A review by aftereliza
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book had me hooked from the start to the very end. I loved that TJR gave us little hints and teased us along the way with foreshadowing and then I got to see how the full picture came together right at the end and no sooner. The characters were loveable, each with their own distinct personality, flaws, and goals and it just made you root for them all the more. June’s story broke my heart, especially when there were parallels to Nina. I feel like if I knew these characters in real life, as people, I would be very proud of how far they’ve come from the start. 

This is absolutely THE summer read of 2021. It’s perfect for sitting at the beach, staying up late and rising early. It makes you laugh, cry, and feel a lot more than you ever expected. I loved the vintage touches and throwbacks to the 50s and 60s and it feels like there’s a whole lot more story to tell with Kit, Hud and Casey especially. While I haven’t read Daisy Jones yet, I am 10.% confident in saying this is TJR’s masterpiece, her best work to date!