12 Stunning Books like Daisy Jones and the Six
We’ve been obsessed with Daisy Jones since the book first came out. Now that it is becoming a tv series in 2023, we knew we needed to create a list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six to celebrate!
Daisy Jones and the Six is the perfect mix of 70s historical fiction and rock ‘n’ roll. Not to mention, the full-cast audiobook is one of the best audiobooks we’ve ever listened to!
Below you will find picks that represent different aspects of the book we enjoyed. We hope you find something on this list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six to hold you over until the show comes out!
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Daisy Jones and the Six
Daisy Jones & The Six
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book is laid out like a VH1 Behind the Music style interview. It’s laid out in chronological order about the making of the band Daisy Jones & the Six, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.
It’s a story about the music scene of the 1970s in Hollywood when the band The Six meets Daisy Jones and together they rocket to superstardom! Among the drama of touring, there is also a forbidden love story or two, and plenty of crazy parties!
It’s truly the perfect mix of historical fiction, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book needs to be listened to, not read. The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.
Why Jackie loves it
This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands of the 70s was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways.
Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones & The Six / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked / Books Set in the 70s / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate Beach Reads 2020 / Books With Flowers in the Title / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
70s Historical Fiction Books Like Daisy Jones and the Six
The Sunset Crowd
Author: Karin Tanabe
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fashion book set in Hollywood in the 1970s is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. In the backdrop of Hollywood, three women with ambition try and stay on top with their unrelenting ambition in a time when men ruled the industry.
Why Kirsten loves it
I learned so much about the world of fashion, film, and music in the 70s. I was so intrigued by the cast of characters who ruled the Sunset Strip and the con artist in their midst. This 70s book swept into their world and I never wanted to leave.
Find this book in: Hollywood Novels / Novels About Fashion / Books Set in the 70s / Books like Daisy Jones and the Six
Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen
Jonathan Franzen is back with this incredible 70s book about a pastor and his family as they navigate who they are in the midst of the tumultuous of the era.
As each character questions their relationship with their family, with god, and with their community at large, they also turn inward and try to remain true to themselves.
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.
Plot
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. It has elements of survivalists, anarchy, and mistrust for the world, but is tempered with young love, community, and hope.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic abuse, Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
This isolation book is so haunting. I could not get it out of my head. Kristin Hannah is an amazing writer with wonderful characters. Her stories feel realistic almost to a fault. They are heartbreaking and heartwarming and utterly unforgettable. I did not think that I would like a book about Alaska but, I could not put it down.
Why Jackie loves it
Another Kristin Hannah story, another NYT best seller – and for good reason! I liked this coming-of-age story set in the Alaskan wilderness. The setting is truly its own character, bringing an element of desperation to that story that wouldn’t exist in another locale.
Find this book in: Books set in the 1970s / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Isolation Books / Winter Books / Family Drama / Best Books of 2018 / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Books Set in the 80s
Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition
Author: Dehlia Owens
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder.
Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, is abandoned first by her mother, then by her siblings, and eventually by her father at a very young age. She is forced to fend for herself in the marshes, away from society.
With the help of two beloved friends, she learns to care for herself but not without experiencing cruelty and violence. Then, she finds herself faced with murder charges and is forced to confront her secrets and past that have shaped her into the woman that she has become.
Trigger Warnings
Abandonment, Domestic and child abuse, assault
Why Jackie loves it
I admit that when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold. A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap. And wow, am I glad I did. I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. It is a story about love, nature, and perseverance.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a novel that is so much more than the sum of its parts. It is part mystery and part historical fiction that shows the importance of human connections.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty and Its Impact / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Book Club for Where the Crawdads Sing/ Books with Food in the Title / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set in the 1960s
Books like Daisy Jones and the Six Featuring Bands and Musicians
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev
Author: Dawnie Walton
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Good Morning America Buzz Pick
Best Books of 2021 by Barack Obama, The Washington Post, Goodreads
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fantastic story looks at the rise and eventual breakup of an interracial punk-rock duo. It’s told in a multi-time narrative set in the 1970s and 2016 – when she’s considering reuniting with Nev. But as musical journalist Sunny digs into Opal & Nev’s history, she uncovers surprising hidden facts. With a narrative structure similar to Daisy Jones, you’ll be hooked from the very first chapter.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, violence
Why Kirsten loves it
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.
Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones / Full Cast Audiobooks / Books About Music, Bands, and Musicians / Feel-Good Books / Epistolary Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Books of 2021
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.
Her life as an artist is so different than the life I crave that I felt almost voyeuristic in her shoes. She’s a gifted writer, among other talents, so the words were almost a long poem or song. A must-read for fans of the 70s. This book won the National Book Award in 2010.
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 and books set in the 70s.
The Villa
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery Thriller
More info: NY Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Emily’s husband filed for divorce and she cannot seem to get her life and career back on track so when her childhood best friend and hugely successful writer, Chess, suggests they spend a summer together in an Italian villa where they can write and reconnect what could go wrong?
Trigger Warnings
Child death
Why Jackie loves it
I always love a great gothic suspense novel and what could be better than one set in an Italian villa? Oh, did I mention the mansion has a history that includes murder?
Find this book in: Historical Thrillers / Beach Reads 2023 / Books Set in Italy / Historical Thrillers
The Farewell Tour
This detailed historical fiction novel is about Lillian Waters and her rise to fame as a country music star. Now, in 1980, her voice has failed her with vocal nodules and she is embarking on her farewell tour. Her last stop? The home and sister she has not seen since she walked away at 10 years old.
Lillian’s story is filled with so many details that at times it was hard to remember she is a fictional star. The events that shaped her life were hard to read at times. This story is a slow build, character-driven novel.
Full-Cast Audio Books Like Daisy Jones and the Six
Echo
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Book, New York Times Bestseller, Children’s Literature Legacy Award Winner
Plot
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.
Part fairy tale and part historical fiction, this is one story that is amazing for middle grade and adults alike. Each child has their own adventure but the end brings the three stories together in a beautiful way.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Antisemitism
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often that I find myself contemplating a middle grade story long after I have finished it, but I have thought of this one many times in the years since I read it. My children loved it just as much as I did when we listened to it during a road trip.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this feel-good book and it blew me away. The full-cast audiobook plays music so it is a full sensory experience. In our opinion, this story is best in audiobook format.
Find this book in: World War II Books for Kids / Magical Realism Books / Books for 11-Year-Olds / Audiobooks for Kids / Novels About Music / Newbery Award Winners / Best Middle Grade Fiction / Family Audiobooks
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
Author: Mitch Album
Year: 2015
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is one of the best books that I have ever listened to. It is narrated by “Music” who tells the story of a magician named Frankie Presto.
Frankie was orphaned and lived with his blind music teacher in Spain before he was sent to America with only his guitar and its size magical strings. Frankie’s music has the power to change people’s lives and every time he does, one magic string changes color. Frankie works with musical legends and eventually becomes a star himself before disappearing from the spotlight.
Why Jackie loves it
Multiple people narrate this book, which is more like a play than a book when you are listening. I loved this book and bought a copy which I lent to an unnamed person who loved it and did not return it. My second copy has met the same fate. Third time’s a charm? The story made me feel like I should have known Frankie along with all the great musical legends.
Find this book in: Full Cast Audiobooks / Books About Music / Magical Realism Book / Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books / Adult Fantasy Novels
More Books by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Carrie Soto is Back
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
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.
Why Jackie loves it
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.
Find this book in: Books About Female Athletes / Books Like Daisy Jones and the Six / Ultimate Beach Reads 2019 / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked / Books About Sports
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A tell-all about a fictional Elizabeth Taylor-
Evelyn Hugo has asked an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to write her life story in a no-holds-barred book. The story seems so candid that I honestly forgot that Evelyn Hugo was not a real celebrity.
Taylor Jenkins Reid slays with this story finding the perfect balance of glamour and grit. This was an easy pick for a list of the books like Daisy Jones and the Six as well as the best romance novels of all time.
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.
