This review may contain spoilers

When I finished Daisy Jones and the Six, I stared at my ceiling for a few minutes before turning back to page one and starting all over again.

Daisy Jones and the Six details the rise to fame of a young artist, Daisy Jones. Simultaneously, Billy Dunne’s band, The Six, is also gaining popularity and attention. As both Daisy and the Six gain popularity and status in the world of music, producers see that their collaboration would break the charts. This collaboration formed one of the most beloved bands of the 1970s, Daisy Jones and the Six. Through not only their music, but their interviews and personal relationships, they attracted a huge devoted fan base. By utilizing multiple point of views, Taylor Jenkins Reid builds a wonderful world full of love and rock-and-roll!

I personally enjoyed every aspect of this book. From the romance, to the found family, to the vivid characters, and the band’s amazing lyrics, I was hooked. Taylor Jenkins Reid had me bent over laughing out loud with her use of the different characters’ points of view. While some are in tune, others completely contradict each other in the funniest manner. This book is one of those books you cannot put down, and it is such an addicting read. Jenkins Reid is also very good at dropping a fantastic quote that will leave you pondering and inspired. I really enjoyed the relationship of the leads, Billy and Daisy, but the background characters were what made this novel it for me. Their relationships in the spotlight are so touching and heart-warming. While they struggle with their new-found fame and not receiving equal attention or credit, they stand up for themselves and don’t allow anyone to disrespect them.

To conclude Daisy Jones and the Six is a must read! With colorful characters and wonderful world building, the reader is truly immersed in the 1970s music scene. If you read the book and enjoyed it, you must also check out the Prime adaption of the book starring Sam Claflin and Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough. Along with the adaptation is a phenomenal soundtrack which brings to life the lyrics in the novel! AURORA, the band’s hit album, can be found on many streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

This book may contain themes not appropriate for all readers.

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo revolves around the story of a young aspiring actress who struggles with the misogyny and overall demanding life of the Hollywood film industry. Beyond highlighting the seven marriages throughout her career, the novel also discusses the objectification Evelyn feels as a woman in the 60s, the discrimination she faces for her ethnic Latino background, and the confusion she experiences with her identity all at the same time.

Through Hugo, Reid was able to showcase many inspiring themes, such as ambition and the ability to stand up for one’s self. Hugo’s strive for success, and her ability to rise to such a high position despite the challenges she faces early on in her career, causes readers to feel a sense of admiration, as well as just genuine care and concern for the character. Additionally, the author also emphasizes how Evelyn grows from a young girl who is willing to do what is asked of her to a strong, independent woman who demands respect, and stands up for her own rights. However, these words wouldn’t nearly do the complexity of the character justice, as Hugo is also extremely flawed, and has made some morally shocking choices that can leave readers feeling confused and frustrated, adding to the overall intense atmosphere.

I would highly recommend this novel as it’s not only an engaging, fast-paced story, but also opened my eyes towards the issues of the entertainment industry and the struggles many celebrities go through to get where they are. However, I would beware of some potentially triggering content, especially towards younger age groups.

-Aysha H.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.