A review by shakattxck
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

I absolutely love this book, I think it's one of Reid's underrated releases. I absolutely adore the Riva siblings - but Nina's relationship with her father speaks to me the most.
Her ranting at him towards the end of the party has me on the verge of tears every time I read it
 

This is a story about growing up, wondering who you are and who's gonna love you. It's about daddy/attachment issues, and holding the weight of the world as your father's first born. The book would be a lot better, just for me personally, if there were less POVs from people I just didn't care about. Hopefully we see more of their stories in other of Reid's work - but for now I just wanted to see the Riva siblings and how their inner conflicts were working themselves out. I also kinda find how
Jay is just... fine with Hud and Ashley's relationship after all that build up of tension. The fight between them is at least a little bit what I expected, but Jay seems to get over it pretty quickly. A bit too quickly for me and all that build up


Still a solid read, perfect for the warmer months. Not a huge fan of Reid bringing up Israel in this book, and also in Evelyn Hugo too - and I really hope it's not a pattern. For now I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, but I really hope I don't have to boycott some of my favourite characters and stories in the future.