Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid - July 2022 Themed BOM - THE SEA (starts 16 July 2022)

[Kate S]

backup DQs for Pandora

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Team Pandora (or Lexi/Pan) now have the maximum 6 entries

[Paris]

Volunteering for DQ backup for Agamemnon

[phez]

I loved this book!

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

DQ breakdown and assignment is up!

Can I just take a moment to curse authors who don't bother with unique chapter names - the multiple 1959 segments messed up my ability to make a lovely neat breakdown. Hopefully this makes sense!

As ever, if you can't do your day you can switch with a *listed* team member, otherwise we'll move to the next unique team

[Melindam]

Thank you, I am fine with my slot on 18 July. :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Thanks!

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Hi Mods, Shannon is away on holidays and can't get access to the book, so I'm going to take her day. 👍

[Cat]

No probs,thanks for the heads up

[⚚♆ Cynthia ♆⚚]

Hello! I am going to take Jenny's day for Team Achilles :)

[Christina]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?


--- Also, for everyone who has read Evelyn Hugo, can we please talk about the (brief) mention of Celia St. James AND THE FACT THAT (view spoiler)[MICK RIVA AND EVELYN HUGO HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR A HOT SECOND?! He was the guy she jetted off to Las Vegas with where they got drunk + married so they could sleep tpgether only to get their marriage annulled the next day - all cheekily planned by Evelyn so people wouldn't speculate about her and Celia 3 (hide spoiler)].
And while we're at it, Mick also had a cameo in Daisy Jones & the Six!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
Yes, I've read both of them (and also this book!) and loved them. I picked this up last December and I am re-reading for TT points, but I loved it the first time around and I am finding this time I can really get into the story and writing style more because I am not thinking that 'mystery' element of how everything may fit together

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
When I first read this I absolutely loved Mick and June's story. Although I still do, I'm actually finding Hud's potentially more compelling

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
It does, but I also wondered if that is because this was the time I grew up in so it feels so familiar.
Daisy Jones is still my favourite but this one was only a small whisker away from being on par. I think with Daisy Jones it was the audiobook that completely nailed it for me. This one is also great on audio (except I never really liked how she did Kit's voice).

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?
What a fantastic quote, I re-read that twice this time around, so very cool you also picked up on it.
I won't comment for fear of spoilers


--- Also, for everyone who has read Evelyn Hugo, can we please talk about the (brief) mention of Celia St. James AND THE FACT THAT (view spoiler).
And while we're at it, Mick also had a cameo in Daisy Jones & the Six!

AHHHHH. I totally did not pick that up. Nice one!! *mind blown*
Maybe I need to go and re-read them too. haha
It was actually while reading this I realised her book being released next month is about Carrie Soto from Malibu Rising. I have been waiting for it to be released and didn't even connect that it is about Carrie Soto from this book!!! *face palm*

[Tammie]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I’ve read both of those books and absolutely loved them. Reid makes the characters in her books seem so real. She tends toward the famous and it’s interesting how she weaves the characters and this era together…we’ll done.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
I don’t have a favorite…June and Nina are up there.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
I like it. Evelyn Hugo had a similar style.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?
I’m nearly finished with the book so I’ll just say that it’s interesting period how siblings who grow up in the same household turn out so different in many ways…same in others. It’s all in your perspective, time, friends and influences.

--- Also, for everyone who has read Evelyn Hugo, can we please talk about the (brief) mention of Celia St. James AND THE FACT THAT (view spoiler).
And while we're at it, Mick also had a cameo in Daisy Jones & the Six!
Mick was a definite stand out…the party in Daisy made me think…‘don’t do it June!’.

[Cat]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

I've read a few by Jenkins Reid. Expectations are for some compelling characters with flaws and grit

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

No favourites yet...

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

I like the backstory, and the snippets we get of the family now. Watching the threads become a whole should be a good read

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

We are starting to see cracks to show the tragedy, but I'm not sure how comedy of errors comes into it.
The "chapter of his memoir" line suggests that Mick checks out of the marriage fairly soon, emotionally at least

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

I absolutely adored Daisy Jones and the Six. And I've read Evelyn Hugo as well. Didn't like it as much but still a decent read. So high expectations for this one.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

It really is an ensemble cast. Although I have a soft spot for Nina so far, trying to keep it all together must be exhausting.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

I like the two timelines. It's a bit of a guessing game so far, trying to work out how their upbringing has effected the siblings now. This seems to be a bit of a thing with this author, it was especially used in Evelyn Hugo as I remember.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

The effects of their parents marriage on the siblings is one of the major themes. What's that old adage about the sins of the fathers revisited on their children. It's pretty sobering how a father's neglect has ripples for his ex-wife and then his children.

