Malibu Rising: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Novel Paperback – May 17, 2022

I definitely loved this novel!!! TJR has a way of creating characters who are real with raw, honest intensity. I loved seeing the characters grow throughout the novel, ending in a way that I thought was empowering and satisfying. To me, it’s really Nina’s story, and I could feel her strength, as well as her compassion. But June (who is a foil to Nina) and the other siblings, Jay, Hud and Kit, and even Mick Riva, are deeply-drawn characters who evoke heartfelt empathy from the reader. We learn that despite the selfish, unkind and sometimes debauched world they live in, the four siblings are shown to be resilient, good, decent people, and the reader sincerely knows it to be true.TJR’s narrator effectively moves among the thoughts and perspectives of each character to create an immersive reality. And let’s not forget the setting. TJR creates a world so rich that one can almost feel the sand beneath one’s feet and smell the brine in the air. I could also sense the ‘cool’ vibe of Malibu in the early 80’s. (I could at least sense it to the point of knowing that I am not cool enough!) The setting and the characters are thoroughly linked, making their interactions with it, especially through connecting with the ocean while surfing, all the more powerful. We are also aware of the looming presence of wildfire.The plot is well-structured and unique. It fully develops the characters through its oscillation of the past and present. It also builds tension and depth as the story unfolds simultaneously over decades and over the course of one day. And all of the signature elements of a good plot are there and masterfully executed. The pacing is precise and keeps the reader engaged. The character arcs are solid.The novel had powerful themes of family and identity, as well as empowerment and ownership of one's whole self. I feel it really gets at in what ways one accepts one's circumstances, what we will ourselves to be, and how we can choose to define ourselves boldly and unapologetically. These themes were effectively woven throughout the plot.And can we talk about Carrie Soto? What a powerful presence, for better or for worse! I highly recommend reading 'Carrie Soto is Back' is back to gain a deeper appreciation of this complex character. And Brandon. Weak just like Mick. What is TJR saying about the ways that men are weak and fail and the ways that women are strong and succeed? It is worth considering how or if this question applies to the novel's characters.Overall, I couldn’t put this book down! I was drawn in and rode the waves all the way through!

I read this book for my book club. We had previously read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and we absolutely loved the book! So we chose Malibu Rising. I feel like it took about 100 pages for to really start to get invested. I understand she needed to give a back story, but part 2 had all the drama and conflict. It was a slow burn, but then I did start to really get into it. It was pretty predictable, but I really love Taylor's writing style so that made it fun and easy to read. I loved the 1980's Malibu setting and the celebrity factor.

Daisy Jones was exciting and behind the scenes honest, Seven Husbands mysterious and Hollywood-sexy. Malibu has a bit of it all, with great atmosphere - I had to stop reading on the first day and go to the beach! Great release timing on a beach-read, June 1st! I love how Reid can expertly transport readers to another world - another time and place. It is commendable how she is not dedicated to one era, but reinvents her interests for each novel (sort of like Ruta Sepetys writes brilliant historical fiction of varied, often-forgotten times in history). I cannot wait to see where Reid takes us next!Malibu Rising reminds me of Alice Hoffman's writing - multi-generational, character-driven, family-oriented. Both are brilliant story tellers. Reid's writing is modern, exciting, sexy. There is room for both, of course- If you love Reid, check out Hoffman as well. I love Reid's wittiness, her astute life observations. I often feel I am getting great advice on love, life, and the world, as I read. She writes fierce, flawed, and astounding female characters. I love them all. The characters of Malibu Rising, like her others, stick with you long after you've finished reading. You find yourself wanting to catch up with them, see how they are doing. Like a tv drama you love, you get to know the love the characters and you have to tune in every week to catch up on their lives. In that way, I am sad this story is over and I miss them already. ;-) That is my true indication of brilliant character writing, when I can't stop thinking about the characters long after the book has been finished!While I was reading, I thought perhaps the party scene went on a bit too long, it seemed like never ending catch-up with many secondary characters that I did not necessarily care about. But I realize now after giving it some time, that that approach lent to the hurried, almost anxious feel of a party out of hand - what are these people doing? What has happened over here? How is this couple getting along now after an argument? What was that shattering sound? I can see the scene playing out in a movie, hurried camera work, anxiously scanning the party as everything comes to a head. Unsolved problems, characters lost, secrets untold, all come to a head. As I remember myself hurriedly reading, impatient to get back to what is going on with the main characters, I realize that is exactly what Reid had planned, expertly designed. Well done. Another great novel, thank you!

Not a bad story but it was a little slow for me and I had trouble finishing it. I liked her other books better.