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louisa_pre's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Did I find the characters loveable? YES I DID!!!
The book follows four siblings for 24 hours on a day in August in 1983. The reader knows from the very beginning that by the end of the day, their house will have gone up in flames. That already had me hooked, and I wanted to know under which circumstances that would happen.
And while the story leads up to that fire, we get to know Jay, Hud, Kit and Nina Riva. I read riva and was like- wait a second Riva, like Mick Riva? Evelyn Hugo’s third husband Mick Riva? Yes Indeed, he’s their father…
There were multiple Easter eggs connecting to „the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo“. Although this book was not about her, I just loved to notice the little connections and being in the same world. However, this story isn’t set in LA or NYC but Malibu.
It has perfect surfer vibes and the setting felt like summer to me. During the 24 hours we get flashbacks starting in the fifties leading up to the 80s. These are about the Riva Kids parents and I liked getting the entire background information on the family.
Later when the party at the riva mansion begins, TJR introduces MANY characters- like at least 15? - but I feel like she did it so well that I wanted to know about all of them. There is depth in every character and we get to understand all their motifs and emotions because they are so well written. I love the bond that the siblings have, I think it would make sense to turn this into a movie or a tv series.
I felt all the emotions when mick left and then showed up almost 20 years later. I think I would read his small part in Evelyn Hugo differently now that I know he already had three children at that point. I was angry at his betrayal on June and his kids and I was very glad when Nina spoke up to him in the end.
The book follows four siblings for 24 hours on a day in August in 1983. The reader knows from the very beginning that by the end of the day, their house will have gone up in flames. That already had me hooked, and I wanted to know under which circumstances that would happen.
And while the story leads up to that fire, we get to know Jay, Hud, Kit and Nina Riva. I read riva and was like- wait a second Riva, like Mick Riva? Evelyn Hugo’s third husband Mick Riva? Yes Indeed, he’s their father…
There were multiple Easter eggs connecting to „the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo“. Although this book was not about her, I just loved to notice the little connections and being in the same world. However, this story isn’t set in LA or NYC but Malibu.
It has perfect surfer vibes and the setting felt like summer to me. During the 24 hours we get flashbacks starting in the fifties leading up to the 80s. These are about the Riva Kids parents and I liked getting the entire background information on the family.
Later when the party at the riva mansion begins, TJR introduces MANY characters- like at least 15? - but I feel like she did it so well that I wanted to know about all of them. There is depth in every character and we get to understand all their motifs and emotions because they are so well written. I love the bond that the siblings have, I think it would make sense to turn this into a movie or a tv series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Death of parent
bookswithzee1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent
the_clueless_tourist's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Suicide and Pregnancy
Minor: Drug use, Misogyny, Police brutality, and Alcohol
lalalauren_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Infidelity, and Death of parent
pkbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I could not put this book down, the story was constantly developing and leaving me wanting more. I finished it in two days.
The book has a really nice flow, one story leads into the next even with the time skips. We got to see the perspective of all the main characters, which lead me to feel all their emotions. Frustration, happiness, heartbreak, etc you will be right there with them.
Trigger warning - infidelity, alcoholism, child abandonment, and death
The book has a really nice flow, one story leads into the next even with the time skips. We got to see the perspective of all the main characters, which lead me to feel all their emotions. Frustration, happiness, heartbreak, etc you will be right there with them.
Trigger warning - infidelity, alcoholism, child abandonment, and death
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Car accident and Fire/Fire injury
booklover129's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
3.25
This book was a bit disappointing. Previously I have read other books by Taylor Jenkins Reid and found that I have enjoyed the writing style and format of them. But I found Malibu Rising, particularly part one, very repetitive and monotonous. The ending almost makes up for the start and middle of this book but I can’t help but feeling let down at not liking this as much as I thought I would. Although, many of the characters are likeable I just had an issue with the writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Miscarriage, Vomit, and Abortion
kmerrmoon's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Loved but one thing I didn’t like is all of the random characters introduced at the party. Hard to keep them straight and seemed really rushed
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction
spellbindingtomes's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦.
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Malibu Rising focuses on the four famous Riva siblings as they throw their annual end-of-summer party in Malibu in 1983. Over 24 hours, each sibling faces personal challenges and secrets that will change their lives forever.
•
•
•
This was such a compelling exploration of family dynamics, fame, and the choices we make about our past and future all set against the backdrop of 1980s Malibu. The story spans just 24 hours weaving together the past and present slowly unveiling the Riva family's complex history.