Oh , and loved the Easter Egg about Celia and Don Adler was mentioned as well. I had forgot though that Mick Riva was in Evelyn Hugo, it must have been the blink and miss it chapter and no recall he was mentioned in Daisy Jones! It's a bonus that the books have links. Give more depth to the reading.

[Amy the book-bat]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I have read both, Evelyn Hugo & Daisy Jones. I liked Daisy Jones a little bit better. I feel like (and this is an unpopular opinion) Taylor Jenkins Reid is a little over-hyped. I am hoping I won't be disappointed in this one.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?


DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

[Cordelia]

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I have read a bunch. I disliked The Seven Husbands, I thought Daisy Jones & the Six was fine but elevated by having a GREAT audiobook, and have been mostly indifferent to her other books with the exception of Maybe in Another Life. So I have a feeling I'm not going to care for this one that much. I'd actually avoided it before because I somehow knew cheating was a part of it and cheating and anything with non monogamy is one of my serious nos in books, which is actually why the only book I haven't attempted to read by her is the one where the couple is non monogamous.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
Too many PoVs, don't care about any of them.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
I feel like most of the sense of the time period is the casual use of and the amount of drugs in the book. I wish it was more ingrained that it's set in the 50s and 80s.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

Sounds like it didn't last long and was dramatic and probably gave them some relationship hangups.

[Lory]

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I have read both. I loved Evelyn Hugo. I'm expecting this book to be good as well, but I'm probably not going to like it as much. I do like the fact that it all takes place in the same fictional world.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
It's too early for me to tell. I think I'll relate to Kit the most.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
I don't mind the jumping back and forth so far. I do wonder where the parents are at the moment. I think I'll like it more that Daisy Jones just because of the style rather than the interview style.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?
I think their parents lives definitely affected the children in some way. June looked at Mick as her savior in a way and he really tasted her more like his biggest fan.

[Kerri]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

I have read both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and loved them both! I'm expecting this book to have great writing and compelling characters.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

It's still a bit early to tell, but I do really love Nina so far. I want to know more about Kit, though, she seems interesting. And June seems awesome, too!

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

I'm loving the writing style so far! It's so easy to slip into a TJR novel because her writing is so accessible. I'm also a sucker for dual timelines, so I like that we're getting to see the relationship between June and Mick, as well. So far, I would have to say it's giving me a good vibe, but I don't know if it'll quite reach the same mark as Evelyn Hugo. We shall see.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

It makes sense that it would affect the Nina the most as she was the oldest. It also makes sense why she's taking her divorce hard. I'm not sure what happens between Mick and June, but it's clearly not good if he considers their relationship only 'a chapter in his memoir'. Nina as the eldest probably took whatever happens the hardest. And Jay has the kind of personality where he would try and see the funny side of things. As for Hud and Kit, I have less of a feel for those two, so I'm not sure.

[Jenny]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I read both of the former BOMs. I really liked Daisy, and I sort of like Evelyn. Honestly, I forgot it was that author when I started reading this one. I am not getting the same writing vibe that I liked in the first two. My expectations weren't very high, as this is not my favorite kind of book. So far, I am kind of unimpressed.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
Too early to tell. I don't like anyone yet, nor dislike them.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
Well, the story seems like it will be a very quick read, but I am waiting for something to happen. I love a good character study, and don't need action, but this is not a character study. At least not yet.
I don't like it as much as her others.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?
It seems pretty on the nose to how the kids' love lives have been described so far.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

[Cat]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

It was always going to happen! I was surprised he held out as long as he did.
June, I can understand her reaction to staying with him whilst the first marriage was happening, but not why she married him the second time

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

I think they are both decent parents , but that they also react to their own issues first.
I was mostly cross that June didn't demand the appropriate child support payments

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

I think the big changes in residents during the timeline make it effective. From the back of beyond small town feel of the 60s into the mega rich, with this family being a thread of continuity does make it interesting

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

I found Evelyn and Daisy both to be soapy, so this fits in well!
I think it's going to be bumpy, but hope they all come out of it as a functioning family

[Tammie]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?
It was always going to happen-He had zero regard for his children and the responsibilities he had at home. All those women!
June was a bit of a doormat, but I'll give her a pass as she was really just stuck because, and rightfully so, she had the children to care for. I lost respect when she took him back for a second marriage, (view spoiler)[although this time around he did stick around for a bit to contribute (hide spoiler)].

