Crazy Rich Asians Review

 This review will be focusing on Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. It is the first of a series of three books, following a girl named Rachel Chu, who gets involved with one of the richest men in China unknowingly, and detailing all the drama that comes with it. It was made into a fantastic movie in 2018, which I would highly recommend watching if you haven't seen it. 

The book is a romance novel, but not too romantic, you know? It follows the love story of Rachel and Nick, but also follows a whole other whack of characters, too. The book takes place mainly in Singapore, and the story gives details into the crazy money of the Singaporean rich people. These characters have the kind of money common people like myself could only dream about. 

I loved the characters. I loved the story. I really felt involved in this story because Rachel comes from a common background and is thrown into celebrity royalty. She is not used to it and doesn't know how to deal with it and that's something most readers can sympathize with. It also is nice to escape into the world of gourmet food, mansions, private jets and high fashion, even if it is just on the pages of Kevin Kwan's novel. 

I liked that it focused on the character's as people, though. These people are in the media all the time, they're portrayed like celebrities, always picture perfect and have perfect lives, but when you read it, the things they feel and go through can actually be relatable. It helps you sympathize with them more, and feel for them. I want to feel for the characters I'm reading, it helps me get more involved in the story, and this was a book I got involved in. 

I like the emphasis on family in this book. Nick's family is so focused on loyalty to the family, usually to a point where it becomes destructive to their relationship, but still, I like books that incorporate family. It's another relatable portion of the book-people who's families get way too involved in their relationships. 

Another thing I appreciated about this novel, is that Rachel's mom was a single mother, worked tirelessly to keep Rachel comfortable and put her through school. I think that is nice to see a successful single mother, and it's interesting to see how Nick's family looks down upon her, but she doesn't care. She pushes back, and Rachel has so much pride for her mother. I love their relationship.

I do not like Nick's mom, Eleanor. She is kind of a badass, and has dealt with racism for being an Asian woman, and I applaud that. But she's not nice to Rachel or Nick. She is awful to them. She kind of redeems herself later, I suppose, but still, I don't trust her for this whole book. 

In conclusion, I read this book during the pandemic, as well, and I tore through it. I couldn't get my hands on the next two books fast enough. It is an easy read, with the words in Mandarin or Cantonese defined in footnotes (at least in the edition I read). When I read for pleasure I don't like dense books, I don't like too much flowery language or run on writing. I like a captivating plot that holds me with its drama and keeps me interested from beginning all the way to the end. This book did just that. It was great.

You can find this book at all major retailers as a paperback or eBook, and at most libraries. I would highly suggest reading this book. Great read, and check out the movie if you haven't seen that, either.

 Read and Enjoy!!