Introduction
If you loved Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and are searching for more books with similar themes, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of nine captivating novels that will take you on a journey through fame, friendship, love, and the complexities of human relationships. These books, like Daisy Jones and the Six, capture the spirit of the music world and the lives of those who inhabit it. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list!
1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Plot Summary
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is another novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This fascinating tale follows the life of a reclusive Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, who decides to tell her life story to a relatively unknown journalist, Monique Grant. The book reveals Evelyn’s tumultuous journey through fame, love, and her seven marriages, while also exploring Monique’s life and her connection to Evelyn.
Why It’s Similar
Both novels delve into the complexities of fame and human relationships. The narrative structure of Evelyn Hugo is also similar to Daisy Jones, as it incorporates interviews and different perspectives.
2. A Visit from the Goon Squad
Plot Summary
Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that weaves together multiple narratives spanning several decades. The story revolves around Bennie Salazar, a former punk rocker turned music executive, and his assistant, Sasha. The novel explores the lives of various characters connected to Bennie and Sasha, with each chapter serving as a self-contained story.
Why It’s Similar
Like Daisy Jones, this novel delves into the music industry and its effect on people’s lives. Its non-linear narrative structure and multiple perspectives are reminiscent of Reid’s novel.
3. The Ensemble
Plot Summary
Aja Gabel’s The Ensemble follows the lives of four musicians—Jana, Brit, Daniel, and Henry—who form the Van Ness Quartet. The novel spans two decades, chronicling the ups and downs of their professional and personal lives as they navigate the competitive world of classical music.
Why It’s Similar
The Ensemble shares the theme of music and the intricacies of relationships within a group of artists. Although the setting is the world of classical music rather than rock, the exploration of ambition, talent, and the bonds formed through shared artistic passion echoes Daisy Jones and the Six.
4. Telegraph Avenue
Plot Summary
Michael Chabon’s Telegraph Avenue is set in Oakland, California, and revolves around two longtime friends and business partners, Archy Stallings and Nat Jaffe. They co-own a used record store called Brokeland Records, which is facing potential closure due to the arrival of a new megastore. As Archy and Nat struggle to save their store, they also grapple with personal issues—Archy’s complicated relationship with his father, Nat’s son’s identity crisis, and the challenges faced by their respective families.
Why It’s Similar
Telegraph Avenue shares a connection to the music world with Daisy Jones and the Six. While the novel doesn’t focus on a band’s journey, it explores the love for music, the struggles of small businesses, and the intricacies of human relationships. Fans of Daisy Jones will appreciate the engaging storytelling, diverse cast of characters, and the exploration of the impact music has on people’s lives.
5. Please Kill Me
Plot Summary
Please Kill Me is an oral history of punk rock, compiled by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain. The book documents the rise and fall of the punk movement from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, featuring firsthand accounts from iconic figures like Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, and many others. It provides an unfiltered look into the lives of the musicians, artists, and scenesters who defined the punk era, revealing the chaos, creativity, and rebellion that characterized the movement.
Why It’s Similar
While Please Kill Me is a non-fiction work, it shares the music-centric focus and the raw, unvarnished storytelling style of Daisy Jones and the Six. Fans of Daisy Jones who are interested in the history of rock music and its cultural impact will appreciate the insights and anecdotes provided in Please Kill Me. The oral history format also offers a unique and intimate perspective on the lives of the musicians, similar to the interview style in Reid’s novel.
6. Making Rumours: The Inside Story of the Classic Fleetwood Mac Album
Plot Summary
Making Rumours: The Inside Story of the Classic Fleetwood Mac Album is a behind-the-scenes account of the creation of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album, Rumours, written by the band’s co-producer and engineer, Ken Caillat. The book offers a detailed look into the recording process, the personal dramas, and the relationships between band members that shaped the making of this groundbreaking album. Featuring anecdotes, technical insights, and personal reflections, Making Rumours is a fascinating exploration of the creative process and the dynamics of one of the most famous bands in rock history.
Why It’s Similar
Though Making Rumours is a non-fiction work, it shares the focus on the music industry and the intricate relationships between band members that are central to Daisy Jones and the Six. Fans of Daisy Jones will appreciate the candid account of the challenges and triumphs experienced by Fleetwood Mac as they created their legendary album. The book offers a unique insider’s perspective on the music world, similar to the immersive storytelling found in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel.
7. The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes: A Novel
Plot Summary
In Elissa R. Sloan’s The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes, readers are introduced to Cassidy Holmes, a former member of the wildly popular girl band “Gloss”. Cassidy’s sudden death by suicide sends shockwaves through the lives of her former bandmates—Rose, Yumi, and Merry. The novel alternates between the past and present, gradually revealing the pressures and dark side of the music industry that contributed to Cassidy’s unraveling. As the surviving members of Gloss confront their own demons, they also come to terms with the role they played in Cassidy’s life and tragic death.
Why It’s Similar
The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes shares the focus on the music industry, the complexities of relationships within a group of artists, and the darker aspects of fame with Daisy Jones and the Six. Fans of Daisy Jones will appreciate the emotionally charged, character-driven storytelling and the exploration of the challenges faced by artists in the spotlight. The novel delves into themes of ambition, friendship, and the price of success, which will resonate with readers who enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s work.
8. Just Kids
Plot Summary
Just Kids is a memoir by singer-songwriter and poet Patti Smith, chronicling her early years in New York City and her close relationship with the late artist Robert Mapplethorpe. The book delves into their artistic partnership, personal struggles, and the experiences that shaped them into the iconic figures they eventually became. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant and ever-changing art scene of the late 1960s and 1970s, Just Kids is a poignant and evocative exploration of friendship, love, and artistic growth.
Why It’s Similar
Though Just Kids is a memoir rather than a novel, it shares the themes of art, music, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships that are central to Daisy Jones and the Six. Fans of Daisy Jones will appreciate the intimate and emotional storytelling that Patti Smith offers in her memoir, as well as the vivid portrayal of the artistic scene during a transformative era in music history.
9. The Interestings
Plot Summary
Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings follows a group of six friends who meet at a summer camp for the arts in the 1970s. The novel spans several decades, chronicling their friendships, successes, and failures as they navigate life and the challenges that come with growing up.
Why It’s Similar
Like Daisy Jones and the Six, The Interestings explores the lives of a group of artistic individuals and their relationships. The novel’s focus on ambition, talent, and the bonds formed in a creative environment will appeal to fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s work.
Conclusion
These nine books, like Daisy Jones and the Six, delve into the complexities of human relationships, the pursuit of dreams, and the impact of the arts on people’s lives. While each novel offers a unique perspective, they all share emotionally charged storytelling and vivid character portrayals that will captivate readers. So, if you’re yearning for more stories that evoke the spirit of Daisy Jones, these books are sure to satisfy.
FAQs
1: Do all these books deal with life in the music industry?
A1: No, not all of them are set in the music industry. However, they share themes of relationships, ambition, and personal growth that will resonate with fans of Daisy Jones and the Six.
2: Do I need to read Daisy Jones and the Six before reading these books?
A2: No, these books are standalone novels and can be enjoyed without having read Daisy Jones and the Six.
3: Are any of these books written by Taylor Jenkins Reid?
A3: Yes, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is another novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
4: Are these books suitable for young adults?
A4: While some of these books may be appropriate for young adults, others deal with mature themes and content. It’s essential to review each book individually to determine its suitability for a specific reader.
5: Are these books available in formats other than print?
A5: Yes, many of these books are available in various formats, including e-books, audiobooks, and large print editions. Check your preferred retailer or library for availability.
