A review by withlivjones
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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

4.25

So many great things in this book. I loved the premise of this Gatsby-like party atop a precarious Malibu cliff. I loved the family dynamics and how each Riva sibling’s personality fit within their close-knit group - they are such well-written characters and their sibling bonds felt so realistic. I loved the rising tension of the fact that you know how the story is going to end from the beginning but you don’t know how it will get there. I was a bit iffy on the third person narration at first but I really think it is perfect for creating the little vignettes within the chaos of the party. I loved the shoutouts to other characters in TJR’s showbiz universe, particularly Carrie Soto (I read her book before this one although I wonder how my perception of that book might have changed had I read this one first). Overall I absolutely devoured this book, and I am pretty desperate for TJR to release another instalment in this universe. 
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