Malibu Rising is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s newest book and it did not disappoint me. I think it’s important to note, I never go into her books expecting it to be anything like her previous books. I go in knowing I love Taylor Jenkins Reid but I keep my expectations low and look forward to the journey I’m about to take on. Each of her books are very unique. The story begins and centers around the Riva end-of-the-year summer party, everyone is fascinated by the Riva family and this is the party to be at. Nina’s husband has just left her for another woman, and since he’s a famous tennis player everyone has heard about him walking out. Nina doesn’t want to have the party but feels like she still has to go through with it. By morning, the house goes up in flames.
In Malibu Rising we have the Riva family, we have the parents Mick and June, their love story and ultimate toxic relationship. We’re also introduced to their adult children Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit. Their family situation has shaped their lives and their loyalty to one another, they're very well known because of their father and their own careers. This story has two main storylines; the parents' relationship and the kid's present-day situations. Mick and June had a lovely start, Mick promised to make it big as a singer and he promised to give June whatever she desires. When Mick does make it big, his life with June starts to crumble and eventually becomes very toxic. The children have to grow up with a famous father that everyone loves but has abandoned them in every way. Nina especially has to hold the family together, and eventually has to raise her siblings. We see how dysfunctional parent relationships can mold a family.
I really liked seeing the kid's dynamic and how they find their own way in the world. I loved June’s character and when she started to fall apart, I really felt for her. We see the generational trauma through this tragic story. Malibu Rising wasn’t my favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book but I wasn’t disappointed in any way, I loved this story from start to finish. Even though we know this ends with the house on fire, we have no idea how we’re going to get to that point and I was pretty surprised by the ending.
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