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.
Mick is a horrible example of a parent as he's shown that abandoning your responsibilities is OK. June, while she stuck with the children and really did all she could, she shouldn't have put up with not receiving child support. Her unwillingness to do this I think, set a precedence for (view spoiler)[Mike not caring for the children after June died (hide spoiler)].

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?
I think the setting was perfect because of the 'famous/celebrity population'.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?
I think it's well written and when it's a page turner it's because there's a bit of both along the way. (I finished very quickly)

[Vicky]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

This is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book. I've had Evelyn Hugo on my TBR but haven't gotten around to it. I've heard good things about her other books so I'm hoping that I enjoy the read but I'm trying not to go in with too many expectations since I haven't heard much about this one specifically.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

Tough to tell right now. I'm loving Nina's POV and I'm very intrigued by Kit. But I'm also dying to know how the Hud situation is going to blow up. And I think the June chapters are fun.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

I keep forgetting it's set in the past until things like Virginia Slims come up. It reminds me a lot of "This is Us" in the way that the timelines go back and forth which I LOVE. It also kind of terrifies me that 1983 is now borderline historical fiction. LOL

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

Ohh, I love that you highlighted this quote. I think I breezed over it in the audiobook but it's very intriguing and I think it'll be interesting to see how their stories evolve over this book and reflect these things. It could be that this is how they relate their own relationships - with Nina going through a divorce she's seeing the tragic part of their marriage (I get the feeling it's not going to end well) and Hud's story seems a little whirlwindy like Mick & June, but it's also possible he uses his dad leaving and taking what he wants to justify keeping Ashley? Not sure about Jay yet, but I think Kit was just too young to know what happened. Whoever writes the last day of DQs needs to bring this question back!

[Cordelia]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

It was always going to happen! And she's a doormat. She has a heart of gold for how she is with her children but when it comes to Mick she's a doormat.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

I think Mick deludes himself into thinking that they're fine with June so they're fine without him (and it's messed up that June didn't go after him for child support because I think that that gave her more reason to drink though I'm sure she had it in her to be an alcoholic regardless) and June deludes herself that if she can take care of her kids and be a good mother that her drinking isn't a problem. They both failed and made Nina pick up the slack and sacrifice her own childhood.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?
I have to be honest and say that I didn't really get a good sense of the beach culture. It feels partially light beach setting and partially light 80s setting without giving me a good feel for either.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

It is kind of too much drama but without the really engaging insider element that something like Crazy RIch Asians had. It will be a rough road but they'll ultimately come out of it fine.

[Bookworm_gem]

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I had really high expectations as i've read a lot of TJR's books. I loved Evelyn Hugo but my favourite has been After I Do. TJR is now an auto buy author for me.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell? I can already tell I like the character Nina. All the siblings intrigue me and can't wait to learn more about them

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)? Definitely has the same feel as Daisy Jones and Evelyn Hugo. I really enjoy TJR's writing style as in these books I often forget they are not based on real people.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above? this quote does not give hopes of a happy ending for June and Mick, whatever happens it obviously deeply effects each of the siblings

[Bookworm_gem]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?
I saw this coming, Mick clearly had a way with words to draw June in BUT I have to say doormat, why would she go back for more especially putting her children through the trauma when she clearly loves them so much.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.
Mick doesn't deserve the title of parent, he let his children down in every possible way, how could he leave them with no second thought?! June clearly loves her children, the drinking is a sad consequence of a sad life. But I can't help but be annoyed with her for letting her children have to have a life of struggle when she could have demanded support from Mick

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting? The setting is the perfect backdrop and the two time lines work perfectly in showing the evolving backdrop due to time and money

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?
I LOVE THE DRAMA. The way TJR writes the party timeline weaving in smaller side characters and what they are getting up to is brilliant. As for the siblings i'm hoping for triumph although seeds have been planted for tragedy...

[Vicky]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

Woah for sure. I had a feeling *something* like that would happen but I wasn't sure which direction it would take. I think June is too much of a dreamer and he had the right words to sway her back.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

Oh boy. I'm definitely starting to see where they messed up! Mick being an absentee father obviously had an effect on them and him leaving a second time was worse. We saw that Nina didn't even know who he was when he came back and in a way I think not knowing him was better than him building up their relationship and then disappearing again.

