The Book Isn't Necessarily Better: A Library Podcast

Join Mikayla, Roxanne, and special guest host Avalon Robinson to discuss a children's book classic, How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell. Find out just how different the book is from the movie, and why Cressida Cowell is A-OK with that. In fact, she has even called the two properties "cousins!" In this episode, we discuss Avalon's children's book series she wrote about her character, Captain Acorn, and how the book publishing process works. 

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Discover the theatre curse resulting from uttering the name of "The Scottish Play" off-stage that causes actors to do some very silly things to break the hex. Learn the story behind "Voodoo Macbeth," a smash hit production of Macbeth featuring an all-black cast and crew sponsored by the WPA during the Great Depression.

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, aka Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. Listen as they discuss the origin story of Alice's adventures and the complicated legacy of Lewis himself. Find out which common words Carroll coined, and what exactly is, a Jabberwocky.

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. Listen as the librarians discuss Wharton's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, and how she was the first woman to do so! Discover why Scorsese called his 1993 adaptation his "most violent movie," and learn some Gilded Age women's history along the way.

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. This popular mystery novel has entertained readers for over 80 years and it shows; for once, the librarians have very little to bicker about! In this episode, discover the origin story behind Hercule Poirot's famous moustache, and how the character of Lynette Doyle has changed throughout adaptations.

Join Mikayla and Roxanne as they discuss A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The book was released first in Swedish then in English in 2013 and became a 2016 Swedish language movie ranked 91% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

In this minisode: What should you read before it comes to the screen in 2022? What satisfying reads were released in 2021? And how can the library help you make 2022 your year?

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. Enjoy a rare episode where the two librarians BOTH loved the book AND the movie! Discover who was originally supposed to play Nurse Ratched, and just what "influenced" Kesey as he wrote the first paragraph of the novel. Connect with us on Instagram at @thebookisntnecessarilybetter or write to us at podcast@communitylibrary.net.

Even podcasters need to take a break on the holidays, so please enjoy this short minisode wherein Mikayla answers Roxanne's most pressing questions that she can't be bothered to look up herself. Including: Just what is Voldemort's beef with Harry?! And why is he so grumpy in the first place? Find out the answers to these silly questions and more on our first minisode of Mikayla Explains It All.

Wrap up in your coziest blanket with a mug o' hot chocolate as Roxanne, Mikayla, and special guest Kristi talk about that classic cottagecore novel, L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. In this episode: Which Anne quote made it onto Kristi's fantastically decorated office wall? How did a Canadian children's book gain wild popularity in post-WWII Japan? Where do different adaptations of Anne fall on the precocious/charming scale, and can any of them melt Mikayla's whomp-whomp heart? And what exactly is a whomp-whomp, anyway?!

Join Roxanne, Mikayla, and special guest John Fischer as they trace the evolution of Superman from his brainchild beginnings of two Cincinnati high school students during the Great Depression to his modern day marvels on the silver screen. 

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss A Scandal in Bohemia, the first published Sherlock Holmes short story. Learn about the creator of Sherlock, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and how he was inspired to write his first stories about the Consulting Detective. Find out why Doyle killed off his most popular character, and why he brought him back to life just a few years later. Listen to learn all about Irene Adler, Sherlock's female foil, and how she looms large in the canon.

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss Sherman Alexie and his 1993 book The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. These short stories were adapted into the 1998 movie Smoke Signals, the first wide-release film written, directed, produced by, and starring Native Americans. Learn how Alexie's experiences growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation shaped his often-autobiographical writing and filmmaking focusing on the American Indian experience. Bonus: find out which actor is now Chief Medical Officer of the First Nations Health Authority in Canada!

Happy spooky season! The librarians bring you a monster Halloween episode about Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein. This episode is ALIVE with strange facts about the mother of science fiction and her bookish cohorts Lord Byron and Percy Shelley; galvanizing stories from the 1931 film starring Boris Karloff as the Creature with no lines; and a discussion of this gothic book's unique structure and place in literary history.

Join your spooky librarians Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss the 1897 classic The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells. Find out what "Wells' Law" is in sci-fi and why Wells is considered the Godfather of the genre. Learn about the genius of director James Whale and the astonishing practical effects of the 1933 movie starring Claude Rains. Is the movie actually scary? Not really. Is is chilling, thrilling, and a whole lotta fun? Absolutely. Come and find out why on this Halloween edition of The Book Isn't Necessarily Better.

Trick or treat? The librarians and guest Kyla choose treat (depending on whom you ask): Stephen King's The Shining. What are the major differences between King's classic novel and Stanley Kubrick's cult classic film? Do the book and the movie still hold interest for someone who's not a fan of the horror genre? And will some of us suffer nightmares because of Jack Nicholson's creepy vibes?! Find out in this special Halloween episode!

