After reading only 20 pages of this book, I knew that I would be giving it a high ranking. I almost thought I could write the review before finishing the book. Not quite.

This book is dark, very dark. If you like biting sarcasm, mischievous (some would use "evil") thinking, and quick plot lines, this book will appeal to you. And while the opening chapters were rife with all of the above, they led into a middle and finish that added depth and darkness.

Ms. Choi adds a significant helping of family dynamics of the Chinese-American type which increases the tension on the protagonist and forces the plot along its descent into darkness. The darkness itself is instrumental to the further development of our heroine's empowerment and balance, even forging a truce of sorts with her well-meaning, but traditional parents. While we can not be sure that she will live "happily ever after" in the land of Gucci, we know that she exits the book with a certain inner peace and satisfaction.

While the book is clearly intended to be "entertainment" is a well-crafted and readable novel. A first effort that anyone (with the correct sense of humor) could be proud of.

If you're thinking a little edgier version of "The Joy Luck Club", you're wrong. Try thinking it more like "In Cold Blood" meets a Chinese edition of the edgiest version of P. J. O'Rourke. Or better yet, pick up this book and decide for yourself. Just leave your inhibitions and morality at the door.