Bookworm Binches discussion

Hello hello!
I think everyone has the book now? Which means it's time to start. Rev those engines sisters.
READY SET READ.
Comment your thoughts/rants/questions on this thread once you've finished (or really, comment anytime. I'm always happy to hear from y'all).
Yay book club!

I want to start by saying I feel like a lot of this was based off Fleetwood Mac. Like what other band from the 70s can you think of that had TWO couples break up within the band!!!!! ALSO, another book by this author has the same twist where the interviewer was secretly related to the main characters so that's kinda lame but anyway I never know how to properly express my feelings over the books I read but here we go!
This was a heartbreaker. The love between Billy and Camilla versus Billy and Daisy were both equally beautiful and fucked up. I wanted them to get together because they were so passionate about each other but I don't think it would have ever worked out between them especially because neither one of them could handle the sexual tension. Its hard to remember after all the drama they didn't really do anything. I am glad that he didn't do Camilla dirty though. Camilla is a trooper because I don't think I could ever have a relationship where I had to "trust" another person like that. Camilla was a refreshing character to read though. I love how strong she was when seeing Billy and Daisy sing together.
Daisy made me sad and angry, she reminds me of Amy Winehouse when it came to her addictions. Everyone saw that she was slowly dying but not really doing anything about it because even if they wanted to, they would never be able to stand between someone and their addictions. Daisy never had a chance, her dumb parents were shit and then it ever got better. Her lyrics were so hauntingly beautiful which is crazy to think considering its a fictional book.
I also really liked Karen and how rock and roll she was, she never took shit from anyone and she was brave enough to realize if she had Graham's baby that SHE would be the only one making a sacrifice. It sucks that he was an ass to her after the fact.
Eddie was such a little bitch tbh.
Billy was so narcissistic I like how in the book they talked about how the chosen ones never realize they are the chosen ones and they don't realize not everyone has a life like them. I think that sums up Billy.
I honestly really liked this book I loved reading about the world of rock n roll in the 70s. I wasn't a huge fan of how it ended with Julia randomly interviewing them for what exactly???? but the story of the band its self was great.
The way the songs were depicted in the book it made me feel nostalgic for a band that never existed.

What do y'all think of this question from the back of the book?

“Why do you think Billy and Daisy clash so strongly? What misunderstandings between them are revealed through the “author’s” investigation?”

I think when you are super talented and famous its hard to connect with people on a deep level because no one else sees the world the same as you. But then you have two people like Daisy and Billy and its like there is finally someone in the world who is your equal, and you can't help to feel a way about them. Especially when you're writing songs together all day. I think Billy has never really acknowledged that a lot of his decisions were made because of his feelings towards Daisy because of this everything they felt were said between the lines and that leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Which then lead to them feeding off each others weird horny energy. Idk I am sure you guys have a better way of putting it.

I have a LOT of feelings about this book. Buckle in buttercups, hopefully all of this makes sense.

I think overall, the best thing about the book was the setting. California, the sunset strip. The way it transported the reader into this era that has become timeless. The author has stated that big inspirations for the band was The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, which makes sense to me. Like sister Baylee, I was immediately reminded of Fleetwood Mac when starting this book. Their greatest hits played while I was reading, I needed that 70's soft rock n' roll in the background to help set the mood. Plus, Daisy Jones reminded me so much of Stevie.

The way it was written, as an oral history, was very interesting to me. It was like we were watching a "where are they now" special. I didn't think that I would like it, but after finishing the book it seems like the best way to tell the story. The memories aren't reliable, and the way that the characters tell their version of the events helps add to the multiple personalities.

I really liked the book, but now I'm finished and I'm real sad? Does anyone else feel this way? When rating books, I try to take into account how reading it affects my feelings. This book took a baseball bat right to my stomach. I felt sorry for Daisy, for Billy, for Camilla and for Karen. All of the characters were fucked up in their own way and could be complete assholes to one another. They were selfish and couldn't see past their own talent. And yet, instead of being frustrated as I usually would with fictional characters with those traits, I wanted them to succeed. Reid wrote them all in such a way, that I felt for each of them. The word that comes to mind for reading the book is 'bittersweet'. They were creating this incredible album, but you knew that it wouldn't last. That these people would not be able to stay together and keep making music. There was a time limit on their greatness. Does that make sense? IDK, maybe I should just go put on my happy playlist.

