While on vacation at Baha Mar in the Bahamas, my travel buddy was reading a book called Daisy Jones & The Six. After a particularly great chapter, she would turn to me and gush, "This book is just so good! I am trying to slow down so I don't finish it too quickly."
She was kind enough to lend me her copy for my trip to Miami, FL over Mother's Day weekend, and I finished it in three sittings.
For those who aren't familiar, the book is written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick (the second most powerful book club, only behind Oprah Winfrey's). It's a work of fiction about a rock band in the 1970s, told as an oral history. It's basically like reading the best episode of VH1's Behind the Music that you could ever imagine.
It all begins with the Dunne brothers, Billy and Graham. Billy is the older brother, with a natural magnetism and sex appeal. Graham, the younger brother, is shy, but has a quiet strength.
They eventually add more members to their band - Warren (drummer), Eddie and Pete (guitar, also brothers), and Karen (keyboard). Together, they become The Six.
Of the supporting members of the band, Karen was my favorite. She was probably the most skilled musician in the entire group, and she refused to trade on her looks. Eddie was one of the most entertaining characters to read because he always had a chip on his shoulder. About pretty much everything.
Then, of course, there's Daisy. The ethereal, untrained singer who captivates everyone she meets. Daisy gets added to the band after she sings a powerful duet with Billy, and both parties realize they'll be more successful together than apart.
As their star rises, and they become one of the biggest bands in the world, the tension builds. You knew that was coming! There's fighting, bruised egos, secret romances, drunken nights that become mornings - all the wild behavior you'd expect from rock stars.
Amidst the chaos, Jenkins Reid writes beautifully about raw, human emotion. In a passage where Graham reflects about the best songs, she writes,"Back then I thought music was just about music. But music is never about music. If it was, we'd be writing songs about guitars. But we don't. We write songs about women. Women will crush you, you know? I suppose everybody hurts everybody, but women always seem to get back up, you ever notice that? Women are always still standing."
I also loved this introspection from the character Karen, about Billy's domination of the band. "It's so complicated. Was the album our best one because Billy was forced to let us in on the composing and arranging from the outset? I think so. Was it the best one because Billy ultimately took the reins back? Because Teddy knew when to make Billy listen to other ideas and when to let him run the show? Was it only the best because of Daisy? I have no idea. I spent a lot of time thinking about it and I have no idea. But when you're a part of something as big as that album ended up being . . . you want to know if you were an integral part. You want to believe they couldn't have done it without you. Billy never did put much effort into making everyone feel integral."
I was moved by this description of Billy meeting his new baby girl for the first time (after coming out of rehab). "Standing there at that picnic table with them, it was like someone just took an ax to me, just shattered all the crust. I felt raw. In the way where you can feel everything, feel it deep down into your nerves. I had . . . I'd built a family. By accident and without thinking and without so many of the qualities that you should have to deserve a family, I think, but I had built one. And here was this tiny, new person - who had my eyes, who didn't know who I used to be, who only cared who I was now."
*MAJOR SPOILER ALERT! Do not read on if you don't want to know about the ending of the book.
Seriously. Stop now!*
On page 315 (out of 349) you learn who is recording this oral history, and it's Billy's daughter, Julia. I found that absolutely preposterous. I felt like there was no way the band members, especially her dad, would have been as brutally honest as they were, with someone they witnessed being born and watched grow up on their tour buses.
Jenkins Reid tries to address that with the final remarks from Billy, "But I will say I am thankful to you for asking these questions and giving me something to do. I hope this sheds some light on all of it for you, sweetheart. I really do. About your mom and me and the band. Sometimes I'm surprised people still care. I'm surprised they still play us on the radio. Sometimes I listen. The other day, they were playing 'Turn It Off' on the classic rock station. I sat in the car in the driveway and listened. [Laughs] We were pretty good."
*SPOILER OVER.*
After the oral history has ended, the following pages are the song lyrics to all of the band's big hits, which Jenkins Reid also wrote. It would be one thing to write an amazing story about a famous band, but to also write their fictional songs? Unreal.
After finishing the book, I fell down a major rabbit hole, trying to learn as much about the author as I could. If you are craving more intel too, check out these three podcast episodes:
- The Literary Life, Taylor Jenkins Reid, on her new rock ’n’ roll novel, *Daisy Jones and the Six*
- Show Your Work, SYW Master Class: Author Taylor Jenkins Reid Isn't Sorry she's 'Selfish'
- Show Your Work, Daisy Jones *Should* Drive You Nuts
In the second Show Your Work episode, you learn that Reese Witherspoon and her production company bought the rights to the book, and they are producing it as a 13 episode series for Amazon Prime. They've already written the pilot script, and the next step is casting.
