Get the definitive list of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books ranked so you can quickly and easily discover your first or next great “TJR” book. I’ve read them all and share what’s the best and why, from the ever-popular The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and beyond. You’ll also get a free printable PDF checklist to track your reading of her bestselling books. Let’s get literary!
List of All Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked
Below are all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books ranked by my rating, starting with the best:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017) ★★★★★
- Daisy Jones & The Six (2019) ★★★★★
- Malibu Rising (2020) ★★★★★
- Evidence of the Affair (2018) ★★★★☆
- Maybe in Another Life (2015) ★★★★☆
- Carrie Soto is Back (2022) ★★★★☆
- One True Loves (2016) ★★★☆☆
- After I Do (2014) ★★★☆☆
- Forever, Interrupted (2013) ★★★☆☆
(Alternatively, see Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books in order of publication.)
Most Famous Book: Start by reading Taylor Jenkins Reid’s most popular books, Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Reviews of the Best Taylor Jenkins Reid Books
As I review all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books by rating, I must note they are all good books and opinions can differ. So, in my reviews, I focus on who each book is best for, its general popularity, etc.
#1 of 9: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Plot: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is the most epic Hollywood glam story of an aging actress’s salacious life and seven marriages.
She enlists an unknown magazine reporter and divulges her secrets and love affairs from the 1950s to the present. You’ll gasp as a major twist is revealed early on, and the twists keep coming as fast as the juicy details.
My Thoughts: This popular book, reviewed by over 3 million readers on GoodReads, makes you turn the pages faster than a tabloid in the grocery checkout line. The author perfectly explores every aspect of Evelyn Hugo’s complex, flawed character, from seductive to endearing. The result is one of the most memorable characters I’ve read in literature, and I’m certainly not alone in this belief.
If you read only one book on this list, make it this one!
#2 of 9: Daisy Jones & The Six
Plot: Loosely based on the band Fleetwood Mac and told entirely in documentary format through interviews, Daisy Jones & the Six is the story of a 1970s rock band focused on the lead singer, the enigmatic Daisy Jones.
From how the band got together to “the good years” and their ultimate demise, you likely won’t be surprised to learn there’s lots of sex, drugs, and rock and roll in this book.
My Thoughts: Daisy Jones & the Six is one of the most unique books I have ever read. The documentary format and meticulous attention to detail make this book and its characters feel alive. It even includes a full set of album lyrics, through which you can all but hear lead singer Daisy Jones crooning to the lead male vocalist, Billie, a la Stevie Nicks.
Reading Tips: Narrated by a full cast (including famous actors), it’s one of the best audiobooks of all time. However, I’ve also read this book in print and enjoyed that format, including the song lyrics, as well. You can’t go wrong! The adaptation is likewise exceptional.
Related Post: Review of Daisy Jones & The Six
#3 of 9: Malibu Rising
Plot: Malibu Rising is on fire — literally. By the end of the 24-hour day on which the Riva family’s 1983 “end of summer” bash takes place, their Malibu mansion has gone up in flames.
Famous musician Mick Riva’s four children are dealing with drama, from the surfer-supermodel to the championship surfer, the renowned photographer, and the adored youngest child.
One has been publicly left by her pro tennis player husband. Another has a huge confession to make. The third can’t stop thinking about a girl, and the fourth has secrets, including an uninvited guest who impacts everything. This sets the stage for one explosive night.
My Thoughts: I didn’t think Taylor Jenkins Reid could outdo herself again, but she did! This is a completely immersive story in which the short time frame and intimate nature of the conflicts at issue keep these tensions high until they combust. The 1980s Malibu setting also really sets the mood. You don’t want to miss this one!
#4 of 9: Evidence of the Affair
Plot: In Evidence of the Affair, a desperate woman writes a letter to a man she’s never met, and a choice is made that forever changes both of their lives. Their subsequent correspondences slowly and carefully reveal the hurtful details of an illicit affair.
My Thoughts: It’s an exquisitely crafted short story that draws you in and makes an impact, which is rare for such a brief literary work. It’s a comprehensive exploration of matters of the heart told with the intimacy only personal letters can provide. It cuts right to your core.
