Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
Sun-soaked secrets and the turbulent tides of family ties — that’s the storm waiting to erupt in Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Set along the stunning beaches of Malibu, California, in 1983, this spellbinding novel surfs through the emotional currents of the Riva family, descendants of a legendary surfer and singer.
Nina Riva, a surf champion herself, is the linchpin holding her siblings and their histories together. Every year, they throw a wildly notorious end-of-summer party. As the sun kisses the ocean goodnight, Malibu’s who’s who clamor to be on the exclusive guest list. However, this year’s party is different. As the night spirals into mayhem, decades of secrets, betrayals, and the weight of fame threaten to crumble the foundations of this seemingly glamorous dynasty.
Told with hypnotic, oceanic prose, Reid takes readers on a deep dive into the heart of the Riva family, flashing back to the 1950s romance between the children’s parents — the enchanting June and Mick Riva, a rock-and-roll icon whose meteoric rise came at a devastating cost to those he loved.
As the waves of the past crash against the shores of the present, Malibu Rising becomes a blazing bonfire of a book, illuminating the dark corners of family bonds, the sacrifices of love, and the towering infernos we must sometimes walk through for the sake of who we are.
Fiction
Family Saga
Historical Fiction
Romance
Contemporary
Nina Riva: A renowned surfer and model who takes care of her siblings. She’s self-sacrificing, as shown when she supports them even at the expense of her own happiness.
Jay Riva: Nina’s brother, a talented surfer with dreams of greatness. His determination is evident when he strives to win surf competitions despite injuries.
Hud Riva: A photographer and Jay’s twin. He values honesty and is forced to face this when confessing an affair with Jay’s girlfriend.
Kit Riva: The youngest sibling, she’s independent and curious. Her adventurous spirit shines as she actively seeks to uncover family secrets.
Mick Riva: A famous singer and the absent father of the Riva siblings. His pursuit of fame, often at the expense of his family, reflects his values of personal success and freedom.
Family Ties: The Riva siblings’ strong bond is central, as they navigate the complexities of their relationships and shared history.
Self-Discovery: Characters like Nina and Kit undergo journeys of self-discovery, realizing their true desires and values.
The Cost of Fame: Mick Riva’s story exemplifies the toll that fame can take on personal relationships and family.
Legacy and Ancestry: The Rivas’ legacy, from their parents’ romance to their own stories, plays a significant role in shaping who they are.
Forgiveness and Letting Go: Characters such as Hud and Nina have to face their past and learn the importance of forgiveness and moving on for personal growth.
Date Published: May 27, 2021
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