happy reading! Business inquiries only - readthebookfirstpodcast@gmail.com

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