(37) Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

Nina Riva is the oldest daughter of the famous singer, Mick Riva. Nina has been raising her younger siblings ever since their mother died, because Mick has never really been involved with their lives. Nina even dropped out of school to run the family restaurant. But it was Nina's job as a swimsuit model that allowed her to buy her home. The home on the Malibu cliffs overlooking the ocean. The home where she throws her infamous party every year. This year, 1983, is no different. Nina, her sister Kit, and their brothers, Jay and Hud, are prepping for the big party. They start the day with lunch at the restaurant. And they go their separate ways before the party. This night is a turning point for the Riva children and after this party nothing will ever be the same again. 

Malibu Rising is a "slow burn" kind of book. The story moves along at a slow burn, building to an explosive conclusion. The book starts out telling the story of Mick and June. The book is told in alternating timelines between when their mother, June, met Mick and present day 1983. The "past" moves chronologically and eventually it catches up with the "present." Even though the Riva children have a famous father, their lives revolve around the beach. They all have a connection to the surfing world. All the Riva children were easy to like and easy to become invested in their story. As easily as I like the Riva children, it was just as easy to dislike their father. And June? I just pitied her. But I also pitied Nina. - CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS. I really liked how the author ended things - not what I was expecting, but still an ending I could support.

Bottom Line - To call Malibu Rising a beach read doesn't really do it justice. It is deep and layered and so richly written that it is easy to forget everything but the Riva family. 

Details: 

• Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• On Facebook 
• Pages: 384
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Publication Date: 6/1/2021
• Buy it Here! 
• Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for an honest review.