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Available
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Publication
Ballantine Books (2021), 384 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. HTML:NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER �?� Read with Jenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today �?� From the author of Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo . . . �??Irresistible . . . High drama at the beach, starring four sexy, surfing siblings and their deadbeat, famous-crooner dad.�?��??People ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, Time, Marie Claire, PopSugar, Parade, Teen Vogue, Self, She Reads Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, the family drama that ensues will change their lives forever. Malibu: August 1983. It�??s the day of Nina Riva�??s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over�??especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva. The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud�??because it is long past time for him to confess something to the brother from whom he�??s been inseparable since birth. Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can�??t stop thinking about promised she�??ll be there. And Kit has a couple secrets of her own�??including a guest she invited without consulting anyone. By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family�??s generations will all come rising to the surface. Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them . … (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Hccpsk
Taylor Jenkins Reid may not be writing the most important books of our generation, but she sure is writing some good ones. Her last book (Daisy Jones and the Six) revealed an innate ability to explore the lives of beautiful people with not so beautiful backstories, and her new novel continues in
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that vein. Malibu Rising unfolds over the course of 24 hours as the Riva siblings--Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit--prepare for their infamous end of summer party in the early 1980s. With their alcoholic mother dead and estranged from their music-star father, they have all managed to find some fame and fortune of their own. Flashbacks between the hours of the day fill in those important backstories and give readers the meat to care about the Rivas. Malibu Rising celebrates southern California and everything associated with it--the Pacific coast, surfing, celebrity, and those seeking it--while exploring deeper themes of family and parental responsibility. Jenkins Reid has a real touch for storytelling and building characters through plot and dialogue--a refreshing change from the multitude of navel-gazing novels flooding the market these days. This book may not change your life, but sometimes a great story told by a good writer is enough--and Malibu Rising is certainly that. Show Less
LibraryThing member lbswiener
Malibu Rising is a story about four siblings who are survivors. Even though the two brothers and two sisters had a famous father, and a star struck mother, they had to raise themselves. It is a heartbreaking book wherein the siblings rise out of fire literally. The characters are believable and the
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city of Malibu is well described. Malibu Rising is a good story and consequently received four stars in this review. Show Less
LibraryThing member miss.mesmerized
It started out as a love story, but Mick Riva wasn’t made for loving only one woman, he was first of all made for a career in the music business and that’s what he did. His wife June though was made for loving but since her husband was absent, she only had to love her kids. The first born Nina,
I totally adored Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel “Daisy Jones & The Six“ which was totally lively and got be hooked from the first page. He latest book “Malibu Rising” had exactly the same effect. Her protagonist Nina, whose day of the big party is told alternatingly with the family’s story, is a strong character in a very special way. Her most striking feature surely is to take over responsibility and to do what needs to be done while totally forgetting that she, too, has the right to live. But instead of thinking about herself, she simply cares for the people around her, especially her younger siblings.
While everybody is preparing for the party, the biggest event every summer which is not to be missed by anybody important, Nina strikes a balance of her life so far. She made the maximum of the rather poor baseline. She has become one of the most demanded sports models, idolised by masses of people, her younger brothers are just starting their careers and also the baby of the family is going to fledge the family nest and to make herself noticed and a name. Their father has only ever existed at the edge of their life, it was their mother June who put herself last to make her children feel loved and have a good life despite all the adversities. Now, however, seems to be the moment for a big change.
Another set of unforgettable characters who know what is important in life and underline that there is nothing that will bring you down as long as you’ve got the ones who love you around. Even though nothing could be further from my life than surfing, I liked the passages where the author describes how the kids feel in the water and how surfing provides them with an unknown feeling of freedom.
The perfect summer read which is not at all the light feel-good novel but much rather a great story simply to indulge in.
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and the second, Jay, and the third who wasn’t her kid at all but she couldn’t just turn her back on Mick’s son Hud who was abandoned by his mother. And last but not least Kit, born long after her parents’ relationship had already fractured several times. While Mick was away, June took care of the kids until she couldn’t anymore, then quite naturally, Nina took over. Now, as a successful model, she is preparing for the legendary annual Riva party in her home in Malibu. Even though they have been having this party for many years, this year will be different and at the end of the night, nothing will be the same anymore for any of the Riva family.I totally adored Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel “Daisy Jones & The Six“ which was totally lively and got be hooked from the first page. He latest book “Malibu Rising” had exactly the same effect. Her protagonist Nina, whose day of the big party is told alternatingly with the family’s story, is a strong character in a very special way. Her most striking feature surely is to take over responsibility and to do what needs to be done while totally forgetting that she, too, has the right to live. But instead of thinking about herself, she simply cares for the people around her, especially her younger siblings.