I thought it would be fun to share who my ideal actors are for the lead roles in the on-screen adaptation. Here it goes!
- Billy - I'd love to see Billy Crudup in this part. He has that same smoldering look without even trying.
- Graham - At first I was thinking Jake Gyllenhaal, but now I'm leaning towards Milo Ventimiglia.
- Karen - Don't you think Jennifer Lawrence would be amazing as Karen?
- Eddie - I spent a lot of time thinking about who should be the band's biggest whiner and I landed on Jeremy Renner or Chris Messina (who played Danny Castellano on The Mindy Project).
- Daisy - The entire time I was reading this, I was picturing Lindsay Lohan in her prime. If only we could go back to her pre-drug days!
- Camila - Whoever plays Billy's wife has to be both strong and arrestingly beautiful. My vote is for Gina Rodriguez.
I want to fast forward to the series to being cast, filmed, edited, and released! The wait is already killing me. I also hope they record all the songs from the book and release a real album.
If you read the book, please share all your thoughts. I am dying to discuss!
*Image courtesy of Marie Claire.
Comments
Stephanie Blackburn
Thu, 05/23/2019 - 10:00
I'd love to see Zendaya play Daisy & Jake Weary as Billy. But I'm excited to see whoever's cast!
Molly
Thu, 05/23/2019 - 11:58
Ooo, Jake Weary! Good one. I can't wait to see who gets picked!
Jodi W. Brown
Mon, 04/06/2020 - 06:08
That is the excellent mindset, nonetheless is just not help to make every sence whatsoever preaching about that mather. Virtually any method many thanks in addition to i had endeavor to promote your own article in to delicius nevertheless it is apparently a dilemma using your information sites can you please recheck the idea. thanks once more. slimvpn.com
noman khatri
Wed, 04/22/2020 - 23:47
Hurry up all comments are submitted in unique sites no spam work Guarantee, So don't waste unique domains blog comments
I will give you 80 NICHE Relevant Blog Comments safe and effective for your site to Rank on Google and other Search Engine. niche relevant blog comment
I will do 250 dofollow blog comments no spam backlinks with manually work. dofollow blog comment
Brittany M. Lemay
Sat, 04/25/2020 - 01:25
I am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit. situs slot online terbaik
Mia Smith
Fri, 08/07/2020 - 06:29
I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much.
how to access router
Branding Services
Tue, 08/25/2020 - 15:09
Crave Menu the best food directory website in Hawaii that covers ever kind of food imaginable. We are top passionate foodies of Hawaii that have built a website with the best restaurants and chefs in Hawaii we know you will love and come back craving for more. Enjoy our fun and exciting website where you will for sure find the food you desire. Book a table with ocean views or have the food delivered right to your door.Waikiki restaurants
Branding Services
Mon, 08/31/2020 - 17:56
Interesting and amazing how your post is! It Is Useful and helpful for me That I like it very much, and I am looking forward to Hearing from your next..
80 seo blog comments do follow backlinks
Ibrahim raza
Mon, 09/28/2020 - 08:01
Are you searching for ways to make it in the music industry? In order to break into the music business and develop a long-lasting, successful career, it is important to (first) eliminate all of the misinformation you have heard about becoming a pro musician. Truth is, believing in music industry 'myths' will cause you to waste time, energy and money while never getting any closer to your music career goals. Charles
faiza khatri
Wed, 10/07/2020 - 11:56
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. lsd liquid
faiza khatri
Thu, 10/08/2020 - 12:41
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. https://kreisbau-kirchheim-plochingen.de/kaufen-avanafil.html
Branding Services
Fri, 11/06/2020 - 01:52
Thank you so much for the post you do. I like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job.
Custom Patches
Branding Services
Sun, 11/08/2020 - 06:43
I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.
WhatsApp dp
faiza khatri
Fri, 11/20/2020 - 09:31
I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! walmart employee login
Branding Services
Sun, 11/22/2020 - 03:13
The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface.
Accountants in Bristol
Branding Services
Mon, 11/23/2020 - 03:50
This is actually the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information.
