Scan barcode
audreychiao's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Very smooth, entertaining read. I didn’t expect to like this book, but I grew fond of the Riva siblings’ relationships. Because this story involved many people hurting those they love, I paid attention to the apologies and to how people took accountability for their actions. And I enjoyed seeing how people responded differently to those apologies too.
My favorite quote from the book:
“ ‘Nina, you’re right. I’m a weak—‘
‘ Must be nice. To be able to be weak. I wouldn’t know.’ “
The book was incredibly easy and smooth to read, which makes me interested in reading the author’s other books.
Very smooth, entertaining read. I didn’t expect to like this book, but I grew fond of the Riva siblings’ relationships. Because this story involved many people hurting those they love, I paid attention to the apologies and to how people took accountability for their actions. And I enjoyed seeing how people responded differently to those apologies too.
My favorite quote from the book:
“ ‘Nina, you’re right. I’m a weak—‘
‘ Must be nice. To be able to be weak. I wouldn’t know.’ “
The book was incredibly easy and smooth to read, which makes me interested in reading the author’s other books.
saminanagrani's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sophiehannahh's review against another edition
5.0
taylor jenkins reid has done it again. SOOO good!!!!
mbenzz's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars - Taylor Jenkins Reid could write a book on 'Foot Fungus's of the Northern Hemisphere,' and I would find it absolutely enthralling. I don't normally care for dual narratives as I usually end up liking one section significantly more than the other, but that was not the case here. While my favorite sections were those from the late '50s and '60s telling us how Mick and June met and fell and love and the birth of their children and the ultimate breakdown of their marriage(s), I also really enjoy the 'present-day' 1983 story going over the fateful day of the famous Riva Party.
This story is such a mix of emotions. It was so sad how June had to struggle to give her children the best life she could and how so much pressure was put on a teenage Nina, yet also uplifting in just how much the four Riva children love one another and look out for each other. It was incredibly frustrating how so many women in this story just sit quietly and continue to take the bad behavior of the men around them, and also infuriating at the selfishness and callousness of said men. One chapter, I would be near tears, and the next, I'd be yelling at June to get off her ass and quit wallowing for a man who doesn't deserve her!
Overall, I just loved this story, and I think it will be another incredibly successful novel for Mrs. Reid. The only reason I shaved off half a star is; I guess I never really understood how Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit came to know all these incredibly famous people that came to their party every year, or why these incredibly famous people would WANT to come to their party. Sure, Nina was a model in her own right, and Jay was a famous surfer, but Hud and Kit are basically unknowns. All they have is the Riva last name.
I don't know; I think maybe it's because their background was so normal and understated that I never really got the 'friends-of-super-famous-movie-stars-and-Hollywood-big-wigs' vibe. Other than that, though, it was fantastic. While there certainly were some happy endings, it didn't get completely over-the-top mushy and all-forgiving. It felt like a natural and realistic ending for all characters involved, and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me early access to this book. It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021, and I would absolutely recommend it!
This story is such a mix of emotions. It was so sad how June had to struggle to give her children the best life she could and how so much pressure was put on a teenage Nina, yet also uplifting in just how much the four Riva children love one another and look out for each other. It was incredibly frustrating how so many women in this story just sit quietly and continue to take the bad behavior of the men around them, and also infuriating at the selfishness and callousness of said men. One chapter, I would be near tears, and the next, I'd be yelling at June to get off her ass and quit wallowing for a man who doesn't deserve her!
Overall, I just loved this story, and I think it will be another incredibly successful novel for Mrs. Reid. The only reason I shaved off half a star is; I guess I never really understood how Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit came to know all these incredibly famous people that came to their party every year, or why these incredibly famous people would WANT to come to their party. Sure, Nina was a model in her own right, and Jay was a famous surfer, but Hud and Kit are basically unknowns. All they have is the Riva last name.
I don't know; I think maybe it's because their background was so normal and understated that I never really got the 'friends-of-super-famous-movie-stars-and-Hollywood-big-wigs' vibe. Other than that, though, it was fantastic. While there certainly were some happy endings, it didn't get completely over-the-top mushy and all-forgiving. It felt like a natural and realistic ending for all characters involved, and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me early access to this book. It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021, and I would absolutely recommend it!
k_atrina's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
floralfae's review against another edition
4.0
4 ✧ ༉‧₊˚.
this book effortlessly encompasses the feeling of sonder. the realisation that each passerby, or in this case a director, musician, actor or model, or a beautiful family of four siblings during a night on 28510 cliffside drive, has a life as vivid and intricate as your own.
this book effortlessly encompasses the feeling of sonder. the realisation that each passerby, or in this case a director, musician, actor or model, or a beautiful family of four siblings during a night on 28510 cliffside drive, has a life as vivid and intricate as your own.
lauraloudmouth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cdrescher's review against another edition
4.0
This really is a 3.5 but for the sake of being nice I’ll round up…very easy and quick read, tugged at my heartstrings, but not nearly as great as Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones