Printable: Book Club Questions for Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Why do you think the author decided to set this story in Malibu during the ’80s?
What were your first impressions of the siblings? Did that change as the story went on?
The story is told in multiple timelines—the majority is focus on the four siblings and their parents. Why was it important for us to read about their parents relationship and fallout?
Their mother June is determined to leave behind her home and family restaurant and believes Mick will be her ticket out of there. But what warning signs did she ignore about Mick?
Let’s talk about the importance and significance of surfing to the four siblings.
Nina was forced to grow up fast and eventually became the caretaker for her siblings. Because of this, Nina never does anything for herself and always puts others first. How is this behavior harmful to herself?
June never gets over Mick leaving her and she becomes an alcoholic. In a true tragic turn, she recognizes she needs to change for her children but she ends up drowning that night, with Nina finding her the next morning. Let’s talk about the impact of their mother’s death on the siblings.
Why didn’t Mick come to the funeral and try to maintain some type of relationship with his kids? Let’s now talk about the impact of an absent father.
Nina is worried she’s following her mother’s path in many ways—especially when her husband leaves her for another woman. How did Nina avoid becoming like her mother?
What did you think about all the details of the party scenes?
Let’s now talk about the dynamic between Jay and Hud. What was your impression of the storyline where Hud falls in love with Jay’s ex-girlfriend?
Kit grows quite a bit in the novel. Let’s talk about her character arc.
Why did Mick come to party and finally face his kids?
Will the siblings ever see their father again? Do they even want to?
Let’s talk about the push for Nina to go to Portugal and leave everything behind including finally selling the family restaurant.
How did the party change the siblings lives for good?
What happens next for all four siblings?