The librarians and special guest Lindsey take on the popular Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire universe from George R.R. Martin. In this episode, we explore: high vs. low fantasy; architect vs. gardener writers (and whether they're obliged to finish the stories they start); how turtles and the Wars of the Roses played into Martin's creations; and whether our favorite characters ended up where we wanted them to in the HBO series. Spoilers!

The librarians tackle their first adaptation from an original graphic novel (or is it a comic book?), Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. In this episode: What makes a graphic novel or comic book, and why should we read them? Why is it so hard to illustrate in black and white? What do Up, Legally Blonde, and Stepbrothers have in common? Does that discussion pertain at all to Marjane Satrapi?* And what other illustrated memoirs should you pick up if you love Persepolis?

*Hint: tangentially, yes.

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss The Color Purple by Alice Walker. In this episode, the librarians explore this modern classic and its star-studded adaptations - the 1985 movie directed by Steven Spielberg and the 2005 Tony winning musical. Learn about Alice Walker's life and influences, what a "womanist" is, and why the 2015 revival of the musical is perfectly cast.

The librarians revisit a childhood favorite, Louis Sachar's Holes. In this episode: Have you forgotten how sophisticated Kissin' Kate Barlow's backstory is? (We did!) How would you describe Holes: as a YA or a juvenile novel, a modern fairy tale, a mystery, or a quest? And will the librarians ever remember what digging machines are called?!

Calling all gunters! The librarians and special guest Nathan explore Ernest Cline's scifi smash hit Ready Player One. In this episode: Should Wil Wheaton's contract stipulate that he narrate all scifi and fantasy audiobooks for always and eternity? How much 80s nostalgia is too much 80s nostalgia? And is RPO, for all its intense virtual worldbuilding, out of step with gamer culture? Special Youth Correspondent Kyla has the answer!

Mikayla and Roxanne (but mostly Mikayla) nerd out over amateur detective extraordinaire Nancy Drew, penned by the pseudonymous Carolyn Keene. In this episode: learn how brilliant entrepreneur Edward Stratemeyer created a book packaging empire and enduring characters he never lived to see flourish; discover the ghost writers, lawsuits, and influences behind one of the most influential role models of the 20th century; and examine Nancy's impressive résumé and changing character across the decades throughout numerous book series, movies and TV shows, and games.

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they discuss the 1958 book and 1961 movie adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. In this episode, your podcast hosts will discuss the wit and famous barbs of Mr. Capote, one of the most famous authors of the 20th century. Discover how his tumultuous childhood (where he became best friends with Harper Lee!) shaped his legendary personality and how he would burn bridges with almost everyone in his life in the pursuit of a good story. Also, which actress did Capote actually want as his Holly Golightly? And just how different is the book versus the movie? Answer: very.

Join Roxanne, Mikayla, and special guest Amanda Brown as they discuss S.E. Hinton's book The Outsiders and the movie adaptation(s) of it. In this episode, find out how a librarian inspired Francis Ford Coppola to direct the film, whether or not Matt Dillon is actually a good actor, and if YA Fiction is a genre or a category. Stay Gold, Listeners.

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they go down the Tudor rabbit hole to discuss the book and movie adaptations of The Other Boleyn Girl. Listen as the gals also do a deep dive into the live and times of Henry VIII and his six wives, including the infamous Anne Boleyn. In this episode, discover how Anne's legacy has evolved over the past 500 years depending on the views of the contemporary culture's historians.

The librarians chat with "astro-not" Sophie Milam about her experience living on sMars (simulated Mars) and interviewing Andy Weir, author of The Martian. In this episode, we talk about how computer programmer Weir self-published a scientifically sound novel about the MacGyver of space that rocketed to box office success. PLUS Sophie answers all our interplanetary questions: What is regolith? How many science degrees does one need to become an astronaut? What's the difference between implosion and explosion, and could it happen to us? And does NASA send branded tumblers into space?

The librarians pay homage to the paragon of Canadian novelists, Margaret Atwood, and her classic novel The Handmaid's Tale. In this episode: the real-world people and events that inspired the dystopian tale, a darkly beautiful Emmy Award-winning show with a star-studded cast and questionable dramatic timing, a discussion of whether The Handmaid's Tale is a work of speculative fiction or sci-fi (though not of the squids-talking-in-space variety), and a warning for lazy readers (hint: the "afterword" is actually part of the book!).

Join the "Clever Girls" and their special guest John Fischer as they discuss the book Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and its 1993 movie adaptation. In this episode, discover how the sweet yet misguided John Hammond of the movie has a MUCH darker side in the book. We've spared no expense to bring you a discussion about just who's to blame for the dinos getting out of their cages, what character Steven Spielberg relates to the most, and why in the world would they choose to create velociraptors??!

