Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

One of the books I’ve most anticipated this year is Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Not only am I a big fan of the author, but love books that are set in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which has become my fourth 5 star read of 2021.

Plot Summary

Nina Riva is a talented surfer and supermodel. She is the eldest of 4 children to Mick, now a famous singer, and to June. Set to host her annual end of the summer party, Nina is joined by her brothers Jay (a champion surfer) and Hud ( a famous photographer).  Her much loved sister Kit will also be there.  The bond between these siblings is strong and one built on responsibility and shared love.

The book is set over the course of 24 hours on the day of Nina’s party.  There are stories of their parents past interspersed.  Only a few hours into the party, the guests become destructive and out of control.  There is also chaos within the family when an unexpected guest attends the party.  Will the strength of the siblings be able to overcome the obstacles set in front of them on this fateful day?

Book Review

I absolutely adored this book.  The characters are complex, well-developed and very likeable.  I loved the relationships between these siblings even when faced with adversity.  June’s strength of character, in the earlier days, was reflected in Nina .  For one so young to take this level of responsibility was not only admirable, but was key to this family’s success. The Malibu setting. and the descriptions of the beautiful yet sometimes egotistical residents, was the perfect background for this book.  The inclusion of surfing and its importance to the family was an interesting element.

Audiobook Review

I listened to the audiobook version of Malibu Rising which was narrated by Julia Whelan.  Her clear, expressive voice was a pleasure to listen to. She has fast become one of my favourite narrators and her performance added to an already amazing book.

What I Liked About Malibu Rising:

• The Malibu setting
• Complex, well-developed characters
• A strong female protagonist willing to sacrifice all for her family.

I Recommend This Book To:

Readers that enjoy General Fiction or Historical Fiction set in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Add Malibu Rising to your Goodreads shelf

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Penguin Random House and Libro.fm for the ALC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster

Find Me in Havana by Serena Burdick

A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery

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