18 Books like Daisy Jones and The Six
If you’ve been captivated by the mesmerizing world of rock ‘n’ roll in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Daisy Jones and The Six,” then you’re likely on the hunt for more stories that groove to the beat of the music scene.
From tumultuous band dynamics to the raw emotions behind the lyrics, these books resonate with the same passion and energy that made “Daisy Jones and The Six” an unforgettable read.
Dive into this curated list of novels that will keep you turning pages long after the music fades.
Books like Daisy Jones and The Six
1. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel tells the riveting story of Evelyn Hugo, a glamorous and mysterious Hollywood movie icon from the 1950s. Through an exclusive interview with an unknown magazine reporter, Evelyn unravels the secrets of her tumultuous life, from her rise to fame to her seven marriages and the hidden truths behind her glamorous facade.
The narrative explores themes of ambition, love, and the price of fame, capturing the essence of Hollywood’s golden age with a modern twist.
Major Similarities: Like “Daisy Jones & The Six,” “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is also written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and delves into the complexities of fame and the entertainment industry. Both novels use a unique narrative structure to tell the story of a strong, enigmatic woman at the center of a whirlwind of fame, love, and scandal, blending historical fiction with a deep exploration of human emotions and relationships.
2. “Fleetwood Mac: The Definitive History” by Mike Evans
This book provides an in-depth look at one of rock’s most fascinating and enduring bands, Fleetwood Mac. From their blues origins in the 1960s to their status as rock royalty in the 1970s and beyond, the book covers the band’s tumultuous history, iconic albums, and the personal dynamics between members.
Through interviews, photographs, and detailed analysis, Evans captures the drama, creativity, and the ups and downs of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary career.
Major Similarities: “Fleetwood Mac: The Definitive History” shares with “Daisy Jones & The Six” an intimate look into the lives of rock stars, focusing on the interplay between personal relationships and musical creativity. Both provide a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of being part of a legendary band. The real-life stories and drama of Fleetwood Mac serve as a non-fiction counterpart to the fictional narrative of Daisy Jones and her band.
3. “Songs of Willow Frost” by Jamie Ford
Set during the Great Depression, “Songs of Willow Frost” tells the story of William Eng, a Chinese-American boy in a Seattle orphanage who becomes convinced that a movie star, Willow Frost, is actually his mother.
The novel weaves together William’s quest to find Willow with the story of Willow’s past, exploring themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity. It’s a poignant narrative that delves deep into the complexities of family, identity, and the power of storytelling.
Major Similarities: While “Songs of Willow Frost” is not centered around a rock band, it shares with “Daisy Jones & The Six” a deep dive into the entertainment industry and the effects of fame on personal relationships. Both books explore the theme of pursuing one’s dreams in the face of challenging circumstances and the impact of the past on the present. The emotional depth and character-driven storytelling in both novels offer a compelling look at the lives behind the public personas.
4. “Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto” by Chuck Klosterman
In this collection of essays, Chuck Klosterman provides a sharp-witted analysis of pop culture and its impact on our lives, covering a wide range of topics from music to sports to reality TV. Klosterman’s insights into the nature of fame, the relationship between artist and audience, and the personal identity within the context of mass culture are both humorous and thought-provoking.
This book offers a unique perspective on the absurdities of modern life and the complexities of the entertainment world.
Major Similarities: Though not a novel, “Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs” shares with “Daisy Jones & The Six” a keen interest in the music industry and its broader cultural implications. Both works explore the intricacies of fame and how it affects those who achieve it, as well as the collective consciousness of the audience. Klosterman’s essays echo the themes of identity, nostalgia, and the construction of legend, much like the narrative arc of Daisy Jones and her band.
5. “High Fidelity” by Nick Hornby
“High Fidelity” follows the life of Rob Fleming, a music-obsessed owner of a failing record store in London. Through Rob’s reflections on past relationships and his top five breakups, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the healing power of music.
Hornby’s witty and introspective narrative delves into the complexities of adulthood, fidelity, and the search for meaning through the lens of pop culture and music.
Major Similarities: “High Fidelity” and “Daisy Jones & The Six” both capture the soul-stirring connection between music and human experience. They explore the personal and professional lives of characters deeply embedded in the music industry, offering insights into the power of music to define identity, shape relationships, and influence culture. The introspective and character-driven narratives of both books make them compelling reads for fans of music and storytelling alike.
6. “Girl in a Band” by Kim Gordon
“Girl in a Band” is a memoir by Kim Gordon, bassist, vocalist, and founding member of the influential alternative rock band Sonic Youth. In this candid autobiography, Gordon reflects on her life in music, art, and fashion, detailing her journey from her childhood in California to her rise to fame in the New York music scene of the 1980s and beyond.
The book offers an intimate glimpse into Gordon’s personal and professional experiences, including her relationship with bandmate Thurston Moore, her views on feminism and the music industry, and her evolution as an artist.