I think before June really picks up drinking, her parenting style was fairly normal. I loved how she made Nina leave the restaurant because she was afraid of her feeling the same way she had about working there. Her losing herself to alcohol was almost worse than Mick leaving because those kids were able to depend on her for so long.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

I think there are other physical locations that would have a similar old/new money vibe and have experienced a change in culture similar to Malibu over the years that could have worked, but she's definitely playing off of those themes so it couldn't be uprooted and thrown into Anytown, USA to the same effect.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

I'm here for the drama and I'm enjoying the way the stories are woven together. I said before it has a very This is Us kind of vibe and I was always in awe of how they paralleled those timelines in the show, so I'm loving it here as well. I'm not sure what to expect from the ending - there is a LOT going on and their lives have been so filled with tragedy thus far that I'm hoping they'll come out on top. But I'm also in literal tears after just finishing this section so I have a feeling TJR won't hold back.

[Judith]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I read Evelyn Hugo but not Daisy Jones and The Six, it's on my TBR. I read one of her short books. The Affair? Or something like that, it was in letter format and really good. I expected drama, complicated gray characters/situations, and a page turner.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
I like Nina and Kit the best, Hugo and Jay less so. Of the siblings, I'm probably the least interested in Jay. The side stories are sort of fun but can be a bit much. I love the back story with June and Mick.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
I feel like Evelyn Hugo captured the era better and it was easier to tell the current day from the flashbacks easier than with this one.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?
That his kids weren't a part of his life, just something that happened for a short period in his life. Like a phase and not a life altering event that becoming a parent is for most people. It's a sentence that made me sad to read.

[Judith]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?
I figured it was going to happen, just not twice. I know how I would react and there would be no second go-round. However if I grew up in the 1940s & 50s? And had kids? I can't say for certain what I would do. Plus love can make you really stupid. Just saying.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.
Mick when he was engaged I think was an okay parent. But I'm not sure he's one to count on when it gets real. And that's when you really need your parents. June, oh Juney. She was doing great and taught her children a lot of valuable life lessons. But then she just broke and couldn't figure out how to fit the pieces back together and her children, especially Nina, paid the price.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?
I think the shifting situation of Malibu makes it more interesting. Also with the fires and constant rebirth makes me think of a phoenix.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?
There was a lot of drama but it TJR is talented enough to not make it painful drama that's just stupid.
I've finished the book so I won't comment on the rest.

[Lory]

DAY 2

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?
I think she was just too much in love with the idea. He showed her how her life could be and she just couldn't let go. I think it's a bit of both, sensitive heart and a doormat

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.
Mick was the fun parent, but unreliable. He is the one that thinks he can just show up do the fun stuff and then leave and they will still love him. June was a good mom until she let the alcohol take over too much. She was too focused on what her life should be instead of making the most of what it is.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?
It's hard to say if it would be effective. The beach setting gives a care free vibe which acts as a relief for some of the more intense topics. It would be hard to replicate in another locale.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?
She does write page turners. She references stuff in the future and you just want to keep reading to find out what happens. I hope it ends in triumph, but I'm expecting tragedy.

[Shá]

Day 1 DQ:

1. Is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

I’ve read The Seven Husbands. I actually only realized it was the same author after being nearly finished with Malibu Rising. That being said, I was reading it from the perspective that this was a new author. However, as I read it I said to myself several times that this reminded me of The Seven Husband’s so it all made sense after that. I’m expecting some kind of [hopefully] unexpected twist.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

There is a LOT of name dropping that it starts to get harder to keep up, especially as the book goes on. It also makes it more difficult to invest in the characters and their development.

3. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

The timeline in this one didn’t do as good of a job distinguishing what was taking place and when. It started to jump a little too much for me. At first, I found the flashbacks a bit unnecessary but it got better as time went on. I do have a few strong opinions about this, though that I will share once we get more into the story and everyone has had a chance to read it.

4. We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

I think the author put a lot of emphasis on childhood contributing to the way a person grows into adulthood. This is true, but some of it was a little too exaggerated.