Acne behandeling
Branding Services
Tue, 11/24/2020 - 08:02
I am constantly surprised by the amount of information accessible on this subject. What you presented was well researched and well written to get your stand on this over to all your readers. Thanks a lot my dear.
Al-Zaytoonah University
Branding Services
Wed, 11/25/2020 - 03:17
I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.
underground music videos
Branding Services
Sat, 11/28/2020 - 03:52
If you are looking for more information about flat rate locksmith Las Vegas check that right away.
NGO and Section 8 company registration at affordable price and super fast service
Branding Services
Tue, 12/01/2020 - 06:24
When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style.
Legal X powder
Branding Services
Sun, 12/06/2020 - 03:16
I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent.
sports betting
Branding Services
Mon, 12/07/2020 - 03:21
Wow, What an Outstanding post. I found this too much informatics. It is what I was seeking for. I would like to recommend you that please keep sharing such type of info.If possible, Thanks.
13x6 HD lace frontal wig
Branding Services
Mon, 12/07/2020 - 07:41
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post.
partai golkar
Branding Services
Thu, 12/10/2020 - 03:16
It is truly a well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so engaged in this material that I couldn’t wait reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thanks.
بنشر متنقل دبي
Branding Services
Fri, 12/11/2020 - 04:15
Thank you for sharing a bunch of this quality contents, I have bookmarked your blog. Please also explore advice from my site. I will be back for more quality contents.
albanaise chansons 2021
Branding Services
Sat, 12/12/2020 - 02:35
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking.
smm panel
Branding Services
Sat, 12/12/2020 - 06:31
this is really nice to read..informative post is very good to read..thanks a lot!
https://fullbodystretching.com/eat-sleep-burn-reviews-is-this-program-effective/
Branding Services
Sun, 12/13/2020 - 01:37
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
do my homework for me
Harry jack
Sun, 12/13/2020 - 02:13
I have a similar interest this is my page read everything carefully and let me know what you think. graphic design service
Harry jack
Tue, 12/15/2020 - 02:59
At this point you'll find out what is important, it all gives a url to the appealing page: buy active Instagram followers
Branding Services
Wed, 12/16/2020 - 04:07
A free recording website. You can test the microphone, record sound, record sound effects, record speeches. You can edit the sound after recording. Then save it as an audio file. No software installation is required. Open the website voice-recorder-online.com directly in the browser to use it.
voice recorder
Branding Services
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 02:55
I can’t imagine focusing long enough to research; much less write this kind of article. You’ve outdone yourself with this material. This is great content.
כתבות בת מצווה / בר מצווה על הלבשה וטיפוח : טרנדים בולטים בשמלות בת מצווה בשנת 2014
Digital Zone
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 09:03
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! Crawley Accountants
Digital Zone
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 09:08
Wow! This could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on thesubject. Actually excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort. East Grinstead Accountants
Branding Services
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 15:16
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post.
CBD merchant account
Branding Services
Fri, 12/18/2020 - 04:01
thanks this is good blog.
El pais de los juegos
Branding Services
Sat, 12/19/2020 - 05:47
I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information.
Local Business Directory
Branding Services
Sat, 12/19/2020 - 12:27
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though.
Credit repair
Branding Services
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 01:34
I cannot wait to dig deep and kickoff utilizing resources that I received from you. Your exuberance is refreshing.
Zehabesha News
Branding Services
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 11:56
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post.
rent a car Beograd
Branding Services
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 04:39
When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style.
miraculous
Digital Zone
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 08:43
It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. Airco Lommel
Branding Services
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 11:28
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post.
immigration lawyer New Jersey
Digital Zone
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:21
Someone Sometimes with visits your blog regularly and recommended it in my experience to read as well. The way of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that insight you provide the readers! Webdesign Bilzen
Digital Zone
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:27
Efficiently written information. It will be profitable to anybody who utilizes it, counting me. Keep up the good work. For certain I will review out more posts day in and day out. Airco Hasselt
Digital Zone
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:30
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return. Webdesign Diepenbeek
Digital Zone
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:33
This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info: Airco Genk
Digital Zone
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:38
I visit your blog regularly and recommend it to all of those who wanted to enhance their knowledge with ease. The style of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that shrewdness you provide the readers! webdesign Tongeren
Digital Zone
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:42
Thanks for an interesting blog. What else may I get that sort of info written in such a perfect approach? I have an undertaking that I am just now operating on, and I have been on the lookout for such info. Airco Neerpelt
Digital Zone
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:46
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. Webdesign