Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019)
Laura’s Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
I kept hearing how great this book was, so I decided to give it a shot. Here is my advice: listen to the audiobook version!! There is a cast of over 20 voice actors that read the book, breathing life and personality in each character and making them feel real. Also look out for an Amazon TV series based on the book that is currently in production.
The Analysis:
The book is a semi-memoir for a fictional rock band that rose to fame in the 1960s. Mostly stories and quotes from band members, the book is strung together by light narration from the “author” of the memoir that is interviewing the band. The reader follows Daisy Jones, Billy Dunne, and the rest of the band from the early days of their careers to the end of their time touring together.
I was constantly reminded of real-life bands while reading this book, especially Fleetwood Mac, with their folksy rock music and complicated bandmate relationships. While there is some focus on the actual music and inner workings of the band, the book is more about the relationships between the band members and their family and friends. It was interesting to hear about how their relationships and careers evolved over time, seeing the progression through the years and from many perspectives. Because of the differing perspectives, it isn’t always clear exactly how things went down and sometimes contradictions of accounts are directly juxtaposed for the reader’s amusement.
Taylor Jenkins Reid creates three-dimensional characters with a surprising amount of depth, causing the reader to become invested in the band as a group and as individuals. Their personal lives are filled with the typical stories of partying, drug abuse, and addiction, but also with love, strength, and heartbreak. I truly appreciate when a book outside my go-to genres really impresses me and I really enjoyed this unique novel. The book has a little something for everyone: romance, coming-of-age, music, drama, and fun. I’d recommend the book and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
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