The Wangs vs. the World in Around the World in 80 Books

Dec 31, 2015 Beverly rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, asia, china, united-states, newtome2016

This vibrantly entertaining debut is zany, compelling, witty and full of conscience. Patriarch Charles Wang, a Chinese immigrant made a fortune with his cosmetic empire but a not wise financial decision coupled with 2008 financial decision has him losing everything except his family. Down but not out, Charles decides that Barbra, his second wife, youngest daughter Grace, a high school student with a stylistic blog, middle child Andrew, a college student who is an aspiring stand-up comedian will ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

Jul 28, 2016 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: popular-fiction, netgalley

I thought this was a really beautiful story that explores a lot about the philosophy of life. What is our connection to our past? How do we leave behind something that matters? How do we make life fulfilling? How do we honor our family? These are all questions that are explored through the lens of an immigrant family that made it big in America and then lost everything with the 2008 recession. It is interesting to think these things through and through each character we see them struggle with th ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 30, 2016 Jillian rated it liked it

I would categorize this book as "cute" and "enjoyable" but...I don't really think it's very funny (it seems to be marketed that way--as this "hilarious" story). Or maybe it's not my type of humor. I like the back and forth between the different characters and the family dynamic, but not a very engaging plot. We're waiting for this dysfunctional family to finally get together, and when they do...the story is over? I wanted to finally "get to it." I liked the "art world" and comedy scenes, as well ...more

Like · see review

Jun 23, 2018 Julie rated it really liked it

Really good! A bit of a slow start for me but when they got to New Orleans, it was hard to put down. Different, funny, and heartwarming, this family adventure story takes the reader through time and space in the most wonderful of ways!

Like · see review

Oct 24, 2019 Laura (booksnob) rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-club, literature, historical-fiction, botm, 2019

A creative look at the crisis of 2008 and how some people lost everything. The Wang family loses their fortune and they set out to cross the country to reunite the immediate family. A great book.

Like · see review