Haha as I read it I knew the name sounded familiar but I did not put together that these came from the previous book. I actually love that, it’s very creative!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

Given the time, I don't like June had much of a choice but to put up with it. For her to go home with three kids to her parents... she would have been hugely judged (1959 it would have been her fault) and she may not be able to provide for her kids. I think she also does love Mick and hopes he will change

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

This is a theme of the book I love. There is so much that shapes us as children into the adults, and parents, we become. My parents were married in 1970 as 20 year olds, which was quite normal back then, but it means in my (now middle-aged adult brain) they were just children themselves trying to bring us up. I wonder how the choices me and my husband make will impact on our kids in 40 years :o haha

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

I love the setting. It goes to my childhood when we would go to beach towns that are now major tourist resorts. It brings a nostalgia and a sense of 'where does it end' to how we have changed natural landscapes and small towns

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

Well, I absolutely loved it first time around and I am again! I don't see it as overly soap-opera, because this is actually what families are like. Once you start digging everyone has some crazy philandering parents/grandparent/uncle, brothers with sisters girlfriends, crazy divorces.... don't they? Or is it just my family? LOL

[Shá]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
5. Mick was characterized as a sleazy womanizer, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

This chapter annoyed me a little. The writing felt like a bad 50’s movie with their dialogue. I guess that was the point? I found it pretty unbelievable. Anyway, with how cheesy things were with them, I gathered that it was going to be the stereotypical happy ending so his cheating brought some sense of normalcy and to their relationship, as bad as that sounds. I’m still going to wait until further along before commenting on June’s reaction.

6. Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

Mick hasn’t been around much for us to see his parenting style but June is very nurturing.

7. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

The very first paragraph was a giant metaphor so I took the title to be this as well. It could be rising tensions, or rising wealth or maybe even emotions?

8. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

I think there is too much drama. I think it will give us the impression that it is a tragedy and then conveniently switch to triumph.

[Sixty]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

I have Daisy Jones & the Six on my shelf, but I have not read it yet. This will be my first book by Taylor Jenkins. I don't know anything about the author or the book, so I have no expectations going in.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

I am having a little trouble keeping track of names, I think I like Nina the best so far.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

I'm not really enjoying the time skipping very much at the moment, but I am usually not a fan of that in books. The writing seems fine to me so far.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

I would think it has had a big effect on their lives. Perhaps their view of relationships has been skewed, as it would seem especially with one brother getting together with another brother's ex.

[[deleted user]]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
This is my first book but both of those are on my TBR. I've heard good things about this author so my expectations are somewhat high, but so far this book hasn't really grabbed me too much.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
I so far am enjoying June's perspective the most.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
I haven't read other books, so I can't compare but am enjoying the writing style and the flipping back and forth. It's definitely leading to something and I'm excited to find out what!

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?
It seems that they're not great at commitment from what I can tell so far, which seems like they may have learned from their father.

[[deleted user]]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?
I definitely saw this one coming, I think the warning from her mom was huge foreshadowing. I think June is sensitive and naive, she wanted to believe the best of Mick.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.
Mick and June are pretty terrible parents, both of them absent in their own ways. Nina has been affected by needing to become a parent to her siblings at an early age, and all of the children had to mature quickly.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?
I think the setting definitely plays a role in the story, surfing is a major part of the children's lives both in childhood and adulthood.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?
I am enjoying it so far, but I don't mind a bit of drama! I can see this ending in tragedy but not sure how yet.

[Jenny]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?
I don't think that June suspected, really, I think from the beginning she didn't expect him to be the perfect husband, but she really wanted him to be.
What an asshole.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.
No gold stars for either of them. He is just too selfish to care, and she is too sorry for herself to notice.
I am not a parent, but I am a child of flawed parents, and from that, and from what I have seen of other flawed parents, I can conclude that parents are people first. Some of them really shouldn't have children.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?
I'm not a beach person, nor a surfing fan, so the setting is not that moving for me. It sounds like a beautiful piece of coastline, but I don't think it adds that much to the story.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?
Oh my god, I was expecting Marlena and Roman to run into Stefano as well. I can't figure out what about this story isn't resonating with me, but I am interested enough to want to finish. I do predict disaster. What kind, I don't know.

[Sixty]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

It was always going to happen, he's a real POS. I think she is a doormat, c'mon have some self respect, lady.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

They are both absolute failures as parents, wow. It's clear that the kids bear the scars of their screwed-up parents. I have some sympathy for June and her drinking, but you have kids, you gotta get your shit together.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

I think the setting works really well for the story. I'm sure you could find other settings that would work, but I wouldn't know what they would be. It is interesting to see how it has changed over time.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

I am of the opinion that there can never be too much drama, but I am not really getting into the story. It's not really my kind of story/genre, but there is nothing wrong with it. As for triumph or tragedy I would say, why not both?

