Last year I read and loved Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel Daisy Jones and the Six. Expecting another great story, I looked forward to her new novel Malibu Rising. Here is my book review Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

It’s the 1980’s, the decade of excess throughout the United States but especially in the posh, affluent, drug & sex, see & be seen community of Malibu California. How can anything possibly go wrong?

This story follows the four Riva children during a tumultuous 24 hours when they throw their annual end of the summer party. An event that anyone who is anyone wants to be at – except for the Riva children themselves. Jenkins Reid weaves a tale of these four siblings, their troubled mother and their rock star father and how their collective and individual stories brings them to this night. A night that will go up in flames.

Nina Riva, supermodel and surfer whose perseverance and dedication saved her siblings from foster care and despair. Professional Surfer Jay Riva who has just learned some news that will change his future. Jay’s brother Hud Riva, carrying around his own secret knowing tonight is the night he must come clean. And baby sister Kit Riva coming of age and realizing things about herself she alone must acknowledge.

These four siblings and their estranged rock star father Mick Riva who essentially abandoned them a decade before will all find something and let go of something on this one night. At this one party. When life will go up in flames and a phoenix will rise for each of them.

I liked this book but didn’t love it. I enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six more. But Malibu Rising, especially if you grew up in the 80’s is a fun read, although somewhat predictable and a tiny bit too over the top.

***Three stars for Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I hope you enjoyed my book review Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Read last week’s review The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

My current read Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi

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