While everybody is preparing for the party, the biggest event every summer which is not to be missed by anybody important, Nina strikes a balance of her life so far. She made the maximum of the rather poor baseline. She has become one of the most demanded sports models, idolised by masses of people, her younger brothers are just starting their careers and also the baby of the family is going to fledge the family nest and to make herself noticed and a name. Their father has only ever existed at the edge of their life, it was their mother June who put herself last to make her children feel loved and have a good life despite all the adversities. Now, however, seems to be the moment for a big change.
Another set of unforgettable characters who know what is important in life and underline that there is nothing that will bring you down as long as you’ve got the ones who love you around. Even though nothing could be further from my life than surfing, I liked the passages where the author describes how the kids feel in the water and how surfing provides them with an unknown feeling of freedom.
The perfect summer read which is not at all the light feel-good novel but much rather a great story simply to indulge in.
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LibraryThing member LoriKBoyd
I was so looking forward to Ms. Reid’s latest book! I adored Evelyn Hugo, really liked the originality of Daisy Jones. Unfortunately for me, this book wasn’t a huge hit.
Hollywood based, dual timeline between late 50s and mid 80s. Flow is seamless. Quite a few characters thrown in this book
Thanks to Ms. Reid, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
Hollywood based, dual timeline between late 50s and mid 80s. Flow is seamless. Quite a few characters thrown in this book
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which I had a hard time keeping hold of. Family is front and center in this book. Nina, oldest of the 4 Riva siblings, is trying to keep her family together, doing whatever is needed after the death of their beloved Mom, June, and famous, absent/deadbeat Dad, Mick. She becomes a famous model marrying a famous tennis player. Her annual star studded party is epic, and this year tops them all. Sibling issues will come to a head, not to mention a surprise guest or 2 and stars behaving badly. Enjoyed the relationship between the siblings. Your heart will go out to June and want to smack Mick. Storyline felt old, no real surprises or shocks. Pretty straight forward. Still would recommend as a beach/vacation read. Thanks to Ms. Reid, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
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LibraryThing member susan.h.schofield
Absolutely fantastic!!! Daisy Jones & the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo were both 5 star books for me so I had very high expectations for Malibu Rising - I'm happy to say it did not disappoint! I loved that Mick Riva was from Evelyn Hugo - I want to go back and reread his section - and
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the mention of Celia St. James at the beginning too. It is so well written and the characters are so strongly developed and real. I highly recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
I had a good time with this audiobook! I was really excited to get the chance to listen to a copy of this audiobook since I have heard so many good things about Taylor Jenkins Reid’s work. The fact that one of my favorite narrators, Julia Whelan, narrates this book was another point in this
This book tells the story of the Riva family. Much of the book is set in 1983 at the Riva annual party which has become an event for the rich and famous in the area. Nina, a model, hosts the party and this year she is doing it without her tennis star husband since he left her. One of her brothers, Jay, who is a champion surfer has a big secret that will change his life. Another brother, Hud, has been keeping something big from Jay that could drive a wedge between them. The baby of the family, Kit, is trying to figure out some things about herself and is keeping a few things to herself as well.
We also get to see the history of this family in the sections of the book that were set in the past. We get to know June and see how she fell in love with Mick Riva. June put up with a lot and had more than her fair share of challenges in her life. She did the best she could but often wasn’t everything her kids needed her to be. Eventually, everything falls on Nina’s shoulders and I was in awe of everything she sacrificed for her siblings.
I really grew to like this cast of characters over the course of this story. I loved that we had the chance to see things from each of the key players’ point of view. I really liked the way that we slowly learn this families history as we see them prepare for their massive party. It was great to see the siblings come together and be the support system for each other that they needed. I thought that the descriptions of the party were very well done and I was mad at the people in attendance on behalf of the Rivas.
Julia Whelan did a phenomenal job with the narration. There is a rather large cast of characters and I loved the way that she used a distinctive voice for each of them. She added a lot of emotion to the story through her reading. I wanted to listen to this book for hours at a time and I believe that her narration added to my overall enjoyment.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a very well done story about a family who has managed to overcome every challenge that has been thrown at them. I will definitely be reading more of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s work in the future.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group via Libro.fm.
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book’s favor. It didn’t take long before I started to understand why so many people seem to love this author.This book tells the story of the Riva family. Much of the book is set in 1983 at the Riva annual party which has become an event for the rich and famous in the area. Nina, a model, hosts the party and this year she is doing it without her tennis star husband since he left her. One of her brothers, Jay, who is a champion surfer has a big secret that will change his life. Another brother, Hud, has been keeping something big from Jay that could drive a wedge between them. The baby of the family, Kit, is trying to figure out some things about herself and is keeping a few things to herself as well.
We also get to see the history of this family in the sections of the book that were set in the past. We get to know June and see how she fell in love with Mick Riva. June put up with a lot and had more than her fair share of challenges in her life. She did the best she could but often wasn’t everything her kids needed her to be. Eventually, everything falls on Nina’s shoulders and I was in awe of everything she sacrificed for her siblings.
I really grew to like this cast of characters over the course of this story. I loved that we had the chance to see things from each of the key players’ point of view. I really liked the way that we slowly learn this families history as we see them prepare for their massive party. It was great to see the siblings come together and be the support system for each other that they needed. I thought that the descriptions of the party were very well done and I was mad at the people in attendance on behalf of the Rivas.
Julia Whelan did a phenomenal job with the narration. There is a rather large cast of characters and I loved the way that she used a distinctive voice for each of them. She added a lot of emotion to the story through her reading. I wanted to listen to this book for hours at a time and I believe that her narration added to my overall enjoyment.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a very well done story about a family who has managed to overcome every challenge that has been thrown at them. I will definitely be reading more of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s work in the future.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group via Libro.fm.
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LibraryThing member bookworm12
The four Riva siblings host an epic party in Malibu in the ’80s. Nina’s story was particularly powerful to me. I loved her strength, despite impossible circumstances, and her whole transformative story arch was well done. Not every plot was as interesting, but the family drama as a whole was
“Too much self-sufficiency was sort of mean to the people who loved you,” Kit thought. “You robbed them of how good it feels to give, of their sense of value.”
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hard to put down and the characters felt real. I loved their close bond and shared love of surfing.“Too much self-sufficiency was sort of mean to the people who loved you,” Kit thought. “You robbed them of how good it feels to give, of their sense of value.”
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LibraryThing member Iudita
This was a perfect summer read for me. The author captures the essence of summer at the beach and has created some great flawed, believable characters. I love this fictional family. I fell right into the story and hated putting it down.
LibraryThing member Mrsmommybooknerd
I loved this book so much. It was another hit by a talented writer. This book was one of substance, depth and emotional topics. It was filled with heart and characters you grow to care about. I love that I can escape from my own life and jump into the world that Jenkins Reid creates. I feel that
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she really understand humans in a way that she shared through her writing. She is not afraid to really touch the heart and make the reader feel things. I loved this book, so much! . Show Less
LibraryThing member ecataldi
Wow - Taylor Jenkins Reid writes some of the best characters. Not only are they so real, they have humanity and flaws - they are people you would want to meet in real life! Set in Malibu, this novel goes back in forth in time between one fateful day in 1983 and their mother's early years. Their
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father is the world famous singer, Mick Riva, but he checked out of their lives when they were just children. Nina is the eldest in her mid twenties and she's a talented surfer and model, next come the "twins" - Jay and Hud, one a world famous surfer and the other his photographer, the baby of the bunch is Kit who is trying to find her place in the world. One insane party that will turn their lives around. The four Rivas kids throw one huge party every year; each year it keeps escalating with more celebrities, more drugs, and more surprises. Readers will wish they had an invite to this over the top party that will end up changing the Rivas' lives forever. Impossible to put down. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookAnonJeff
Strong Story. Strong Storytelling. Don't Understand The Hype. Let me be extremely clear on this: This was a very strong story of a family's rise and fall across two generations, told in both past and "present" (with the "present" being nearly 40 years ago from the time of publication) and executed
But I would be remiss if I didn't share my *other* overriding thought about this book, and that is simple: I truly don't get the hype. I stand behind everything I said in the last paragraph 100%. But this was book 56 on the year for me and I've read over 250 since the COVID-related lockdowns began 53 weeks ago. And *many* of them were equally strong, and some quite similar in genre and tone. So I simply do not understand how this review will be number 990 on Goodreads - over two full months before this book publishers - while others languish in obscurity, seemingly struggling to get even double digit reviews even though they are at least as strong and good as this one. And again, I cannot emphasize this enough: This isn't saying in any way that this book isn't an excellent tale excellently told. My sole point is simply that there are *so many others* that could and arguably should receive the same amounts of attention and love, yet do not. And I truly don't understand how this happens. I mean, I know *how* it happens- massive marketing campaigns. I just don't understand the *why* of it and why *not* those others. Something that will likely always elude me.
