Trying to find your next literary obsession? Look no further than Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Taylor Jenkins Reid has made a name for herself with her captivating storytelling and complex characters. From love stories to historical fiction, her books have touched the hearts of many. But, which stories are the best of the best? Let’s talk about it!
So… Who Is Taylor Jenkins Reid?
If you’ve never heard of Taylor Jenkins Reid (or TJR as her fanbase lovingly calls her), I’m about to change your life. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a bestselling author known for her captivating and emotionally resonant novels. She began her writing career with contemporary romances and has since become renowned for her compelling historical fiction.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, TJR moved to Los Angeles, where the cultural backdrop often inspires her work. Her unique storytelling and ability to create multifaceted characters have earned her a dedicated following and critical acclaim. At age 40, Taylor Jenkins Reid is not just at the top of her game, but inspires women of all ages that a rich story is worth telling.
Taylor Jenkins Reid List of Works:
- “Forever, Interrupted” (2013)
- “After I Do” (2014)
- “Maybe in Another Life” (2015)
- “One True Loves” (2016)
- “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” (2017)
- “Evidence of the Affair” (2018)
- “Daisy Jones & The Six” (2019)
- “Malibu Rising” (2021)
- “Carrie Soto Is Back” (2022)
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s evolution from contemporary romance to intricate historical fiction highlights her versatility and talent as a writer. I (for one) have never thought I’d crave reading a novel based on history, but I absolutely cannot get enough!
Top 5 Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked:
While this is not a ranking of every single novel TJR has written, it’s my personal Top 5 I believe everyone should read. I’ve included a summary of each book, its strengths, weaknesses, and some memorable quotes to give you a well-rounded view of why these books stand out.
Here’s my ranking of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s top five books to help get you started on your journey to reading each of her works of art (yes, they’re that good):
1. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” – 5/5
Summary:
This novel tells the story of the glamorous and reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, who chooses an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to tell her life story. As Evelyn recounts her journey through seven marriages, the truth behind her decisions and the mystery of her greatest love is revealed. The book spans decades, offering a vivid portrayal of old Hollywood and the personal sacrifices Evelyn made for fame and love. The unexpected connection between Evelyn and Monique adds another layer of depth to the narrative.
Strengths:
The book shines with its intricate plot, rich character development, and the vivid portrayal of old Hollywood. Evelyn Hugo is a complex character whose life story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Get your highlighters ready, because this novel will make you want to annotate. My personal copy is highlighted with quotes that blew my mind.
Weaknesses:
It’s hard to find a flaw in this masterpiece. I know the hype of this book on TikTok left some readers with unfulfilled promises, so my advice is to go in with an open mind. The narrative is gripping from start to finish, making it hard to put down.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”
- “When you’re given an opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn’t give things, you take things.”
2. “Daisy Jones & The Six” – 4.5/5
Summary:
Written in a unique oral history format, this book follows the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band, Daisy Jones & The Six. The story is told through interviews with band members, capturing their personal and professional lives. Daisy Jones, a free-spirited singer, and Billy Dunne, the band’s leader, have a tumultuous relationship that fuels their music but also leads to their downfall. The book explores themes of addiction, love, and the cost of fame, making readers feel like they’re reading a real documentary.
Strengths:
The format makes it feel like a documentary, providing an immersive experience. Each of the characters are vividly drawn, and the behind-the-scenes look at the music industry is fascinating. If you want to take it a step further and bring this story to life in your mind, Amazon Prime made a PERFECT adaption in a limited series format.
Weaknesses:
The interview style can be challenging to get into initially, which may put off some readers. I had difficulty in the beginning, but once I got used to it – I was hooked.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I had absolutely no interest in being somebody else’s muse. I am not a muse. I am the somebody.”
- “You have to have one person in your life that you know would never lie to you.”
3. “Carrie Soto Is Back” – 4/5
Summary:
Carrie Soto, a retired tennis champion, returns to the sport to defend her record after it is threatened by a younger player. The book delves into Carrie’s fierce determination and the sacrifices she makes for her career. It also explores her complicated relationship with her father, who is also her coach, and the emotional toll of her relentless pursuit of greatness. The novel offers an intimate look at the highs and lows of professional sports and the personal cost of ambition.
Strengths:
The character of Carrie Soto is compelling, even if she is difficult to love at times. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and the emotional depth of her story are powerfully portrayed. As a woman, it’s a shock to the system seeing a female character rooted so deeply in her own desires that absolutely nothing gets in the way.
Weaknesses:
Carrie’s single-mindedness can be frustrating, but it’s also what makes her journey so moving. You will love her at times and hate her at times. TJR intended you to feel exactly this way because Carrie is a difficult character, but she has this power that sucks you in.
Memorable Quotes:
- “The hard part isn’t winning. The hard part is knowing when to stop.”
- “Greatness doesn’t come easy. That’s why it is so rare.”
4. “Malibu Rising” – 4/5
Summary:
Set in the summer of 1983, “Malibu Rising” follows the Riva siblings—children of a famous singer—as they throw an annual end-of-summer party. Over the course of 24 hours, secrets are revealed and tensions explode. The story interweaves the past and present, exploring the siblings’ relationships with their absentee father and each other. The novel captures the glitz and glamour of Malibu, as well as the undercurrents of pain and resilience within the Riva family.
Strengths:
This book is a quintessential summer read with its beach setting and family drama. The Riva siblings are well-developed characters, each with their own struggles and triumphs. If you are looking for an easy-breezy story with a touch of glamour, this is the perfect choice.
Weaknesses:
While enjoyable, it doesn’t have the emotional impact of Reid’s top three books. It has a special spot on my bookshelf, but I tend to re-read some of her other works more.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Our family histories are simply stories. They are myths we create about the people who came before us, in order to make sense of ourselves.”
- “You can be okay again. Just not in the same way.”
5. “One True Loves” – 3.5/5
Summary:
Emma Blair’s life is turned upside down when her husband, who was presumed dead, returns years after she has started a new life and fallen in love again. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and moving forward. Emma is faced with an impossible choice between the husband she thought she lost and the fiancé who helped her rebuild her life. The story delves into the complexities of true love and the courage it takes to let go and start anew.
Strengths:
It’s a sweet and heartfelt love story with a profound message about the nature of true love and second chances. The duality of the two lives Emma is drawn towards is incredibly relatable with how unique each proves to be. It has a touch of a Sliding Doors feel.
Weaknesses:
When compared to Reid’s other works, it feels less complex. Don’t get me wrong, this is a delightful plot, but her best work is truly the Top 4. The narrative is more straightforward and lacks the historical fiction elements that elevate her later works.
Memorable Quotes:
- “You have to believe that you are capable of love. That you deserve love. And you have to believe that you are enough. That you are worthy.”
- “When you lose someone you love, they never really leave you. They stay with you, walking beside you, never more than a whisper away.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid Books: Wrap-Up
Taylor Jenkins Reid has an incredible talent for crafting deeply emotional and engaging stories. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” stands out as her best work (in my humble opinion), followed closely by the unique and compelling “Daisy Jones & The Six.” Each of these books has that something special, and ranking them is no easy task.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books are sure to leave a lasting impression. No matter which story you choose to pick up, trust me – it’s worth the read.
Do you agree with my Taylor Jenkins Reid book rankings? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts: