Member Reviews
THis book wasn't for me. I was a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reids books, but this one was just not holding my interest. I know a lot of people may have liked this book, but I just couldn't get into it.
THank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I loved this book and read it in a day. Well, almost a day. I saved the last 75 pages to read the day after I started it because I didn't want it to end.
The SIx is a band. Daisy Jones is a wild child of the 70s. When they come together to write and record an album, it's amazing and heartbreaking in equal doses. I couldn't get enough of all of the characters. The books is told as an interview with all band members, Daisy, their managers, agents, girlfriends and friends. It was different from anything I've read. I have always loved this author, but this is very different from her prior rom-com/chick lit (although always a cut WAY above typical rom-com/chick lit) and she hit it perfectly.
I've officially read all of the books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and I am truly entranced by her writing. She has some amazing talent, and I've loved every book she's written. When I saw she had a new book coming out, I made it my business to try and access it in any capacity, and lucky for me, BookSparks helped me get a copy through NetGalley, so thank you to both of them!
Daisy Jones and the Six is colorful, realistic, and all-encompassing. I had to research to find out whether or not this was based on a real band - that's how realistic it came off!
The story follows a band called "The Six", and the solo artist Daisy Jones, and their journey in which they meet, team up, and become the next big thing in rock-n-roll. Daisy Jones is a person I'd want to know. She reminds me of a rocker Carrie Fisher (the early years of course). She's consistently a hot mess, engulfed in drugs and fame, but at the heart of it all is a genuine artist. Her sexual tension with the band leader, Billy, is a tension that I loved exploring throughout the novel, despite Billy's affinity to his wife and children.
I loved the tension, and it was honestly conflicting at times. I was rooting for Billy to remain faithful to Camila, who was probably my favorite female character (sorry Karen and Daisy), but also had this desire to see him and Daisy do the "A Star is Born" thing and fall for one another.
All in all, this book is sexy, dark, and completely electric.
The only reason I didn't give it a full 5/5 is because I did not love it as much as I loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - that, to me, is my 5/5. However, this one was indeed a close second. I hope TJR stops by on a book tour, because I'd love to meet the woman behind some of my favorite characters! :)
Daisy Jones and the Six—a literary version of VH-1's Behind the Music—tells the story of a fictional band’s rise to fame. With the remake of A Star is Born so popular in theaters right now and the upcoming Freddie Mercury biopic, I’m hoping that Daisy Jones may see a screen adaptation. This book would translate well with just minor rewrites to its interview style.
There were definitely things about this story that didn’t work for me. I felt the book was somewhat lacking in climax. Technically a love story, I expected more friction as the connection between the major players waxed and waned. I found the secondary bandmates passive aggressive and expected more “blow out” action based on how angry they claim to have been in the interviews. I wasn’t sure what the author was going for with the fourth quarter “reveal” of the interviewer’s identity. It didn’t serve to further the narrative, didn’t offer resolution to any conflict, just seemed like a clever party trick.
What Taylor Jenkins Reid does excellently is capture the dichotomy of the late 70s and early 80s being both an era of innocence and excess. Sex, drugs and rock’n’roll are just the standards of Americana, it almost doesn’t occur to these characters that things they are doing could have long reaching implications for them.
Definitely worth a read, I'd recommend this book to music fans and anyone who's always wanted to be an "insider". Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Taylor Jenkins Reid - you’ve missed your calling as a songwriter!
It’s not hard to see why this rock and roll love story has already been optioned for the movie rights. I felt like I was a groupie, part of “The Six” and I could actually hear the songs in my head. Now how in the world did this author do it? She’s a genius storyteller with an impressive talent for transporting the reader. The writing style is fast paced, first person, multiple viewpoints and completely original. It reminds me of the movie Across the Universe with the 70s time frame and fanatic fans and the new A Star is Born with the raw talent and chemistry.
This will be the IT book of 2019. Now all I need is a mock-up of that album cover.
Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again. There is just something about her writing that catches you from the first line and keeps you hooked till the last. You feel for both Daisy and Billy and every character in this book. The story truly unfolds as the book goes on. I hated when it ended. I can not wait to see what she comes out with next.
I don't know how I feel about this. I wouldn't say I liked it as much as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo which probably has to do with that 1. it's less gay, and 2. I'm not as interested in musician stuff as I am in old Hollywood and acting. That said, the ending really hit me hard. I don't know though if that's the book or more that it made me think of stuff in my life that I try not to think about because it scares me and is painful. I'm excited for the limited series and to hear the songs.
Amazing Beyond Amazing. I can not wait to see how Reese Witherspoon but this book into a series. I enjoyed this book so much.
Oh my word I fell into this novel about a fictional band from the 70s - Daisy Jones & the Six. The format is not your usual novel format and, as with anything that's a little different, I'd suggest you start this when you have time to really get a good chunk read and when you know you'll be able to finish it quickly. It would NOT be a good 'pick-up-put-down' sort of a read. Here's why. Daisy Jones and the Six is written as if it's the transcription of a documentary about your favorite (nonexistent) old school hard rock band. Many people are comparing this band to Fleetwood Mac (which worked for me). There is a HUGE cast of characters and they would be easy to confuse if you stretched the reading of this out over any great length of time. But if you can give yourself time to jump in, oh it's so good! I definitely loved Daisy and also most of the other band members. I was very into figuring out what happened and where the twists would be and also sort of devastated that I couldn't actually LISTEN to the band's music. There is a playlist you can find, curated by the author and publisher, so that was fun. This is definitely (I think, as of now) on my list for a best Litpick of 2019. Hits shelves in March. 5 stars.
DAISY JONES AND THE SIX is the first book I had the immense pleasure of reading by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Halfway through I purchased THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO knowing I had to read more by this author.
DAISY JONES AND THE SIX is the best book I have read in a long time; perhaps growing up in the 70s made this book truly resonate with me but I believe anyone of any age would find something to love about this book and it's amazing cast of characters. This novel gave me a book hangover, the book, the characters and the story have remained with me long after turning the last page.
DAISY JONES AND THE SIX are a fictional rock band of the 70’s; the book follows their rise to becoming one of the most legendary bands in the world, their world of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
When I first opened the book and saw the format I was apprehensive, the book is written as if the characters are being interviewed with short answers to questions we do not know. It worked, it truly, truly worked, I could not imagine this book written in any other format.
Camila Dunne may be one of my favorite characters ever; right up there with Scarlett O'Hara!!!! I would love to meet her, be her friend, it is not often I come away from a book feeling like this. I invested with each and every character, I related to their feelings, their losses, their love and hate. I was devastated to turn the last page.
I am holding onto THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO afraid to be disappointed but also afraid it will be so good I will forget Camila, Billy, Daisy, Karen, Graham etc., who I want to hold onto just a little bit longer.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the first novel that I have read by this author. And I loved every second of it! On the surface, it’s the story everyone has heard many times. Band has a meteoric rise to superstardom and takes the motto Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll to new heights. But this story goes way beyond the surface.
Daisy Jones grew up a child of privilege in Los Angeles. Undeniably gorgeous, she hits her rebellious teens in the 1960’s and starts hanging out on the Sunset Strip. There she becomes enamored with the Rock and Roll lifestyle into which she is easily accepted as a groupie. The longer she’s around this culture, the more she realizes she wants to be a bigger part of it. The biggest part of it. She wants to be a star.
On the other side of the country, brothers Billy and Graham Dunne are forming a blues / rock band. Billy easily slips into his role of front man while he perfects his song writing skills. As their popularity increases, they meet their soon-to-be manager Rod who convinces them to move to LA and gets them a record contract.
The record company forced Daisy on the Six, adding her vocals to one of their songs, and the rest is history. The book details the rise and breakup of the hottest (fictional) band of the 1970’s through interviews with band members and those most important to the band’s success and ultimate demise. The twist at the end caught me completely off-guard. I couldn’t help the tears that leaked out. Very sweet and unexpected ending.
