Published: June 11, 2013 by: Doubleday
Pages: 403
Rating: 5/5 stars
Rachel Chu is a successful university professor, who agrees to accompany her boyfriend Nick to Singapore for his best friend's wedding. While there, Rachel soon discovers that she doesn't know all she thought she did about Nick's life. His family are members of the Singapore elite, and Nick's mother is less than thrilled that Nick has brought home an American girl who knows nothing about the lavish lifestyle they lead. As Rachel starts to get to know Nick's family, divisions of class and a crazy family tree could threaten their relationship.
This book was AWESOME. I did not see the movie before reading it, but after I flew through this book I watched it immediately and found it just as good. The story is so lovable; full of cute, fluffy moments, hilarious family banter, and an incredible setting. All 403 pages went by so quickly for me.
I think one of the main things I liked about this book was Kwan's footnotes. As there is an extensive family tree in this book, as well as a ton of various Asian (and just general rich people) references, his footnotes were so well received by me. I found them not only to be informative, but they also added such humour into the story and it was a great way for me to get more information.
The characters were so lovable. I want a Nick Young of my own, and Rachel was hilarious as well. I understand some people critique her and find her naive, but I found her to be so relatable and resilient. I can also totally relate to the extensive family tree that the Young's have, so the whole family dynamics was so fun to read.
I have pretty much recommended this book to everyone in my life. I think the setting is so lavish and so incredibly detailed, and the plot was captivating from start to finish. I now need to get my hands on the sequel!
Have you read Crazy Rich Asians? What did you think?
Emily @ Paperback Princess
I've been wanting to read this book because of all the hype around the movie (which I also still need to see). It sounds amazing! I'm glad you loved it, and so happy to hear that you recommend it. I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about the book, but from what you've said it sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeleteIt was just as awesome as the movie in my opinion! I hope you get to read it :)
DeleteI really loved this book - it was so light and entertaining. I hate drama in books, but here it was well done, imo, and it wasn't stressful to read, because it wasn't angsty at all, and you just KNOW it will all be solved. I think I liked the movie more, though - the characters felt more fleshed out there, and I found myself rooting for their relationship more there. Also, the engagement scene on the plane was CUTE. Great review, Emily!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that the drama was enjoyable to read because you know it will be resolved. It was predictable, but in a cute way! Henry Golding is such a beautiful man. The engagement scene made me swoon too!
DeleteI've seen the film and loved it - this is on my TBR, obv! I swear, if a significant other ever hid *that* much from me? I'd be on the next goddamn plane home! XD
ReplyDeleteIf does seem very suspect that she had absolutely no idea anything about his life! But I think I could forgive lol.
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