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Jenny wrote: "DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an ..."

Oh my god, I was expecting Marlena and Roman to run into Stefano as well. OMG... it's been years since I watched DOOL,( is it even still on TV? ) but this comment made me literally LOL.

[Melindam]

Day 3

41% 5:00 PM
59% 10:00 PM

9. The Riva house on the beach and Nina's husband's place on a cliff are described several times in the book as the most important settings. Do you find the houses and Malibu as appealing places?
What would your own dreamplace be like? And where would it be?

10. As we are moving forward in the story, the siblings characters may be getting fleshed out a bit more. What do you think of Nina? Does it seem like she's following in her mother's footsteps in her choices?

11. Connecting to the previous question about Nina: while TJR is handing out information concerning her husband and their marriage rather sparingly, how do you see Nina's choice and their relationship? Any impressions on what Brandon is like?

12. What do you think about the relationship between Jay and Hud? How do you think Jay will react when he learns about Hud's betrayal especially as he seems to have found a real love interest?

[Cat]

Day 3

41% 5:00 PM
59% 10:00 PM

9. The Riva house on the beach and Nina's husband's place on a cliff are described several times in the book as the most important settings. Do you find the houses and Malibu as appealing places?
What would your own dreamplace be like? And where would it be?

The house on the beach appeals more than the house on the cliff. Not sure I'd want to live in Malibu now.
Dream house? not really got one in mind! Being Brit period houses appeal more, but they are tricky to make low-impact environmentally and to regulate the temperature. I like where I live now - just outside of central London (about 4 miles from me to Trafalgar Square) with plenty of green spaces around, and affordable due to no tube. I do miss the proximity of the river though...

10. As we are moving forward in the story, the siblings characters may be getting fleshed out a bit more. What do you think of Nina? Does it seem like she's following in her mother's footsteps in her choices?

Not following her mothers footsteps so much as not allowing her own needs to take a priority. She's gonna snap.

11. Connecting to the previous question about Nina: while TJR is handing out information concerning her husband and their marriage rather sparingly, how do you see Nina's choice and their relationship? Any impressions on what Brandon is like?

I don't think Nina really thought about it - it was easier to say yes than no and gave her more security. Brandon is a big man child, very much like Nina's father.

12. What do you think about the relationship between Jay and Hud? How do you think Jay will react when he learns about Hud's betrayal especially as he seems to have found a real love interest?

Jay's not going to take it well. Traditionally alpha men don't like friends, and especially family, to move in on their exes. The fact that he doesn't want Ashley anymore is irrelevant in his mind.

[Tammie]

Day 3

41% 5:00 PM
59% 10:00 PM

9. The Riva house on the beach and Nina's husband's place on a cliff are described several times in the book as the most important settings. Do you find the houses and Malibu as appealing places?
What would your own dreamplace be like? And where would it be?
I personally love the beach…a dream to have a home there…I just think of the upkeep and lack of privacy that would go with it and quickly jump to renting now and then :)
My dream home would be somewhere with super clean air, close to the beach, and low on insects.

10. As we are moving forward in the story, the siblings characters may be getting fleshed out a bit more. What do you think of Nina? Does it seem like she's following in her mother's footsteps in her choices?
Nina’s taken on the role of caregiver for her siblings so in that respect some of her choices mirror her mother. She’s not selfish and I view her as resourceful. I think she’s doing well considering this situation.

11. Connecting to the previous question about Nina: while TJR is handing out information concerning her husband and their marriage rather sparingly, how do you see Nina's choice and their relationship? Any impressions on what Brandon is like?
He’s rich and likes what he likes (entitled) that’s for sure.

12. What do you think about the relationship between Jay and Hud? How do you think Jay will react when he learns about Hud's betrayal especially as he seems to have found a real love interest?
When I was reading this part about HUDs relationship, I thought, ’Oh boy, shit’s gonna hit the fan’ :)

[Lory]

Day 3
41% 5:00 PM
59% 10:00 PM

9. The Riva house on the beach and Nina's husband's place on a cliff are described several times in the book as the most important settings. Do you find the houses and Malibu as appealing places?
What would your own dreamplace be like? And where would it be?
It sounds like a beautiful place to be. I'm not really a beach person so I think it's a fun vacation spot but not to live. Ideally, I'd like more variability in the weather.