“Everyone knows Daisy Jones and the Six” but nobody knows the real reason behind their split at the absolute height of their popularity...until now”
Conducted over the course of the last eight years, were interviews of current and former members of the band, family, friends and others responsible for their rise and fall- though sometimes, accounts of the same event differ. (Author’s note)
This story is told almost completely though these interviews.
Sex, drugs and rock and roll
Rehab
Rolling Stone Magazine
Temptations...
Egos which clash...
These are the common themes for ANY book or movie about a rock band in the 60’s and 70’s. No exception here.
THIS time it’s about charismatic lead singer, Billy Dunne and his muse, Camila.
The remaining members of the band called “The Six”.
And, the groupie, Daisy Jones, who eventually joins the band and is quoted as saying::
“I had absolutely no interest in being somebody else’s muse. I am not a muse. I am the somebody. End of fucking story”
Reese Witherspoon will be bringing this book about the rise and fall of this fictional rock group to the small screen with a 13 episode series for Amazon, along with the original songwriting by the author herself (lyrics provided at the end of the book)
After the success of her previous novel, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and now this book, Taylor Jenkins Reid is fast becoming THE author that everyone is talking about.
For me though, these last two books, have been my least favorite of hers.
I have heard THIS story many times, though each time the “band” has been a different one.
And, I did not connect with the characters in this book or with Evelyn Hugo.
I MISS the characters of her earlier work! Women and situations I could relate to!
But, I suspect that I will be in the minority with this unpopular opinion!
This book and the music which will come from it, are sure to be a smash hits!! Available March 5, 2019!
A big Thank You to Netgalley, Random House-Ballantine Publishing and Taylor Jenkins Reid for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for a candid review!
❝I learned about sex and love the hard way. That men will take what they want and feel no debt, that some people only want one piece of you.❞
I’ve never read a book taking the format of interviews throughout its entirety, but if anyone can pull it off it’s most definitely, Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Right off the bat, I knew Daisy Jones was going to be a new favorite character of mine. She’s just an average girl who wants to be heard (don’t we all). She’s confident and will hassle for what she wants, but deep down her heart conveys this sweet innocence. I think I connected with Daisy because of her unrefined perspective on life. She wants to think the best of people although she knows the reality is, people are cruel and only out for themselves. She’s smart, cool, determined and unpredictable.
❝It was a big lesson for me when I was young - being given things versus earning them. I was so used to being given things that I didn’t know how important is for your soul to earn them.❞
The interviews seamlessly mold together each of the characters individual voices with the seventies rock scene. I usually steer clear from “unusual” formatting within books but this was so well done.
❝I always say I don’t care if you’re a man, woman, white, black, gay, straight, or anything in between - if you play well, you play well. Music is a great equalizer in that way.❞
This book will have you feeling like you’re a reporter getting first-hand the newest and juiciest gossip. You’re immersed in the age of rock ‘n’ roll with a cast of both unlikable and lovable characters to ride-out the journey with. I felt like I was inside “That ‘70s Show,” but if it were on steroids.
❝Let me tell you the sweet spot for being in rock ‘n’ roll. People think it’s when you’re at the top but no. That’s when you’ve got the pressure and expectations. What’s good is when everybody thinks you’re headed somewhere fast, where you’re all potential.❞
I was enthralled from start to finish. My third book by, Reid I’ve read in one sitting (it’s just that good)! This book made me reminisce about my childhood cruising in the backseat of my dad’s mustang. The entire memory of the red leather seats and the Eagles soundtrack we listened to over and over again. My heart skipped so many beats I lost count. Taylor Jenkins Reid has surpassed my expectations once again. Hands down a book to be read!
Wonderful story that just consumed me. Felt like I was back in the 70's with the band. Fabulous dialogue and characters. A true page turner that I could not put down.
Very grateful to Ballentine Books and BookSparks for allowing me to read Daisy Jones and The Six for review.
You will hear a lot of praise for this book before it’s release date March 5, 2019. It’s unique and powerful. Written in documentary script style, it was very conversational so you felt a part of the band.
