Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A Review

If you are looking for the perfect Summer read, Malibu Rising is the book for you. I remember buying this book a couple of years ago, but it's been stuck in my wardrobe for ages. As I said in my last book post, I lost my love for reading after the lockdowns were lifted. Getting back to normality was more important than reading a new book!

This is the first Taylor Jenkins Reid book I have read, plus I had heard rave reviews on Malibu Rising, so I was eager to read it!

The story centres around the Riva family - Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit, four siblings who live in Malibu. The story centres around the past and present. The past centres around how the four siblings parent's met and what happened to Nina and her siblings during their childhood. The present centres around Nina Riva's annual end of Summer party in 1983, which is deemed to be THE biggest celeb event of the year. While we delve into the past through the book, the present is split into two big chapters - 7:00am-7:00pm and 7:00pm-7:00am. 

During the past chapters, we get to know more about the Riva's childhood and upbringing. It's quite sad how the sibling's childhood ended up, with Nina (the eldest) having to be the ultimate provider, support and nurturer for her three younger brothers and sister. What I loved is that during the present moment and during the party, we see how tight-knitted the siblings are. There are side plots which put their loyalties and love for each other to the test. Especially when their absent father Mick, who is a famous singer and performer, returns from the past.

I had a lot of sympathy and admiration for Nina during this story. The responsibilities she was handed at the start of adulthood are quite momentous, but her character is incredibly strong, grounded and quite the protagonist. I loved her siblings Jay, Hud and Kit. All of them have unique personalities and are very likeable characters. Another character I had sympathy for was Riva's mother, June. She has a tough time raising her children when her husband Mick is away a lot because of his career. 

Would you recommend the Malibu Rising?

Absolutely!

I loved this book! I won't lie, it took a few pages for me to really get into it. But once I got into it, it is such a heartwarming, but equally heartbreaking read. This book focuses on family, forgiveness, making mistakes and experiences. This is definitely the perfect Summer read when you're sitting by the pool chilling with a cocktail/mocktail. I'm also going to look at other Taylor Jenkins Reid books, I loved the writing style and it's a writing style I enjoy reading. 

I'd love to know your thoughts on Malibu Rising!