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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
It took me a minute to get into it, but this book definitely made me lol.
This isn't my favorite genre- I tolerated the romance to get a look at life in Singapore. A fun read, but sometimes the humor seemed forced and the outcome was very predictable.
"Crazy Rich Asians meets Bridget Jones's Diary" is 100% correct
I thought it was like Crazy Rich Asians meets 50 Shades of Grey without the sex. I needed something light but didn't think the character development was good or endearing.
There was a lot to enjoy about this book! The diary-style narration was a perfect nod to Bridget Jones Diary. Our protagonist, Andrea, was the modern 30-something we all aspire to be. Her narration was relatable and snarky. She left many cheeky footnotes to help the reader understand very Singapore-specific details in the story. The side characters were a delight!
Still, in a few ways, this book fell flat for me - specifically in the romantic plot line. (I recognize most readers don’t JUST read for the romantic plot line like the basic bitch I am, so definitely take this critique with a grain of salt.) I felt the story was so removed from the romance, which is as much I can say without spoiling anything.
The plot had very uneven pacing, as well. So though I read through most of this book in one sitting, it wasn’t because I was so enraptured by the plot, but more out of dutiful obligation to see what (and honestly when) things would happen next. Despite this, I really believe this would make an awesome movie (if Dev Patel doesn’t play Suresh, I will literally scream!!!!)
If you enjoy Bridget Jones Diary, stories of familial obligation, or just going after what you fucking want, I’d recommend this book!!
Still, in a few ways, this book fell flat for me - specifically in the romantic plot line. (I recognize most readers don’t JUST read for the romantic plot line like the basic bitch I am, so definitely take this critique with a grain of salt.) I felt the story was so removed from the romance, which is as much I can say without spoiling anything.
The plot had very uneven pacing, as well. So though I read through most of this book in one sitting, it wasn’t because I was so enraptured by the plot, but more out of dutiful obligation to see what (and honestly when) things would happen next. Despite this, I really believe this would make an awesome movie (if Dev Patel doesn’t play Suresh, I will literally scream!!!!)
If you enjoy Bridget Jones Diary, stories of familial obligation, or just going after what you fucking want, I’d recommend this book!!
Library said "you might like this if you like Crazy Rich Asians" but it doesn't feel like CRA. Feels more like the Netflix Partner Track TV show. Bubblegum book, all sugar.
TW for racism and fat-phobia and alcoholism. Andrea is not a role model character by any means.
TW for racism and fat-phobia and alcoholism. Andrea is not a role model character by any means.
Andrea Tang is in her 30s, a successful lawyer, living her life the best she could, fashionable and hilarious! Her goal is to be made partner in her law firm and she does not need a man to fulfil her but not according to her nosy relatives that sees and monitors her move. With all the dramas in her personal life, her work plus her friends’ lives, Andrea is in for a roller coaster ride.
Last Tang Standing a story of love, friendship, family dramas and responsibilities. It is a typical Asian story of family meddling into your affairs. Not just in Singapore / Malaysia culture but as a Filipino, I can say this also happens in our culture and same is true for children to repay back their parents for all the sacrifices they made. It causes frictions in mother-daughter relationships but in the story it was sorted out in the end out of love and respect for each other. It is also refreshing to read Asian setting and characters that you can relate and empathize. The characters are witty, funny and down to earth. Though it was a slow start in the beginning and I already guess the ending, I still enjoyed reading this book that made me laugh out loud.
Last Tang Standing a story of love, friendship, family dramas and responsibilities. It is a typical Asian story of family meddling into your affairs. Not just in Singapore / Malaysia culture but as a Filipino, I can say this also happens in our culture and same is true for children to repay back their parents for all the sacrifices they made. It causes frictions in mother-daughter relationships but in the story it was sorted out in the end out of love and respect for each other. It is also refreshing to read Asian setting and characters that you can relate and empathize. The characters are witty, funny and down to earth. Though it was a slow start in the beginning and I already guess the ending, I still enjoyed reading this book that made me laugh out loud.
The tag line 'Bridget Jones meets Crazy Rich Asians' is relatively accurate for this book, though in very specific ways. For location and characters, you've got 'Crazy Rich Asians'; for style and the main character, you've got 'Bridget Jones'.
Funny, frank and a twist on a familiar tale, 'Last Tang Standing' follows Andrea, an ambitious lawyer who can't seem to make her romantic life work. It's a relatively tame romantic comedy - there's no explicit sex scenes or anything hugely steamy, but if you like grand romantic gestures and expensive gifts, you'll love this.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing is fast paced and the characters are immensely readable, It's fun without the intensity or mushiness of your standard romantic comedy. I really loved the main character Andrea, who, despite being something of a mess, wasn't a complete trainwreck. She was successful and smart and the conclusion of the story wasn't built completely around her getting a man, but getting out a situation that was becoming toxic.
Why did I leave a star off? Because I feel like I've read this book before. I really appreciate that it's in a brand new setting and it wasn't another romance of white people falling in love, but the tropes utilised and the way the story progressed felt very familiar. Enemies to lovers, the whole 'Hugh Grant vs Colin Firth' scenario that you see in Bridget Jones, the mad dash to the airport - it all felt lifted from other books and movies. It didn't feel 100% original to me.
Nevertheless, this is an excellent escapist read for the summer. I'm excited to read Lauren Ho's further novels - whether they take place in this universe or not.
Funny, frank and a twist on a familiar tale, 'Last Tang Standing' follows Andrea, an ambitious lawyer who can't seem to make her romantic life work. It's a relatively tame romantic comedy - there's no explicit sex scenes or anything hugely steamy, but if you like grand romantic gestures and expensive gifts, you'll love this.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing is fast paced and the characters are immensely readable, It's fun without the intensity or mushiness of your standard romantic comedy. I really loved the main character Andrea, who, despite being something of a mess, wasn't a complete trainwreck. She was successful and smart and the conclusion of the story wasn't built completely around her getting a man, but getting out a situation that was becoming toxic.
Why did I leave a star off? Because I feel like I've read this book before. I really appreciate that it's in a brand new setting and it wasn't another romance of white people falling in love, but the tropes utilised and the way the story progressed felt very familiar. Enemies to lovers, the whole 'Hugh Grant vs Colin Firth' scenario that you see in Bridget Jones, the mad dash to the airport - it all felt lifted from other books and movies. It didn't feel 100% original to me.
Nevertheless, this is an excellent escapist read for the summer. I'm excited to read Lauren Ho's further novels - whether they take place in this universe or not.
This is more Bridget Jones than Crazy Rich Asians - and definitely better written than the latter. I don't know what was keeping me at a distance in this. I think it was the plotting. There were some moments that were SO funny I "laughed audibly", to borrow a term from my friend. However, I just wasn't riveted by it and felt kind of meh about it.
This is supposed to be a self-discovery/romance, and I think the plot fails in both of those modes. There is simply too much extra stuff and too many characters to service its goals. I found myself very confused by Linda because I truly thought she was Helen and I was like, wait, isn't this character supposed to be gay? The romance is far more developed with the one you know she's not going to end up with rather than the one she does, and that is just a sin to me.
Back to reading Dramione fanfic for me.
This is supposed to be a self-discovery/romance, and I think the plot fails in both of those modes. There is simply too much extra stuff and too many characters to service its goals. I found myself very confused by Linda because I truly thought she was Helen and I was like, wait, isn't this character supposed to be gay? The romance is far more developed with the one you know she's not going to end up with rather than the one she does, and that is just a sin to me.
Back to reading Dramione fanfic for me.
3.5. Super enjoyable rom-com! I loved the diary structure and staccato updates from the protagonist.