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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Kevin Kwan does it again with the second book of his Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, this time primarily set in China and following the cultural nuances of the Chinese elites. Interwoven stories of familial loyalty, romantic love, and the internal bankruptcy of emotional vulnerability in contrast with a beyond abundant external reality.
The new characters were refreshing and deeply expressed through motivations, backstory, and sociopolitical dynamics in a curious way that kept the character development interesting. It goes without saying that Kwan's food writing is some of the best I've read, particularly because of how engaging it is for the senses as a reader.
Kwan's novels are always a good binge read!
The new characters were refreshing and deeply expressed through motivations, backstory, and sociopolitical dynamics in a curious way that kept the character development interesting. It goes without saying that Kwan's food writing is some of the best I've read, particularly because of how engaging it is for the senses as a reader.
Kwan's novels are always a good binge read!
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was fun and entertaining.
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Objectively speaking, China Rich Girlfriend is no better or worse than any other book in this series. It’s got a similar amount of drama. It’s got a similar amount of characters. It’s got a similar amount of “oh my god, how much money do you have??” moments. It’s still my least favorite. The reason for that is the events in the prologue and what follows. Namely and then . That really bothered me. An event of that magnitude should be treated with far more gravitas, but that’s not the kind of series this is. This is chick-lit and it’s rarely serious, even when it should be.
The event in question is also not the focus of the book. It’s a catalyst to allow other events to happen, so I’ll give it a pass. The actual focus of the book is the continuing adventures of Rachel Chu – the main character from the last book – as she enters the world of the obscenely rich. It’s a fun, drama-filled romp through Asia, Europe, and event parts of America. If you like chick-lit, then this is one of the better entries into that genre that I’ve found. Most of them get on my nerves and I give up after one book. This time, I read the whole series in under two weeks. My thoughts on the series as a whole can be found in my review of the last book.
Spoiler
a guy gets into a car crash which kills someoneSpoiler
he never has to pay for that crime legally speakingThe event in question is also not the focus of the book. It’s a catalyst to allow other events to happen, so I’ll give it a pass. The actual focus of the book is the continuing adventures of Rachel Chu – the main character from the last book – as she enters the world of the obscenely rich. It’s a fun, drama-filled romp through Asia, Europe, and event parts of America. If you like chick-lit, then this is one of the better entries into that genre that I’ve found. Most of them get on my nerves and I give up after one book. This time, I read the whole series in under two weeks. My thoughts on the series as a whole can be found in my review of the last book.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Easy read. The sheer number of characters and their relations is confusing. The plot is entertaining but for the most part superficial. I didn't particularly felt for any of the characters.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5 overall
Fun read! A little slow in the middle but really picked up toward the end. Looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy soon!
Fun read! A little slow in the middle but really picked up toward the end. Looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy soon!
This book was SO entertaining! The series is better than Keeping up with the Kardashians and any other reality TV show combined - these Asians are really rich, AND crazy.
A bit overdramatic and unrealistic at some points, which is why I took off one star. But come on, it’s so much fun.
A bit overdramatic and unrealistic at some points, which is why I took off one star. But come on, it’s so much fun.