Reviews

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

bexmau's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

freshavocado's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Another gripping story from Taylor Jenkins Reid. After Evelyn Hugo, I didn’t know if I could expect better or even the same. I couldn’t put this one down for even a second. Though her nonstop introduction of new characters gets overwhelming at times, Reid’s ability to interweave such complex characters’ lives together is still truly miraculous. The Jenkins Reid spin on Hollywood and how broken people find their way forward is something that stays with me even when the story ends.

aliciagrasby's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

pugluver11's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this. This is very much an "all vibes no plot" type of book, but the characters are so vivid that it makes up for that. The narrator excellently captures the emotions of the characters. Even the minor characters feel fleshed out. This book touches on themes such as: family, trauma, grief, and self exploration. The author is great at describing settings vividly, to the point where it feels like you're there. I can tell that the author put a lot of thought into the plot points. Every scene feels like it has a purpose. I highly recommend reading this, especially in the summertime. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content

meadows2020's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

oliviasholmes's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

abireads07's review against another edition

inspiring reflective 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? Yes

4.75

bunny_herondale's review against another edition

5.0

God I loved this book so damn much, even though I hate Mick Riva with all my soul.

kristiforkinglovesbooks's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

hil_knecht's review against another edition

5.0

TJR can write a book. This might be my favorite of all of hers. I love a good messy family drama, a well-done back & forth timeline, nostalgia and any book that lets me live a life completely unlike my own.
If you like... books- you'll like this. I think most people would enjoy this. Well done Reid.

(I listened to the audio version of this and the narrator did a great job.)