20 Must-Read Books For Fans of “Daisy Jones & The Six”
“Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a riveting novel set against the backdrop of the 1970s rock music scene, featuring the rise and fall of a fictional band. Its blend of drama, nostalgia, and the raw portrayal of human relationships has captivated readers, leaving many yearning for similar narratives that transport them to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll or dive deep into the complexities of artistic lives.
If you found yourself lost in the world of Daisy Jones and are looking for your next read that strikes similar chords, here’s a list of 20 books that you’ll likely love. From tales of music legends to stories of profound personal journeys influenced by the arts, prepare to be moved by these compelling reads.
Top 20 best books to read if you liked “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
1. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Dive deep into the life of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, as she recounts her glamorous and scandalous life, revealing heartaches and old loves with shocking connections to present-day Hollywood.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- A glamorous and nostalgic setting.
- Deep exploration of complex characters.
- A compelling narrative style blending interview excerpts with narrative storytelling.
2. “The Final Revival of Opal & Nev” by Dawnie Walton
This book presents an oral history of an interracial rock duo, charting their rise in New York’s music scene during the 1970s and their controversial split, spotlighting the intersections of race, art, and commerce.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- A richly detailed rock music setting in the 1970s.
- A narrative driven by a compilation of interviews and documents.
- Themes of fame, identity, and the price of artistic ambition.
3. “Fleetwood Mac: The Definitive History” by Mike Evans
An immersive biography that chronicles the tumultuous and fascinating journey of one of rock’s most enduring bands, Fleetwood Mac, offering a vivid look into their musical legacy and personal dramas.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- A focus on the dynamics and relationships within a legendary band.
- Behind-the-scenes looks into the music industry.
- Exploration of the highs and lows of fame.
4. “Meet Me in the Bathroom” by Lizzy Goodman
This oral history captures the rebirth of New York City rock in the early twenty-first century, detailing the rise of bands like The Strokes, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and LCD Soundsystem.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- An engaging, documentary-style narrative.
- Insight into the lives of rock musicians and their journey to stardom.
- The impact of location and era on music and culture.
5. “Love is a Mix Tape” by Rob Sheffield
A memoir wrapped around the power of music mixtapes, chronicling the author’s love story with his late wife, Renee, set against the backdrop of the 1990s music scene.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- An intimate look into relationships and love influenced by music.
- Nostalgic reflections on a specific music era.
- The personal impact of music and how it shapes lives.
6. “Just Kids” by Patti Smith
This memoir recounts the deep friendship and journey of Patti Smith and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe as they evolve from struggling artists to influential figures in their fields, set against the backdrop of the 1960s and 1970s New York.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- A captivating glimpse into the artistic process and lifestyle.
- Exploration of complex personal and creative relationships.
- Set in a vibrant period of music and art history.
7. “Songbook” by Nick Hornby
A collection of essays where Hornby blends personal stories, humor, and passion for music, discussing how specific songs have impacted his life.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- Deep personal connections to music.
- Anecdotal and narrative storytelling centered around songs.
- Exploration of how music reflects and influences life and culture.
8. “Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon–And the Journey of a Generation” by Sheila Weller
A triple biography that explores the lives and careers of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon, mapping their rise to fame and influence on the music scene and culture of their time.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- Strong, influential female artists shaping their destinies.
- A look into the personal and professional aspects of music icons.
- The socio-cultural impact of music on a generation.
9. “High Fidelity” by Nick Hornby
Rob, a music shop owner, revisits his “Top Five” breakups to figure out why his relationships fail, combining humor with deep insights into love and music.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- Music deeply intertwined with personal stories and relationships.
- A narrative that balances humor with emotional depth.
- Exploration of identity and growth through music.
10. “Rock Me on the Water: 1974 – The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics” by Ronald Brownstein
This vibrant account details how in a single year, Los Angeles became the epicenter of a profound cultural transformation in music, movies, television, and politics, shaping the entertainment industry we know today.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- A deep dive into the 1970s Los Angeles music and entertainment scene.
- Insightful stories of iconic and influential figures.
- The impact of political, social, and cultural shifts on the arts.
11. “Life” by Keith Richards
Keith Richards’ autobiography provides a no-holds-barred account of the Rolling Stones’ guitarist’s life, filled with tales of rock ‘n’ roll excess, creativity, and the music that changed the world.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- Inside stories from a rock ‘n’ roll legend.
- A candid look at the highs and lows of musical fame.
- Insights into the creative process and life on tour.
12. “Chronicles: Volume One” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s autobiography offers a unique insight into the critical moments and influential figures of his early career, as well as his profound impact on music and culture.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- Firsthand account of a music legend’s rise to fame.
- Evocative storytelling blending history, music, and personal journey.
- Reflections on creating art in a transformative era for music.
13. “This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession” by Daniel J. Levitin
Exploring the connection between music and the human brain, this book delves into why music captivates us so, combining scientific studies with an accessible narrative.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- The psychological and emotional impact of music.
- Analytical yet engaging exploration of music’s effect on life.
- Offers a deeper appreciation for the art of music.
14. “Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story” by Chuck Klosterman
Klosterman embarks on a road trip to explore the sites of rock ‘n’ roll demise, musing on love, death, and the power of music’s mythology in our lives.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- A personal journey intertwined with music history.
- Humorous and introspective reflections on life and music.
- An exploration of music’s legends and their impact.
15. “Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk” by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain
This book offers a raw, unfiltered oral history of the punk rock movement, from its New York roots to its spread across the country, told through the voices of the musicians, fans, and industry insiders.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- Documentary-style storytelling through interviews.
- Insight into a transformative music movement.
- The gritty reality behind music’s glamorous facade.
16. “The Commitments” by Roddy Doyle
Follow the story of a group of working-class youth in Dublin who form a soul band, navigating the trials and tribulations of band dynamics and chasing fame.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- The formation and evolution of a band.
- Themes of ambition, identity, and community through music.
- A humorous yet poignant narrative tone.
17. “Girl in a Band” by Kim Gordon
Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon opens up about her life in music, art, and her public split with Thurston Moore, offering insight into what it means to be a woman in rock.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- A strong, female perspective in the music industry.
- Candid reflections on creative life and personal challenges.
- Behind-the-scenes look at the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
18. “The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band” by Mötley Crüe with Neil Strauss
The autobiography of Mötley Crüe presents the band’s outrageous lifestyle, filled with excesses, triumphs, and tragedies, telling the story of their meteoric rise to fame and the price they paid.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- An unfiltered look at the excesses of rock fame.
- Personal and revealing anecdotes from band members.
- The complexities of artistic collaboration and personal relationships.
19. “Cash” by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s autobiography showcases the man behind the music, sharing tales of his highs and lows, influences, and the enduring legacy of his art.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- Insight from a music legend on his life and career.
- Personal stories of struggle, redemption, and fame.
- Reflections on the power and meaning of music.
20. “Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys.” by Viv Albertine
As guitarist for the punk band The Slits, Albertine recounts her journey through music, fashion, and culture, illustrating a woman’s fight to define her identity within the punk scene and beyond.
Elements in common with “Daisy Jones & The Six”:
- A feminist perspective on the music industry.
- Raw and honest storytelling of personal and creative growth.
- Exploring the intersection of music, identity, and culture.
In conclusion, these 20 books offer a mixture of fiction and non-fiction that will resonate with fans of “Daisy Jones & The Six.” Each book captures the essence of music’s impact on individuals and culture, exploring themes of fame, personal journeys, and the creative process.
So if you’re looking to keep the music alive in your reading list, any of these books will strike the right note. Happy reading!