TJR is an expert in developing strong family bonds in her stories. Malibu Rising really shows how family can be the greatest source of your love and happiness, but at the same time can be the cause of so much heartbreak and pain. I got attached to each of the Riva siblings as we see them grapple with their own demons throughout the day.
I was very impressed by how TJR managed to make a single night feel both expansive and intimate. The party scenes were both chaotically fun and entertaining. I could definitely picture this being a movie!
The audiobook, narrated by Julia Whelan, enhances the story tenfold and I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Malibu Rising is a thought-provoking and engaging read that delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complex nature of familial bonds. A definite must-read for the last few days of summer that packs an emotional punch.
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Malibu Rising focuses on the four famous Riva siblings as they throw their annual end-of-summer party in Malibu in 1983. Over 24 hours, each sibling faces personal challenges and secrets that will change their lives forever.
•
•
•
This was such a compelling exploration of family dynamics, fame, and the choices we make about our past and future all set against the backdrop of 1980s Malibu. The story spans just 24 hours weaving together the past and present slowly unveiling the Riva family's complex history.
TJR is an expert in developing strong family bonds in her stories. Malibu Rising really shows how family can be the greatest source of your love and happiness, but at the same time can be the cause of so much heartbreak and pain. I got attached to each of the Riva siblings as we see them grapple with their own demons throughout the day.
I was very impressed by how TJR managed to make a single night feel both expansive and intimate. The party scenes were both chaotically fun and entertaining. I could definitely picture this being a movie!
The audiobook, narrated by Julia Whelan, enhances the story tenfold and I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Malibu Rising is a thought-provoking and engaging read that delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complex nature of familial bonds. A definite must-read for the last few days of summer that packs an emotional punch.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
zorhose's review against another edition
3.0
This was decent, but not Taylor Jenkins Reid's best. I think hardcore fans wouldn't mind, but I feel like this could've done with some different structuring. The amount of characters obviously makes it a bit messy inherently and I feel like that could've worked in the books favor if used correctly. But idk something was missing for me, it could've gone harder. I would definitely say read it after all her other releases starting wih Evelyn Hugo, if you're really still craving more. There are so many cameos in this book that it sometimes gets a little much, but I can't lie and say it wasn't fun at all to get another glimpse of my fave, Carrie Soto, etc.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual harassment and Injury/Injury detail
whats_miranda_reading's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow, I really loved this book and found a lot of different ways to relate to each Riva family member. This book is heavy on generational trauma.
Part 1 was interesting getting to know the Riva children in present day, while also learning of their parents pasts. It was really well done to explain the family history. I liked each Riva kid in their own way, but mostly related to Hud and Nina. The struggles Mick put his family through were awful and I struggled to like him. He really reminded me of my grandfather. June was likable in the start, but it was sad to watch her mentally decline. You grieve her with her children.
Part 2 is present day and where the “action” takes place. We know a fire is going to happen, but when, where and how it starts is the suspense. Does anyone get hurt or die? We need to find out! There’s a lot of people introduced in this part making it a bit confusing at times. I think there’s so many people introduced causing the reader confusion tactfully though? It kind of conveys how out of hand and all over this party really was. The ending was good, but emotional. I would love a follow up book of the Riva kids in the future to see how their lives turned out further down the road! I’ve gathered there’s some crossover of character in some of the authors other book, so I’m looking forward to reading those!
I will totally recommend this book to others, especially if they like historical fiction type books.
Part 1 was interesting getting to know the Riva children in present day, while also learning of their parents pasts. It was really well done to explain the family history. I liked each Riva kid in their own way, but mostly related to Hud and Nina. The struggles Mick put his family through were awful and I struggled to like him. He really reminded me of my grandfather. June was likable in the start, but it was sad to watch her mentally decline. You grieve her with her children.
Part 2 is present day and where the “action” takes place. We know a fire is going to happen, but when, where and how it starts is the suspense. Does anyone get hurt or die? We need to find out! There’s a lot of people introduced in this part making it a bit confusing at times. I think there’s so many people introduced causing the reader confusion tactfully though? It kind of conveys how out of hand and all over this party really was. The ending was good, but emotional. I would love a follow up book of the Riva kids in the future to see how their lives turned out further down the road! I’ve gathered there’s some crossover of character in some of the authors other book, so I’m looking forward to reading those!
I will totally recommend this book to others, especially if they like historical fiction type books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Car accident, Abortion, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment