Book Review: Daisy Jones & The Six

by Liz Keating '24 on February 21, 2023
A&E Staff


Arts & Entertainment


Daisy Jones & The Six is a novel written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The book follows the story of the rise and fall of a famous rock band in the 1970s. The book is written in an innovative format, with the narrative told through the perspectives of multiple characters, including the band members, their friends, and their lovers.

The story centers around Daisy Jones, a young and talented singer-songwriter who joins the already established band, The Six. Daisy’s raw talent and magnetic stage presence quickly make her the band’s frontwoman and the group’s dynamic changes as they start to create music together. The band’s new sound, along with Daisy’s captivating lyrics, propel them to fame, but as the band’s success grows, so do the tensions between the members.

One of the main conflicts in the book is the relationship between Daisy and the band’s lead singer and songwriter, Billy Dunne. The two have a complicated and tumultuous relationship, both professionally and personally. Their chemistry on stage is undeniable, but their egos and personal demons threaten to tear the band apart.

The book also explores the themes of fame, addiction, and the cost of success. The characters in the book all struggle with the pressures of fame and the personal demons that come with it, whether it be drug addiction, alcoholism, or relationships. The book offers a realistic portrayal of the music industry and the price that people pay to achieve success.

One of the strengths of the book is its vivid and immersive writing style, which transports readers back to the 1970s and the world of rock and roll. The book also provides an interesting perspective on the creative process of songwriting, as the characters struggle to create new music and come up with hit songs.

The book has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the author’s ability to create complex and relatable characters. The book also received attention for its format, which is unique and engaging. It has been compared to a screenplay or a documentary, with the multiple perspectives and interviews providing a rich and nuanced portrayal of the characters and their story. Prime Video, however, has taken on the challenge creating a mini series set to release March 3, with new episodes weekly until March 24. The series comes with an extremely talented cast, starring Riley Keough (granddaughter of Elvis Presley) as Daisy Jones, Sam Claflin as Billy Dunne, Camila Morrone as Camila Dunne, Will Harrison as Graham Dunne, and Suki Waterhouse as Karen Sirko. 

Overall, Daisy Jones & The Six is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a glimpse into the world of rock and roll and the price of fame. It is a must-read for fans of music, fiction, and anyone who is interested in the creative process. The book offers a unique and immersive reading experience that will leave readers wanting more. 

Tik-Talking About Books

by Liz Keating '24 on September 8, 2022
A&E Staff


Arts & Entertainment


How “BookTok” Made Reading Cool Again

The power of TikTok has no bounds. Over the past year, TikTok users have created their own book club, full of recommendations and excerpts all to entice viewers to read their own favorite books. The hashtag #booktok has over 73.9 billion views, with that number rising by the second. However, with millions of users all trying to get people to read their favorite books at the moment, it can become a bit overwhelming. There are thrillers, romance, and even thriller romances. So here are the top three most popular books on “BookTok.” Are they worth it? That’s for you to read and decide. 

  1. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

Following a rock band in the 70’s, Daisy Jones and the Six departs from the classic writing style found in novels and opts for an interview-style switching between the characters, almost written like a documentary. Daisy is an enigmatic protagonist with a one-in-a-million talent for songwriting and music, but an affliction for the party lifestyle of the 70’s. Daisy’s antics are balanced with the leading man of the band, Billy Dune. Billy is an aspiring family man and recovering drug addict who wants to provide a stable life for his wife and daughter. This book is a fresh take on a classic story that will transport you and have you smiling and even singing along.

  1. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara 

If you want a book that will make you cry for 700 pages, A Little Life sure will. The story follows a group of friends through their lives over the years. The relationships of this group are tested and strained through each person’s struggles with addiction, childhood trauma, chronic disabilities, and more. This book is extremely dense and there is no reprieve so read at your own discretion. 

  1. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover 

Colleen Hoover is the most popular author on BookTok at the moment, which was catapulted through the success of this book. It Ends with Us follows the main character Lily as she falls in love with successful neurosurgeon Ryle. Yet, Lily can’t forget about her first love, Atlas. The relationship between Lily and Ryle quickly turns toxic, and we follow Lily trying to break the generational abuse cycle started by her parents. This book will be lingering in your mind long after you have finished.