Crazy Rich Asians

Title: Crazy Rich Asians
Author: Kevin Kwan
Published: May 20, 2014 by Anchor (paperback)
Pages: 527
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4/5
Goodreads

When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor.

On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.

My review:

I was chuckling at the author's descriptions before I had read past the first page! This was a fun, satirical look at the super rich of Singapore. However, despite their wealth, we soon see that a lot of these people have the same issues plaguing many in our societies........mothers who interfere into their childrens' lives, gossipy neighbors, insecure women, and a hefty dose of canniving, canoodling, and cattiness! I can't say that this book really teaches you anything, and most of the characters were not anyone I'd want to know in real life, but I thought it was escapism to the highest degree. I think it was a bit lengthy, some of the descriptions of opulence did get wordy, but it sure was fun to imagine all those places and things.

There is a sequel to this book (it may end up being a trilogy?), so don't expect everything to be tied up nicely at the end. I'll be reading it for sure, I can't wait to find out what happens to Rachel and Nick.

If you are someone who doesn't like reading about those with extreme wealth (even though they are being called out for it), then this probably would not be a good fit for you. I thought it was crazy fun, and thoroughly enjoyed it.