This is the story of Daisy Jones, a young girl with an amazing voice and presence, and The Six, a rock band coming into its own in the late 60s, early 70s. Daisy is a bit of a free spirit who wants to write and sing her own songs though she’s very deeply immersed in the drugs of that era. The band is informally led by its chief songwriter, Billy Dunne who has his own challenges. The group and Daisy Jones disbanded at the height of their fame and the story chronicles, in documentary style, their origins and what happened to have them walk away from their success.
I listened to this book and if ever there was a time to choose the audio version, this is that story. With a full cast narration, the performances are outstanding and lift this compelling story to the highest level. I was hooked five minutes into the book and very quickly felt like I knew all these characters (and there are a lot of them!). Though some paths are predictable because, well, it’s a rock band in the early 70s, for the most part, the journey meanders rather deliciously towards the unknown. I kept waiting for Daisy to crash and burn but there’s a tragic resilient quality there that had me rooting for her, even when her redemption was unlikely. Billy’s relationship with his soulmate Camila is unlike most you see in this music arena though it reminded me somewhat of June Carter and Johnny Cash but she’s not a performer. Camila, however, emerges as one of the most important characters in the story. When Daisy connects with The Six, it gets complicated.
I absolutely loved this story! The characters were fascinating and what was most interesting was being able to experience the relationships in the band transition as they became more successful. Some were more complicated than others and all unique in their own way. But, at the forefront are Daisy and Billy. There’s a little surprise in store at the end that I never saw coming. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience (check out the book description for the full cast list), the story, the vividly drawn characters. Taylor Jenkins Reid is now on my auto read list because I’m loving her writing style.
Book Info
Release Date: March 5, 2019
Narrators: (see below)
Audio Length: 9 hours, 3 minutes
Publisher: Random House Audio
Narrators
Daisy Jones, read by Jennifer Beals
Billy Dunne, read by Pablo Schreiber
Graham Dunne, read by Benjamin Bratt
Eddie Loving, read by Fred Berman
Warren Rhodes, read by Ari Fliakos
Karen Karen, read by Judy Greer
Camila Dunne, read by January LaVoy
Simone Jackson, read by Robinne Lee
Narrator/Author, read by Julia Whelan
Jim Blades, read by Jonathan Davis
Rod Reyes, read by Henry Leyva
Artie Snyder, read by Oliver Wyman
Elaine Chang, read by Nancy Wu
Freddie Mendoza, read by P.J. Ochlan
Nick Harris, read by Arthur Bishop
Jonah Berg, read by Holter Graham
Greg McGuiness, read by Brendan Wayne
Pete Loving, read by Pete Larkin
Wyatt Stone, read by Alex Jenkins Reid
Hank Allen, read by Robert Petkoff
Opal Cunningham, read by Sara Arrington
I started to read this book, but just couldn’t get into it, unfortunately. However, I do intend to give the audible version a go. I heard it was great. Loved your review, Jonetta!
Thanks, Marialyce! The audiobook is amazing. And, my first boyfriend was a drummer in a band and so much was familiar about the dynamics of the players.
I have this in my audio library, your review makes me want to bump it up 🙂
I’m just sorry it took me this long to listen to it, Cathy! Definitely worth a bump.
I read the physical version of this and one of my lasting impressions of the novel is that I made the wrong choice she should have listened to it. I can definitely see how it would with better as an audiobook. Great review Jonetta
Thanks, Emer💜 Once I saw the narrator list, my mind was made up. It’s everything you’d imagine it to be with that list.
Fantastic review!
Thank you, Nicki💜
Yippie!! Glad you loved it too!
I cannot wait to see it come to life in a mini-series 🙂
Is that planned??!! I hope so💜
Yes it is!! 🙂
No casting yet. I am dying to know who will play who.
I’ll be signing up for that series for sure!! Oh, I’m dying to know the casting, too, especially Daisy.
I imagine this book works brilliantly with a full cast narration, and can see it doing well as a movie too. But to read it? I don’t know, it just doesn’t grab me. However, if I see an audio version at the library, sign me up. 😀
I’m not sure how I’d do reading this but the audiobook was fantastic.
I’m getting the impression at lot of books I wouldn’t read might, in fact, be great as audio. 😀
A great narrator may sometimes elevate an okay reading experience to something special.
I still haven’t read this one ☺️ even though I read so many reviews that praise the novel. It’s not one I’d reach for myself I think but if it’s really so great like you say it is, I should just trust you. Wonderful review Jonetta!
Thank you, Inge💜 I actually passed on the opportunity for audiobook review! It was only after Jennifer raved about it that I got in the library queue.
Fantastic review! I’m glad you enjoyed this story as much as I did. xx
Thanks, Yvo! It’s good to know you’re a fan, too💜
Well I know what I’ll be buying with my next Audible credit 😄
😁❤️❤️
I definitely need to listen to this audio, even after reading the book, Jonetta. That cast! It looks like TJR’s husband is even a narrator! Lovely review, my friend!
Thank you, Jennifer, especially for being the one who convinced me to add this book to my shelf💜 It’s definitely worth a listen as a reread. I wasn’t sure if that is her son or husband😏
Just checked and it is indeed her hubby🥰
I loved this book, although I did get very angry with the way Billy treated Camila! I thought it was quite sweet, and unusual too, how Billy and Daisy’s relationship avoided the usual cliche of them sleeping together; they actually came to respect each other as artists.
Yeah, I struggled with Billy’s behavior, too. Nice ending!
Ok I’ve seen many reviews and people have liked this. I wasn’t that interested. After reading your review, I want it! Great review! I am excited about the full cast with some favorite narrators there.
I wasn’t at first either, Anne, and gave it a pass. You must listen to this one, though. Reading is not an option😏
I’ve read so many glowing reviews of this one! It does sound fascinating. Great review!
Thank you, Ren💜 I typically enjoy full cast narrations but this one was special.
Great review! I loved this book so much — and I keep hearing how amazing the audiobook is, so I plan to listen to it soon. 🙂
Thank you, Lisa💜 Oh, I hope you do get a chance to listen to this as a reread. I’ll be interested in your experience comparison.
Yay, I’m so happy to hear how much you enjoyed this book. It’s definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
Thanks, Suzanne! It’s in my top ten for the year.