Now and then, a book comes along that's universally loved by everyone who picks up a copy.

I have a feeling Taylor Jenkins Reid's latest novel,Malibu Rising, is that book for 2021.

You're probably already seeing it everywhere and the buzz aroundMalibu Risingis only going to, well,rise, as more and more people stick their noses between its glorious pages.

InMamamia'sbrand new series, Should I Read It?, I deep dive into the latest buzzy book and break down what all the fuss it about.

Keep reading to find out whatMalibu Risingis about and whether you should read it (hint: of course, you bloody should):

What isMalibu Risingabout?

It's August 1983 and the Riva siblings are preparing for their annual end of summer party.

There's Nina, a surfing supermodel whose husband, the best tennis player in the world, has just left her for another tennis player. Jay, a championship surfer who's still reeling from being dumped by his ex-girlfriend, Ashley. Hud, Jay's 'twin' brother, a talented photographer, who's now madly in love with Ashley. And finally Kit, the baby of the family, who's still figuring out who she is and who she wants to be.

For the past few years, the Rivas' party has been the hottest ticket in town. A place where the cast ofFamily Tiesshare a joint with the newest voice in literary fiction, while Rob Lowe swings from the chandelier.

But by the end of the night, family secrets will come to surface, long-lost family members will show up out of the blue, trays of cocaine will be passed around while the Riva siblings come to blows on the back lawn, and a Malibu mansion will go up in flames.

Who's the author?

Malibu Risingwas written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a bestselling author whose books,Daisy Jones and The SixandThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugohave been dominating the bestseller lists over the past few years.

She lives in LA with her husband, their daughter and their dog. And yeah, you can follow her on Instagram.

Is it a sprint, a marathon, or a hike?

It's a sprint.

Malibu Risingis the kind of book you'll pick up and not put down until you've read the very last sentence.

Come for the...

The family secrets, the nostalgia of the 80s and old school Hollywood, and the fast-paced narrative.

Stay for the...

The beautiful writing and the loveable, fully fleshed out characters.

What books will it remind you of?

This Is Where I Leave Youby Jonathan Tropper.

Little Fires Everywhereby Celeste Ng.

Anything by Marian Keyes but specifically her books about the Walsh sisters -Watermelon,Rachel's Holiday,Anybody Out There?, andAngels.

And finally, if you loved Taylor Jenkins Reid's other books -Daisy Jones and The SixandThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, you'll loveMalibu Rising.

How long is it?

Clocking in at around 369 pages,Malibu Risingis the kind of book you can read in a weekend. Or one sitting if you find yourself unable to tear yourself away from the Riva family.

How will it make you feel?

SO. BLOODY. GOOD.

There are a few moments in the book that had me shedding a tear - but that was because it was so beautifully written and I felt so invested in the characters and their stories. I really wanted the best for those Riva siblings.

There were a few laugh out loud moments, but mostly the writing is just so goddamn beautiful and packed full of clever observations.

It'll make you think of your own family, your place in the world, and how you carry the people who raised you with you wherever you go, whether they're still with you or not.

What are some of the best quotes?

Like I said,Malibu Risingis packed full of beautiful sentences and clever observations. Here are some of my favourites:

How many stars would I give it?

I giveMalibu Risingfive stars, or five Rob Lowes swinging from the chandelier. Honestly, I found it hard to find any fault in this book.

So, should you read it?

Absolutely.

Malibu Risingis a bloody great book. The kind of book you'll wish you could go back in time and experience for the first time all over again.

It's got all the elements of a crackin' good novel - a page-turning plot, fully fleshed out, flawed, relatable characters, GOSSIP AND DRAMA, and little lessons you'll take with you long after you've read the final page.

Also, it's bloody entertaining and we all need that right now.

Keryn Donnelly is Mamamia's Pop Culture Editor. For more of her TV, film and book recommendations and to see photos of her dog, follow her on Instagram .

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