Reviews

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

kikijuanita's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

I just couldn't get into this book.
The writing whilst good, I found it very hard to follow with the constant change of characters from chapter to chapter.
Another down for me was the characters seemed to be really shallow and I found that I wasn't liking any of them to continue reading past the first few chapters.

laneehall's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

annegshannon's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

saranies's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I liked the movie a bit better. The story benefitted from being tightened up, although maybe I'd feel differently if I read it first.

neuroqueer_af's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A flaky page turner that helps you learn something: a win-win situation.

mvboon's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a breezy read driven by gossipy narration. The familial and romantic relationships are well developed and feel real. It's generally an enjoyable read and a book I would recommend.

fruitbatwoman's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

2.5

It feels bad giving an international bestseller such a low rating, but I couldn't get into this book at all. It took me almost a month to finish, and I almost didn't, but I kept hoping that something or someone in the book would hook me.

The characters were flat, especially the two main characters; the story felt even flatter, and consisted mostly of the author describing just how crazy rich these people are, which I got after the first ten mentions of their private jets and designer clothes (I read more designer labels in this book than ever before); the humor also didn't click with me. While I usually don't mind a bit of telling instead of showing, this book was almost exclusively telling, which bothered me especially when describing character's emotions. What I liked were the insights into Chinese culture, namely the family bonds and the historical aspects.

My one takeaway from this book is that money can indeed solve all your problems - even your love life...

jessbedwards99's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

paig35mith's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

The digital library was highlighting Asian writers and this book and Little Fires Everywhere were the first two books on the homepage. I had seen the movie and really enjoyed it and since books are often better than the movie I was excited to see what the differences between the two would be. Though the book had more details and things happened a lot differently in the book than the movie; I must say I enjoyed the movie more than I did the book. The storyline in the book was okay but I felt like something was missing. It was almost like I was struggling to feel connected to the characters and everything that was happening to everyone in the book.

farahbear's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I had watched the movie before reading this book. The movie I thought was a simple rom-com, with great representation. The book, on the other hand, has much more depth. It was interesting to see what was cut out for the movie. The book divides its chapters by character POV. I don’t think I can imagine this book without being third person omniscient, as it gives insight into each character. I also like how the book ends more on a realistic note, compared to the movie. 

Kwan makes me care about each character, and I always end up cheering or booing a character by each chapter. There is romance, but I wouldn’t say it’s the focus; it’s the drama that  makes the book interesting. The high-class gossip and antics keep you coming back, but I do have to admit sometimes some things feel rather silly. 

The book does make some comments on classism and money, but I would like to see more discussion on race as well. It is mentioned at one point that Rachel was initially not interested in people of her own race before she met Nick, and would have like to hear more about that for example.

If you love soap-operas, you’ll probably love this book. I enjoyed it and I think the end is pretty satisfying. I don’t feel compelled to read the rest of the trilogy but I feel like I will sometime in the future.