![]() This is a tough one for me. I really thought I was going to love this book based on the reviews and the summary I read, but I just could not get engaged with it. I enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, but for some reason I could not connect with the characters in this story, or really, the storyline. When I think back to the actual plot of the book, I liked it. I liked the overall premise; It just seemed to drag on and I felt like I was pushing myself to finish the book instead of actually enjoying it or wanting to read it. I don't know specifically what it is about the book that I didn't love. Perhaps the writing style is a little academic. Maybe it was the switching back and forth between the characters, which I usually enjoy. Or maybe it was just the characters themselves. I'm just not sure. I did like parts of the story, but overall it just was not for me. Apparently a ton of people really enjoy this book, so if you are interested in historical fiction, specifically set in America, this might be a great read for you. It just was not amazing to me.
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![]() I received Malibu Rising from Goodreads in a book giveaway I won. It had been in my reading queue for awhile and I decided to finally give it a read because I was looking for a light, "beach" read. And although this is not a difficult read, I soon realized it isn't as "light" as I was anticipating. I honestly was not expecting much from this book, but I ended up really enjoying it. The story is set in Malibu in the early 80s and it centers on the Rivas family which includes Mick, June, Nina, Jay Hud, and Kit. Over the course of the book the reader gets an insight into the failed marriage of Mick and June and the consequences that unfold for the family after. I found the writing style very approachable and the characters seemed realistic and relatable. This is the first book I have read by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and I plan to add some of her others to my reading list. One of the reasons I think I enjoyed this book so much is that I can relate to Nina who seems to carry the responsibility of her family and others. I particularly related to this passage from the novel: "She knew it was up to her to say what had to be said. To do what had to be done. When there is only you, you do not get to choose which jobs you want, you do not get to decide you are incapable of anything. There is no room for distaste or weakness. You must do it all. All of the ugliness, the sadness, the things most people can't stand to even think about, all must live inside you. You must be capable of everything." This novel gives a glimpse into the imagined life of a famous family from the 1980s - the burdens they hold, the trials they must overcome, and the bonds they share. |
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