If you are a fan of reading about old vintage Hollywood this Book Review is for you!!! Then again, Taylor Reid Jenkins did not disappoint us, Malibu Rising is one of the best books I have read so far that 5 stars on Good Reads is not enough to rate it.
***MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Malibu Rising is a story about the 4 children of the famous singer Mick Riva and how his trouble with infidelity and alcoholism impacted his life as a career-driven personality, Husband, and a Father. Malibu Rising have this unique plot for me because other than the author, the idea of how each siblings have their own stories of flawed imperfections despite of a seemed-to-be perfect life because of their last name and how they have dealt with it all. The Kardashian-Jenner and Hadid clans can relate to this to name a few about how it is like to have such a huge name in their chosen industries and how much of a big influence it is to them. As someone who lives outside of the rich and famous circle, it is easy for us to perceive that their lives are so perfect, problem-free, stress-free, but in all seriousness, they are not that different from most of us, they go through almost the same issues as we all do, they just deal with it comfortably I guess because of connections they have.
FAVOURITE PART…
As someone who enjoys sibling company and food by the beach, I appreciate it whenever the Riva Siblings get together at their inherited restaurant business, eats brunch, enjoy the scenery (which I imagine they do cos that’s exactly how I would do it too). The setting of this story is in an island, white sand beach, and is where people spends most of their time eating ice cream while watching sunset and as a reader I find it so relaxing and very chill. That is my favourite part. The thought of it while writing about it at this moment is quite a treat in all honesty. Ooohhh. Surfboards and ice cream does sounds like a good combination.
[ Get your Paperback copy here: https://amzn.to/4kpYYe3 ]
[ Get your Kindle copy here: https://amzn.to/41na7DK ]
WHICH CHARACTER CAN YOU MOST RELATE TO?
I could definitely relate to Nina Riva, the eldest amongst the siblings. She have literally carried the entire Family on her shoulders after their mother passed away and when their neglectful father is busy shagging other women. It is such a sad situation but it does happen in real life. I somehow could relate to her because Nina was the responsible sibling who have no other choice but to hold her head up high to keep the tears rolling down her cheeks. She have to give up some of her personal interests just so she could prioritize her siblings well being. I have a younger brother and I have acted as his parent for few years while both of my parents worked abroad. I was also about in the same age as Nina when every household responsibility was left for me, paying the bills, doing the groceries, make sure the schoolwork is all done right. It was not an easy task and I understood how it feels like that’s why I could definitely relate to Nina.
HOW DID THIS BOOK IMPACT YOU?
This book have raised a lot of mainstream issues and real life topics to me such as infidelity, sibling relationship/Rivalry, self identity in terms of sexuality, passion, personal choices, and familial sacrifices. Because of these issues, the impact of it to me was quite relatable although not all issues I mentioned above I could actually relate to just like infidelity between June and Mick Riva which have also happened later on to Nina Riva, If my spouse or partner would just randomly come home one night and decides to leave, I would not chase or run and beg for him to stay so I believe what Nina have decided later on not to accept his husband again and book a flight and flew somewhere else is exactly how I would have handled it too.
I would definitely love to read this book again. This book is definitely highly recommended and very nostalgic. I personally love reading about old hollywood or something that actually relates to it. On the other note, I love how some characters from other TJR books were mentioned in Malibu Rising. It made me ‘eek’ as soon as I recognized the name and where it was from.
[ Get your Paperback copy here: https://amzn.to/4kpYYe3 ]
[ Get your Kindle copy here: https://amzn.to/41na7DK ]
Ready to make the most of your reading journey? Click the image to get started with your very own digital reading journal today!