Anyway, read this book. It deserves it. And maybe follow me wherever you find this review, and maybe you'll find some equally deserving books you weren't aware of. :D Very much recommended.
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very well in both. The use of a full 24 hour timestamp as a narrative structure was great, as it really drove home that the story was counting down to some cataclysmic event. Truly, there is absolutely no doubt here - this is a great story superbly told.But I would be remiss if I didn't share my *other* overriding thought about this book, and that is simple: I truly don't get the hype. I stand behind everything I said in the last paragraph 100%. But this was book 56 on the year for me and I've read over 250 since the COVID-related lockdowns began 53 weeks ago. And *many* of them were equally strong, and some quite similar in genre and tone. So I simply do not understand how this review will be number 990 on Goodreads - over two full months before this book publishers - while others languish in obscurity, seemingly struggling to get even double digit reviews even though they are at least as strong and good as this one. And again, I cannot emphasize this enough: This isn't saying in any way that this book isn't an excellent tale excellently told. My sole point is simply that there are *so many others* that could and arguably should receive the same amounts of attention and love, yet do not. And I truly don't understand how this happens. I mean, I know *how* it happens- massive marketing campaigns. I just don't understand the *why* of it and why *not* those others. Something that will likely always elude me.
Anyway, read this book. It deserves it. And maybe follow me wherever you find this review, and maybe you'll find some equally deserving books you weren't aware of. :D Very much recommended.
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LibraryThing member Romonko
I have been excitedly waiting to read this book this summer. I absolutely loved Daisy Jones and the Six and the 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and couldn't wait for this new one. The book falls into the category of a summer read, and it's set in California which helps cement the summer theme. It's
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about a family of surfers. Where could I go wrong? I noticed right away that Taylor Jenkins Reid changed her writing style. This book is not written from a journalistic angle. The book tells the story of the four Riva siblings. It is a two timeline book - the 1950's and 1983, both set in Malibu. We learn at the beginning of the book what happens at the end which seemed a little strange for me. I found the book predictable and over-the-top. The characters were not very likeable and it seemed to be the same old storyline of a very dysfunctional family, but built around the Hollywood lifestyle of the 1950"s and 1980's, and around surfing. Reading the book is a good way to spend a day outside or at the beach. If you don't expect much more than that, you may just enjoy it. For me though, it just didn't measure up to what I've comet to expect from Reid. Show Less
LibraryThing member dawnlovesbooks
Dysfunctional family at it's best and what is better than dysfuctional family- this book about a family of surfers living on the coast in Malibu. The author peels back the layers of this family's history one heartbreak at a time. These four siblings have remained to only constant in each other's
As the story comes to an end, all hell breaks loose at Nina's annual end-of-summer party. Secrets are reveiled, people from the past return, and all the siblings must make some tough decisions. This was a great work of literary fiction that can also be classified as a beach read. I find that I always enjoy the books that are part of the 'Read With Jenna' book club!
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lives as they lived with an absentee father and an alcoholic mother. Nina Riva has become the mother figure of the family and has always taken care of her two brothers and younger sister.As the story comes to an end, all hell breaks loose at Nina's annual end-of-summer party. Secrets are reveiled, people from the past return, and all the siblings must make some tough decisions. This was a great work of literary fiction that can also be classified as a beach read. I find that I always enjoy the books that are part of the 'Read With Jenna' book club!
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LibraryThing member bookwyrmm
Great story about family and the 80s, but the second part got into too many extraneous characters' heads.
LibraryThing member amysan
I really enjoy Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing and this book sucked me right in and kept me glued to the page.
LibraryThing member almin
Fast read...just okay, underwhelming.
LibraryThing member kayanelson
An absolutely delightful summer read. Loved the premise of the famous family, the surfing, and the party.
LibraryThing member SimplyKelina
Thank you to LiboFM for the audiobook version.
I have heard so many mixed reviews on this one, but I am sad I put off reading it for so long.
I loved this! This is a story around a family and their lives. I loved both the before story and the current story following the characters.
This did follow a
I have heard so many mixed reviews on this one, but I am sad I put off reading it for so long.
I loved this! This is a story around a family and their lives. I loved both the before story and the current story following the characters.
This did follow a
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few different characters that I did not find necessary and the ending was not what I was expecting. However; I enjoyed this one for what it was. Show Less
LibraryThing member Gingersnap000
Famous and wealthy man leaves his wife with no alimony or child support. Mick leaves his loving wife, June, and four children because he is a sociopath with no conscience. June attempts to cope but her drinking does her under and she drowns. Mick's oldest daughter, Nina takes of the responsibility
A sad tale mix with Hollywood. It was boring and included too many characters who could have been deleted.