10. As we are moving forward in the story, the siblings characters may be getting fleshed out a bit more. What do you think of Nina? Does it seem like she's following in her mother's footsteps in her choices?
I think Nina doesn't know what to do and is very unhappy. It was unfair of Brandon to put her in that position. I don't think she'll spiral as much as her mom though.

11. Connecting to the previous question about Nina: while TJR is handing out information concerning her husband and their marriage rather sparingly, how do you see Nina's choice and their relationship? Any impressions on what Brandon is like?
Brandon seemed like a decent guy at the beginning, but full of himself. I think Nina looked the idea of someone taking care of her for a change. She left herself for security.

12. What do you think about the relationship between Jay and Hud? How do you think Jay will react when he learns about Hud's betrayal especially as he seems to have found a real love interest?
I think Jay is not going to handle it well. Hud seems genuine although it was not cool when they were still dating. That's going to come out and I think Jay will feel betrayed and it will take something drastic to recover.

[Alisha]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I've read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and I really liked it. I haven't gotten around to this one orDaisy Jones & The Six. I saw this book once on a "fun beach reads" list so I went in partly expecting that plus I figured it would have a bit of nostalgia with the 80s setting.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
I like June and Mick's story the best so far. It reminds me of Evelyn Hugo and I like their love affair so far (although obviously it is going to go downhill).

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
Yeah it definitely feels like Evelyn Hugo with the back and forth timeline. Although that one actually was set in contemporary times and the past so that might be part of the confusion. I'm curious if things will start to feel more 80s as the book progresses.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?
It doesn't sound too great does it. Nina being the oldest probably saw everything really clearly. The other kids were probably protected from most of the bad times.

[Melindam]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

I have read Evelyn Hugo and while I found it entertaining enough, it did not exactly blew my socks off. I have had similar, not too high expectations from Malibu Rising. I don't expect to be blown away by it, but don't think I will be bored either.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?

I don't dislike any of the characters so far, but don't like them either. I don't think that characterisation is a forte of the author.

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?
I don't get any 50's or 80's vibes either. The writing is too generic for it despite some namesdropping.

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

Obviously it is not happy memories we are talking about.

[Judith]

Day 3

41% 5:00 PM
59% 10:00 PM

9. The Riva house on the beach and Nina's husband's place on a cliff are described several times in the book as the most important settings. Do you find the houses and Malibu as appealing places?
What would your own dreamplace be like? And where would it be?
Yes and no. Yes because the settings and weather (typically) are lovely and I do love the water. But no because being right on the ocean and in common fire lines is not an ideal place for a home.

10. As we are moving forward in the story, the siblings characters may be getting fleshed out a bit more. What do you think of Nina? Does it seem like she's following in her mother's footsteps in her choices?
A little. It's a bit hard to answer this uninfluenced since I have finished the book. I really do like her character a lot and relate to her in many ways. When her husband so publicly asked her back, she seemed to feel trapped into saying yes when she really wanted to say no. At that point in the book I was hoping she'd dump him later when she wasn't so put on the spot.

11. Connecting to the previous question about Nina: while TJR is handing out information concerning her husband and their marriage rather sparingly, how do you see Nina's choice and their relationship? Any impressions on what Brandon is like?
He seemed safe and stable to her I think. And on paper a polar opposite of her father and of her own family background. I think I someone who grows up like that will sacrifice a lot for stability and safety. Brandon seemed like a golden boy, who is used to winning and never being told no. And thus it breaks his brain when he looses because he has no concept of how to deal or bounce back from it. And a self-centered douche.

12. What do you think about the relationship between Jay and Hud? How do you think Jay will react when he learns about Hud's betrayal especially as he seems to have found a real love interest?
I like their relationship. Overall I really like how the siblings internally have positive relationships and the drama and disappointments are external aside from the Ashley situation. I'm not going to comment on my expectations, aside from it played out fairly close to my expectations.

[Brittany]

DQs Day 1: Prologue - 11:00AM

1. Both Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo have been BOMs in this group before. Have you read these books (or others) by Taylor Jenkins Reid too or is Malibu Rising your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?

I have read both of these and Daisy Jones and the Six is in my Top 50 favorite audio books of all time. I went into this expecting full cast narration like Daisy had.

