Some of us have either been to or have heard about parties that get way out of control especially in our younger years. Taylor Jenkins Reid takes this idea and juxtaposes it with the break down of a family in her latest novel Malibu Rising.

Four siblings living together in Malibu are preparing to host their annual epic party. There’s Nina, the oldest and the glue that holds the family together after their mother died, then Jay, Hud and the youngest Kit, still in high school. They are the children of legendary singer Mick Riva (think Frank Sinatra).  

Every hour leading up to the party we are given glimpses into the siblings past and present. With the clock ticking preparations are speeding up and so is the story’s tension as we learn all about the father that abandoned his children to fend for themselves and the extreme sacrifice that some made to keep the children together.

The party destroys the binds to their past enabling each of them to rise up and become the adults they were meant to be.

Our book club enjoyed the book. It’s a fast read with great tension. We talked about how Nina gave up her teenage years to become a mother to her siblings. Her willingness to sacrifice for the good of the family. How that probably wouldn’t happen in today’s world and what a lost that would have been for them.  We also talked about the responsibilities of parents. And then we talked about some crazy-ass parties we’ve been too.  We think you’ll enjoy this book.

Rating: 7.5

Photo by Lisha Riabinina on Unsplash