Join your practically perfect in every way podcast hosts Roxanne and Mikayla as they compare the literary Mary Poppins with her Disney counterparts. *Spoiler Alert* They are VERY different. In this episode, discover how Mary Poppins creator P.L. Travers's childhood deeply influenced her work and learn more about this fascinating author. Also, debate on Dick Van Dyke's performance as Bert and his questionable Cockney accent.

Bangarang! The librarians discuss J.M. Barrie's charming tale of adventure and arrested development, Peter Pan. In this episode: How did Barrie's life and friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family shape his story? Why is Hook beloved by 90s kids and abhorred by Steven Spielberg? Does Peter whittle down kids to fit into trees? And how much spice is too much spice?!

Join Roxanne and Mikayla as they celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by discussing The Joy Luck Club and Crazy Rich Asians. In this episode, discover how Kevin Kwan drew from his very own life story to write Crazy Rich Asians, where Amy Tan drew inspiration for her characters, and get some great recommendations of Asian American & Pacific Islander authors you can check out from the Community Library Network.

One comedy, one tragedy. Mikayla and Roxanne talk about Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and Romeo and Juliet. In our first ever Shakespeare episode: Sir Kenneth "Smoky" Branagh's best comedic scene ever; tons o' puns and bawdy/body humor from the bard; what is a sonnet and why are you reading me one?; and sixteenth-century friars are not to be trusted (an important life lesson brought to you by your friendly neighborhood librarians)!

Mikayla and Roxanne are joined by special guest Amanda Brown to discuss Lois Lowry's famous dystopian novel The Giver. In this episode, we'll talk about Jeff Bridges' decades long hopes and dreams for The Giver movie, which books we would bring to a deserted island, and maybe, just maybe, Amanda will change the minds of the podcast gals with her fresh perspective on watching The Giver with her kiddos.

Listener discretion advised.

Join Mikayla and Roxanne as they celebrate National Poetry Month by discussing the many adaptations of the mythic Odyssey and the few but bold adaptations of T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. In this episode, discover whether there's a difference between a fiddle and a violin,  learn about the "amazing" special effects of the Cats movie, and listen to the librarians bicker (per usual) over what exactly is a Siren.

Inconceivable! Mikayla and Roxanne are joined by special guest Nathan to talk about that classic tale of true love, high adventure, fencing, fighting, and fascinating characters: The Princess Bride by William Goldman. In this episode, we'll attempt to describe the ruritarian romance (try saying that five times fast) genre; talk about our most-loved quotes from the best-cast, most lovably campy movie to ever receive an Oscar snub (thanks a lot, Kevin Bacon!); and clue you into which parts of the book are must-reads and which you can skip in favor of the timeless film.

Enjoy this bonus episode with special guest, Jennifer! Jennifer, manager of the Post Falls Library, chats with Mikayla and Roxanne about her love of Wuthering Heights. In between talking about fussbudgets and sociopaths, we'll attempt to find answers to these important questions: Which movie version has the best corpse face make-out scene? Where does Tom Hardy's Heathcliff fall on the Tom Hardy Mumble Scale™? And which Brontë sister even wrote this book, anyway?!

Mikayla and Roxanne talk about the unlikable female characters Amy Dunne from Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and the ensemble cast of Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies. In this episode: Can you match the decade to its widespread cultural fear? Is "chick lit" an acceptable moniker, and who gets to read it? Is it ever okay to judge a book by its beautifully rendered artwork? And why is "Gillian Flynn Hill" (that's Gillian with a G, Flynn with an F) the site of our greatest skirmish?

Just a heads up that we are very new to podcasting - please excuse our dust as we learn the tricks and trade of audio recording!

Join Mikayla and Roxanne as they discuss the life and works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Mikayla tells us about the (many) adaptations of The Great Gatsby, while Roxanne gives us the low-down on the big differences between the movie and short story The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Along the way, we learn about the "lost" 1926 film version of The Great Gatsby that Fitzgerald hated and discover the horrors of state fair butter sculptures.

See the trailer for the "lost" 1926 film: https://youtu.be/XGx-78RRu5g

Mikayla and Roxanne explore exquisitely written stories with monstrous characters, featuring Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita and Anthony Burgess's A Clockwork Orange. In this episode, you'll catch a Stanley Kubrick double feature; find out what U2, David Bowie, and Andy Warhol have in common; and finally discover how to pronounce "Nabokov" (or maybe not!). As a special treat, we'll teach you a horrorshow Nadsat version of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"--you'll be a hit at parties!

Listener discretion advised.

Just a heads up that we are very new to podcasting - please excuse our dust as we learn the tricks and trade of audio recording!

Join Mikayla and Roxanne as they discuss Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Emma, discovering along the way that maybe (gasp!) the book isn't necessarily better than some of its adaptations. In this episode: a ridiculously oversimplified synopsis of Emma (hint: Emma=spoiled rich girl), much gushing over the 2005 Pride and Prejudice soundtrack, and their favorite Austen film scene (hint: it involves Colin Firth).