We read the book, then we watch the adaptation, then we debate which one got it right.
It Was A Book First is the podcast about new book-to-screen adaptations.
Hosted by culture reporters and former colleagues Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg, IWABF dissects the TV and film adaptations everyone is talking about, what you'll be reading and watching next, and the business behind what actually makes it off the page.
Your hosts
Sophie Vershbow
Reads the footnotes
Sophie is a freelance journalist and former-Big 5 publishing employee writing about books, the publishing industry, tv/film, and internet culture. Her work has appeared in Esquire, New York Magazine, Elle, The Atlantic, Literary Hub, and beyond.
When she’s not reading or opining online, Sophie operates as an independent editorial and marketing consultant. She lives in New York City with her dog, Simon, the democratically elected Dog Mayor of NYC.
Rudi Greenberg
Watches the credits
Rudi is a freelance journalist who writes about movies, music, television, and comedy. He spent a decade as an editor at The Washington Post, where he profiled filmmakers like Greta Gerwig and Seth Rogen and musicians like David Bryne and Aretha Franklin. His work has appeared in Relix, Washingtonian, U.S. News & World Report, The A.V. Club, and more.
When he’s not at the movies or a concert, Rudi lives in Maryland with his wife, Lauren, and their cat, Althea.
Recent episodes
- 08
- 07 The Remains of the Day Kazuo Ishiguro · May 8, 2026 Apple Spotify YouTube
- 06 Jurassic Park Michael Crichton · Apr 24, 2026 Apple Spotify YouTube
- 05 Normal People Sally Rooney · Apr 10, 2026 Apple Spotify YouTube
The reading list
Every book we've covered, in one place →
Shop the full list on Bookshop.org and support independent bookstores.