The Riva family has had hard times and high flying times, but few know of their losses. The four Riva children, Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit, were deserted by their father, famous crooner Mick Riva, when they were children. Their mother, June, did her best to provide for them and keep them together, but due to her despair and drinking, died an early death. Nina, all of seventeen, steps in, sacrifices her education to keep the family together until her siblings can start their own lives. Nina is discovered as a surfing model, Jay attempts a career as a professional surfer, Hud sells photographs of his brother in action, and Kit is contemplating trying her hand at a surfing life. The action takes place in Malibu, California, a mecca for surfers and famous star gazers and wannabees alike. The night is in August, 1983, the annual Riva end-of-summer party. Much will be confronted and resolved on this night, for good or ill.

Daisy Jones and the Six, also by Reid, was favorably reviewed here in 2019 (https://www.margueritereads.com/home/daisy-jones-and-the-six-by-taylor-jenkins-reid). Reid has delivered another entertaining book, this one an irresistible beach read. It perfectly captures the Malibu scene, beach bums, surfers, and beautiful people striving to make it in the entertainment industry. A superficial place, where people go to see and be seen, most of the Riva party attendees just want to rub elbows with the famous, and hope some of the glitter wears off on them. Ironically, the Riva family don’t care at all for this lifestyle; they are young people trying to find their way in the world, only certain of two things—their love of their family, and their shared love of surfing. You’ll want sand under your feet and the sun in your face as you read this one. A quintessential beach read, you are sure to enjoy this, and have a fond summer memory. Highly recommended.