The Glossed Over Blog

I’ll be honest, I am one of those people who say “the book was better” when I watch ANY adaptation to a book that I’ve read. Especially, when I loved the book. But, there are times where I can proudly and fully admit IF the adaptation is TRULY well done. And by “times”, I mean two. Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. I absolutely love when a book becomes one of my favorites and the adaptation is just as good. I mean, how disappointing is it to love a story so much and then have it be ruined by the writing or actors. Not these two, these were 10/10, I can watch over and over again. And if you haven’t watched one or either, please go do so because you will understand.

Daisy Jones & the Six

If you know anything about me, you KNOW that I love Daisy Jones & the Six. If you haven’t read it yet, STOP what you’re doing and go read it–come back later. Great, now that you’ve read it, I’m sure you are just yearning for a TV show. Good news, there is already one. Not only that, but an album too! I don’t think that a book-TV adaption has ever impressed me so much. The cast was so perfect for their characters. 

I remember when I first found out that Riley Keough (who plays Daisy Jones) was also ELVIS PRESLEY’S GRANDDAUGHTER. The king of rock ‘n roll’s granddaughter playing this iconic rock singer. Keough’s performance in this show was everything I could’ve ever wanted in Daisy Jones. There were so many other things that the writers, directors, and crew did well. Hear me out:

1. The chemistry between EVERYONE

The band felt incredibly real. Each actor/actress really brought these book characters to life. This book has plenty of messy relationships, and it transcends through the screen. Even characters like Eddie, who I could not stand in the books, grew on me while I watched the show. Full disclaimer, I still don’t really like him but they experimented and expanded his character’s depth in the show which helped humanize him as someone more than just “the guy who hates Billy”. 

2. THE ALBUM

The album they released was truly on my spotify wrapped for two years after the show came out. I still listen to those songs all the time. I love a good old rock album and I thought the writers for the songs did a great job. 

However, I was gravely disappointed that they didn’t use Daisy’s iconic line “And baby, when you think of me/I hope it ruins rock ‘n roll” in Regret Me. Nonetheless, it didn’t stop me from blasting it in my car every time I drove to work. Plus, Sam Claflin and Riley Keough’s voices were so pleasing and harmonized so well together. A+ all around.

3. Bringing writing to life

There were so many important scenes in the book that I was both excited and nervous for. For example, Camila finding out that Billy was cheating, when Billy made Daisy sing More Fun to Miss over and over again, Daisy Jones’ line “I am not a muse, I am the somebody.” Each one of those scenes evoked so much emotion in me, even if the scenes weren’t objectively emotional, they were key moments, iconic and memorable moments, and I thought that they delivered it better than it was in my head. That’s how you know an actor is good at their job. 

Though, the final scene where Camila and Daisy talk everything through, it is such a shame that they didn’t put it in. I understand that Billy and Camila needed to talk but what made the book so powerful were all of the independent, strong-willed women who, despite their differences, show respect for one another–are kind to one another. We needed that scene.

We Were Liars

Okay, I just finished watching the TV series and let me tell you, I was wrecked. I haven’t read that book since I was sixteen so I honestly forgot all about it. I knew the big stuff like what really happened in Summer 16 and whatnot, but I didn’t remember how it got to that point. I’ve also yet to read Family of Liars, the prequel, so being able to experience the relationship between the mothers felt like something completely new to me. Here’s what I loved about it:

1. The acting

I’m not a film major or have any experience in acting so I suppose I don’t have the credentials to tell you whether or not someone is a good or bad actor. What I do have is my opinion, and I’m sharing it, of course. I thought the actors were excellent. I believe Joseph Zada, who played Johnny is going to be young Haymitch in the new Hunger Games movie and I am stoked. He, along with the rest of the liars, truly brought so much more depth to their characters than I remember them ever having. 

Also, as a fellow TVD fan, Candice King’s performance was so entertaining. I know people compared Bess Sinclair to Caroline Forbes before she became a vampire and I’d like to give Caroline more credit but I see the vision. 

2. The storyline

Like I said, I haven’t read this book in a while but I feel like they added so much more in the show. I remember the book only being about Cady and her journey to getting back her memory but obviously, with a show, they have more room to build. 

I thought that the added theme of racism was so important, especially in this day and age. Plus, in the book, I thought Gat was kind of boring but it made him more relatable and human. 

3. The reveal

Already in the book, that reveal was gut wrenching. When I read it, I would cry every time I thought about what happened for at least three days after I finished it. The guilt I felt for Cady, what can I say? I’m just an empath. But in the show, being able to watch someone look and sound physically in pain from her trauma was so emotional. And the goodbyes felt like a stab in the heart. I thought that the chemistry between all the Liars felt so realistic that by the end of the show, I was so attached and even I didn’t want to let go. The entire last episode impressed and entertained me to a level no show has before. I was invested – and I knew how it ended. 

An honorable mention that needs to be said is The Hating Game. I didn’t love the acting but I am a sucker for a romcom and I thought it was a good amount of cringey and great amount of butterflies. I still recommend it if you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy, I thought it was quite entertaining. But, the characters in the book didn’t match up with the actors like I had hoped it would. The movie is a great watch but perhaps I’d like it better if I didn’t read the book front to back a million times.

So if you’ve been in need of good recommendations, I highly encourage you to check these out and let me know what you think. These are just what I have watched and read so far. I am in dire need of another show or book so if you’ve got any recommendations please send them my way! I’d love to add to this list. 

Peace & Love,

Krys K