Title: Crazy Rich Asians
Author: Kevin Kwan
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication Date: January 2013
ISBN: 9780385536974
Synopsis from Goodreads:
When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, 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.
This book was a lot of fun! It’s ostentatious, blinged out, full throttle craziness with unlimited budgets, incredible opulence, and decadence galore. It’s divided into varying perspectives, so we’re able to hear what each character thinks. It’s a great way to get all sides to the story. We hear the scheming of Nick’s family, the down-to-earth love between Rachael and Nick, the support of Rachel’s family and friends, and the accompanying story of Astrid’s own family drama.
This story is full of comedy and drama. The wealth is absolutely ridiculous, you can’t help but laugh. I also found the perspectives of Nick and his friends to be quite comical. Rachel brings the story back down to reality with the purity and honesty of her feelings for Nick. There are so many twists and turns in this story. It’s really lively and unique, and nearly impossible to predict.
I’ve just started on the second book in the series, China Rich Girlfriend, and I’m really looking forward to it. The writer’s voice in book one draws you into the story with it’s clarity and joking edge. I’ve never read the Shopaholic series, but Kwan’s story is much like what I imagined the Shopaholic series would be like. It’s fun and light and was a quick read for me! Add this one to the summer reading list, because it’s perfect to enjoy in the warm days to come. 🙂
Worn Pages and Ink 