2. We have been introduced to quite a lot of MCs and their different POVs in the first 20% of the book. Do you prefer one character/POV over the others or is it still too early to tell?
I like Nina and Kit, but overall I don't feel much of an affinity for anyone

3. The writing has quite a contemporary feel to it, especially the 1983 timeline, which makes it easy to forget the book is actually set in the past. What's your opinion on the writing and the back and forth between the two timelines so far, and how does it compare to other TJR books you've read (if any)?

I like the contemporary parts better, because I like Nina as a character better. But this has a slow pace compared to previous books to me

4. "The story of June and Mick Riva seemed like a tragedy to their oldest child, Nina. It felt like a comedy of errors to their first son, Jay. It was an origin story for their second son, Hud. And a mystery to the baby of the family, Kit. To Mick himself it was just a chapter of his memoir."
We don't really know how June and Mick's marriage post kids 1 + 2 went (and ended) yet, but from what we've learned about each of the siblings and their (love) lives so far, how do you think their parents' story has affected them after reading the quote above?

Definitely not marital bliss

[Brittany]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

Mick is a douche and June is a doormat. It is hard to even like much about either of these characters. They make me dislike any of the past narrative parts.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

They are both so self absorbed that neither of them can see how they are each negatively affecting the children. They just play a lot of blame games and the kids and left to mostly raise themselves.

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

I like the setting for this story. it fits well with the narrative

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?
I am mostly over the drama, but that has more to do with my lack of caring about June and Mick. *I like the 1980s drama that is unfolding better. This is what is keeping me reading. It is more of a slower unveil. This still isn't as entertaining to me as previous TJR novels though

[Kerri]

DAY 2 - 1959 "It was last December 1959"
41% 1981 "...in her arms, on her back."

5. 1959 - "It was last December, 1959" -
It sounds like a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song...Wow! What an explosive chapter. Your reaction? Mick was characterised as a sleezy womaniser, it was always going to happen or I didn't see that coming! And June's reaction? Sensitive woman with a huge heart or a doormat for putting up with what she suspected?

I definitely saw it coming, but I also read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo so I had some further context. Even without it, though, Mick seemed like the kind of guy who is a smooth talker but is very self-centered. As for June, I will never tell someone how they should react to finding out their partner cheated. Would I personally have let him back in? Hell no! I wouldn't have listened to a single word he had to say after his girlfriend dumped the result of his unfaithfulness in my arms when I already had *two kids* to take care of. But I also have the benefit of living in 2022 instead of the 1950s. I mean, that locksmith wouldn't even change the lock for her because her *man* wasn't there to approve it! Ugh... June is a softhearted person who truly believed in Mick and that bit her in the butt.

6. "He gave no thought to the idea that he might break his children like someone had broken him". "You're drunk and you're killing yourself with this stuff." Discuss Mick and June's parenting styles and how they have affected the siblings as children and adults.

Mick was a terrible father. Point blank period. Even when he came back for a short amount of time, I feel like he did more damage than good. Stayed just long enough for the kids to get attached and then bounced. I understand that he was pretty messed up from his own childhood, but you'd think that would make him even more determined to not make his children go through a similar situation. As for June... sigh. I won't excuse her alcoholism. She had four children to take care of! But... at the same time... she had four children to take care of by herself while her philandering ex-husband was constantly plastered in her face and, after the second divorce, barely any money. She still harmed her children irrevocably, she was still pretty self-absorbed, but she actually tried to be a good mother. Those kids deserved better parents...

7. The title of the book is Malibu Rising and the author gives the reader a sense of the beach culture both in the past and the present time lines. What does it bring to the story and would it be as effective in another setting?

I'm really enjoying all the surf/beach culture talk in this book. It reminds me of when I was younger and we lived in Florida. All the lingo is coming back to me, haha. I'm sure this story could be as effective in a different setting, but I like that the author chose this one.

8. Already with the first set of questions there are varying opinions by the group about both Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author and how it compares to her other work. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but I am finding this one as bit like Days of our Lives... but the author is skillful enough to make it into a page turner. Where do you sit, engaging tale well written or too much drama and as we are half way through do you see this ending in triumph or tragedy for the Riva siblings?

So far, I'm truly enjoying this book. It's compelling and, even though there is a ton of drama in the Riva's lives, it doesn't seem over-the-top to me. Especially considering the circle in which they travel. I want the Riva siblings to have a happy ending, but I get the feeling, since we know this house is about to burn down, that it's gonna lean more towards tragedy.