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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
