A Review of Malibu Rising

by Liz Keating '24 on April 8, 2023
A&E Staff

Arts & Entertainment

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a gripping novel that takes the reader on a journey through the lives of the Riva family, a group of siblings who are trying to come to terms with their tumultuous pasts and find a way to move forward.

Set in the summer of 1983, the story follows the Riva siblings as they prepare for their annual end-of-summer party, a tradition that has become legendary in the affluent beach community of Malibu—but this year’s party is different. Each of the Rivas is struggling with their own personal issues, and as the night wears on, their secrets and tensions come to a head.

At the heart of the novel are the four Riva siblings: Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit. Nina is a famous surfer and model who is struggling to come to terms with the end of her marriage. Jay is a renowned photographer who is hiding a dark secret from his past. Hud is a successful businessman who is trying to keep his family together, despite his own personal struggles, and Kit is the youngest sibling, a wild child who is determined to make her mark on the world.

As the night unfolds, the Rivas are forced to confront their pasts and their relationships with one another. Reid does a masterful job of weaving together their individual stories, using flashbacks to reveal the events that shaped their lives and the family as a whole.

One of the strengths of Malibu Rising is the way in which Reid captures the essence of 1980s Malibu, with its sun-drenched beaches, glamorous parties, and excess. The novel is a love letter to the era, and the vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters’ fashion choices transport the reader back in time.

At its core, Malibu Rising is a story about family and the bonds that hold us together, even in the face of tragedy and heartbreak. Reid writes with empathy and compassion, creating characters who are flawed but ultimately relatable. The Rivas are a family that has been through a lot, but their love for one another endures.

Overall, Malibu Rising is a captivating and moving novel that will leave the reader thinking long after the last page has been turned. Reid’s writing is both evocative and powerful, and the story is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of family and the search for identity.

Book Review: Daisy Jones & The Six

by Liz Keating '24 on February 21, 2023
A&E Staff

Arts & Entertainment

Daisy Jones & The Six is a novel written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The book follows the story of the rise and fall of a famous rock band in the 1970s. The book is written in an innovative format, with the narrative told through the perspectives of multiple characters, including the band members, their friends, and their lovers.

The story centers around Daisy Jones, a young and talented singer-songwriter who joins the already established band, The Six. Daisy’s raw talent and magnetic stage presence quickly make her the band’s frontwoman and the group’s dynamic changes as they start to create music together. The band’s new sound, along with Daisy’s captivating lyrics, propel them to fame, but as the band’s success grows, so do the tensions between the members.

One of the main conflicts in the book is the relationship between Daisy and the band’s lead singer and songwriter, Billy Dunne. The two have a complicated and tumultuous relationship, both professionally and personally. Their chemistry on stage is undeniable, but their egos and personal demons threaten to tear the band apart.

The book also explores the themes of fame, addiction, and the cost of success. The characters in the book all struggle with the pressures of fame and the personal demons that come with it, whether it be drug addiction, alcoholism, or relationships. The book offers a realistic portrayal of the music industry and the price that people pay to achieve success.

One of the strengths of the book is its vivid and immersive writing style, which transports readers back to the 1970s and the world of rock and roll. The book also provides an interesting perspective on the creative process of songwriting, as the characters struggle to create new music and come up with hit songs.

The book has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the author’s ability to create complex and relatable characters. The book also received attention for its format, which is unique and engaging. It has been compared to a screenplay or a documentary, with the multiple perspectives and interviews providing a rich and nuanced portrayal of the characters and their story. Prime Video, however, has taken on the challenge creating a mini series set to release March 3, with new episodes weekly until March 24. The series comes with an extremely talented cast, starring Riley Keough (granddaughter of Elvis Presley) as Daisy Jones, Sam Claflin as Billy Dunne, Camila Morrone as Camila Dunne, Will Harrison as Graham Dunne, and Suki Waterhouse as Karen Sirko.

Overall, Daisy Jones & The Six is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a glimpse into the world of rock and roll and the price of fame. It is a must-read for fans of music, fiction, and anyone who is interested in the creative process. The book offers a unique and immersive reading experience that will leave readers wanting more.