Daisy Jones and the Six is the story of a legendary rock band in the seventies who had one major album before they broke up. It documents how they started, how they came together and the reasons for their breakup. It’s best read while listening to the Spotify playlist for the book, to really get you in the mood.
The characters are varied, interesting and I fell in love with them all.
Reese Witherspoon already has the rights to being this fascinating story to tv and I can not wait.
Daisy Jones and the Six releases March 5, 2019 and you are not going to want to miss it!
I've long been a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid, and in Daisy Jones & The Six, her talent is on full display as she reinvents what it means to write a novel. She gives us memorable characters teeming with an artistic passion you can feel, and a wild ride that somehow seems to combine your own musical memories with a wholly fictional world. Immersive, original, and utterly irresistible.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
I love TJR. I have read most of her books and my favorite will always be The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Daisy Jones and The Six is a whole another level of talent. The author amazes me every time she writes a new book. It was a bit hard to get into the style of writing on this one but once I got the hang of it, it was flowing rather easily.
Well done. Another winner.
Raw, emotional, gritty. That’s rock n roll, and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s new book, Daisy Jones & The Six. Loved it!
OMG! I cannot even begin to say how much I loved this book! Everything about it! I love the "interview" format, I love the incredibly well written characters, I love the time period in which the story is set, I love rock 'n roll, I love the ending!
The story is fun to read, and brought out all my emotions - I even cried toward the end of the book. It is so realistic that I went online so see if this band actually did exist in the 70s. Being a child of the 70s, I pictured Daisy Jones as Stevie Nix, and wondered how much of Stevie's life and career in Fleetwood Mac were like Daisy's in Daisy Jones and The Six.
Only change I would have made would be to include the song lyrics within the story, rather than at the end of the book.
Highly, highly recommend!! Thank you, Taylor Jenkins Reid for this wonderful story!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo might be my favorite book of 2018. So when I saw the Taylor Jenkins Reid had a new book coming out, I was hyped. When NetGalley approved me for an eARC I almost passed out.
Okay. This book was insane. I loved it. I did not want to put it down and I could not stop thinking about it. The characters are messy, flawed, and feel so real. I don’t know how Taylor Jenkins Reid makes her characters seems like they are real people. If you told me that Daisy Jones & the members of The Six were real I would believe you. I already want to reread this book. I want to comb through TJR’s words. I want to annotate their song lyrics and highlight all my favorite quotes. A big part of me is sad Aurora is not a real album.
Daisy Jones & The Six were an insanely famous rock band in the 70’s, but at the time of the book they are older. They all remember things differently, which I thought was so authentic and made things a little mysterious. We are not entirely sure what is the truth and what memories have been lost to the ages. We follow Daisy and the band from their beginnings, how they came together, and how they fell apart. The characters have had years to reflect on their actions and thus are not as angry as I imagine they were when the actions in the novel took place.
I did not realize going into this that it was told in a transcript form and an unnamed narrator is telling us the story. The format took a little getting used to, but I think it was the perfect way to tell this story.
WHAT I LOVED
The beginning hooks you
This is a TJR staple (at least based on the one other book I have read by her)
How they all remember things differently
There was not any unnecessary girl hate. It would have been so easy to pit all the girls against each other. They don’t all like one another, but they respect each other. We also see some great female friendships
It’s so feminist and shows women being happy in different lives. Moms, a woman who doesn’t want kids, musicians, and an IT girl.
How the bands song lyrics are included
There are so many epic quotes (most of the ones I highlighted have curse words so for the sake of keeping this review PG I won’t list those)
“Men often think they deserve a sticker for treating women like people”
KAREN! It would have been so easy for her to hate Daisy or for her to give up on what she wanted, simply because society told her to
WHAT I DID NOT LOVE
I did not love that addiction played such a huge role in the story. I get it, but it is not my favorite thing to read about. It did play for an interesting dynamic between two of the characters which I did like
A few of the characters sort of blended in the background. It took me awhile to figure out all the bandmates and record people.
That I can’t talk about more of this book in detail because of spoilers.