“When you think of me, I hope it ruins rock 'n' roll.”― Taylor Jenkins Reid, Daisy Jones & The Six

Daisy Jones & The Six follows the origin story of a fictional American rock band in the 1970s. Told through a series of interviews, the book begins by exploring how and why each member came together, and eventually reveals the reasons behind the band’s breakup.

From the start, you learn that Daisy is essentially a 1970s version of a “nepo baby,” while the Six are a group of friends and family members who form a band together. When the two merge to become Daisy Jones & The Six, it becomes clear that each member has their own motivations for staying. While the characters often claim their love for the band is rooted in rock and roll, the deeper truth is about love, the desire to be chosen, and the need to prove one’s worth.

As the story progresses, the focus shifts primarily to Daisy Jones and Billy Dunn. Their relationship becomes emotionally intimate and complicated, and their connection is one of the central reasons the band ultimately falls apart.

The interview-style format is unique and incredibly engaging. It creates the feeling that you are listening to people recount a real story, which made it especially immersive. I found myself deeply invested in the band and their journey, and at times, it was easy to forget that this was a fictional group.

The 1970s setting adds an interesting backdrop, though it does not always feel essential to the plot. The story could likely have been set in the 1980s without major changes. That said, the era does enhance certain elements, particularly the gender dynamics explored through Karen’s storyline. The depiction of drug culture is also prominent. Early in the book, it can feel overwhelming and even excessive, making the music industry seem less glamorous and more chaotic. However, given the story being told, the time period ultimately helps support the narrative.

My biggest disappointment, and the reason I rated the book 3 out of 5, is the resolution. After so much focus on drug use, infidelity, and emotional turmoil, the ending feels too neat. Daisy gets clean, adopts children, and starts a foundation. Billy goes on to have a happy marriage and raise his daughters. The rest of the band members move on with their lives, seemingly content.

It is not that I wanted a tragic ending, but the lack of real consequences felt unrealistic. There is little sense that the characters carry the weight of their past decisions into their present lives. Instead, it feels like that time was simply a chapter they look back on fondly, without lasting impact. Given the depth and intensity of the first two-thirds of the book, this resolution feels unbalanced and somewhat rushed. The emotional buildup does not fully pay off, and I was left wanting more nuance and continuity rather than such a clean conclusion.

I would recommend this book if you are looking for an escape into 1970s music culture. However, I would not expect it to be a story that draws you back again and again.