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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
the movie has always been a favourite but the book was really good, if not, better!! the cultures are all so rich and the use of different languages and dialects adds to the atmosphere. there were changes in the plot of the movie, but i enjoyed the scenes in the book a lot more than the movie!! the mah-jongg scene in the movie is so unmatched and powerful but i love how the book ended!!
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At first I was intrigued by this book, but the more I read the more exasperated I got. It was too long with too many descriptions I had no reference for. I think a lot of the humor went over my head, and I know the fancy references did. I'm sure some of them were satire, but I just don't know enough about anything in this world to get it properly.
I also didn't think Rachel's character was very strong, and she seemed to have a 180 at the end of the book.
The story drop literally less than ten pages from the end seemed super rushed.And her reasoning for breaking it off with Nick is a good reason, and her family history wouldn't really change that. But I know from the sequel blurbs they do at least have a wedding.
I don't know, I didn't like the plot. I liked learning about other parts of the world and Rachel's mom's culture vs the culture of Nick's family and the other super rich families.
But it was too much for too long, my eyes glazed over. I'm sure this would make a great movie because all the long winded descriptions would be condensed down to a frame.
I also didn't think Rachel's character was very strong, and she seemed to have a 180 at the end of the book.
The story drop literally less than ten pages from the end seemed super rushed.
I don't know, I didn't like the plot. I liked learning about other parts of the world and Rachel's mom's culture vs the culture of Nick's family and the other super rich families.
But it was too much for too long, my eyes glazed over. I'm sure this would make a great movie because all the long winded descriptions would be condensed down to a frame.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Rape, Sexual content
Rich people be doing rich people things
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This ended up being kind of a let down for me, I'm not gonna lie. As charming as Nick was, I thought he was a really lousy boyfriend to Rachel throughout this whole book. It's one thing to overlook things you thought wouldn't be important for this trip, but to just leave Rachel hanging by herself so much after the shock of seeing his world for the first time, that was just mean!
I also found the pacing of this book to be super weird. The beginning started out fine for me, but the middle just dragged on for a really long time, and I thought the content Kwan chose to end the plot with was somewhat random and irrelevant feeling. I will say that I watched the movie first, and even though I didn't think that was perfect either, it felt like a more rounded and conclusive ending to me.
Lastly, what was the point of Astid's storyline? I really thought we were going somewhere meaningful for her, and then it ended just feeling like she was going to accept something familiar over making a real change.
I think the me that bought this book about 6ish years ago would have loved it, but adult me does not.
I also found the pacing of this book to be super weird. The beginning started out fine for me, but the middle just dragged on for a really long time, and I thought the content Kwan chose to end the plot with was somewhat random and irrelevant feeling. I will say that I watched the movie first, and even though I didn't think that was perfect either, it felt like a more rounded and conclusive ending to me.
Lastly, what was the point of Astid's storyline? I really thought we were going somewhere meaningful for her, and then it ended just feeling like she was going to accept something familiar over making a real change.
Spoiler
I wanted Asrid to get that really cool independence storyline, I didn't even care if she ended up with the new guy. But to have her go into divorce stalling tactics just to wait for the man who cheated on her to eventually decide he was ready to go back to her, that felt stupid. Honestly made worse by the new guy investing in Michael's company to boost his money ego enough to go back to her. What a disappointment.I think the me that bought this book about 6ish years ago would have loved it, but adult me does not.
3.5
Snarky, opulent, and dripping in dazzling descriptions of the best clothes, food, and palaces Asia has to offer, this is the perfect vacation read. The characters remain grounded and enjoyable to read despite the excess of the setting, and a lot of good messaging is present. I still prefer the movie, I believe, because of the sense of female companionship that’s less present here (I adored what little we got of a Astrid/Rachel friendship in the movie) and of course the majong scene where Rachel stands up to Nick’s mother, but it’s an enjoyable read regardless, and a good story in either format.
Snarky, opulent, and dripping in dazzling descriptions of the best clothes, food, and palaces Asia has to offer, this is the perfect vacation read. The characters remain grounded and enjoyable to read despite the excess of the setting, and a lot of good messaging is present. I still prefer the movie, I believe, because of the sense of female companionship that’s less present here (I adored what little we got of a Astrid/Rachel friendship in the movie) and of course the majong scene where Rachel stands up to Nick’s mother, but it’s an enjoyable read regardless, and a good story in either format.
3 Stars
Wasn't anything memorable, and dare I say I liked the movie better.
Wasn't anything memorable, and dare I say I liked the movie better.
Enjoyed the book, looking forward to finding out what happens next!
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
1. Rich people are gross.
2. I’m going to start saying f*cky f*ck.
2. I’m going to start saying f*cky f*ck.