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  • Title: Malibu Rising: A Novel
  • Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Narrator: Julia Whelan
  • Length: 11:05:59
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 01/06/2021
  • Publisher: Random House (Audio)
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Women, Sagas
  • ISBN13: 9.78E+12

Dear fellow book lovers,

Listening to Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid was like being swept up in a whirlwind of sun, surf, and family drama. Narrated by Julia Whelan, this audiobook is a vivid and immersive experience that transports you to Malibu in the summer of 1983, where the Riva siblings are about to throw the party of the year.

Julia Whelan’s narration is nothing short of stellar. Her voice is warm and expressive, perfectly capturing the emotional depth and complexity of the characters. She effortlessly shifts between the different siblings’ perspectives, giving each one a distinct voice and personality. Her pacing is spot-on, keeping you hooked from the first chapter to the last.

The story revolves around the four Riva siblings: Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit. Each of them is grappling with their own struggles—Nina with her very public divorce, Jay with his unrequited love, Hud with a secret he’s been keeping from his twin brother, and Kit with her own hidden desires. As they prepare for Nina’s annual end-of-summer party, the narrative weaves back and forth between their present-day lives and the tumultuous history of their parents, June and Mick Riva.

What I loved most about this book is how it balances the glitz and glamour of 1980s Malibu with the raw, emotional undercurrents of family trauma. Reid has a knack for creating characters who feel real and relatable, even when their lives are far from ordinary. The Riva siblings are flawed, complex, and deeply human, and their relationships with each other are both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

The party itself is a character in its own right—a chaotic, sprawling event that starts off glamorous and quickly spirals out of control. Reid’s descriptions of the guests, the music, and the atmosphere are so vivid that you can almost feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves crashing in the background. It’s a perfect backdrop for the family’s secrets to come to light, and the tension builds steadily until the explosive climax.

One of the standout themes of the book is the idea of legacy—what we inherit from our parents, and what we choose to carry forward. The Riva siblings are all shaped by their father’s abandonment and their mother’s struggles, but they each find their own way to move forward and create their own paths. It’s a powerful message about resilience and the importance of family, even when that family is far from perfect.

That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. Some of the secondary characters feel a bit underdeveloped, and the constant shifts in perspective can be a bit jarring at times. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise compelling and beautifully written story.

Overall, Malibu Rising is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that’s perfect for fans of family sagas and character-driven stories. Julia Whelan’s narration elevates the experience, making it a must-listen for audiobook lovers. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or curled up on the couch, this is one audiobook that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Warmest regards,
Marcus Rivera