The Godfather by Mario Puzo – The Book vs. The Movie (and Show)

Read This:

The Godfather by Mario Puzo

Watch This:

The Godfather on Paramount+

The Offer on Paramount+

Why We Made this Selection and Background Knowledge

Julie and her family has watched and quoted this movie for years. She first read the book in high school and probably first watched the movie as a small child (she can’t even remember now. When her parents moved out of her childhood home two years ago, they gave her a copy of the original book and she read it again.

Then, when she saw The Offer coming out on Paramount+, she knew she had to watch the show – then watch the movie and read the book yet again!

Before you say which you liked better, did you read the book or listen to the audiobook… because it matters.

Julie: Both, at different times.

Claire: Listened to the audiobook.

Overall Opinion of the Book

Claire: I actually liked the book more than thought I would. I really liked how each character kind of has their own part and we got to see how they became who they did in a way. How we got to see their past.

Julie: I think the book is a masterpiece.

Overall Opinion of the Movie

Claire: I liked it. I can’t say I loved it, but there were those scenes that just stand out and stick with you, like the horse head.

Julie: I feel safe saying it’s one of the top 2 movies ever made.

Overall Opinion of the Show

Claire: I loved all the midcentury modern. I really liked Erica, especially in the beginning when she was schooling Al about Mario’s diabetes. I need to know more about Francois.

Julie: I like the added context. Absolutely LOVE the scenes of Puzo and Coppola writing together. I’m not sure the show stands on it own but it’s good for a Godfather fan.

Which was better, the Book or the Movie?

Julie: The Movie

Claire: Between the book and the movie, I would have to go with the book. But if we add The Offer into this, I’m going with the show.

Ranking…

1. Was the outcome the same in both the show and the book? Yes
2. Was the main character/primary narrator the same in the show and the book? Yes
3. Was the primary conflict the same in the show and the book? Yes
4. Would you read the book again or recommend it to a friend? Julie: Yes, Claire: Yes
5. Would you watch the show/movie again or recommend it to a friend? Julie: Yes, Claire: Yes

Overall rating: 5/5

To listen to the full episode on The Godfather, check out But the Book was Better on Apple and Spotify. Don’t forget to subscribe so you know exactly when each episode is released!