Books Like...

'Daisy Jones & The Six' by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a novel written in an interview format that tells the story of a 70s rock band, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. The book delves into the lives of the band members, their rise to fame, struggles with addiction, complex relationships, and the dynamics within the group. The writing style, portrayed through interview transcripts, provides a unique and engaging narrative that captures the essence of the rock 'n' roll era.

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the intriguing life story of Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her seven marriages to an unknown writer, Monique. The novel delves into Evelyn's glamorous yet tumultuous journey through Hollywood, filled with scandals, surprises, and unexpected twists. Readers are captivated by Evelyn's unapologetic nature, complex character, and the lessons learned from her unconventional life choices. The writing style is described as beautifully written, engaging, and fast-paced, making it a page-turner that keeps readers hooked till the end.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert is a novel narrated by Vivian Morris, an elderly woman looking back on her youth in 1940s New York City. Vivian is sent to live with her aunt Peg, who owns a theater called the Lily Playhouse, after being asked to leave Vassar. The story unfolds through Vivian's memories as she reflects on her experiences in the theater world, her friendships, and her personal growth. The narrative is a mix of nostalgia, humor, drama, and self-discovery, capturing Vivian's journey from a sheltered young woman to a more worldly and independent individual.

The book explores themes of friendship, women's autonomy, sexuality, forgiveness, and the importance of chosen family. Through Vivian's candid storytelling, readers are taken on a journey filled with vibrant characters, nostalgic descriptions of 1940s New York City, and a reflection on life's ups and downs. The narrative style shifts between light-hearted and poignant moments, offering a glimpse into Vivian's past and the lessons she has learned throughout her life.

"One True Loves" by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the emotional story of Emma, who loses her husband Jesse in a helicopter crash, only to find out years later that he is alive. Emma had moved on with a new love, Sam, but now she is faced with a heart-wrenching choice between her past and present loves. The book explores themes of love, grief, growth, and self-discovery through Emma's journey of making a difficult decision between two true loves. Reid's writing style is described as raw, engaging, and emotional, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked from the beginning.

'Carrie Soto Is Back: A Novel' by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the story of Carrie Soto, a retired tennis star in her late thirties who decides to make a comeback to defend her record as the world's best tennis player. The book delves into Carrie's ambitious and driven personality, exploring her complex character as she navigates the competitive world of tennis. Through a mix of flashbacks and present-day events, the reader learns about Carrie's background, her relationships, and her unwavering dedication to the sport. Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style expertly weaves together themes of ambition, dedication, love, success, and failure, creating a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

The novel skillfully uses tennis as a backdrop to explore deeper themes about the human condition, with Carrie Soto symbolizing resilience, drive, and self-discovery. Taylor Jenkins Reid's storytelling captivates the reader by immersing them in the intense world of tennis competition while also offering insights into the personal struggles and triumphs of its protagonist. The book gradually reveals layers of Carrie's character, showcasing her flaws, strengths, and inner conflicts as she grapples with her past and strives for redemption on the tennis court.

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton is a novel that delves into the reunion show of the rock stars Opal & Nev, exploring their explosive partnership, personal struggles, and the tragic event that shaped their careers. Through a mix of interviews, editor's notes, and narrative, the story unfolds with themes of racism, fame, power, and the seedy underbelly of the music industry in the 70s. The plot weaves through different timelines, revealing the complexities of the characters and the social and cultural turmoil of the era.

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann is a 60s chick lit novel set primarily in the 1940s, following the lives of three women - Anne, Neely, and Jennifer - as they navigate fame, power, money, and relationships with each other and men. The story covers themes of drugs, disillusionment, heartache, and the destructive nature of fame, providing a snapshot of an era filled with excess and ambition. The book is described as trashy yet captivating, with a focus on the entertainment industry, stardom, and the dark side of success.

The narrative explores the lives of the female characters in a gritty world, depicting their rise and fall in the entertainment industry, along with themes of drug abuse, societal attitudes, and changing social norms. Despite being labeled as trashy and somewhat predictable, the book is praised for its engaging storytelling, vivid characters, and ability to evoke strong emotions in readers. Valley of the Dolls is considered a cult classic that remains relevant due to its exploration of timeless themes such as love, loss, ambition, and the complexities of female relationships.

Set in the 1970s, 'Mary Jane' follows the story of a 14-year-old girl who takes a summer job as a nanny for the unconventional Cone family. Through her experiences with the bohemian household and their famous houseguests, Mary Jane discovers a different way of life filled with love, self-discovery, and challenging societal norms. The book explores themes of coming-of-age, family dynamics, and the societal changes of the era, all narrated through the eyes of a teenage girl finding her place in the world.

'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus is a comedic novel set in the 1950s, following the story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist whose ambitions are constantly thwarted. The book features quirky characters, such as Elizabeth's precocious daughter, a supportive neighbor, and a few good men, who help create a new style of family and challenge societal norms. Through the lens of Elizabeth's experiences, the book provides a funny and poignant commentary on disrupting societal assumptions, particularly in the male-dominated field of science.

Elizabeth Zott, the protagonist, is portrayed as a brilliant woman breaking into the boys' club of science in the 1950s. Despite facing obstacles and denigration, Elizabeth remains dedicated to her work and empowers other women through her platform on a TV show called 'Supper at Six,' where she gives 'Lessons in Chemistry' to encourage women to pursue greater things beyond traditional roles as wives and mothers.

Poppy and Alex, two best friends with contrasting personalities, have been taking annual vacations together for years until a falling out causes a two-year silence in their friendship. When Poppy suggests one final summer trip to mend their relationship, they head to Palm Springs to confront their feelings for each other. The story alternates between past trips and their current vacation, exploring their deep connection and the challenges they face in transitioning from friends to potentially something more. Emily Henry's writing style weaves humor, romance, and realism, creating an engaging narrative that delves into themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery.