Malibu Rising
Ratings468
Average rating4
This is a story about personal growth, the sacrifices you make for family and the struggle to prioritize yourself. I appreciate it being framed in a setting that many idolize. But this story really lacked the charm and novelty I felt when reading Evelyn Hugo.
2,5 ⭐️ I liked the beginning and thought the Riva sibling story was interesting, but the number of times I had to say "a**hole" out loud to continue reading because the behavior of the guys in this was mostly a**hole behavior...
Also, why did we need to know the backstory of so many unimportant side characters?(and I'm using therm "side character" in the wider sense because most of them were background character that didn't even need a name, so no: their backstory was not necessary...)
The party was so stressful to read about, I was getting anxiety just anticipating what had yet to happen, not a fun experience for me...
Otherwise, I have to say that the drama was there, but I was not satisfied by that second half it somehow felt a little repetitive even though so much was happening...
4.5★
i'm debating whether to give this 4 or 5 stars, i just loved it so much. at the beginning, i wasn't feeling it; thinking it was just a bunch of spoiled rich kids throwing a party that would end up in disaster with deaths and everything. i am so glad it was nothing like that.
from the moment we start in the past with the story of how their parents met, i was enthralled! and it kept getting better and better. i didn't realize at first who the author of the book was, but i'm not surprised i ended up liking it so much
i also heard someone's adapting this for a show or movie and i am very excited to see that
Contains spoilers
Rating Description:
1.0 - DNF/Despise
1.5 - Almost DNFed and wish I had
2.0 - Almost DNFed but had redeeming qualities/just boring
2.5 - Alright with lots of notes
3.0 - Alright with notes but I'm not raving about it
3.5 - Technically good but I'm not raving about it
4.0 - Technically good, and/or I enjoyed it a lot
4.5 - Loved it, I wanted to highlight lines in the book but still with notes
5.0 - Loved it, I wanted to highlight lines in the book, and notes are very positive
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As much as I don’t shy away from Celebrity Gossip, which should have made this right up my alley, I am not raving about this book. It’s a good book, don’t get me wrong. But it just wasn’t for me.
Why it wasn't for me?
For some reason, I felt no connection to the main characters. They were boring to me with the exception of their douche dad. We were given their sob story, which made me feel sorry for them, but I just could not get invested in them.
Maybe it’s because there was no clear goal in the story. To me, this was like having a friend who just wanted to rant but you thought they were asking for advice. So, for most of the time they’re talking, you’re wondering what exactly were they asking you to do. That’s basically how I felt when I was reading this.
Why did I give it this rating?
Well, as I said, this was still a good book.
1. The pacing was good.
2. The characters, though flawed, were not annoyingly contradictory which was something I’ve seen in the past books I’ve read (cough - Of Jade and Dragons - cough).
3. The party in the story really captured the 80’s vibe. The cocaine being offered around in serving trays was exactly what you’d picture you’d see in those kinds of shindigs.
Other notes
These aren’t bad for the story but if the story/characters were real, I’d be concerned.
1. As a person who struggled to buy their own place, reading the house burn down, messed me up. I know this is fiction and plot wise, the house burning down was very symbolic of leaving your past behind, but it was so upsetting to me.
2. There were so many beautiful women in Malibu but Hud could only fall in love with his brother’s ex? Really? Did he not have eyes? Was he just that lazy in finding a partner?
3. Jay was, in some ways, becoming like his dad. His interest in women were fleeting. He didn’t even like his ex, Ashley (the woman Hud fell in love with) that much. He was just hurt she broke up with him. Then he’s pursuing this woman, Lara, who he didn’t really think was that attractive. He seemed to be pursuing her because she wasn’t throwing herself at him and was, therefore, a challenge.
4. Their mom, June, was selfish and a hypocrite. She had too much pride to go after their dad for child support but named the diner after him to make money from his name. She should have swallowed her pride and went after Mick. The child support would have spared the children hardship and Nina wouldn’t have had to drop out of school.
Maybe an Unpopular Opinion
Casey was an unnecessary addition to the story. There was no real purpose to her that I could see. She wasn’t even needed to give Nina an incognito car to the airport. Nina could have just taken any of the other cars left parked at their house since so many party guests got arrested.
4.5 ⭐️ Overall, I really enjoyed this book and was sure it was going to be a 5 star read, but the ending lost me.
Okay this book was filled with wait what's. Anyways, I'm getting the hype with Reid more and more. Read the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo last summer and now just finished this...let's say that the math is finally mathing
Can't wait to read more of her!!!
The way, Taylor Jenkins read writes, feels like I'm watching the “top” movie of the summer.
Genuinely when I read her books, it feels like I'm watching a good ass movie for 19 hours in my brain . Malibu rising is the third book I've read of Taylor Jenkins read and I liked it! Definitely not more than Carrie Soto is back or the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but way more than one true loves.
I like the characters it was kind of dumb and they were all kind of annoying with the surfing and stuff, but I still found them relatively endearing in the story. Interesting enough.
I did really like the contrast between the past storylines I enjoyed that immensely, and just like the coastal vibes .
3.5
4.2/5
It seems so fitting having to read and finish this during the scorching hot Southeast Asian summer. Malibu Rising send you away into an environment so vividly rendered, it feels like you're basking in the golden Malibu sun yourself. TJR has a captivating way of taking us to the iconic beachside locale through finely crafted details that stimulate all the senses. The salty ocean breeze, the warmth of the sand, the sound and energy of crashing waves – she paints an immersive tapestry that envelops you in the perfect Malibu experience from the get-go.
At the heart the story are the all-too-human characters of the Riva family. There's this exceptional depth into the siblings. It's impossible not to create a profound connection with each one, empathizing with their unique struggles and triumphs. You find yourself invested in their journeys, cheering them on at every turn as they navigate the complexities of identity, familial bonds, and the human condition.
The final act somewhat leaves you yearning for an extended epilogue glimpsing how the Rivas have faredin the months or years ahead, and there's a certain beauty to that open-endedness.
Malibu Rising is a shining testament to Taylor Jenkins Reid's exceptional storytelling prowess. From what I've observed reading her previous novels, she always impart valuable insights into the essence of human nature. She's a masterclass in crafting layered, unforgettable characters that resonate universal truths about life, love, and the pursuit of fulfillment.
I wanted so much more from this book, the story built so well and the ending in boring soppy stuff
3.5 stars. I loved the characters but it didn't feel like much was going on to be honest.
3.75 rounded up.
I enjoyed this book, which I read and listened to. Both versions are good.
I found myself enjoying the story and the characters.
I am very excited Carrie Soto has her own book, cause as a side character, she was wonderful and I want to read her story.
This isn't for you if you don't like dual timelines, but I enjoy that once in awhile.
I have never loved a story about a toxic man and his actions, however, I genuinely enjoyed this. Each of his children have a piece of my heart. I hate Mick but love his kids and this story broke and warmed my heart all at the same time.
I would have given it 5 stars but there were too many small characters that I couldn't keep track of at the party.
Listen, I'm just a sucker for TJR's writings. They are just my preferred type of “easy” read that doesn't feel dumb or like rotting my brain. I find them compelling every time even if they ultimately have no big life changing impact.
This book has cured me in so many ways!!! Seriously I had no idea what I was getting into and thought it would be another Taylor Jenkins Reid book I would find okay but this was a masterpiece to me!!!
It certainly kept my attention but was not at all what I expected it to be. 9/10, would nom again.
everything was going so well and then the ending literally turned into a wattpad fiction
I absolutely loved this book. TJR is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read more of her books. I definitely cried at the end. I loved the way this book was organized and how it was all set within 24 hours, it was unique and fun to read. I also love how her books are standalone but set in the same universe so characters from other books are mentioned.
jay riva u will always be famous. also finally, after reading my 3rd tjr book, i've decided this is a lifetime subscription. give me more gimme gimme gimme
4,5 ⭑
Eine weiteres geniales Buch von TJR.
Ich liebe die Familiendynamik und auch die zwei Zeitzonen die zusammenkommen.
Nina ist ein so toller Charakter und eine so unglaublich starke Frau ❤︎ Die anderen Geschwister fand ich auch toll und die gesamte Entwicklung von allen
Jedes Buch ist etwas komplett anderes und doch immer wieder gut 4/4 waren toll
3 sind noch auf dem SUB