Okay, let’s be real for a second.
Jumping into the world of Taylor Jenkins Reid is like walking into a friend’s house during a family feud.
It’s messy, emotional, and honestly, kind of exhausting.
But in the best way possible.
I started reading her stuff a few years back and I haven’t really stopped.
The way she writes, especially the non-linear timelines, can trip you up if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to start with Taylor Jenkins, you might feel a bit overwhelmed.
There are so many covers on the shelf.
Is ‘Daisy Jones’ the one? Or should you stick to ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ again? I’ve read almost everything she’s written, so I figured I’d break it down for you.
From the huge hits to the lesser-known gems, here is the ultimate Taylor Jenkins Reid reading list.
The Taylor Jenkins Reid Chaos (and why it works)
Before we get to the ranking, we have to talk about the style.
Most authors stick to a straight line.
Taylor? She loves to hop around in time. And this is where things get interesting.
It’s almost like watching a movie where you skip ahead, then rewind, then fast forward.
It takes a little getting used to, especially in books like Daisy Jones & The Six.
But once you get the hang of it, it makes the payoff way more satisfying.
You get these little pieces of the puzzle falling into place that make you go, ‘Oh, I get it now.’
1.
Daisy Jones & The Six (The Masterpiece)
Look, I know this is the most obvious answer. Now think about that for a second.
Everyone has read it, right? But it deserves the top spot.
It’s written in this fake interview format that feels so real you’ll start checking if Rolling Stone actually published it.
The story of a fictional rock band breaking up in the 70s is filled with secrets, sex, and drugs.
It’s messy.
It’s chaotic.
It’s perfect.
If you’ve only read one of her books, make it this one.
2.
One True Loves (The Classic Tearjerker)
If you want to guarantee a few sleepless nights, start here.
It’s the story of Emma, a woman who loses her husband in a helicopter crash and then has to navigate falling in love with his best friend.
It sounds cliché, and it is. Now think about that for a second.
It’s a trope-filled rom-com.
But it’s the execution that kills you.
I honestly cried until my eyes were swollen shut the first time I read this.
It’s a gut punch of a book that leaves you feeling completely drained.
3.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (The Epic)
Don’t let the length scare you off.
This book is a rollercoaster.
Evelyn Hugo is this reclusive Hollywood icon who decides to tell her whole life story to a young journalist.
The twist? She’s not telling it for the glory.
She’s doing it to find the truth about her one true love.
It jumps around decades, diving into her seven marriages.
It’s glamorous, tragic, and totally immersive.
You are going to want to live in 1940s Hollywood while you read this.
4.
Malibu Rising (Family Drama)
Turns out, Taylor Jenkins Reid is also really good at writing family drama.
This one focuses on the Rivas siblings—four kids whose parents are famous celebrities.
It’s set over one crazy night where they’re throwing a party while their dad’s ex-wife is crashing the event.
It’s got heat waves, secret babies, and sibling rivalries. Now think about that for a second.
It’s lighter than ‘Evelyn Hugo’ but just as gripping. But there’s a catch.
It’s great for when you want something juicy but not totally devastating.
5. And this is where things get interesting.
Maybe in Another Life (The What-Ifs)
This one is interesting because it deals with fate and second chances.
The story follows a woman who has to choose between her steady boyfriend and her wild, adventurous soulmate.
Years later, she wakes up to find she made the other choice.
Now she has to live a whole other life she didn’t choose.
It makes you think about all the paths you didn’t take.
It’s a bit slower paced than her other stuff, but the premise is super cool.
6.
Forever, Always, and Maybe (The Intro)
Here is the thing: this is a novella, not a full novel.
But it’s the perfect starting point. Here’s the interesting part.
It’s basically a prequel to One True Loves.
If you want to know how Emma and Jesse met before everything went wrong, read this.
It’s cute, short, and sets the stage perfectly.
I wish she wrote more of these, to be honest. And this is where things get interesting.
It’s a nice little palate cleanser between the heavier books.
7.
After I Do (Relationship Struggles)
This book is raw.
It’s about a couple who tries a ‘trial separation’ to save their marriage.
It’s messy, ugly, and deals with infidelity. Here’s the interesting part.
It’s not as ‘cozy’ as some of her other titles.
It feels very grounded in real-life struggles.
If you like books about relationships that are actually realistic—where people screw up and have to fix it—this is the one for you.
Where to Start with Taylor Jenkins Reid: A Guide
So, how do you actually choose? Well, it depends on your mood.
- If you want the absolute best writing: Go for Daisy Jones & The Six.
- If you want to cry your eyes out: One True Loves.
- If you want Hollywood glamour: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
- If you want family drama: Malibu Rising.
Also, if you are in a book club, Daisy Jones and Evelyn Hugo are the go-to discussion starters.
Everyone has an opinion on them.
You can’t go wrong with those two.
Adaptations and the Future of the Books
It is super cool to see these stories coming to life.
You’ve probably seen the trailers for the Daisy Jones show on Amazon Prime. Oddly enough,
And honestly? It looks incredible.
The chemistry between the leads is already sparking.
I think having these visual adaptations brings a new audience to the books, which is great.
It’s always better to read the book first, though.
I feel like you get so much more out of the internal monologues and the timeline shifts on the page.
Image source: pexels.com
One thing I’ve noticed as a reader is that her fanbase is incredibly loyal.
There is this whole ecosystem of fan art and theories online. Oddly enough,
It makes the reading experience feel communal.
You’re not just sitting in a room alone with a book; you’re part of this massive, emotional conversation.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Taylor Jenkins Reid writes about people who are flawed. And this is where things get interesting.
They make mistakes. And this is where things get interesting.
They fall in love when they shouldn’t.
They hurt the people they love.
It’s comforting in a weird way.
Reading her books reminds you that everyone is just trying to figure it out.
So, grab a copy of Daisy Jones or One True Loves, pour yourself a drink, and get ready to be absolutely consumed by the story.
I promise you won’t regret it.
Have you read any of these? What’s your favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book? Let me know in the comments, I’m always looking for my next read. But there’s a catch.
And hey, if you finish all of these, you might need a break.
Maybe check out some other great rom-com authors to keep the momentum going.
Image source credit: pexels.com