Reviews with content warning for Miscarriage - Malibú Renace

tjr is incapable of writing a bad book. she just has a way of writing that draws you in completely to the world and writes characters so complex it’s hard to fully hate any of them even if they are a “villain”. the riva family has my whole heart and reading each one of their individual stories had my heart beaming and breaking throughout the book. the way she wrote the generational trauma and sibling dynamics was amazing to read and the siblings are all just so lovable despite some faults. i loved the different povs and timelines it really kept me engaged. reading back and forth between june and mick and the kids was fun to read and was able to demonstrate the mirroring of each others lives as well as the differences. so so many quotes stood out to me about how you have to choose what u carry from your parents and what u let go of, is it really worth it trying to break the cycle or is it inevitable that the cycle continues? ugh just such a great demonstration of family dynamics and how past generations affect you and your life while also using the backdrop of 1960s-80s Malibu, CA and the culture and lives of its stars to make the story that much more engaging and interesting. another hit by tjr and i cannot wait to read carrie soto !!!

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ellawatwat's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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

4.25

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dolphinchick93's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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booklover129's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

This book was a bit disappointing. Previously I have read other books by Taylor Jenkins Reid and found that I have enjoyed the writing style and format of them. But I found Malibu Rising, particularly part one, very repetitive and monotonous. The ending almost makes up for the start and middle of this book but I can’t help but feeling let down at not liking this as much as I thought I would. Although, many of the characters are likeable I just had an issue with the writing.

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whats_miranda_reading's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow, I really loved this book and found a lot of different ways to relate to each Riva family member. This book is heavy on generational trauma.

Part 1 was interesting getting to know the Riva children in present day, while also learning of their parents pasts. It was really well done to explain the family history. I liked each Riva kid in their own way, but mostly related to Hud and Nina. The struggles Mick put his family through were awful and I struggled to like him. He really reminded me of my grandfather. June was likable in the start, but it was sad to watch her mentally decline. You grieve her with her children.

Part 2 is present day and where the “action” takes place. We know a fire is going to happen, but when, where and how it starts is the suspense. Does anyone get hurt or die? We need to find out! There’s a lot of people introduced in this part making it a bit confusing at times. I think there’s so many people introduced causing the reader confusion tactfully though? It kind of conveys how out of hand and all over this party really was. The ending was good, but emotional. I would love a follow up book of the Riva kids in the future to see how their lives turned out further down the road! I’ve gathered there’s some crossover of character in some of the authors other book, so I’m looking forward to reading those!

I will totally recommend this book to others, especially if they like historical fiction type books.

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