Book review: Daisy Jones & The Six

Book cover of Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Daisy Jones & The Six are one of the few books to leave a lingering ache after the last page. This book explores the lives of a band and a talented singer and songwriter Daisy Jones. The interview-style format for this book was captivating and I thought it was different.

Each character had their own internal thoughts. You really got to know what each character’s thought process was like and I thought that was interesting. I think Daisy Jones is definitely one of the most complex yet relatable characters ever written. The way Reid introduced her background story was a strategic move. It made sense she acted the way she did with how she handled addiction. It was really interesting how she seemed lost yet found with the band. I really wished Reid added more angst and interactions with Daisy and Billy. I understood that they were probably going to fall for each other but I wish there were more conversations between them before Daisy almost kissed him. Camila was also one of the most infuriating characters for me. She really got on my nerves throughout the entire book. I hate how the book made it seem like she was this extraordinary woman when really she was just a selfish woman who wanted things her way no matter what. I understand she stayed because she loved Billy and had a baby on the way. What I don’t understand is why you would stay with him knowing he loved another woman. I think Billy definitely just convinced himself he loved Camila more than he loved Daisy because of what she endured for him. The talk Camila gave Daisy before she left the band honestly gave away what type of woman she is. I honestly don’t believe Daisy would have left the band if Camila didn’t talk to her that night. She talked to her in such a manner that it seemed she wanted the best for her, when really she just wanted Daisy out of the way of her marriage. The Graham and Karen dynamic was also pretty messy. If Graham and Karen had talked the whole baby situation out I do think they would’ve been together or the very least friends. I also understand Karen’s frustration towards Graham when he insisted on her keeping the baby, considering she wanted to focus on her career. Eddie also made me kind of man. I get why he was upset at times but he’s literally not the main focus of the band. Pete and Warren were kind of in their own world. They were a part of the band but they weren’t really a part of the drama. It makes sense they all broke apart at the end but it was sad to see. Overall, this book really showed a lot of insight on what type of lives people in bands live. Looking past the romance and drama, the novel looks into how addiction and talent can create extraordinary art and destroy it. Each character goes through obstacles that test their limits. 

Why Rewatching Movies Hit Different As You Grow Up

As a kid, watching movies is usually only a source of entertainment. You’re just glad to be with your parents in a movie theater munching on some popcorn. You’re not wondering what that joke one of the characters said really meant under the surface or why there’s certain conflicts throughout the movie. As you get older, you have different experiences that teach you why some things are the way they are. This makes watching a movie you found on Netflix that you saw as a kid hit differently. There are two different perspectives watching the same movie. One is a six- year-old viewing the movie with rose colored glasses and with a brain that doesn’t quite understand how the world works yet. The other is a sixteen year old watching with her prescription glasses and the emotional intelligence of a wrinkly old woman. Both watching with a sense of wonder and thrill. It’s just that one version of you is better at looking out for the emotional state of the characters and the message behind the movie. For example, I remember watching my favorite Christmas movie, Home Alone, when I was a little kid. I wasn’t too focused on the plot, rather I was more into the cozy and cheerful vibes from the movie. Yes, I did understand the plot and was on the edge of my seat throughout the movie, but that wasn’t the main thing I was interested in. Recently, I’ve rewatched the movie out of nostalgia. Looking back on the movie, I’ve come to the realization that Kevin’s mother was terrible. It didn’t really click to me how outrageous it is to forget your kid before going on a trip miles from home. As a kid, I thought Kevin simply had his wish come true, to make his family disappear. I didn’t really understand what a hazard it must’ve been to have an 8 year old kid home alone. It truly was a hazard, considering the house got broken into. Kevin’s parents were just lucky enough he was a clever kid and didn’t end up seriously hurt. This isn’t the only movie that feels like this. There are so many more that hit just as hard. It’s like an aha moment. When something didn’t click as a kid, it definitely clicked now. In a way, it’s like connecting with that younger version of yourself. It feels nice remembering the silly thoughts you used to have watching something you didn’t understand. That’s the best part about rewatching old movies. Movies stay the same, but we don’t. That’s the beauty of growing up and becoming your own person.