Shelf Addiction
  • Home
  • The Podcast
  • Blog
  • Monthly Read-Alongs
  • About Shelf Addiction
    • Media Kit
    • Advertising
    • Privacy Policy
  • Support Us
  • Merch Store
  • Book Club Guide
  • Giveaways
Sign up for the FREE Shelf Addiction Newsletter!

Book Review | Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1), by Kevin Kwan | Audiobook

9/24/2018

1 Comment

 
PictureClick to purchase!
Publisher: Double Day/Random House Audio
Release Date: June 11, 2013 
Format: Hardcover/MP3 Download
Pages: Hardcover: 403 | Audio Length: 13 hrs 53 mins
Narrator:​ Lynn Chen
Source: Scribd
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 4 bookmarks

​Synopsis:  
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 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.


The synopsis is true to the plot of the story. No hidden agenda here, you know going into it what type of book you're going to get. With all of the hoopla from the recent movie release, let's keep it real. You already know this is going to be a mostly light hearted, fun, dramatic, and a bit funny take on the extravagant lives of the "crazy rich" asians of Southeast Asia. If you go in expecting exactly that, you won't be disappointed. Is there vast and memorable character growth and reflection...no, not really. Is there lots of drama, fancy locations, romantic moments, and family drama...YES! Crazy Rich Asians takes you a fun and quick ride through the mega rich lifestyle many of us will never know.

When it comes to the characters, while I liked the main story of Rachel and Nick, I really enjoyed some of the characters that filled the subplot, mostly Astrid. Astrid's character almost steals the show in my opinion. I can't wait to find out what happens with her in the next book.
What could have made this book better? Possibly less characters. With a vast cast of over the top characters, we couldn't focus enough to get to know them better. We didn't delve into their pasts or get a chance to get attached to them.  Although, as this series has two more installments, I hope we're able to get a bit more out of the characters moving forward. I did not go into the plot much in this review, because as I previously stated, the synopsis is on point. Pretty much anything more will spoil some major plot points for you.

​At times, I felt that the book had a "Joy Luck Club" feel to it, especially when Rachel's mother tells her why she lied about something really important. There were a few other moments when that happens as well, but it didn't bother me, I just noticed it.
I recommend this title on audiobook. The narrator, Lynn Chen is just amazing and I look forward to listening to the rest of the series narrated by her. Over the few days that I listened to this on Audible, I found myself saying "Alamak!" Seriously, it gets addicting. Chen adds another layer of fun and she interprets these characters well. From Nick and Rachel, to Astrid and Michael, and the rest of this huge cast of characters, it was easy to listen to her narration this story. I loved her voice, but at times her pace was just a tad slow for my preference, so a quick modification up to 1.5x did the trick. 
Picture
Here are a few notable quotes that I enjoyed from Crazy Rich Asians.
“Doing nothing can sometimes be the most effective form of action.”
“Perfection comes at a sacrifice,” 
I recommend this book for those that like contemporary fiction with a dash of romance. If you like reading about the rich and famous, this also would be up your alley. Even if you "secretly" watch reality TV (no judgement, I like it too!), the drama level in this book will keep you happy.

What did you think of Crazy Rich Asians? Will you be reading it or listening on audiobook? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book, so comment below. Stay tuned because the movie review will becoming soon! Don't miss my thoughts on the book vs the movie.

Picture
1 Comment
Liz link
9/24/2018 04:03:33 pm

I saw the movie and then read this book, and I liked both although I liked the movie a little better. I have the other two books to read so I will definitely be reading them at some point! :)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Gain access to exclusive content!
    Picture
    Click for Shelf Addiction merch!
    Follow on Bloglovin

    What We’re Reading

    ace of spades, ya thriller, book club
    Thriller Book Club Read. Join the group and participate in a book nerd safe space.
    Picture
    Fantasy Series Book Club Read. Join the group and participate in a book nerd safe space.
    Picture
    Picture
    Get ONE month FREE!

    ​Rating Scale: 

    Picture
    Wonderful! Loved it! Add it to your shelf!
    Picture
    ​Very good read! It's bookshelf worthy.
    Picture
    ​I liked it. Borrow it from the library or a friend.
    Picture
    I got through it...barely! If you must read it, borrow it.
    Picture
    Don't waste your time.

    Picture

    Currently Reading

    Somebody I Used to Know
    Hidden Bodies

    Follow on Bloglovin

    Read the Printed Word!
    Picture

    DISCLAIMER 
    All affiliate links used on this site are links which I will receive a small commission if you purchase using them. A percent of all monies earned goes to help pay for this website and giveaways hosted by me .
    Click here to read the 
    Privacy Policy for Shelf Addiction


    Categories

    All
    1 Bookmark
    2 Bookmarks
    3 Bookmarks
    4 Bookmarks
    5 Bookmarks
    Aa Fiction
    Armchair Bea
    Audiobook
    Author Features
    Autobiography
    Biography
    Blog Tours
    Book Conventions
    Book Haul Tuesday
    Bookish Bargains
    Bookish News
    Bookish Pod Chat
    Book To Movie Adaptations
    Book To TV Adaptations
    BookTube Weekly
    Buddy Reads
    Chick Lit
    Christian Fiction
    Contemporary Fiction
    Contemporary Romance
    Cover Reveal
    Dystopian
    Erotica
    Fantasy
    Fantasy Series
    Feature & Follow Friday
    General Fiction
    Giveaways
    Guest Posts
    Historical Fiction
    Horror
    Inspirational
    Literacy Events
    Memoir
    Movie Reviews
    Mystery
    Narrator Interviews
    New Adult
    Non Fiction
    Paranormal
    Paranormal Romance
    Pop Culture Sunday
    Read Along
    Read A Thon
    Romance
    Romantic Suspense
    RTU
    Sa-book-club
    Saturday Book Chat
    Science Fiction
    Seasonal Reading
    Shelf Byte
    Short Stories
    Steampunk
    Summer Of Indie
    Suspense
    TBR Jar
    The Book Exchange
    The Recap!
    Thriller
    Throwback Thursday
    TPCP
    Tv Show Reviews
    Urban Fantasy
    Why I Love Wednesdays
    Womens Fiction
    Ya Dystopian
    Ya Fantasy
    Ya Fiction
    Ya Historical Fantasy
    Ya Historical Fiction
    Ya Mystery
    Ya Paranormal
    Ya Retelling
    Ya Romance
    Ya Science Fiction
    Ya Steampunk
    Ya Thriller
    Ya Urban Fantasy

    Reviews Published

    Sponsor Love

    Picture
    Advertise on 
    ​Shelf Addiction!

    Picture
    Picture
    We can't do this without you!! Support this podcast! Use the referral links, leave a review on your platform of choice, donate a coffee or checkout the merch store. Even show your support on Patreon!

    Podcast Book Chats, Bookish Topics, Book Reviews, Audiobook Reviews, Author and Narrator Interviews, Online Book Club

© 2012-2022 shelfaddiction.com. All rights reserved.