12 Stunning Books like Daisy Jones and the Six

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This best book of 2019 pick needs to be listened to, not read. Seriously, I think this might have been my favorite audiobook of all time.

I expect it to sweep the Audies this year for sure because full cast audiobooks can really take the story to the next level. The book is laid out in chronological order about the making of a band in the 70s, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.

The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances the actors give are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening. The story itself about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways. This is one of the novels about music that isn’t for the faint of heart and is a feel-good book you will not want to miss.

Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Frazen is back with this incredible book about a pastor and his family as they navigate who they are in the midst of the tumultuous 70s.

The depth of the characters is meticulous, the plot had me flipping the pages (which at 500 or so is saying something.) I can’t recommend this story enough. It’s truly wonderful. If you love 70s historical fiction, this is a perfect pick from our list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Another Kristin Hannah story, another NYT best seller – and for good reason! I liked this story about the Alaskan wilderness.

This book is so haunting and I could not get it out of my head.  Kristin Hannah is an amazing writer and her stories feel realistic almost to a fault. I did not think that I would like a book about Alaska but, I could not put it down.

Ernt Allbright has come home from the Vietnam War traumatized and as his mental state deteriorates, his wife, Cora, and daughter, Leni, must learn to navigate the Alaskan wilderness on their own. This book set in the 70s is so readable and loved, its vibes reminded us of Daisy and was a must in a list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six.

Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition by Dehlia Owens

September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I will admit when I saw the description of this book, I was not sold.  But as soon as I read this book, I recommended it to everyone I knew.  This book has that spark, that special something that makes it extra.  It is no surprise that we chose this as our favorite of 2018.

Daisy Jones was a favorite book of 2019 and we knew we needed to include it in a list of books like Daisy Jones and the six. If you love this book, check out our list of 13 books like Where the Crawdads Sing.

The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton

This is the closest of the books like Daisy Jones and The Six. It’s told in an interview format and is about a band from the 70s. The comparison makes sense… and yet…

This 70s book is wonderful in its own right! No comparison is needed. It looks at sexism and racism in the music industry during this time period and is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is a total must-read. This is one of the full-cast audiobooks that we included in our Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books to Brighten your Day

Just Kids by Patti Smith

The life Patti Smith has led is truly astounding. I was in awe of her gumption and ability to make it as an artist. Her book depicts her time at the beginning of her career, how she slept on the streets, met her long-time lover and friend, and how her career really began.

The behind-the-scenes look at the life of a rock star in the 70s was fascinating and reminded us so much of Daisy Jones we couldn’t help but wonder if some of Daisy’s character was based on Patti. We had to include this book in a list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six.

Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan

I listened to this feel-good book and it was unreal. The full-cast audiobook plays music so it is a full sensory experience. 

The story is three tales woven together in one with a magical harmonica at the center. The story follows a harmonica as it lands in the hands of Freidrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California set during WWII.

Part fairy tale and part historical fiction, this book is amazing for middle-grade and adults alike especially if you are looking for books like Daisy Jones and the Six. We even included it on our list of Book Lists for 13-Year-Olds

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Album

As full cast audiobooks go, this book about music is the best one I have ever listened to. This book is also one of my favorite books of all time.  It is narrated by “music” who is telling the story of a magician named Frankie Presto. 

There are multiple people who narrate this book and it is more like a play. This is the reason we needed to include it in our list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six.  I loved this books so much, I could listen to this book over and over.

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto was the world’s most decorated tennis player who has come out of retirement to take back the title. Carrie was trained to be the best there was from a young age and has dedicated her entire life to winning- at the expense of everything else in her life. 

I loved this book so much, that I could not put it down. I alternated between reading and listening to the book and have to say that the audio version was really fantastic. My heart was pounding with each and every game played.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again with this book and we knew that it could not be left off a list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six. If you are looking for a book about women in sports from this list of summer reads 2023, this is a heart-pounding pick.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

June 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

Nina Riva is having her annual summer party which is famous for its epic scale and exclusivity. But this year, the party will end with devastation.

Nina and her siblings are famous children of one of the biggest rock stars of all time and they each have their secrets. Another book by Taylor Jenkins Reid with a musician? This book was a must for a list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six.