Reading Tip: It’s only available on Amazon Kindle and Audible.
#5 of 9: Maybe in Another Life
Plot: In Maybe in Another Life, Hannah is a twentysomething who has never felt she had a real home. She makes a choice one night that massively impacts her life.
This sets the stage for two storylines that occur in parallel universes. One gives her a second chance at love, and the other gives her a new chance. Both come with even more complications.
My Thoughts: This story about fate versus free will was well written. Throughout, I questioned which path I preferred for Hannah. Overall, it’s the type of book that both entertains you and also makes you think about life.
#6 of 9: Carrie Soto is Back
Plot: Carrie Soto is Back is a tennis comeback story that centers in great part on a father-daughter relationship.
Coached by her father, Carrie had a “win at all costs” attitude and was the best tennis player in the world when she retired, shattering records and earning titles.
Her record is taken six years later, so she returns for one final year. This time, she’s also assisted by the one man she almost gave her heart to years earlier.
My Thoughts: It’s a quick and suspenseful read with a satisfying arc. However, this book was also controversial for being about a Latina woman but written by a white woman.
Reading Tip: The audiobook is narrated by a full cast with fun little sports news snippets that make it feel like a podcast and/or a real life sporting event.
#7 of 9: After I Do
Plot: After I Do starts when Lauren and Ryan’s marriage has reached its breaking point. But, instead of splitting up, they decided to split apart for one full year of no contact.
Lauren focuses on family and self-discovery while sneaking into Ryan’s emails to see what he is doing. Meanwhile, Lauren’s family gives her much to think about regarding love and marriage.
I won’t spoil whether they ultimately stay together or apart, but I will say it’s a very satisfying ending that ties up loose ends for all of the family members’ storylines.
My Thoughts: The story starts with bickering that may turn off some readers. That being said, this conflict makes the relationship feel more realistic. The reader should also like learning a character’s innermost thoughts through letters, which Reid does handle well.
It wasn’t my favorite book of Reid’s, but I generally enjoyed it (especially Lauren’s family, whose storylines are all immersive) and recommend it for a quick, contemporary read that explores the challenges of real life.
#8 of 9: One True Loves
Plot: In One True Loves, Emma married her high school sweetheart, Jessie, and her newlywed life was blissful until their first anniversary when he went missing at sea and was presumed dead.
As she grieves the loss, she returns home and starts over, eventually getting a second chance at true love by falling for an old friend, Sam. Then, Jessie returns, and Emma must confront her past and present simultaneously.
My Thoughts: The unique circumstances presented in One True Loves were compelling, but I also found it predictable and lacking in complexity. Still, it was an engaging read for romance readers to devour.
#9 of 9: Forever, Interrupted
Plot: In Forever, Interrupted, Elsie meets and instantly falls in love with a charming man named Ben on New Year’s Day. By May, they elope.
Just one week later, Ben is tragically killed. Now, Elsie must face life without Ben and with Susan, the mother-in-law she has never met and who doesn’t even know she exists.
The story weaves Elsie’s and Ben’s unlikely love story with the grieving process of the two leading ladies in his life.
My Thoughts: Forever, Interrupted was a quick and interesting read I enjoyed, but it didn’t grab me emotionally like Reid’s other books did. While it’s at the bottom of my list of Reid’s books ranked, I still encourage you to pick it up if this plot speaks to you!
Printable PDF List of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Books
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About Author Taylor Jenkins Reid
about
Taylor Jenkins Reid is a #1 New York Times bestselling, famous book author who has won awards for her fiction. Many of her books are women’s historical fiction books and/or have romance plots. They’re been read by millions of readers.
Taylor Jenkins Reid grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Boston’s Emerson College with a degree in media studies. She resides in Los Angeles, having begun her career in film production.
Recap
The list of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books ranked reveals that I’m not alone in choosing my favorites, as they are beloved by millions of other readers too!
TOP 2 PICKS
Get started with the two books beloved by me and millions of other readers:
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
