The first half of this swiftly paced summer beach novel is juicy fun and involving. Unfortunately, the second half which includes a long-winded Malibu party fails to engage. Still there is enough 1980’s nostalgia and an exploration of the Malibu community that you won’t be sorry you’ve spent time reading the book. The bookended fire theme doesn’t resonate despite the current devastating west coast cauldron.

Taylor Jenkins Reid: Malibu Rising – YouTube