Malibu Rising

Malibu Rising centers on the four Riva siblings - Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit - in the lead-up to Nina's legendary annual summer party in August 1983. The story takes place over 24 hours, with flashbacks revealing the complex family history that brought them to this moment. The novel traces the siblings' rise from a difficult childhood with their absent father Mick Riva, a famous singer, and their mother June, who struggled with alcoholism. Nina, the eldest, became a surfer and model to support her younger siblings after their mother's death. By 1983, the Rivas have achieved success and notoriety in Malibu - yet each sibling faces personal crossroads as they prepare for what will become their most infamous party yet. The gathering draws Hollywood celebrities, musicians, and strangers looking to be part of the scene. The book explores themes of family loyalty, inherited trauma, and the price of fame against the backdrop of 1980s Malibu surf culture. Through the Rivas' story, Reid examines how children of troubled parents navigate their own paths while carrying their family's past.

Readers found the novel's dual timeline structure effective in building the Riva family history, with many noting the strong character development of the four siblings. The 1950s flashbacks resonated more with readers than the 1983 party scenes. Positives: - Rich exploration of family dynamics and inherited trauma - Strong sense of time/place in both eras - Complex female characters, particularly Nina - Short chapters that maintain momentum Negatives: - Party sequence in final third feels rushed and chaotic - Too many minor character introductions late in book - Some found the ending abrupt - Several readers noted similarities to Reid's other novels Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (489,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (49,000+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (2,900+ ratings) Reader quote: "The first 2/3 is a masterclass in family storytelling. The party section loses focus but the emotional core remains strong throughout." - Goodreads reviewer

Summer Longing by Jamie Brenner A family drama unfolds in a beach town as three generations of women navigate secrets, relationships, and the preservation of their coastal inn.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller The story spans 24 hours at a summer compound while weaving through fifty years of family history, passion, and life-altering choices.

The Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland Two families gather at their once-glamorous Catskills resort for one final summer as they confront their past and determine the property's future.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid An aging Hollywood legend reveals her life story to an unknown journalist, exposing the truth behind her seven marriages and rise to fame.

All Adults Here by Emma Staub Three grown siblings and their widowed mother face their mistakes and reconnect in their small Hudson Valley town as family secrets surface.

🌊 The novel's Malibu setting was heavily researched by Reid through historical photographs, maps, and conversations with long-time residents to accurately capture the 1983 atmosphere. 🏄‍♀️ Professional surfers were consulted during the writing process to ensure authentic descriptions of surfing techniques and ocean dynamics featured throughout the book. 📚 This book exists in the same literary universe as Reid's "Daisy Jones & The Six" and "Carrie Soto Is Back," with subtle character crossovers and references. 🎭 The character of Mick Riva, the siblings' father, appears as a minor character in Reid's other novels, including "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." 🔥 The climactic party scene was inspired by real-life Malibu house parties of the 1980s, which were known for their celebrity guests and occasional destructive endings.