Book Review- Jesse Q. Sutanto's Dial A for Aunties

Meddy Chan feels the burden of not disappointing her family. The love of her life is Nathan, but they break up after college, when she realizes that she cannot pursue a life with him and make her family happy. She moves back to be with her mom and her three aunties as they open a wedding service business. The problem is Meddy never tells her family about Nathan or her choice. She assumes they would not support her, but she doesn’t actually give them the opportunity to prove her otherwise.

The night before working a flashy wedding on a private island in California, Meddy goes on a date with Jake aka Ah Guan, a deceitful jerk who Meddy accidentally kills, when he tries to forces her sexually at the end of their evening. Left with the body and panicking, Meddy calls on her mom and aunties for help. Complications arise as they try to get rid of the body and keep their commitments for the wedding. An additional surprise awaits on the island, when Meddy learns that the owner of the hotel is Nathan and their feelings for each other are still strong.

Dial A for Aunties is a fun read, primarily for Sutanto’s humorous dialogue and family dynamics. I loved aunties. They all have very strong personalities and Sutanto does a great job at explaining the mini alliances and rivalries between the sisters. They squabble, but at the end of the day, they are family.

Meddy’s problem of not wanting to disappoint her family is very relatable. I think many people struggle with this, we make choices based on not wanting to disappoint, rather than actually expressing what we want and giving our loved ones the opportunity to support us.

The plot is a bit absurd and definitely requires a suspension of disbelief. However, the characters are so enjoyable, that I went along for the ride. Sure there’s murder, but at the end of the day, this is a light-hearted comedy-mystery with some good twists. I will definitely read the sequel, Four Aunties and Wedding, and likely seek out Sutanto’s other works. I like her sense of humor and Dial A for Aunties is the perfect vacation read.

Book Review- Taylor Jenkins Reid's Malibu Rising

Primarily set in the 1970’s and 80’s, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel, Malibu Rising, is the story of a four siblings living in Malibu. Their father, Mick Riva, is a famous singer, who left his family when his children were young. His ex-wife struggles financially, surviving by running her parent’s fish restaurant. When their mother dies from cancer, Nina, the eldest Riva child and barely an adult, takes over the family restaurant and care of her younger siblings. Nina’s fortune changes when she is discovered surfing and becomes a model. Her financial windfall is further enhanced by her marriage to a tennis star. As they become adults, Nina’s siblings follow her lead : Jay is a surf pro and Hud is a sports photographer, while youngest sibling, Kit, is also an accomplished surfer. The Riva siblings lives change after throwing one wild, unforgettable party in 1983, where secrets are revealed and irrevocable decisions are made.

Malibu Rising is my third Reid novel ( I also read Daisy Jones & The Six, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo), and this has, by far, been my favorite. The Riva family, especially Nina and Kit, are fabulous characters. I love the Malibu setting and surf culture aesthetic. I was delighted by the overlap of characters from Reid’s previous stories. Mick Riva is a connecting presence and one of Evelyn Hugo’s husbands! The overlap does not mean that you need to read Reid’s novels in order of publication, the books are independent stories. However, the connections are a fun Easter egg for fans.

Reid is excellent at writing historical fiction set in California during the 60’s/70’s/80’s. I mentioned this in a previous review, but it bears mentioning again: I’m from California, but I was born in 1977, so I feel that Reid’s novels transport me to my parent’s time growing up in Los Angeles. I love this time capsule aspect to her writing. She’s a fabulous storyteller, but I’m equally attracted to her themes and settings.

I bought Malibu Rising for my recent vacation to Los Angeles and it couldn’t have been a more perfect pick. I’m looking forward to Reid’s next book, Carrie Soto is Back, which also promises to link characters. In Malibu Rising, Nina Riva’s husband cheats on her with fellow tennis champion, Carrie Soto. I can’t wait for this drama to continue!

Book Review- Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & the Six

Daisy Jones & the Six follows the rise of a 1970’s rock band in California. The title character is a magnetic personality, who joins the already established band to contribute her song writing skills and unique vocals. Daisy is untrained, yet talented and driven to become a star, but she is also an addict, which threatens her dreams. The band must also contend with envy, romantic drama, and individual aspirations.

The story is told through modern day interviews from the band and their associates, such as mangers, producers, and spouses. I’m not sure that having the entire story in this format worked for me. It occasionally slowed the pacing and contributed to a story that was unequally interesting. I think a mix of interviews with narrative would been stronger. Daisy Jones & the Six is being turned into a television mini-series with Riley Keough as Daisy. I usually always prefer the book, but I have a hunch that the mini-series will really work and I’m looking forward to it.

Reid excels at creating strong, compelling characters. She also is fantastic at conflict and writes page-turners. I’m originally from Los Angeles, so I loved and felt connected to the setting. I currently live in Colorado, so when I get story that is firmly rooted in my hometown, I feel a bit of familiarity. I also really like stories set in the Los Angeles before I was born, allowing me a glimpse into a different era. Reid is great at writing historical fiction. Despite being uncertain about the interview format, I still enjoyed Daisy Jones & the Six. I recommend it, especially as a vacation read.