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stephbakerbooks 's review for:
Malibu Rising
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow, what a book. This story captivated me from the very start—TJR really knows how to suck you in with her writing and set the scene. Also, if you don't know (because I didn't) this book takes place in the same universe as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (which took place in the sixties) and Daisy Jones and the Six (which was in the seventies). So if you're paying close attention, you'll see some familiar names.
The story takes place over twenty-four hours in August 1983, in Malibu. We're told the history of the four Riva children through flashbacks, first how their parents met and then their childhood. This intrigued me at first, but the first half of the book is really heavy on the flashbacks with not a lot happening in the present. I ended up not hating or loving this storytelling choice—it definitely worked but I'm not convinced it was the best way to tell the story, if that makes sense.
As for the characters, Nina is the clear standout. I loved every section that was in her head, I loved every interaction she had with other characters. She felt so real, and her arc was well earned. I especially enjoyed the relationships between the four siblings; the interactions they had with each other altogether were so fun to witness. I liked that they each had a distinct personality; that being said, I was a little bummed that they fell into the typical roles of four-sibling families (think the Richardson family from Little Fires Everywhere), with Nina being the only exception. I wanted to be surprised by the other three, but I found their arcs predictable.
However, I really liked how lots of things happen at this party, but nothing is without explanation. No one is just a side character. TJR gives us a glimpse into every character's head, and I found it very captivating. If you've liked any of her previous books, I think you'll enjoy this one. Also, I'm really hoping for a story set in the nineties next!
Thanks so much to Random House for my ARC!
The story takes place over twenty-four hours in August 1983, in Malibu. We're told the history of the four Riva children through flashbacks, first how their parents met and then their childhood. This intrigued me at first, but the first half of the book is really heavy on the flashbacks with not a lot happening in the present. I ended up not hating or loving this storytelling choice—it definitely worked but I'm not convinced it was the best way to tell the story, if that makes sense.
As for the characters, Nina is the clear standout. I loved every section that was in her head, I loved every interaction she had with other characters. She felt so real, and her arc was well earned. I especially enjoyed the relationships between the four siblings; the interactions they had with each other altogether were so fun to witness. I liked that they each had a distinct personality; that being said, I was a little bummed that they fell into the typical roles of four-sibling families (think the Richardson family from Little Fires Everywhere), with Nina being the only exception. I wanted to be surprised by the other three, but I found their arcs predictable.
However, I really liked how lots of things happen at this party, but nothing is without explanation. No one is just a side character. TJR gives us a glimpse into every character's head, and I found it very captivating. If you've liked any of her previous books, I think you'll enjoy this one. Also, I'm really hoping for a story set in the nineties next!
Thanks so much to Random House for my ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug use, Infidelity, Death of parent
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content