Some books just take you back to another era. They transport you to a time that is just a memory and somehow unlock a door and you are reliving that time again. That is what happened when I read Daisy Jones & the Six. It took me back to the 1960’s and 70’s, to the music, to the clothing, to the spirit of that time. It was extraordinary how many memories came back, how much music I remembered  and how I seemed to reconnect to the young woman I was at that time.

Daisy Jones has an extraordinary voice and wants to sing. The Six, an established band led by Billy Dunne, are just on the cusp of making it big; they just need that special something to catapult them to the top of the charts. The band’s producer thinks Daisy’s voice is just the thing that will make that happen. But art and artists are unpredictable and what looks good on paper and sounds incredible on the radio, can also be threatening and explosive.

Reid uses numerous character’s voices to tell this story of a band on the rise and the unforeseen consequences that flow from their grasp for fame. Although the story revolves around Daisy and Billy, the other band members also contribute their perspective as the bands’ fortunes rise and fall. At times this method of telling the story can get a bit tedious, but overall it captures how two stars who struggle with addictions, jealousy, immaturity and sexual attraction to each other are oblivious to the affect their problems have on the band as a whole, while the other band members feel taken for granted and experience a tremendous lack of control over their lives and futures.

Reid captures the spirit of these times eloquently and pushes the story forward in subtle ways so that it is not until the end that you realize that you have been surfing on a large wave and hope against hope you and the characters in the story can ride the wave safely to shore.

Brenda’s Rating: ****(4 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to Marian, Lauren, Sharon and Keith

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in e-book format.