Books are subjective, and the authors are as well. There are many genres and writing styles to choose from, as well as characters and settings to connect with. Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author who incorporates deep research, ever-changing settings and powerful characters into her books. She writes historical fiction and stories focusing primarily on women. Reid deserves more recognition.
Reid knows how to create a different past. Many of her books are set in iconic events of the past, such as old Hollywood or 1970s rock concerts. She knows how to make it feel like someone hopped into a time machine using her figurative characters. She also knows how to make stories connect and become one written universe.
Four of her novels are intertwined, and there are flowing characters through each novel, such as Mick Riva, who is mentioned in each book. He is one of the main characters in “Malibu Rising,” a story about a rich and famous Malibu family in the 1980s. He is also mentioned in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” “Daisy Jones and the Six” and “Carrie Soto is Back.” Carrie Soto is a woman who is a mistress in “Malibu Rising” but has her own story in “Carrie Soto is Back.” Each book allows for a new perspective into the world.
Reid mentions several real and famous places as well in her history-based fiction. The Whiskey a Go Go is discussed in “Daisy Jones and the Six,” a place where artists such as The Doors and Frank Zappa performed. Daisy Jones also goes to the famous Chateau Marmont. “Malibu Rising” also includes a map attached to the book so readers can follow along with the places mentioned in the book as if they are walking the Pacific Coast Highway.
The setting of a book is huge, but so are the characters. Reid knows how to create simple characters with immense depth. An example of this is Camila Alvarez in “Daisy Jones and the Six.” She is a seemingly plain character at first, and her focal point seems to be that she is kindhearted and that's all; however, she is the glue and support system for almost every core character. She demonstrates a strong woman and she shows it by always supporting others. Camila is one example of the many complex characters written by Reid.
Her characters feel like real people. The novel, “Maybe in Another Life,” is about how decisions have bigger consequences than one might realize. The main character, Hannah Martin, is imperfect and knows it. Readers see how her decisions lead her to where she is and where they will take her.
Overall, Reid knows how to write, research and create a fictional universe that feels real. She creates characters with depth and sets the stage in so many different places. Her plot twists can be heart-wrenching, but her stories are never lost. Reid knows how to help readers see themselves in her characters whether that’s a rock star, a pro surfer or a lost 29-year-old.
Kyra Dapore is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kyra know by emailing her at kd364521@ohio.edu.
