Thursday, May 16, 2024
Review - Malibu Rising
AUTHOR: Taylor Jenkins Reid
NARRATOR: Julia Whelan
RATING: ★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): Malibu 1983. Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of one night, each of their lives will be changed forever in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six.
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.
REVIEW: I've always been a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid because her books draw me into the lives of people I know I would never meet in real life - actors, actresses, singers, etc. Malibu Rising has a huge ensemble of these types of people, and every one of them have their own unique story. I loved the four main characters (Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit). Having several siblings myself (four brothers), I could relate to the strong dynamic between these four siblings. I also understood the trials they endured with their parents constant drama, and I found myself cheering them on as they navigated through love and hardships. The first half of the book has dual timelines, and I liked that because I was able to get to know the four siblings and their parents, and it helps to get a true sense of who they are as a group and as individuals. The second half of the book is basically just one wild party that lasted twelve hours and completely changed their lives. There are many different character viewpoints in the second half of the book, which might be a little confusing to some readers, but I personally enjoyed it. This is a party with 200+ people, most of who you could call the "elite" bunch (movie stars, sports legends, famous singers, etc.), and let's just say it's an unforgettable wild ride. I adore the narrator, Julia Whelan, and the way she gives each character their own unique voice is truly amazing. She's the main reason I chose the audiobook instead of the print book. If you want a story that will break your heart one minute and make you laugh out loud the next minute, then this book is for you. Recommended!
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I haven't read anything by TJR. I think I need to start with this one. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. It's awesome. Thank you for visiting, Susan!
DeleteLoved this one! Their background was so rocky and heartbreaking and I loved the way they kind of banded together. And the little tie-in's to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo made me smile. :)
ReplyDeleteWait! How did I miss that about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? What was said?
DeleteThe siblings father was Mick Riva. Mick Riva was once married to Evelyn and was in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I seem to remember her also being mentioned in passing (in regards to Mick) early in Malibu Rising. I loved the cross-over. :)
DeleteOh my goodness! That is so cool. I love cross over's too. Thank you for stopping by, Tanya! Have a great week!
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