Photo courtesy of Bianca Billoni
BY BIANCA BILLONI, STAFF WRITER
If you’re an avid reader, you’ve probably heard of Taylor Jenkins Reid. Her books have made their rounds through social media over the past years, and now one of her most popular books, “Daisy Jones & The Six,” has been adapted into a TV show. I’m a new Reid reader, having just gotten into her books in the past year. I started with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” then “Malibu Rising” and finally “Daisy Jones & The Six.” I think what draws me most to her stories is her knack for tying together the past and the present. Having two or three different plotlines for the reader to follow keeps them on their toes.
“Daisy Jones & The Six” tells the story of the members of a 70s rock band recounting their past and all the ups and downs that come with that lifestyle. There’s love, loss, affairs, drugs and so much more to this wonderfully complex narrative. Since Reid tells the story through interviews with the band members, this allows the reader to see into multiple characters’ perspectives of different situations, rather than just one. Her ability to craft realistic characters helps immensely with creating an intriguing story as well. Each of the members of the band, along with their friends and family members, all have balanced qualities that become more and more fleshed out as the story progresses.
I won’t give any spoilers, but I will be discussing plot points and characters in some depth. I would do a brief summary of the characters, but I’d really like the focus of this article to be the comparison of the book to the show, so please read this amazing book and then watch the show!
Off the bat, I’m pretty satisfied with the casting. Personally, I saw Camila as being a bit older and Daisy as being a bit younger, but I think both actresses are doing a great job portraying the characters. Although, I feel that changes have been made to Camila’s character that aren’t consistent with how she is in the book. I understand that the show is an adaptation and not everything can stay the same, but this is an aspect of the book I loved so much. Camila and Billy’s relationship stays strong through thick and thin. Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, Camila keeps her faith in her love for Billy and his love for her. She doesn’t let jealousy or fear or anxiety get the best of her, even though she does feel those feelings, and I get a different vibe from her in the show.
Something that threw me off is that the show took out a character completely. I don’t think much is missing from his absence, but it was an interesting switch. Since this is the story of a rock band, there is music involved, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect from that aspect of the show. I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised with the songs so far. I believe the entire album has been released, but I’ve only gotten around to hearing the ones played in the show. Overall, I’m happy with the direction the show has taken. There are a few plot points that have changed that I’m not so sure about, but generally, I would recommend watching the show if you’ve read the book, or if you haven’t. Enjoy!
billonbd19@bonaventure.edu
