Susanne’s Review:
Malibu Rising: My First Read by Taylor Jenkins Reid – and What a Read it Was!
Family, as we all know, tends to have both good and bad apples. The Riva family is a prime example.
Siblings Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit have only ever had each other to rely on. Their love for each other, their mother June, and the ocean, is their bond.
Nina became famous at the age of 17 as a surfing model. Nina, however, has other hopes and dreams, ones that seem unattainable. Jay is also famous. An award-winning surfer who has always wanted to make it to the top. Hud is a photographer who makes a living taking photographs. His most celebrated, are of his brother. Kit is the baby of the family. Always in the shadows, she has never been taken seriously.
For years, Nina Riva has thrown a party at her home in Malibu – it’s an annual end-of-the-summer party to celebrate and let go. Anyone who’s anyone shows up. If you know the address, you’re invited.
In the Summer of 1983, Nina Riva hosts her annual Summer Soiree. As the hours count down, the lives of Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit are changed forever.
Sheer insanity ensues and I mean insanity. Complete and utter destruction, debauchery, drugs, sex, and of course, rock and roll, transpires. It was like Armageddon! All I can say is, I hope this was and is fiction.
The loving relationship shared by the siblings made this novel for me! I adored Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit and so appreciated how much they supported each other throughout the course of their lives, regardless of what each person went through. While I didn’t love all aspects of this book and don’t condone the behavior of any of the party-goers, I love the character development and adored the characters of Hud and Kit.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey and I really enjoyed sharing this read with her.
A huge thank you goes out to Mimi Chan at Goodreads for sending me this galley. Thank you also to Random House Publishing – Ballantine Books and Taylor Jenkins Reid as well.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Insta.
Kaceey’s Review:
There is something about Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing that just draws you in. She tells a story so differently than anyone else. You are instantly there in California with the sun shining down and sand between your toes.
A party is about to take place. No invitations. Anyone who knows the date and address is welcome. Come one…come all. Only this party may just get a bit out of hand.
Four siblings have grown up in the shadows of their famous father Mick Riva. . Their life hasn’t been easy. And though the world may know and love him. His own children had little idea of who he was.
The eldest daughter Nina has put her own life aside to do what’s right for the family and make sure everyone is raised with love. Will she have a chance to find her own happiness?
Tonight’s party may leave the family closer than ever or shattered beyond repair. You will have to attend to find out.
I listened to this author’s previous book Daisy Jones And The Six last year and it changed me completely for audio! All this time later I still can’t stop thinking about it. And though I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much it is still staying with me and I find myself thinking about it all the time. Isn’t that what we all want when we read a book? That lasting impression.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine.
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