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of raising her siblings. A sad tale mix with Hollywood. It was boring and included too many characters who could have been deleted.
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LibraryThing member shazjhb
Sweet easy book to read. Characters somewhat predictable. A great beach read.
LibraryThing member Nancyjcbs
Malibu Rising is a book I’d describe as fitting the “guilty pleasure “ box. I enjoyed the story and looked at Malibu in the 1950s and 1980s. June and Mick marry as his music career takes off. As he becomes a legend his family is left behind to struggle.
The four children thrive and gain their
A fun book but certainly not a literary prize winner!
The four children thrive and gain their
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own celebrity in adulthood while maintaining their closeness. Nina throws a summer’s end open house party in her mansion on a Malibu cliff. The party soon was out of control and pretty much lost me. Name dropping and outlandish behavior was a bit too much.A fun book but certainly not a literary prize winner!
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LibraryThing member ftbooklover
It's time once again for Nina Riva's annual party at her home on Malibu beach. While she mulls over her life and that of her parents, Nina knows she will have to face all the people, who are aware that her professional tennis player husband has left her for another woman. Nina expects to see her
This highly anticipated novel, Malibu Rising, reads like a bad television movie from the 1980s, filled with Hollywood excess and overly dramatic scenes. We follow two story lines - one details Nina's life as she remembers what it was like growing up as well as the the current lives of Nina and her siblings as they prepare for their annual party. The other story line shows the lives of Nina's parents from courtship through divorce - the best part being the obvious parallels between Nina's life and that of her mother. There are so many characters in this book that there is very little time for development of personalities, so when the conclusion comes and we see the characters' story arcs come to a close, the sudden shifts and changes that they exhibit seem forced and unrealistic. Overall, I found this novel to be disappointing. I'd heard so many good things about this author, making this novel a true letdown. 2 1/2 stars
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younger sister, aspiring surfer, Kit, at the party along with her brother, professional surfer, Jay, and her half brother, Hud, who is a professional photographer. All of them are bringing secrets to the party that will change their lives forever. This highly anticipated novel, Malibu Rising, reads like a bad television movie from the 1980s, filled with Hollywood excess and overly dramatic scenes. We follow two story lines - one details Nina's life as she remembers what it was like growing up as well as the the current lives of Nina and her siblings as they prepare for their annual party. The other story line shows the lives of Nina's parents from courtship through divorce - the best part being the obvious parallels between Nina's life and that of her mother. There are so many characters in this book that there is very little time for development of personalities, so when the conclusion comes and we see the characters' story arcs come to a close, the sudden shifts and changes that they exhibit seem forced and unrealistic. Overall, I found this novel to be disappointing. I'd heard so many good things about this author, making this novel a true letdown. 2 1/2 stars
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LibraryThing member flourgirl49
Entertaining beach read. There's really not much more to say.
LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
At first I thought this book was going to be a typical cliche of beach and angst! Well, I was wrong! This book held my interest and I read it straight through! Very good on audio!
LibraryThing member tamidale
What a scandalous, yet heartwarming summer read! Set in popular Malibu, this story combines famous entertainers, athletes and regular folks into a wild summer party setting.
Add in some family drama and you’ve got the makings for the most memorable party of the century.
The book covers a 24 hour
The story goes back and forth from past to present, filling us in on the years before Mick became famous up until the party. Once the party gets going, things really get revved up and you just never know what might happen next.
Reading this reminded me of the Beach movies I watched growing up that featured pretty girls, surfers and singers crowded around a beach bonfire. Just not quite as wholesome.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my honest review.
Add in some family drama and you’ve got the makings for the most memorable party of the century.
The book covers a 24 hour
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period in the life of the Riva family. Mick Riva is a famous singer and ladies man that has at least 5 marriages behind him. He has neglected his four children, Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit. In spite of his absence, they become successful on their own.The story goes back and forth from past to present, filling us in on the years before Mick became famous up until the party. Once the party gets going, things really get revved up and you just never know what might happen next.
Reading this reminded me of the Beach movies I watched growing up that featured pretty girls, surfers and singers crowded around a beach bonfire. Just not quite as wholesome.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my honest review.
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Awards
Read with Jenna (2021-06 — 2021)
Indie Next List (June 2021)
LibraryReads (Annual Voter Favorite — Hall of Fame — June 2021)
Original language
English
Original publication date
2021-06-01
Physical description
9.53 inches
ISBN
1524798657 / 9781524798659