Like Baylee, I was so annoyed with how Billy treated Camilla. And for a long time I was annoyed that she put up with it. She called it strength, to stay with a man that had hurt her so much. I thought she was great, except for the fact that she seemed to ignore the fact that her husband was more in love with Daisy and the high of being part of the band than with her and the girls. I don't think I would ever be able to have the kind of trust with somebody that they talk about in the book. Her best part was at the end, with her telling Daisy to leave the band. The way that Daisy finally realized that Camilla wasn't as confident as she appeared.

As for the discussion question, about Billy and Daisy clashing, I agree with what Baylee wrote. Most of the book featured Billy and Daisy above everyone else. They felt the pressure more than anyone, to be the absolute best, because they had been told from the beginning that they were special. No one else can relate to that. They were both such strong forces, it's no wonder that they clashed. Both of them wanted to be the alpha dog, but at the same time they both felt so lonely at the top. It's mentioned in the book that Daisy stayed with her Italian prince husband because she loved the idea of having somebody. She hated being alone. I think Billy was the same way, and even though he had Camilla, she became separate from the world of the band as time went on. The person that he leaned on the most was Teddy, but Teddy still let him think that he was in-charge.

I heard there is a mini-series in the works (thanks to our girl Reese, who has been KILLING IT lately. Has anyone watched little fires everywhere?), so hopefully we will actually get to hear the songs. I'm real excited for that album.

What did everyone think? Did it make you feel something too or did you come away thinking "meh"? Did you love Daisy Jones or hate her? Will you listen to the album when (hopefully) they make one?

If anyone needs me, I'll be reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Okay I know I am late to the party but here is what I got. (First copy I got was in French, had to wait for right version to come through... oops)

I'll be honest, if it wasn't for this book club I would never have picked up this book. It has been all over my booktube feed since it came out and just felt the story wasn't for me. Starting to become a trend, reading books for bookworm binches I probably wouldn't have read otherwise, and gosh I am so glad I am.

I listened to the audiobook, highly recommend. It is a full-cast recording and it made going through this story so entertaining. It was a lot like listening to a 70s band biopic on tv. The actors gave such feeling to their role and were perfectly cast. Highly recommend the listen if you ever want to reread this story, it adds an extra layer to the story.

For the story itself: I love the contradictions and how real it all felt. The characters are flawed but still people we can care for. The stitching of the story from different viewpoints was also an interesting element I haven't read much before. I liked that so many impressions were given to make the story. Memories were at times hazy or they didn't all match each other. It was such a well-written novel.

I have been asking myself what rating I would give this book. In the end, I choose not to rate it. The book isn't something I would necessarily pick up again in the near future, but I felt for these characters. I wanted them to make it through the hardship, conquer their demons, and come out all the better on the other side. I cared for these people and their stories. Felt the feels. The book was a surprisingly enjoyable journey. I ultimately enjoyed feeling nostalgia for people I have never known.
Gosh, I wish I could buy that record...

Looking in the postings above Baylee, I completely agree with you that the love between Billy and Camilla versus Billy and Daisy beautiful and f***ed up. While reading I could feel their tension and hoped nothing came of it. Camilla deserved so much but I also think it was a realistic depiction of the presented relationship. Camilla's strength was something I admired at the beginning of the book. There was one quote from her that really stood out to me: "Sometimes you have to have faith in people before they earn it, otherwise it's not faith." I want this painted on a board and sitting on my desk in my classroom. There were so many powerful quotes like that that had me pause the book and just sit with the words (wow that sounds pompous, but it is what I did.)
Are there any quotes or moments that stood out to y'all?


Such a good read. I loved hearing their stories, the reality that was laced into the storytelling, and the overall writing style. Time to pick up 7 Husbands again and see how that story ends.

P.S. Really? OMG, I would love to have a virtual watch party or chat for this as a mini series if it is picked up.

Oh, What was everyone's fav song? Mine had to be Midnights, followed by Aurora, and A Hope Like You. Hopefully, the mini-series has these on an album.
Also, was I the only one who looked to see if people put music to these on youtube? Totally guilty of this :)

(Also, it was so cool that in the interview Taylor Jenkins Reid seems just as excited to hear the album as readers are)