Major Similarities: Like “Daisy Jones & The Six,” “Girl in a Band” provides an insider’s perspective on the rock music scene, focusing on the challenges and triumphs of a pioneering female artist in a predominantly male industry. Both works delve into the complexities of personal and professional relationships within a band, the impact of fame on individual identity, and the creative process behind making music. Gordon’s memoir mirrors the themes of resilience, artistic integrity, and the search for authenticity that resonate throughout Daisy Jones’s story.
7. “Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time” by Rob Sheffield
In this touching memoir, music journalist Rob Sheffield shares the story of his love affair with Renee, his late wife, through a series of mix tapes that soundtrack their relationship.
The book navigates through the 1990s music scene, reflecting on how songs and mix tapes can define moments, relationships, and personal identity. Sheffield’s narrative is both a tribute to his wife and an exploration of grief, love, and the healing power of music.
Major Similarities: “Love Is a Mix Tape” and “Daisy Jones & The Six” share a profound connection to music as a medium for storytelling and emotional expression. Both books highlight the role of music in shaping personal experiences and relationships, using it as a backdrop to explore deeper themes of love, loss, and identity. Sheffield’s memoir, like Reid’s novel, underscores the universal language of music and its ability to capture the essence of human connections.
8. “The Commitments” by Roddy Doyle
“The Commitments” is a novel about a group of young working-class music enthusiasts in Dublin who form an unlikely soul band, aiming to bring the soul music of the 1960s to a contemporary audience. The book is filled with humor, vibrant characters, and a passion for music that drives the narrative.
Doyle captures the challenges, excitement, and dynamics of band life, as well as the social and cultural landscape of Dublin in the late 20th century.
Major Similarities: Both “The Commitments” and “Daisy Jones & The Six” revolve around the formation and evolution of a music band, exploring the interpersonal dynamics, conflicts, and collaboration that come with creating music together. The novels share a focus on the transformative power of music, both for the individuals making it and the audiences experiencing it. The rich character development and authentic depiction of the music scene make both stories compelling reads for music lovers.
9. “Just Kids” by Patti Smith
“Just Kids” is Patti Smith’s memoir of her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe during the late 1960s and 1970s in New York City.
The book offers an evocative portrayal of their journey from struggling artists to influential figures in the art and music worlds. Smith’s narrative is a poetic tribute to friendship, art, and the pursuit of creativity against the backdrop of a transformative era in American culture.
Major Similarities: Like “Daisy Jones & The Six,” “Just Kids” explores themes of artistry, fame, and the complex relationships forged in the pursuit of creative expression. Both works provide a window into the music and art scenes of their respective eras, capturing the spirit of innovation and rebellion that defined them. Smith’s and Reid’s stories celebrate the enduring impact of creative collaboration and the personal growth that comes from navigating the challenges of the artistic life.
10. “Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011” by Lizzy Goodman
This oral history compiles interviews with musicians, journalists, and industry insiders to chronicle the rebirth of the New York rock scene in the early 21st century.
The book features the rise of bands like The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, LCD Soundsystem, and Interpol, capturing a moment of cultural shift that redefined indie rock. Goodman’s narrative is a vibrant and gritty exploration of music, identity, and the city that brought them together.
Major Similarities: “Meet Me in the Bathroom” and “Daisy Jones & The Six” both delve into the intricacies of the music industry, chronicling the rise of iconic bands and the cultural impact of their music. The oral history format of Goodman’s book mirrors the interview style of Reid’s novel, offering multiple perspectives on the creative process, the challenges of fame, and the evolving landscape of rock music. Both works capture the zeitgeist of their respective eras, providing a compelling look at the power of music to define a generation.
11. “A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a set of interconnected stories revolving around Bennie Salazar, a former punk rock musician and music executive, and his assistant, Sasha.
The narrative spans several decades and locations, exploring the lives of various characters connected to Bennie and Sasha. Egan’s innovative storytelling techniques, including a chapter in the form of a PowerPoint presentation, examine themes of time, music, and the consequences of our choices.
Major Similarities: “A Visit from the Goon Squad” and “Daisy Jones & The Six” both explore the music industry’s impact on its protagonists, weaving together personal and professional narratives. Egan’s and Reid’s novels share a non-linear narrative style that reveals the interconnectedness of characters’ lives through the lens of music. Both books critically examine the passage of time and its effects on identity, relationships, and artistic legacy, offering a multifaceted perspective on the music scene and its inhabitants.
12. “Vinyl: The Art of Making Records” by Mike Evans
While not a novel, “Vinyl: The Art of Making Records” dives deep into the resurgence of vinyl records as a beloved format for music enthusiasts, detailing the intricate process of vinyl production, design, and collection.
Evans provides a comprehensive look at the history and cultural significance of vinyl, celebrating its unique sound quality and the artistry behind album covers and limited editions. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the tangible aspects of music consumption and the revival of vinyl as a symbol of musical authenticity.
Major Similarities: While “Vinyl: The Art of Making Records” is a non-fiction exploration of the music industry, it shares with “Daisy Jones & The Six” a deep appreciation for the art of music production and the physical medium through which music is experienced. Both works evoke a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of rock music and a passion for the physical artifacts that music lovers cherish. The reverence for the process of creating and experiencing music binds these books together, offering readers a glimpse into the world of music beyond the digital age.
13. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel
“Station Eleven” is a novel set in the aftermath of a global pandemic that wipes out most of the world’s population. The story follows a troupe of actors and musicians, the Traveling Symphony, as they wander the remnants of North America, performing Shakespeare and music for the scattered communities of survivors.
The narrative weaves between the lives of the characters before and after the pandemic, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the enduring power of art and humanity in a post-apocalyptic world.
Major Similarities: Although “Station Eleven” is not directly about the rock music scene, it shares with “Daisy Jones & The Six” a profound connection to the power of art—whether it be music, literature, or performance—to sustain the human spirit in times of crisis. Both novels underscore the importance of storytelling and artistic expression as a means of connection, resilience, and identity. The ensemble cast and the exploration of characters’ interwoven pasts and presents in “Station Eleven” mirror the complex relationships and personal histories that drive the narrative in “Daisy Jones & The Six.”
14. “Killing Commendatore” by Haruki Murakami
In “Killing Commendatore,” a portrait painter in his thirties embarks on a peculiar journey after his wife abruptly divorces him. Retreating to a secluded house in the mountains, formerly owned by a famous painter, he discovers a previously unseen painting that leads him into a surreal world blending reality with myth, history, and art.
Murakami weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of loneliness, creativity, and the search for meaning.
Major Similarities: While “Killing Commendatore” does not center around the music industry, it shares thematic elements with “Daisy Jones & The Six” in its deep exploration of art and creativity. Both novels delve into the lives of artists grappling with their pasts, personal demons, and the sacrifices they make for their art. The emphasis on narrative discovery, the blending of reality with elements of the fantastical, and the introspective journeys of the characters resonate in both Murakami’s and Reid’s works.
15. “The Ensemble” by Aja Gabel
“The Ensemble” follows the lives of four members of a string quartet over the course of several years, tracing their friendships, rivalries, loves, and ambitions as they navigate the competitive world of classical music.
Gabel’s novel delves into the intimate dynamics between the musicians, the sacrifices required for artistic excellence, and the personal costs of dedicating one’s life to art.
Major Similarities: “The Ensemble” and “Daisy Jones & The Six” both offer a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of life in a tightly-knit musical group. The novels explore the tension between individual desires and group dynamics, the impact of artistic collaboration on personal relationships, and the pursuit of greatness in the face of personal and professional challenges. Gabel’s and Reid’s books are poignant studies of the bonds that music can forge and the pressures that can threaten to break them.
16. “Swing Time” by Zadie Smith
“Swing Time” is a novel about two mixed-race girls who dream of becoming dancers, but only one, Tracey, has the talent to pursue a professional career.
The narrative follows the unnamed narrator’s journey from their childhood in North London to her job working for a famous singer, Aimee, as they navigate the complexities of friendship, race, and identity.
Smith’s novel is a richly textured exploration of the intersections between personal ambition, cultural heritage, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.
Major Similarities: Although “Swing Time” focuses on dance rather than rock music, it shares with “Daisy Jones & The Six” an exploration of the arts as a backdrop for examining deeper themes of friendship, ambition, and the quest for identity. Both novels feature strong, complex female protagonists whose relationships with their art and the people around them drive the narrative. Smith’s and Reid’s works are insightful commentaries on the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in the spotlight.
17. “Wonder Boys” by Michael Chabon
“Wonder Boys” follows the chaotic weekend in the life of Grady Tripp, a university professor and author struggling to finish his second novel. Accompanied by his troubled student, James Leer, and dealing with the collapse of his third marriage, Tripp’s life unravels in a series of comic mishaps and revelations.
Chabon’s novel is a witty and poignant exploration of creativity, mentorship, and the complexities of the human heart.
Major Similarities: While “Wonder Boys” centers on the literary rather than the music industry, it shares with “Daisy Jones & The Six” a deep dive into the creative process and the personal turmoil that often accompanies artistic endeavor. Both novels explore the impact of fame and success on personal relationships and the struggle to balance artistic integrity with personal demons. Chabon’s and Reid’s characters are richly drawn, flawed individuals whose passions and problems make for compelling, emotionally resonant narratives.
18. “How to Kill a Rock Star” by Tiffanie DeBartolo
“How to Kill a Rock Star” follows Eliza Caelum, a music journalist, and Paul Hudson, a talented but troubled musician, as they navigate the treacherous waters of the music industry and their complicated feelings for each other.
DeBartolo’s novel is a passionate exploration of love, music, and the sacrifices artists make in pursuit of their dreams.
The story delves into the conflicts between commercial success and artistic integrity, and the power of music to connect and transform lives.
Major Similarities: “How to Kill a Rock Star” and “Daisy Jones & The Six” are both deeply rooted in the world of rock music, focusing on the personal and professional challenges faced by musicians. Both novels offer an insider’s view of the music industry, examining the tension between art and commerce, the impact of fame on personal relationships, and the enduring bond between band members. DeBartolo and Reid create compelling narratives that celebrate the transformative power of music while questioning the price of success.
