Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
How do you feel about hyped up stories? I know it can be hit or miss for some. I usually put off falling for the most buzzed about books because I’m stubborn. It took me a long time to finally reach for Daisy Jones & the Six and then, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. But once I did, I got. So needless to say, I was hyped for a new Taylor Jenkins Reid.
I really liked Malibu Rising. It is a perfect summer read because it is fast paced, glamorous, fun, and heartfelt. But in terms of being a new favorite…I think this one fell a little flat. I still couldn’t put it down, loved the setting and the story, but it didn’t make it’s way into my heart like her other books have.
Synopsis: “
Malibu is buzzing with anticipation for Nina Riva's annual party. Everyone wants to be in the company of the famous Rivas: Nina, the surfer and model; her brothers, Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other his renowned photographer; and Kit, the adored baby of the family. As if that picture-perfect family isn't enough, their father is Mick Riva, the legendary singer.
By morning, the Riva mansion will have burned to the ground. And no one will know how the fire started. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play and the loves and secret yearnings that shaped this family across generations will all come bubbling to the surface to make for a night no one will ever forget. This is a story about family: about what you choose to keep from the people who made you, and what you must leave behind. “ —From the publisher
What I Liked:
The Story Telling—Taylor Jenkins Reid has one of the most enviable qualities of a writer: unputdownable writing. I love her storytelling and how she weaves different time periods and people. I have to keep turning the pages.
The Characters—I’m a sucker for a big family story and I really liked the Riva family. I loved the siblings and the family history. Plus all the side characters and side stories were extremely compelling and entertaining, especially with all the glamorous Hollywood aspects.
The Setting—I didn’t have any clue about the history of Malibu and I was fascinated by it! I want to read more books set there!
What Didn’t Work:
Maybe Too Many Characters?—With all the different people, I did sort of feel like we lost out of some of the characters’ stories
Feels a Bit Underdeveloped—In the same vain, it didn’t feel as vast as Reid’s other books. It sweeps through time and yet, I still feel like it flew by too quickly. I had a lot of questions at the end and not in a fun way.
TW/CW: TW: parental abandonment; addiction (alcohol); loss of a parent, death (drowning)
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Steam Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 4/5