Crazy Rich Asians is the outrageously funny debut novel about three super-rich, pedigreed Chinese families and the gossip, backbiting, and scheming that occurs when the heir to one of the most massive fortunes in Asia brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season.
When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she … Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn’t know is that Nick’s family home happens to look like a palace, that she’ll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick’s formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should–and should not–marry. Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider’s look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich.
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So much fun!
Kept knowing this book was going to get better. It never did. What a disappointment!
Boring.
Different from anything else I have read. Kept me interested. I went after the next two books in the series as soon as I finished! Loved them, too!
AN INTERESTING READ
Kevin Kwan deserves all the praise for this fabulous debut. Witty, charming and satirical, it offers a glimpse into a rarefied world few understand, but many covet.
New to me author. I listened to the audio book. Main character are Nic and Rachael. Both from New York and University Professors. As boyfriend and girlfriend Nic invites Rachael to his home land for his best friends wedding. Rachael encounters Nic crazy asian family for the 1st time. The book title is very appropriate. Ends in a HFN.
I love Kevin Kwan and I am pretty sure he has won me over for life. His stories are sexy, snarky, and highly entertaining.
Movie was better.
Fun reading!
Fantastic writing that puts you right in the protagonist’s shoes.
Well, this trilogy does exactly what it says on the tin; the main characters are all crazy, rich and Asian. Very little unites the plot other than these three words. If, like me, you’ve come to this after watching the film, be warned: the plot is significantly more batshit than the film got into and there’s approximately a hundred further side characters you’ll need to pay attention to. It does all come together to make a rather fabulous and ridiculous soap opera and this is a perfectly fine read if you’re looking for something fluffy and not too challenging. Branding these ‘satire’ is a bridge too far for me – Kwan is far too in awe of the wealth and privilege of his own characters to attempt to properly satirise any but the most ridiculous of them. I must admit that all of the outrageous ‘wealth porn’ did get somewhat tired after three books!
I’ve wanted to read this book since seeing the movie of the same name. I’m very glad I finally got around to it because as much as I enjoyed the movie, the book is far better with much more substantial characterization and intricate plotting. Yet, the movie did catch the heart of this story about the craziness brought on by the excessive wealth in these families. And while the movie focused almost completely on Rachel’s experience, the book gets into wonderful detail on the lives of many of her boyfriend’s family members. The relationship of Astrid and Michael got very short shift in the movie, but in many ways was a more powerful story than that of Rachel and Nicky. And then there’s the ending—which I won’t give away other than to say that it is different from the movie and had me rushing to start the sequel.
Had me crying at the end. I did not think I would like it as I prefer mystery, however this book was amazing. I would highly recommend this book.
It was okay
Good for a few chuckles. I am from the Bay Area so could relate to the scene.
I watched the movie before reading the book, which I hate to do but it happens sometimes, it’s honestly what made me want to read the book. Of course, there a plenty of differences between the two, but I prefer the book. The characters are great, and it doesn’t just focus on one person as the main character. I can’t wait to read the other two of this series!
Interesting peak into the lives of billionaires. Delightful “beach book.”
So many book friends recommended this book to me last summer, I am finally able to say I read and enjoyed it! The audio version was a bit hard to get into, I am glad I stuck with it. High drama, silliness, love, heartache and culture served with a side of snark. The footnotes and the clarifications scattered in each chapter provided an interesting glimpse of the culture. Light-hearted fun.
Great easy read! It was The best kind of reality tv in book form. It kept my attention the entire time. Absolutely loved it!