Friday, July 16, 2021

Book Review - Malibu Rising; Taylor Jenkins Reid

 


TITLE/AUTHORMalibu Rising; Taylor Jenkins Reid

PUBLISHER:   Random House Audio

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

GENRE: Fiction / Family Saga

FORMAT: audio download LENGTH: 11 hours 5 min.

SOURCE:  Publisher / audio download

SETTING(s):  Malibu, CA

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:  An epic party to celebrate the end of summer changes the lives of many.

BRIEF REVIEW:  Malibu Rising tells the story of the four Riva siblings: Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit and their parents June and Mick.  Mick was a famous singer who fell in love with June, the daughter of The Costas who owned fish & chips joint in town in 1956.  Through flashbacks we learn much about their rocky relationship and life together how it affected the lives of their four children through the lead up of the big end-of-summer bash on August 27, 1983, that gets out of control and ends in disaster.

A love a good family saga and think this one has that feel. This is definitely a character driven story and the author does a great job letting the reader get to know each of the Riva siblings and to and lesser degree, parents June and Mick. I loved the strong sibling ties. By far, Nina was my favorite character, a gorgeous model, fabulous surfer but someone who with a sense of responsibility to others and someone who  put the needs of others above her own. I liked June and Riva's story and that invincible feeling when young and in love that sometimes makes one overlook the obvious. I liked the Malibu beach scene and the 1980s vibes: the sun, the surf, the music and the fancy free lifestyle. My least favorite aspects of this story was the details of the rich and entitled party attendees who seemed to do everything in excess. There was plenty of booze, drugs and sex in this novel as well. Overall I liked this story even though some parts were overdone.

This is my second novel by this author, Daisy Jones and the Six was my first and one I enjoyed.  I gather that Mick Riva was one of the husbands in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but I haven't read that one yet.

RATING:  4/5

Thanks go to Random House Audio for allowing me access to this book in exchange for my unbiased review. The audiobook was read by Julia Whelan who did a great job.

23 comments:

  1. It sounds pretty good and the the reader doing a good job is sure a plus!

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  2. I'm looking forward to reading this one so thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love a good family drama!

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    1. The characters were well-explored, a little too much drama at times but, I liked it.

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  3. I loved listening to Daisy Jones and the Six, but this one isn't calling to me. Yet. Maybe I'll feel more enthusiastic about it once I've gotten caught up on some of my other audiobooks.

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    1. I wasn't sure as I was thinking "spoiled little rich kids" in Malibu but, these siblings felt pretty real.

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  4. I haven't read anything by this author. Maybe soon.

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    1. The audio was good Vicki but, not sure if it's a story you would enjoy.

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  5. This is an author that has been on my TBR for ages but I haven't read anything by her. This one appeals to me especially. I can't resist a sibling relationship.

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    1. Yes, the siblings aspect of this one was very good and it was easy to feel like you knew the key characters.

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  6. I haven't read anything by this author, but am pretty sure my daughter is bringing her copy of this book when she comes to visit. Maybe I'll give it a try!

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    1. The audio was very good but, I bet the print at times would be more desirable - good combo possibility as well.

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  7. I haven't read any thing by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I'm putting this one on my list. It is also time to see about Daisy Jones and the Six!

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    1. I'd be curious to read your thoughts if you decide to try either of these.

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  8. I read Evelyn Hugo a few years ago and had forgotten about Mick Riva. It's cool that he makes an appearance in her latest book. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Malibu Rising!

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    1. I want to read that one as well as the reviews seem really good.

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  9. I haven't read anything by this author but this one is the one that sounds more interesting to me. Really glad you enjoyed it and hopefully I'll get to it one of these days!

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    1. It was an interesting story and loved the setting as well.

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  10. Glad for your thoughts on this one! I liked Daisy Jones on audio ... and had this book on my summer list. It seems like a good enough beach kind of read .... although it seems mostly character driven .... sometimes I wish these kinds of stories were shorter too!

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  11. This one is high on my list after her last book. I own a copy but I didn't get it until after I chose my summer reading list so it will sit for a bit.

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  12. My mom gave me her copy but I haven't gotten to it yet. I read Maybe in Another Life by this author and thought it was pretty good.

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  13. I've been seeing so much of this book on blogs and everyone seems to be enjoying it.

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