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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
emotional
funny
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Classism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Drug use, Racial slurs, Racism
emotional
funny
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Racial slurs, Classism
Moderate: Body shaming, Toxic friendship
Minor: Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Colonisation, War
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
They say that some books are mirrors, reflecting ourselves back to us, and that some books are windows, allowing us to see into a world we would otherwise never have access to. Crazy Rich Asians is definitely the latter in my case.
I have little to nothing in common with any of the characters, so I felt very much like an outsider. That's not a bad thing, in and of itself. I often choose "window" books on purpose, because I love experiencing other perspectives, other cultures, and other worlds! While I enjoyed the glimpse into wealthy Singaporean culture, I didn't enjoy the story itself.
On the one hand, I now want to visit Singapore, eat satay in an outdoor food court, and visit the Botanic Garden. On the other hand, I had very little interest in the main storyline or any of the characters. I loved Peik Lin, her family, and a few other side characters though.
The characters are almost all horrible people, completely unlikeable, and utterly uninteresting. The only character I found with any depth or complexity was Astrid, whose side plot captured my attention far more effectively than Nick and Rachel's story.
That said, the plot unfolds at good pace that kept me turning the page. The book is like a train wreck - I couldn't look away. At the same time, I just wanted it to be over. It's definitely funny, though it's not really my kind of humor. It's intelligent, sharp, and dramatic.
It's pure escapism, for sure, and if you enjoy high drama with low stakes, you will probably like this one!
Ultimately, it was just okay for me. I don't think I will be picking up the second book though. But, it's about Astrid, so... maybe?
I have little to nothing in common with any of the characters, so I felt very much like an outsider. That's not a bad thing, in and of itself. I often choose "window" books on purpose, because I love experiencing other perspectives, other cultures, and other worlds! While I enjoyed the glimpse into wealthy Singaporean culture, I didn't enjoy the story itself.
On the one hand, I now want to visit Singapore, eat satay in an outdoor food court, and visit the Botanic Garden. On the other hand, I had very little interest in the main storyline or any of the characters. I loved Peik Lin, her family, and a few other side characters though.
The characters are almost all horrible people, completely unlikeable, and utterly uninteresting. The only character I found with any depth or complexity was Astrid, whose side plot captured my attention far more effectively than Nick and Rachel's story.
That said, the plot unfolds at good pace that kept me turning the page. The book is like a train wreck - I couldn't look away. At the same time, I just wanted it to be over. It's definitely funny, though it's not really my kind of humor. It's intelligent, sharp, and dramatic.
It's pure escapism, for sure, and if you enjoy high drama with low stakes, you will probably like this one!
Ultimately, it was just okay for me. I don't think I will be picking up the second book though. But, it's about Astrid, so... maybe?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Xenophobia, Classism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Alcohol
emotional
funny
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
Didnt like the dog fitting bit at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death
funny
lighthearted
medium-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:
N/A
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Alcohol, Classism
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Colonisation
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Classism
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual violence
Stopped at the graphic graphic dog fight scene… I was already going to give this book one star but I’m done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Graphic dog fighting
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The elements diving into Singapore and the culture there were super interesting and the overall story was good, it was just all of the details about excessive wealth that failed to grab my attention - to another reader this could be a lot more fun to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Moderate: Alcohol